Best Nursing Scholarships for Single Moms

Key Takeaways

• You have options beyond loans. From federal programs like the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program (which covers tuition, eligible fees, and a monthly stipend) to private funds such as the Brave of Heart Nursing Scholarship offering up to $10,000 annually, there are multiple ways to fund nursing school without turning to high-interest loans.
• Single-parent status is an advantage, not a setback. Many scholarships prioritize single mothers and nontraditional students who balance childcare, employment, and studies. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, about 4.8 million college students in the U.S. are raising children, and nearly 70% of them are single mothers, making this group a major focus for scholarship providers.
• Avoid costly myths. You do not need perfect grades or full-time status to qualify for funding. The average U.S. nursing student graduates with $23,000 to $29,000 in student debt, but strategic use of scholarships and grants can significantly reduce or eliminate that burden.

Introduction

If you’re a single mom training for nursing, you’re juggling tuition, textbooks, uniforms, and childcare, often while working.

This guide curates nursing scholarships for single moms (and closely related grants) so you can fund school without predatory debt. We’ll show you where to find fit-for-purpose awards, how eligibility really works, and how to build a winning, repeatable application plan, keep reading for the step-by-step list and program specifics.

Nursing-Specific Scholarships

These are high-impact, nursing-only opportunities that single moms and single parents commonly win. Amounts and windows can vary by year; always verify current details on the official program page.

Nurse Corps Scholarship Program (The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program)

Amount: Tuition, eligible fees, a monthly stipend, and reasonable educational costs (books, supplies, uniforms).
Deadline: For the 2025-2026 cycle, the application submission deadline was April 24, 2025
Description & Eligibility: This federal program supports nursing students who commit to serve at a Critical Shortage Facility for at least two years after graduation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents; accepted or enrolled in an accredited U.S. nursing program; have no conflicting service obligations; and meet financial need criteria (preference given to those with greatest need).
Great for: ADN, BSN, and graduate nursing students aiming for full tuition support and a guaranteed service placement.
Apply to the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program 

American Red Cross Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship

Amount: Varies by year (several awards)
Deadline: Typically in the spring (exact date depends on the cycle)
Description & Eligibility: Honors the legacy of Jane Delano by supporting nursing students (undergraduate or graduate) who have a strong record of volunteer service, especially with the Red Cross. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited U.S. nursing program and demonstrate leadership and service.
Great for: Nursing students with strong volunteer or Red Cross involvement.
Apply: American Red Cross Scholarships (Note: check the “Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship” within that site for current cycle details.)

Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA) Scholarship

Amount: Typically ranges from about $1,000 to $10,000 (varies by year)
Deadline: Often in winter (depends on cycle)
Description & Eligibility: Merit- and need-based scholarship for pre-licensure nursing students (ADN or BSN). Applicants provide academic transcripts, recommendations, and essays to demonstrate professional promise.
Great for: Both traditional and nontraditional nursing students.
Application: FNSNA Scholarship

Johnson & Johnson Nursing Scholarships (Various Partners)

Amount: Varies by partner program
Deadline: Rolling or varying by partner
Description & Eligibility: J&J partners with multiple nursing organizations to fund scholarships (e.g., for single parents, minority students). Applicants apply through the particular partner’s program.
Great for: Students looking for targeted funding (e.g. scholarships for underrepresented groups)
Application: Johnson & Johnson Health Care Scholarships (Check linked partner programs for specifics.)

National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarships

Amount: Usually between $1,000 and $6,000
Deadline: Typically in spring
Description & Eligibility: Open to NBNA members in any nursing program (ADN through DNP). Requires essays, recommendations, proof of enrollment, and good academic standing.
Great for: Minority nursing students seeking association-based scholarship support
Apply: NBNA Scholarships

Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship (B4 Brands)

Amount: Around $1,000
Deadline: Past cycles show late March (verify for current year)
Description & Eligibility: Aimed at nontraditional nursing students (e.g. those with a gap of ≥ 3 years since high school) and often single mothers. Requires essay and letters of recommendation.
Great for: Returning students balancing family/work and schooling
Apply: B4 Brands Scholarships

March of Dimes Nursing Scholarship

Amount: Varies (some awards around $5,000)
Deadline: Varies by award cycle
Description & Eligibility: For graduate nurses focusing on maternal-child health or neonatal care. Encourages commitments in those fields.
Great for: MSN or DNP students focusing on maternal / infant health
Apply: March of Dimes Scholarships

Emergency Nurses Association Scholarships

Amount: Varies, multiple awards
Deadline: Often spring/summer (check current cycle)
Description & Eligibility: For students at various levels who intend to practice emergency nursing. Applicants are evaluated on academic merit, service, and interest in emergency care.
Great for: Students planning an ER/trauma/emergency nursing path
Apply: ENA Foundation Scholarships

Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship (DAR)

Amount: Commonly around $2,500 (but may vary)
Deadline: Early spring (varies by year)
Description & Eligibility: Administered by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), this need-based scholarship is for students in accredited nursing programs. Evidence of financial need and academic merit required.
Great for: Students with financial need studying nursing
Apply: DAR Scholarships & Loans

TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship

Amount: Multiple awards; $10,000 (for 10 students) and $5,000 (for 25 students) in recent cycles
Deadline: For 2025, the deadline was August 1, 2025
Description & Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents in graduate or senior-level (entering graduate) healthcare (including nursing) programs. Applicants must have one or more years remaining, provide proof of enrollment, and submit essays, transcripts, and community service evidence. (Online SAT / ACT Prep Blog)
Great for: Students with strong leadership, service, and healthcare commitment
Apply: TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship

Nursing School Grants for Single Moms

Federal & State Grants (stackable)

Amount: Varies (e.g. Pell Grant, state-specific grants)
Deadline: FAFSA opens each fall (usually October); state deadlines vary
Eligibility & Fit: Income-based grants that support full- or part-time students. Often usable by single parents.

Institutional Need Grants (your nursing school)

Amount: Varies
Deadline: Usually aligned with admissions / FAFSA deadlines
Eligibility: Demonstrated financial need, academic performance; contact the institution’s financial aid office

Workforce / Community Programs (e.g. WIOA, hospital partnerships)

Amount: Tuition support, supplies, uniforms, exam fees
Deadline: Rolling or quarterly, depending on program
Eligibility: Career-training in high-need areas; many programs prioritize single parents and underserved students

Scholarship Programs for Single Parents or Single Mothers in Nursing or Health Fields

Here is an updated summary of programs that explicitly mention support for single parents or nontraditional students in nursing or health-related education. Always verify directly with each program’s website for the current year.

You may also consider these additional programs that favor or allow single parents or nontraditional nursing students:

• Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship – supports low-income women with children pursuing postsecondary education.
• Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund – for women aged 35 and older with low income.
• Federal and State Aid Programs – Pell Grant, state need-based grants, and workforce or nursing grants often combine with private scholarships.
• Institutional or Nursing School Foundation Scholarships – many nursing programs offer awards targeting nontraditional, adult, or veteran students.

N.B- Always check your specific nursing school’s foundation, state nursing associations, and local nonprofits for additional support.

Nursing Application Tips for Single Moms

Application Preparation (Master Packet)

• Resume or CV: Include clinical, work, volunteer, and leadership experiences; highlight any gaps and how you used that time productively.
• Academic transcripts: Provide official and unofficial versions to show your GPA trend and relevant coursework.
• Proof of single-parent status or head-of-household: Acceptable documents include birth certificates, custody papers, court orders, or tax returns listing dependents.
• FAFSA or Financial Aid Documentation: Submit your Student Aid Report (SAR), Expected Family Contribution (EFC), or state aid forms. Many scholarships compare income to expenses.
• Budget worksheet: Detail your income and expenses for tuition, books, childcare, transportation, and housing. Soroptimist offers downloadable budget templates.
• Letters or References: Choose supervisors, faculty, or mentors who can confirm your reliability, leadership, and academic potential. Soroptimist uses online reference forms.
• Personal Statement or Essay: Prepare one strong core essay that you can tailor for each application.

Essay Strategy and Messaging

• Follow a Problem → Action → Impact structure. Describe a challenge you or your family faced, what actions you took, and the impact of those actions, especially in relation to your nursing goals.
• Use measurable data (for example, hours worked weekly, dependents’ ages, GPA improvement, or commute distance).
• Align your goals with the scholarship’s mission, such as community service, leadership, health equity, or serving shortage areas.
• Emphasize maturity, motivation, and perseverance if you are a returning or nontraditional learner.

Recommendations and References

• Request recommendations from people who have directly observed your work ethic or academic abilities, such as clinical supervisors or professors.
• Provide them with bullet points or a short summary of your goals and key achievements so they can personalize the letter.
• Give at least three to four weeks’ notice and follow up with appreciation notes.

Submission Strategy and Timeline

• Submit applications early, as some programs close before the official deadline.
• Maintain a tracking spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements, and submission status.
• Reuse your essay framework but tailor it to reflect each organization’s focus.
• Save all files (PDFs, essays, budgets) in cloud storage for easy updates or reapplications.

Stacking, Budgeting, and Support

• Combine scholarships with grants, work-study, employer tuition assistance, and state or federal aid programs such as Pell Grants and state nursing grants.
• Research emergency funds, childcare grants, housing assistance, or stipends offered by your school or local organizations.
• Avoid high-interest payday loans and use educational loans only when necessary.
• Take advantage of campus resources like writing centers, financial aid offices, and student-parent services.