20 Graduate Nursing Scholarships for Virginia RNs

• Virginia RNs interested in (or actively working toward) a graduate nursing degree might already meet the qualifications to apply for scholarships. 
• Virginia tuition for an advanced nursing degree can cost up to $15,000 per year at public institutions. 
• Check out these 20 scholarships for Virginia nurses who want to expand their knowledge and career opportunities. 

Not only is Virginia the birthplace of several U.S. presidents, it’s considered the birthplace of America itself as the state is home to the first American English colony. Virginia also has a rich nursing history, having established some of the earliest nurse training programs. Today, Virginia has nearly 122,000 licensed registered nurses (RNs) and many are returning to school for advanced degrees. 

While the workplace may offer tuition assistance programs, many professional 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.  

If you’re an RN pursuing an advanced degree, learn about Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) salary and job outlook in Virginia, tuition costs, and scholarships. 

Virginia APRN Salary and Job Outlook 

Virginia offers four APRN licenses: certified Nurse Practitioner (NP), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), clinical nurse specialist, and certified nurse midwife. Certified NPs who specialize in psychiatric/mental health are in high demand in Virginia.  

The state is divided into 133 regions and nearly 70% are considered federally designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. About 37% of Virginians live in these areas. Fifty-seven regions have fewer than five psychiatric NPs, and 51 regions do not have a psychiatric NP at all. Job outlook for Virginia RNs interested in becoming a psychiatric NP is highly promising. 

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 Virginia RNs interested in these roles as well. 

Virginia APRN Tuition Costs

Virgnia is one of the Top 10 states with the most expensive college tuition at public institutions. Virginia 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 Virginia 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 ones. Keep in mind that some scholarship sponsors may require you to be a member of a nursing organization before you can even 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. 

20 Scholarships for Virginia RNs 

Certified NPs are the most popular APRN in Virginia. Virginia has nearly 10,000 certified NPs, 400 clinical nurse specialists, and 275 certified nurse midwives. If you’re enrolled (or interested) in a program focused on any of these roles, or any other graduate nursing role, and want to save on tuition, explore these 20 scholarships for Virginia RNs.  

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

Virginia Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife Incentive Programs 

• Sponsor: Virginia Department of Health 
• Award: (unspecified amount) 
• Deadline: November 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in (or accepted into) a board-approved nursing program in Virginia. Must be a current Virginia resident (for at least one year at time of application), submit two letters of recommendation, and commit to practice full-time as an NP or nurse midwife in a medically underserved area of Virginia. May be required to demonstrate financial need. 
• Details: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/health-equity/virginia-nurse-pme-incentive-programs/  

Virginia Nurse Educator Incentive Program 

• Sponsor: Virginia Department of Health 
• Award: (unspecified amount) 
• Deadline: November 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in (or accepted into) a master’s or doctoral nursing program in Virginia (full- or part-time) and complete the degree requirements within two years or less. Must be a current Virginia resident (for at least one year at time of application), submit two letters of recommendation. May be required to demonstrate financial need. 
• Details: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/health-equity/virginia-nurse-pme-incentive-programs/  

Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists Scholarship  

• Sponsor: Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation 
• Award: $3,000 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For applicants from Virginia who are enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program in Virginia. Additional scholarships are available. 
• Details: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/education-grants-and-scholarships/foundation-scholarship 

Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP) Nurse Practitioner Doctoral Scholarship 

• Sponsor: VCNP 
• Award: (unspecified amount) 
• Deadline: September 
• Eligibility: For NPs enrolled in an accredited, nursing doctoral (DNP or PhD) program who have completed at least 15 credit hours. Must be a current VCNP member (for at least six months) and commit to working as an NP in Virginia after graduation. Must have at least a 3.5 GPA and submit two letters of recommendation (one must be from a VCNP member).  
• Details: https://www.vcnp.net/members/nurse-practitioner-scholarship/  

Genevieve Renn Roscher Nursing Scholarship Endowment 

• Sponsor: John Randolph Foundation 
• Award: $1,000 
• Deadline: February 
• Eligibility: For full- or part-time students enrolled in a nursing program (includes graduate programs). Must have at least a 3.0 GPA, submit two letters of recommendation, and demonstrate financial need. Must be a resident of the City of Hopewell, Prince George, or Colonial Heights, or the Enon District of Chesterfield County. 
• Details: https://johnrandolphfoundation.org/scholarship/genevieve-renn-roscher-nursing-scholarship-endowment/  

Gregg E. Hosack Scholarship Endowment

• Sponsor: John Randolph Foundation 
• Award: $1,000 
• Deadline: February 
• Eligibility: For applicants interested in pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA, submit two letters of recommendation, and demonstrate financial need. Must be a resident of the City of Hopewell and the following localities: Prince George, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Emporia, Fort Lee, Dinwiddie, Sussex, Surry, Chesterfield (South of Route 288 and East of Ironbridge Road), Charles City, or Varina (Southeast Henrico, south of Interstate 64). 
• Details: https://johnrandolphfoundation.org/scholarship/gregg-e-hosack-scholarship-endowment/  

Psych Nurse Practitioner Scholarship Program 

• Sponsor: Virginia Healthcare Foundation 
• Award: up to $26,000 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For NPs accepted into a post-master’s Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Certificate program. Must commit to working as a psychiatric NP in an approved organization serving uninsured and/or medically underserved Virginians for two years (or 4,000 hours). Preference will be given to applicants who have three years of NP experience, live and attend school in Virginia, or work at a clinic servicing many uninsured and/or medically underserved Virginians. 
• Details: https://www.vhcf.org/for-those-who-help/resources-for-providers/psych-mental-health-np-scholarship/  

