10 Graduate Nursing Scholarships for Oklahoma RNs

• Oklahoma RNs interested in (or actively working toward) a graduate nursing degree might already meet the qualifications to apply for scholarships. 
• Oklahoma tuition for an advanced nursing degree can cost up to $9,000 per year at public institutions. 
• Check out these 10 scholarships for Oklahoma nurses who want to expand their knowledge and career opportunities. 

Oklahoma is known for its cultural heritage, country music, and diverse landscapes, including 200 manmade lakes. While this state has plenty to offer, the mental health of its youth may be in jeopardy. Oklahoma’s mental health workforce is suffering, as the state is in short supply of psychiatric prescribers such as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) (psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners (NPs) – particularly those working with children and adolescents.

Oklahoma offers psychiatric/mental health NP licenses to registered nurses (RNs) who hold a graduate degree, but going back to school can be expensive. The workplace might offer tuition assistance, but many nursing organizations offer scholarships to RNs pursuing graduate degrees. This applies to RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who want to go back for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctorate Nurse Practitoner (DNP), Ph.D., or other nursing-related graduate degree. 

If you’re an RN pursuing an advanced degree, learn about APRN salary and job outlook in Oklahoma, tuition costs, and scholarships. 

Oklahoma APRN Salary and Job Outlook 

The NP role is the most popular APRN role in Oklahoma. In 2023, the state employed nearly 2,900 NPs. The average salary for Oklahoma NPs is $124,300 per year (lower than the national average pay). Employment data for Oklahoma nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists is limited as the numbers are quite low.  

But don’t let this discourage you from pursuing these APRN roles. If you’re willing to travel outside of Oklahoma, jobs are plentiful. As of December 2024, travel salary for general midwives is around $140,000 per year (and nurse midwives typically make much more than general midwives). Additionally, travel nurse anesthetists can make upwards of $224,000 per year. 

The average APRN salaries in the U.S. include $126,000 for NPs, $130,000 for nurse midwives, and $213,000 for nurse anesthetists. APRN jobs in the U.S. are expected to grow 40% by 2033, which is much faster than the average growth rate of most jobs. 

Keep in mind, not every graduate nursing degree is an APRN degree. APRNs serve in advanced clinical roles and diagnose patients. Nurse educators, administrators, informaticists, researchers, clinical nurse leaders, and public health nurses may also hold graduate nursing degrees, but are not considered APRNs. Scholarships are available to Oklahoma RNs interested in these roles as well. 

Oklahoma APRN Tuition Costs

Oklahoma RNs returning to school can expect to pay up to $9,000 per year for graduate school tuition at public institutions in the state. This is less than the average public tuition costs in the U.S., but if you attend a public school out of state as an Oklahoma resident, tuition costs can be even higher.  

These numbers do not reflect tuition costs at private institutions. Neither does it include costs for books, uniforms, and equipment for clinical training like stethoscopes, second-hand watches, and pen lights. 

While these numbers can be intimidating, scholarships can cover some, if not all, costs of returning to school, especially if you apply for multiple. Keep in mind that some scholarship sponsors may require you to be a member of a nursing organization before you can apply. Fortunately, some membership dues are as low as $80 per year, and you’ll have access to other membership benefits like free continuing education credits, job boards, retailer discounts, and more. 

10 Scholarships for Oklahoma RNs 

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing offers four APRN licenses: NP, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist. To apply for licensure in Oklahoma, you must hold a graduate degree and focus on one of the following specialty populations: family/individual across the lifespan, adult-gerontology, neonatal, pediatrics, women’s health/gender-related, or psychiatric/mental health. 

If you’re interested in attending graduate school (or are already enrolled) and want to save on tuition, explore these 10 scholarships for Oklahoma RNs.  

Visit each sponsor’s website to confirm deadlines, eligibility, and monetary awards. Most scholarships are offered annually, so mark your calendars. 

