Members of racial minority groups make up a disproportionately small number of nurses in the profession. While members of minority groups made up about 40% of the U.S. population in 2019, a 2017 National Nursing Workforce survey indicates that these individuals represent only about 19.2% of registered nurses (RNs).
Many aspiring nurses hesitate to attend school for a variety of reasons, including cost. RNs need either an associate or bachelor’s degree to earn licensure, and both degrees can cost tens of thousands of dollars in tuition.
Luckily, there are a variety of financial aid options available to help candidates cover educational costs. Many schools and independent organizations sponsor scholarships, including scholarships specifically for minority students. Professional associations for minority groups like the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) can also serve as great sources for scholarships for Black nursing students, for example.
Nursing students also enjoy other financial aid options. They can receive federal student loans after filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), apply for grants, and participate in loan forgiveness programs if they choose to work in low-income or high-need communities after graduation.
Follow this link to discover scholarships and grants for minority nursing students.