Nebraska expands nursing scholarships, boosting funds and eligibility for students

Nebraska residents pursuing careers in nursing are set to benefit from significant changes to the state's nursing scholarship program, with larger scholarships and broader eligibility criteria now in effect.

According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), under the revised program, Nebraska residents enrolled in licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs, associate degree of nursing (ADN) programs, or traditional or accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs can access scholarships of up to $5,000 per semester.

Those enrolled in quarterly programs can receive up to $3,500 per quarter.

“Nebraska needs more nurses and this opportunity allows us to double the size of scholarships and widen eligibility to help address our nursing shortage,” said Public Health Division Director Charity Menefee. “This can be a difference-maker that enables students to afford nursing school.”

DHHS said that funding for these scholarships comes from the $5 million allocated to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services through the American Rescue Plan Act in 2022. To date, around $3 million has been distributed to support nearly 800 nursing students across the state.

To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in a nursing program within Nebraska, having completed all prerequisites. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each semester until the funds are exhausted or the student completes their nursing program.

Recipients will commit to practicing nursing in Nebraska for a minimum of two years upon graduation.

"These scholarships will help reduce barriers to entry in the nursing field and grow Nebraska's public health workforce.” Menefee said, “Each scholarship recipient will play a vital role in bolstering Nebraska’s public health infrastructure and reinforcing the importance of nurses and their many roles within the public health system."

DHHS is encouraging all current and prospective LPN, ADN, and BSN students to apply for the Fall 2024 scholarships through the following link, Nursing Scholarship Application.

The application deadline is July 31.

For more information, contact dhhs.nursingscholarship@nebraska.gov.