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Education and Professional Growth

14 Graduate Nursing Scholarships for Louisiana RNs

  • Louisiana RNs interested in (or actively working toward) a graduate nursing degree might already meet the qualifications to apply for scholarships. 
  • Louisiana tuition for an advanced nursing degree can cost up to $10,000 per year at public institutions. 
  • Check out these 15 scholarships for Louisiana nurses who want to expand their knowledge and career opportunities. 

Charmaine Robinson

MSN-Ed, BSN, RN

April 24, 2025
Simmons University

Louisiana, home to the vibrant French Quarter in New Orleans, is known for its strong cultural heritage, lavish festivals, and seafood cuisine. These features, among others, may contribute to many Louisiana Advanced Practice Registered Nurses’ (APRNs) decision to remain in the state. 

About 86% of Louisiana APRNs live in the Bayou State. RNs who want to stay in the state and join the APRN workforce, have several APRN licensing opportunities available should they return to graduate school. 

While the workplace may offer a tuition assistance program, 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), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Philosophy (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 Louisiana, tuition costs, and scholarships. 

Louisiana RNs

Louisiana APRN Salary and Job Outlook

While most APRNs in Louisiana are nurse practitioners (NPs), these professionals — who earn nearly $119,000 annually — make about $7,000 less than national average salary for NPs. 

On the flip side, Louisiana has only 640 employed nurse anesthetists, but these professionals are paid exceptionally well. At $218,800 per year, Louisiana nurse anesthetists make over $5,000 more per year than the average nurse anesthetist nationwide. Although the state offers nurse midwife licenses, many Louisiana RNs do not take this route. 

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. 

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 Louisiana RNs interested in these roles as well. 

Louisiana APRN Tuition Costs

Louisiana public college tuition is more affordable than the average public college tuition costs in the U.S. The state’s tuition for graduate nursing programs can cost up to $10,000 per year at public institutions. Should you choose to attend a public school out of state as a Louisiana resident, tuition costs can be even higher. These numbers don’t 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. Remember that some scholarship sponsors may require you to be a member of their nursing organization before you can apply. Fortunately, some membership dues are as low as $80 per year, and you’ll have access to other benefits like free continuing education credits, job boards, and retailer discounts. 

Louisiana RNs

15 Scholarships for Louisiana RNs

APRN enrollment is on the rise in Louisiana. In 2022, Louisiana had a 7% increase in APRN school enrollment compared to the prior year. If you’re ready to join the APRN workforce, the Louisiana State Board of Nursing offers four APRN licenses: NP, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist.  

If you’re interested in attending APRN school (or are already enrolled), explore these 15 scholarships for Louisiana RNs. Visit each sponsor’s website to confirm deadlines, eligibility, and monetary awards. Most scholarships are offered annually, so mark your calendar. 

Warrick Dunn Charities’ Hearts for Community Service Scholarship  

  • Sponsor: Warrick Dunn Charities’ Hearts for Community Service 
  • Award: $5,000 
  • Deadline: July 
  • Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in (or to be attending) a college degree program (including graduate degrees). Must have at least a 2.75 GPA, volunteer in the community, and reside in either Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, or Wisconsin. 
  • Details: https://wdc.org/hearts-for-community-scholarships/  

National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Graduate Scholarship  

  • Sponsor: National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc. 
  • Award: (amount not specified) 
  • Deadline: February 
  • Eligibility: For applicants pursuing graduate studies in which they will work directly with children and youth with special needs (fields can include counseling, psychology, mental health, special education, speech pathology, or hearing impaired). Graduate students in administrative roles or general education programs do not qualify. Must be a permanent resident of a state with a National Association Junior Auxiliary Chapter (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee). 
  • Details: https://www.najanet.org/naja-scholarship  

Couvillon Care Nurse Scholarship

Edith Lobue Memorial Scholarship

Joe Ann Clark Graduate Nursing Education Scholarship

  • Sponsor: LNF 
  • Award: $1,500 (two) 
  • Deadline: June 
  • Eligibility: For Louisiana RNs admitted to an MSN or doctoral nursing degree program in pursuit of becoming a nurse educator in an academic setting (must have completed at least six hours of the program’s coursework). The program may be full-or part-time and in-person or online. Must be a Louisiana resident and show advocacy involvement at the bedside, state, or national level. 
  • Details: https://lsna.nursingnetwork.com/page/95130-joe-ann-clark-graduate-nursing-education-award  

Maria Roach, CRNA Scholarship

Keith Richard Emergency Nurse Advanced Nursing Practice Scholarship

  • Sponsor: Louisiana Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) 
  • Award: $500 
  • Deadline: (unspecified) 
  • Eligibility: For Louisiana ENA members pursuing an advanced degree with a focus on emergency nursing.  
  • Details: https://connect.ena.org/la/awards-and-scholarships  

Tim Butcher Educational Scholarship 

  • Sponsor: Louisiana ENA 
  • Award: $500 
  • Deadline: (unspecified) 
  • Eligibility: For Louisiana ENA members advancing their education with a bachelor’s degree or higher (preferably with a focus on nursing education).  
  • Details: https://connect.ena.org/la/awards-and-scholarships  

Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Scholarship Program

  • Sponsor: U.S. Department of 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 a Louisiana 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) and have completed at least one semester of the program. Must be current full- or part-time employee of the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) at any 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  

 National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) Scholarships 

  • Sponsors: 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 recommendation. 
  • Details: https://nacns.org/career-education/awards/  

Nurses Educational Funds Scholarships

  • Sponsor: Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. 
  • Award: (unspecified amount) (multiple) 
  • Deadline: February 
  • Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in master’s and doctoral nursing programs who have completed at least 12 to 45 credits of schooling and have at least two semesters of study left. Must have at least a 3.6 GPA and submit three references. 
  • Details: https://www.n-e-f.org/about-us/nef-scholarships.html  

Oncology Nursing Foundation Master’s and Doctoral Scholarships 

  • Sponsor: Oncology Nursing Foundation 
  • Award: $5,000 (multiple) 
  • Deadline: February 
  • Eligibility: For RNs enrolled in (or accepted into) an accredited master’s, DNP, or Ph.D. program. Must submit one letter of recommendation and demonstrate a commitment to oncology nursing. 
  • Details: https://onsfoundation.org/funding-for-nurses/education/masters-scholarships  

Uniform Advantage – American Association of Colleges of Nursing Scholarship

  • Sponsor: American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) 
  • Award: $2,500 to $5,000 (multiple) 
  • Deadline: September, December, and March 
  • Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs. Open to Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA) members. 
  • Details: https://www.aacnnursing.org/foundation/scholarships/uniform-advantage  

Louisiana RNs

The Bottom Line

For Louisiana RNs, pursuing an advanced degree is an excellent career 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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