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Education and Professional Growth

15 Graduate Nursing Scholarships for Rhode Island RNs

  • Rhode Island RNs interested in (or actively working toward) a graduate nursing degree might already meet the qualifications to apply for scholarships. 
  • Rhode Island tuition for an advanced nursing degree can cost up to $15,000 per year at public institutions. 
  • Check out these 13 scholarships for Rhode Island nurses who want to expand their knowledge and career opportunities. 

Charmaine Robinson

MSN-Ed, BSN, RN

May 14, 2025
Simmons University

Known for its beautiful coastline and colonial towns, Rhode Island is home to 1.1 million residents, many of which are older adults – the state’s fastest growing age group over the past 15 years. However, Rhode Island is among the Top 10 states with less than 30,000 licensed registered nurses (RNs) to care for this group. 

The number is significantly less for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Many Rhode Island RNs are returning to school to fill the gap.

The workplace may offer a tuition assistance program, 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), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Ph.D., or other nursing-related graduate degree. 

Rhode Island RNs

Rhode Island APRN Salary and Job Outlook 

Rhode Island has about 3,300 licensed APRNs. The number has been steadily rising over the past several years, though APRN employment took a dip from 2023 to 2024. NPs are considered one of the fastest growing professions in Rhode Island, and the state’s nurse midwives are among the highest employed in the nation (although salary is comparable to that of the national average).  

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 Rhode Island RNs interested in these roles as well. 

Rhode Island APRN Tuition Costs

Rhode Island is among the Top 10 states with the most expensive public college tuition. The state’s tuition for graduate nursing programs can cost up to $15,000 per year at public institutions. Should you choose to attend a public school out of state as a Rhode Island 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. 

Rhode Island RNs

13 Scholarships for Rhode Island RNs 

Rhode Island offers three APRN licenses (NP, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist) through the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education. The state also offers a nurse midwife license through the Rhode Island Advisory Council on Midwifery.  

If you’re enrolled (or interested) in attending APRN school or any other graduate nursing role and want to save on tuition, explore these 13 scholarships for Rhode Island RNs. Visit each sponsor’s website to confirm deadlines, eligibility, and monetary awards. Most scholarships are offered annually.

New England Assembly of Nurse Anesthetists Scholarship 

  • Sponsor: New England Assembly of Nurse Anesthetists (NEANA), American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Foundation 
  • Award: $3,000 
  • Deadline: (unspecified) 
  • Eligibility: For applicants who have completed at least 12 months of a nurse anesthesia program at a school in the New England area (Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, or Vermont). Additional scholarships are available.  
  • Details: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/education-grants-and-scholarships/foundation-scholarship  

Willard and Marjorie Scheibe Nursing Scholarship

Lillian Sparfven & Ethel Ferrara Fund Scholarship

Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Rhode Island (NPARI) Academic Scholarship 

Massachusetts/Rhode Island League for Nurses Nurse Educator (Doctoral) Scholarship

Charter Care Foundation Scholarship  

  • Sponsor: Charter Care Foundation 
  • Award: (varied amount) 
  • Deadline: March 
  • Eligibility: For Rhode Island residents pursuing a nursing degree (includes master’s degree) or advanced health-related training. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Preference given to applicants attending Rhode Island institutions. 
  • Details: https://www.chartercarefoundation.org/scholarships.html  

Edward J. and Virginia M. Routhier Nursing Scholarship 

Lillian Sparfven & Ethel Ferrara Fund Scholarship 

New England Region Educational Scholarship

  • Sponsor: New England Region of the WOCN® (Certified Wound, Ostomy and /or Continence Nurses) Society 
  • Award: (unspecified amount) 
  • Deadline: October 
  • Eligibility: For current WOCN nurses pursuing an MSN, doctoral degree, or certification as an NP or clinical nurse specialist. Must be a member of the New England Region of the WOCN® Society and must join one of the organization’s committees (with a commitment for at least one year). Applicants must be either employed in the New England region as a WOCN nurse or willing to do so after graduation. Must submit two letters of recommendation. 
  • Details: https://www.newenglandwocn.org/scholarships  

Elizabeth Robinette Scholarship

  • Sponsor: Rhode Island Certified School Nurse Teachers Association (RICSNA) 
  • Award: $500 
  • Deadline: April 
  • Eligibility: For BSN-prepared RNs enrolled in college program for preparation as a school nurse teacher. Must have at least a 3.25 GPA and have worked as an RN for at least three years. Must submit a reference letter from an employer. Must be a student member of the RICSNA/National Association of School Nurses (NASN). 
  • Details: https://ricsnta.nursingnetwork.com/page/60691-ricsna-annual-elizabeth-robinette-scholarship  

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 a Rhode Island VA or any other VA location in the U.S. 
  • Details: https://vacareers.va.gov/job-news-advice/apply-influential-va-scholarship-programs/  

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

Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses Higher Education Scholarship

  • Sponsor: Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) 
  • Award: $3,000 (multiple) 
  • Deadline: February 
  • Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in an accredited college or university to advance their nursing careers. Must be a current AMSN member (for at least one year from date of application). 
  • Details: https://amsn.org/Awards-Grants/Grants-Scholarships  

Rhode Island RNs

The Bottom Line

If you are a resident of the U.S., you have the right to bodily autonomy and in most cases, there are various employment opportunities that do not require any proof of vaccination.  

We strongly recommend that you do not seek, produce, or distribute fake vaccine cards – it is not only a danger to those around you, but it could cost you your career and so much more.  

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