State of Oklahoma Nursing Student Assistance Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Oklahoma Health Care Workforce Training Commission  
• Award: $5,000 per year (up to 4 years) 
• Deadline: Unspecified 
• Eligibility: For Oklahoma residents pursuing a nursing or nursing-related degree (MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. degrees included) at an accredited Oklahoma institution (online programs must be based in Oklahoma). Must have an interest in rural nursing in Oklahoma, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and commit to working at least one year full-time in the field of study at a qualifying facility after graduation (one year for each academic year of financial assistance received). NPs must establish a rural practice after graduation. Applicants must be willing to practice outside of the Oklahoma City/Tulsa area. 
• Details: https://oklahoma.gov/hwtc/nursing-programs/nursing-student-assistance-program.html#program-overview  

John Meacham Fogg Memorial Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Oklahoma City Community Foundation 
• Award: $2,000 to $20,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in a nursing program (includes nursing-related advanced degree programs). First preference will be given to Russell Murray Hospice employees and second preference to applicants who have worked for a non-profit hospice agency. Must submit a letter of recommendation. 
• Details: https://occf.org/scholarships/apply-now//  

Kenneth Law Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Southern States Correctional Association (SSCA) 
• Award: up to $1,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: April 
• Eligibility: For applicants accepted into an accredited bachelor’s or graduate degree program applicable to the field of criminal justice, rehabilitation, social services, or a related field (correctional nurses may consider applying). May be a full- or part-time student. Must be an SSCA member (or spouse of a SSCA member). The SSCA has 14 membership states, one of which is Oklahoma. 
• Details: https://www.sscaweb.org/awards  

Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Scholarship Program 

• Sponsor: U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) 
• Award: (full ride) 
• Deadline: September 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled or accepted into a full-time accredited academic program in nursing (certified psychiatric NP or any MSN program). Award recipients will also receive a monthly $1,300 stipend to cover living expenses. Must commit to working full-time for the VA for at least two years after graduation. May work at an Oklahoma VA or any other VA location in the U.S. 
• Details: https://vacareers.va.gov/job-news-advice/apply-influential-va-scholarship-programs/  

Nurses Organization of Veteran Affairs Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Nurses Organization of Veteran Affairs (NOVA) 
• Award: $1,500 to $3,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: May 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in an accredited nursing program (includes graduate programs) who have completed at least one semester of the program. Must be current full- or part-time employee of the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) (may be an Oklahoma VA or any other VA location). Applicant must also be a current NOVA member (for at least one year prior to date of application). 
• Details: https://www.vanurse.org/page/EducationScholarships  

Make a Difference Scholarship

• Sponsor: The Gladys Foundation 
• Award: multiple totaling $15,000 
• Deadline: March 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in an accredited college program. Must send a video submission describing your life’s purpose and how this will positively impact the community (this is a passion-driven scholarship and grades are not taken into consideration). Must be willing to work with The Gladys Foundation throughout the application and award process. 
• Details: https://thegladysfoundation.org/programs/gladys-scholarship/  

National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists Scholarships 

• Sponsors: National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) and the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Institute 
• Award: up to $2,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: June 
• Eligibility: For NACNS members enrolled in either a CNS graduate program or a critical care CNS graduate program. Applicants enrolled in a CNS program must have a passion for quality, safety, and clinical excellence. Applicants enrolled in a critical care CNS program must have a background in critical care, preferably holding critical care RN (CCRN) certification. Must submit two letters of recommendations. 
• Details: https://nacns.org/career-education/awards/  

American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation Resident Scholarship Program  

• Sponsor: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation 
• Award: $1,000 – $9,000 (multiple awards) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For students enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program. Most award recipients are selected based on merit and financial need. Some awards are exclusive to mothers, veterans, and residents of certain states. 
• Details: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/education-grants-and-scholarships/foundation-scholarship/  

Nurse I Am Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Cherokee Uniforms 
• Award: $3,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: April 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in a nursing program (includes graduate programs).  
• Details: https://www.anurseiam.com/  

National Health Services Corp Scholarship Program 

• Sponsor: Health Resources and Services Administration 
• Award: Varied amount (multiple awards) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For full-time NP and nurse midwife students enrolled in an accredited school. NP students must specialize in adult medicine, family medicine, geriatrics, primary care pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, or women’s health. All applicants must commit to working at least two years in rural, urban, and tribal communities (those with limited access to care) after graduation. 
• Details: https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/eligibility-requirements  

The Bottom Line

For Oklahoma RNs, advancing your career is an excellent move, as the nursing industry has many areas of need. If finances are a determining factor for returning to school, consider applying for multiple scholarships. If lack of time is an issue, many nursing schools offer online, part-time programs, many of which are more affordable than traditional full-time programs. 

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