Find Nursing Scholarships and Grants for LPN Program

Olivia Chen, NP

Olivia Chen, NP

August 19, 2025

Paying for an LPN program can be a challenge, but scholarships and grants are excellent ways to reduce the financial burden. Unlike loans, these funds don’t need to be repaid, making them one of the smartest options for students pursuing nursing. Scholarships may be awarded directly by nursing schools or through private organizations, churches, nonprofits, or professional associations, and they can cover part or even all of your tuition. Government grants and programs like FAFSA also open the door to additional aid opportunities. Because each scholarship has unique requirements—such as essays, transcripts, or community involvement—it’s important to plan ahead and apply early. With so many options available, taking the time to research, prepare, and protect yourself from scams can make the path to becoming an LPN far more affordable and less stressful.

Students should be cautious when applying for scholarships online, as fraudulent offers sometimes ask for money or personal banking details. Always research the organization and, when in doubt, check with your college for guidance. Most legitimate scholarships require a well-written essay about your goals as an LPN and only a small number of applicants are selected. Deadlines are strict, so apply early to improve your chances—especially for competitive LPN-to-RN scholarships, which often have additional requirements.

Top Scholarships & Grants

Scholarship Amount Highlights Key Requirement
A Nurse I Am (Cherokee) $2,000 Open to accredited nursing students Essay after watching documentary
NBNA Scholarships $1,000–$6,000 For NBNA members in LPN–doctoral programs Essays, transcripts, recommendations
After College – AACN Fund $2,500 Prioritizes RN-to-BSN/MSN and nurse educators Quarterly deadlines
ACLS Medical Training $1,000 Nursing/healthcare students 600–1000 word essay
Florida Nurses Foundation Varies Multiple annual awards Application and references
AHNA Research Grant $5,000 Doctoral candidates researching nursing Proposal + annual reports
NADONA – Stephanie Carroll Varies Long-term care nursing focus 2-year service commitment
ANA Minority Fellowships Varies Doctoral students in mental health Must hold ANCC certification
ASHA School Nursing $250 Current ASHA members in nursing/health roles GPA 3.0+, recommendation letters
FAFSA Grants Varies Based on FAFSA results U.S. citizenship, accredited enrollment

FAFSA and Federal Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the main way to access nursing scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. It’s free to complete and can be submitted online, by mail, or through a paper request. Online applications are processed in 3–5 days; paper forms take longer.
Eligibility basics: students must have a high school diploma or GED, be U.S. citizens (or eligible residents), maintain good academic standing, and be enrolled in an accredited LPN program. Male students ages 18–25 must also be registered with Selective Service.
When applying, have your Social Security number, income records, and financial documents ready. Dependent students must also provide parent information. After processing, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) outlining eligibility and Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Corrections can be made online, and schools listed on your FAFSA will send financial aid offers.