8 Graduate Nursing Scholarships for Delaware RNs

• Delaware RNs interested in (or actively working toward) a graduate nursing degree might already meet the qualifications to apply for scholarships. 
• Delaware tuition for an advanced nursing degree can cost up to $14,000 per year at public institutions. 
• Check out these eight scholarships for Delaware nurses who want to expand their knowledge and career opportunities. 

Known as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787, Delaware is home to attractive landmarks, museums, and music festivals. The state is one of the smallest in the U.S., which might explain why there are less than 25,000 licensed Delaware registered nurses (RNs).  

To put things into perspective, California – the state with the most nurses – has more than half a million licensed RNs.  

Delaware RNs who wish to advance their education may have good reason to return to school as the state has a major provider shortage possibly attributed to the lack of an in-state medical school. Joining the state’s advanced practice RN (APRN) workforce by obtaining a graduate degree may expand primary care services to many Delawareans. 

The workplace might be a great start for tuition assistance, but many nursing organizations offer scholarships to RNs pursuing graduate degrees as well. 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 Delaware, tuition costs, and scholarships. 

Delaware APRN Salary and Job Outlook 

In 2023, Delaware employed about 1,100 NPs. These nursing professionals made an average of nearly $131,000 that year – about $5,000 more than the national average salary that year. However, nurse midwifery and nurse anesthesiology aren’t as popular in Delaware, with only 30 nurse midwives and 80 nurse anesthetists employed in 2023, making an average of $121,700 and $207,000 per year, respectively (both less than the national average). 

Nationally, the average APRN salaries 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 Delaware RNs interested in these roles as well. 

Delaware APRN Tuition Costs

Delaware RNs may have reason to hesitate to return to school, as the state’s public college tuition is higher than average tuition costs nationwide. Delaware tuition for graduate nursing programs can cost up to $14,000 each year at public institutions. Should you choose to attend a public school out of state as a Delaware 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. 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, and more. 

8 Scholarships for Delaware RNs 

Delaware offers its RNs with graduate degrees the option to choose from four APRN licenses: NP, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist. Delaware NPs and clinical nurse specialists may specialize in the following care populations: 

• Adult/Gerontology 
• Family (NP only; not an option for clinical nurse specialists) 
• Psych/Mental Health  
• Neonatal 
• Pediatric 
• Women’s Health/Gender-Related 

If you’re interested in attending graduate school (or are already enrolled and want to save money on tuition costs for the rest of your academic enrollment), explore these eight scholarships for Delaware RNs.  

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

Margaret A. Stafford Nursing Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Delaware Community Foundation 
• Award: up to $2,000 
• Deadline: March 
• Eligibility: For applicants accepted at an accredited college or university’s nursing program (includes advanced nursing education). Must demonstrate financial need. 
• Details: https://delcf.org/scholarships/  

Delaware Department of Education, Educator Support Scholarship Program 

• Sponsor: Delaware Department of Education 
• Award: $5,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: May 
• Eligibility: For full-time graduate students attending a Delaware institution, pursuing a career in education, specializing in school nursing (part-time students will be considered but will receive a lesser award amount). Must be a Delaware resident.  
• Details: https://education.delaware.gov/families/college-career-life/college-scholarship-financial-aid/scholarships-and-financial-aid-resources/dheo-scholarships/  

Edward Hyland, CRNA Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Delaware Association of Nurse Anesthetists, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation 
• Award: $3,000 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program whose primary clinical site is a hospital in Delaware. Preference will be given to a Delaware resident. Additional scholarships are available.  
• Details: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/education-grants-and-scholarships/foundation-scholarship  

Aspiring Nurse Leader Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Delaware Organization of Nurse Leaders (DONL) 
• Award: $1,500 
• Deadline: April 
• Eligibility: For RNs actively pursuing a graduate or doctoral degree in nursing leadership, healthcare administration, management, organizational development, education, executive leadership, or jurisprudence (must have completed at least 12 credits in the program). Must have at least a 3.0 GPA, be licensed as an RN in Delaware, actively working as a nurse in Delaware, and demonstrate leadership (as a charge nurse, formal mentor, project lead, professional organization lead, or council/committee lead). Scholarship award also includes a free DONL membership. 
• Details: https://www.denurseleaders.org/Scholarship  

Chesapeake Bay Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Chesapeake Bay Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (CBSPAN) 
• Award: up to $1,000 
• Deadline: July 
• Eligibility: For applicants in pursuit of an advanced nursing degree. Must be a current CSBPAN member (for at least two years from date of application). The Chesapeake Bay chapter includes the following states: Maryland, Delaware, and Washington DC. 
• Details: https://cbspan.nursingnetwork.com/page/96008-scholarship-information  

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

American Association of Nurse Practitioners Scholarship Program 

• Sponsor: American Association of Nurse Practitioners 
• Award: $2,500 to $5,000 
• Deadline: March 
• Eligibility: For RNs enrolled in an accredited NP program pursuing an MSN, DNP, or PhD in nursing or a related field. Must have completed at least one semester of schooling at time of application. Must submit two recommendation letters. 
• Details: https://www.aanp.org/education/professional-funding-support/scholarships  

Nursing Economic$ Foundation Scholarships for Advanced Degree Nursing Student Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Nursing Economic$ Foundation  
• Award: $5,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: May 
• Eligibility: For RNs enrolled in (or accepted into) a master’s or doctoral degree program with a career focus in nursing administration, management, leadership, or education. 
• Details: https://www.ajj.com/headlines/corporate-news/nursing-economic-foundation-accepting-scholarship-applications-until-may  

The Bottom Line

For Delaware 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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