Getting accepted into nursing school is an exciting first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare. The next step is finding support to help you reach your goals. Many hospitals, nursing associations, and community organizations across the state offer nursing scholarships in Michigan to ease the cost of tuition, books, and clinical training.
Nursing Scholarships in Michigan Worth Exploring
Whether you’re just beginning your BSN, working toward your RN, or returning to school for an advanced degree, the following scholarships were created to help you become a nurse in Michigan.
1. Michigan Nurses Foundation Scholarship
The Michigan Nurses Foundation offers scholarships for nursing students at all levels, from LPN and ADN to BSN and graduate programs. To apply, you must be enrolled in a Michigan nursing program, be in good academic standing, and plan to practice in the state after graduation.
Awards often range from around $1,000 to more than $7,000, depending on available funding. The foundation gives out awards twice a year, with deadlines usually in early summer and fall. You’ll need to submit an application, a transcript, and a short essay online.
2. Michigan Nursing Scholarship
The state funds the Michigan Nursing Scholarship to encourage more nurses to train and work locally. If you’re a Michigan resident enrolled at least half-time in an approved nursing program—whether that’s an LPN, ADN, BSN, or even MSN—you could receive up to $4,000 a year for full-time study.
The scholarship isn’t based on financial need, but it does come with a work agreement: For each year you receive funding, you’ll need to work one year full-time as a nurse or nurse educator in Michigan after graduation.
You can’t apply directly through the state; instead, your nursing school selects and recommends students for the award. Check with your program’s financial aid office to see if they participate and what their requirements are. With the ongoing nursing shortage in Michigan, this program helps build a stronger local workforce while reducing education costs.
3. Michigan Nursing Students Association (MNSA) Scholarship
If you’re an active member of the Michigan Nursing Students Association or the National Student Nurses Association, you can apply for the MNSA Scholarship. This program is open to pre-licensure nursing students—those in ADN or BSN programs—who have completed at least one semester.
Each year, MNSA gives out scholarships for Michigan nursing students worth around $500 to students who demonstrate strong academics, leadership, and involvement in nursing organizations. To apply, you’ll need to submit proof of membership, a short essay, and a recommendation from a nursing faculty member.
Applications are usually due around the time of MNSA’s annual convention or in the spring semester. If you’re already involved in nursing student activities, this is a great way to earn recognition and funding for your dedication.
4. Mary Free Bed Nursing Scholarship
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital offers generous scholarships for nursing students attending one of their partner schools in Michigan.
If you’re accepted, you could receive up to $5,000 per semester to cover tuition in Michigan. In return, you agree to work full-time as a registered nurse at Mary Free Bed for two years after you earn your license.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis each semester, so you can apply when you’re ready. Mary Free Bed even helps with licensure fees and the NCLEX exam once you’re hired.
5. NAHN Michigan Chapter Scholarships
The Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) offers four $1,000 scholarships annually to Hispanic and Latino nursing students in the state. Applications are usually due June 30 each year. You can apply if you’re enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate nursing program, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and have completed at least one semester.
You’ll also need to be an NAHN member, or you can join if selected. The application includes an essay and details about your community service. Winners are announced at the annual NAHN-MI meeting, and recipients are encouraged to volunteer with the chapter after receiving the award.
6. Detroit Black Nurses’ Association Scholarships
The Detroit Black Nurses’ Association (DBNA) offers two major scholarships to support African American nursing students: the Sadie J. Thomas Book Scholarship, which awards $500-$1000, and the Geraldine “Polly” Doby Scholarship, which can be worth up to $2,000, depending on available funds each year.
These awards help with education and textbook expenses and recognize students who are active DBNA members. To qualify, you must be in good standing with the association, have at least one year left in your program, and meet minimum GPA requirements (2.5 for the Sadie J. Thomas Book Scholarship and 3.0 for the Doby Scholarship).
Applications are typically due April 15 each year. DBNA values community involvement and professional development, so attending meetings or volunteering with the chapter can strengthen your chances of winning the scholarship.
7. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program (U.S. HRSA)
If you’re looking for a full-ride scholarship with a strong sense of purpose, the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is one of the best national options out there. Funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), this program covers 100% of your tuition and fees, provides money for books and supplies, and even pays a monthly living stipend.
In return, you agree to work for at least two years after graduation in a healthcare facility that serves communities in need—such as public hospitals, rural clinics, or community health centers. The program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents in accredited nursing programs (diploma, ADN, BSN, or graduate routes leading to RN licensure). The application opens in spring and typically closes in late April. It’s competitive, but if you have financial need and a passion for service, it’s absolutely worth applying.
Michigan Nursing Scholarships and Aid Programs Empower Future Nurses
At The University of Olivet, you’re not just training to become a nurse—you’re joining a caring community that values your purpose and potential. Professors know your name, peers become friends, and every class helps you grow as a leader.
The University of Olivet’s commitment to student success and affordability means you’ll have access to a variety of financial resources to support your education. Completing the FAFSA can connect you to valuable federal and state aid programs, while Michigan-based nursing scholarships and grants can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. With 100% of undergraduates receiving financial aid, Olivet makes earning your degree both achievable and deeply meaningful.
Take the next step toward a career that changes lives by applying to The University of Olivet’s nursing program in Michigan.