Glen W. and Virginia R. Butler Memorial Scholarship Endowment 

• Sponsor: John Randolph Foundation 
• Award: $2,000 
• Deadline: February 
• Eligibility: For applicants pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or terminal degree in the medical field. Must have at least a 2.75 GPA, submit two letters of recommendation, and demonstrate financial need. 
• Details: https://johnrandolphfoundation.org/scholarship/glen-w-and-virginia-r-butler-memorial-scholarship-endowment/  

Paulette and George Friday Scholarship Endowment 

• Sponsor: John Randolph Foundation 
• Award: $1,000 
• Deadline: February 
• Eligibility: For full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA, submit two letters of recommendation, and demonstrate financial need. Must be a resident of the following localities: Hopewell, Prince George, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Fort Lee, Dinwiddie, Sussex, Surry, Chesterfield (south of Route 288 and east of Ironbridge Road), Charles City, and Varina (southeast Henrico, south of Interstate 64). Preference given to applicants pursuing a degree in certain fields, including healthcare. 
• Details: https://johnrandolphfoundation.org/scholarship/paulette-and-george-friday-scholarship-endowment/  

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

Sylvia J. Slominski Nursing Scholarship Endowment 

• Sponsor: John Randolph Foundation 
• Award: $1,000 
• Deadline: February 
• Eligibility: For applicants pursuing a nursing degree (includes graduate degrees). Must have at least a 3.0 GPA, submit two letters of recommendation, and demonstrate financial need. Must be a resident of the Tri-Cities area (Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights), Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. Preference given to applicants pursuing a degree in certain fields, including healthcare. 
• Details: https://johnrandolphfoundation.org/scholarship/sylvia-j-slominski-nursing-scholarship-endowment/  

Talegaonkar Medical Scholarship Endowment 

• Sponsor: John Randolph Foundation 
• Award: $1,500 
• Deadline: February 
• Eligibility: For applicants pursuing a college degree (includes graduate degrees) majoring in nursing or a science field at a Virginia college. Must have at least a 3.5 GPA, submit two letters of recommendation, and demonstrate financial need. Must be a resident of the City of Hopewell, Prince George County, or the Enon District of Chesterfield County. 
• Details: https://johnrandolphfoundation.org/scholarship/the-talegaonkar-medical-scholarship-endowment/  

Virginia Commonwealth Award 

• Sponsor: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia 
• Award: (varies) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled full-time in an approved graduate degree program at a participating public Virginia college or university. 
• Details: https://www.schev.edu/financial-aid/financial-aid/federal-state-financial-aid/virginia-commonwealth-award  

Victor and Ruth N. Goodman Memorial Scholarship

• Sponsor: Hampton Roads Community Foundation 
• Award: (unspecified amount) 
• Deadline: March 
• Eligibility: For applicants pursuing a degree in nursing, medicine, or other health professions leading to a medical practitioner role. Must be a current, long-time resident of South Hampton Roads (Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Isle of Wight County) and demonstrate financial need. 
• Details: https://hamptonroadscf.org/Scholarships/Graduate-Medical-Theological-Scholarships/Available-Scholarships 

Louis I. Jaffe Memorial Scholarship-NSU Alumni 

• Sponsor: Hampton Roads Community Foundation 
• Award: (unspecified amount) 
• Deadline: March 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in a graduate program of any type who are alumni graduates of Norfolk State University (NSU). Must be a current, long-time resident of South Hampton Roads (Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Isle of Wight County) and demonstrate financial need. 
• Details: https://hamptonroadscf.org/Scholarships/Graduate-Medical-Theological-Scholarships/Available-Scholarships  

Louis C. and Ursula Sue Gibbs Memorial Scholarship Endowment

• Sponsor: John Randolph Foundation 
• Award: $1,000 
• Deadline: February 
• Eligibility: For applicants pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA, submit two letters of recommendation, and demonstrate financial need. Must be a resident of the city of Hopewell and the following localities: Prince George, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Fort Lee, Dinwiddie, Sussex, Surry, Chesterfield (South of Route 288 and East of Ironbridge Road), Charles City, or Varina (Southeast Henrico, south of Interstate 64).  
• Details: https://johnrandolphfoundation.org/scholarship/louis-c-and-ursula-sue-gibbs-memorial-scholarship-endowment/ 

American Nephrology Nurses Association Scholarships

• Sponsor: American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) 
• Award: $1,000 to $4,375 (multiple) 
• Deadline: November 
• Eligibility: For ANNA members enrolled in a graduate nursing program. Must be actively involved in nephrology nursing and have been an ANNA member for at least one year. Must submit three letters of recommendation. 
• Details: https://www.annanurse.org/resources/members-only/grants-scholarships  

Charlotte McGuire Scholarship

• Sponsor: American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) 
• Award: $1,000 
• Deadline: February 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in a graduate nursing program dedicated to holistic nursing. Must be a current AHNA member (for at least one year). Must demonstrate a commitment to holistic nursing. 
• Details: https://www.ahna.org/Home/Resources/Scholarships-and-Awards  

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/  

National CPR Association 

• Sponsor: National CPR Association 
• Award: $3,000 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in a health-related degree program (includes graduate nursing programs). Must write a compelling essay. 
• Details: https://www.nationalcprassociation.com/scholarship/  

The Bottom Line

For Virginia 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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