The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program supports nursing students who agree to work at a health facility with a critical shortage of nurses. HRSA may pay tuition, fees, and other reasonable costs, plus a stipend. It differs from Nurse Corps Loan Repayment: this program funds school before graduation and creates a later service contract.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents; accepted or enrolled at an accredited U.S. nursing school; and begin classes by the cycle’s required date. Certain federal liens, delinquent debt, and existing service commitments can disqualify applicants. HRSA gives preference to greater financial need, but awards are competitive. The 2026 application is closed and the next opening has not been announced.
An accepted award may cover tuition, eligible fees, books, clinical supplies, uniforms, and a monthly stipend; HRSA says the award is taxable. In exchange, the contract requires nursing work at an approved Critical Shortage Facility. The minimum service obligation is two years and may grow with support years; verify the exact term in the 2026 guidance for your offer.
Read the 2026 guidance, confirm nursing-school accreditation, and create a My BHW account when the cycle opens. Prepare transcripts, enrollment status, financial information when required, and a comparison with other aid. Before accepting, study eligible facilities, the job search, licensure, and rules for changing programs.
The stipend has tax consequences and the scholarship includes a work obligation; seek tax advice and read the contract before signing. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask your financial-aid office to review your individual case.
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program — HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce.
Apply to Nurse Corps Scholarship — HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce.
Meet Service Requirements — HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Scholarships, loans, rates, amounts, and application cycles can change. Read the contract and confirm the current cycle with the agency or financial-aid office before making decisions.
The stipend has tax consequences and the scholarship includes a work obligation; seek tax advice and read the contract before signing.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
Tuition, fees, reasonable costs, and a monthly stipend; requires work at an eligible facility after graduation and a two-year minimum obligation.
Public student financial-aid program
Health Resources and Services Administration — Nurse Corps
The agency checks citizenship, accredited program, financial need, existing service commitments, and qualifying shortage facility.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Nurse Corps Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Health Resources and Services Administration — Nurse Corps ↗
Primary source
HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Health Resources and Services Administration — Nurse Corps ↗
Primary source
HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.