9 Graduate Nursing Scholarships for Wisconsin RNs

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

Known for its cheese production, agriculture, and beautiful shorelines along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, Wisconsin has nearly 114,000 licensed registered nurses (RNs) to care for its residents. However, the state is projected to have a deficit of 12,000 to 19,000 nurses by 2040. State officials are working to enhance public health efforts to reduce the number of patients requiring nursing care.  

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are valuable resources for state departments as they provide primary care services and patient education to residents in outpatient settings, reducing the need for inpatient care. This is particularly beneficial as the baby boomer generation continues to grow.  

Many Wisconsin RNs are returning to school for APRN degrees and although the workplace may offer tuition assistance programs, many nursing organizations offer scholarships to help offset education costs 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), Doctor of Nursing Practice (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 Wisconsin, tuition costs, and scholarships. 

Wisconsin APRN Salary and Job Outlook 

Wisconsin has 5,210 employed Nurse Practitioners (NPs), 950 nurse anesthetists, and 140 nurse midwives. Wisconsin NPs, many of which are employed in the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis area, make a yearly salary of $128,000, closely matching that of the national average. Nurse midwives in the state make an average yearly salary of $129,000 – also close to the national average. Wisconsin nurse anesthetists, however, are paid exponentially higher than the average nurse anesthetist in the U.S. – about $34,000 more per year. 

Nationally, 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. 

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 Wisconsin RNs interested in these roles as well. 

Wisconsin APRN Tuition Costs

Although Wisconsin ranks 20 out of 50 for the most affordable states to live, some regions within the state have a much higher cost of living than others. For example the Milwaukee and West Allis region, which has a higher cost of living than many other areas of the state. Since this region employs a greater number of NPs, nurses who live in this area and want to become an NP might find managing living expenses and the cost of tuition somewhat challenging. 

Wisconsin tuition for graduate nursing programs can cost up to $9,000 per year at public institutions. Should you choose to attend a public school out of state as a Wisconsin 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 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. 

9 Scholarships for Wisconsin RNs

Wisconsin has about 6,900 APRNs – 95% working within the state and 5% out of state. While the number of Wisconsin nurses receiving graduate degrees has increased over the years, some graduate nursing positions are not necessarily in high demand. For example, nurse educator roles in the state are projected to grow slowly until 2040. Wisconsin offers APRN licenses, including nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist. The state also offers licenses as an Advanced Practitioner Nurse Prescriber (APNP) and an NP. 

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 nine scholarships for Wisconsin RNs.  

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

Wisconsin League for Nursing, Nursing Heroes Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Wisconsin League for Nursing 
• Award: $250 
• Deadline: October 
• Eligibility: For Wisconsin residents enrolled in a nursing program (includes graduate programs). Must commit to working as a nursing professional in Wisconsin for at least one year after graduation. 
• Details: https://wisconsinwln.com/2024_Scholarships  

Wisconsin League for Nursing, Ruth Seris Gresley Scholarship: Faculty Graduate Program 

• Sponsor: Wisconsin League for Nursing 
• Award: $500 
• Deadline: October 
• Eligibility: For Wisconsin residents enrolled in a graduate nursing program (DNP, PHD, MSN, MS, or other master’s) focused on the nurse educator role. Must commit to working as a nurse educator in Wisconsin for at least one year after graduation. 
• Details: https://wisconsinwln.com/2024_Scholarships  

Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin Educational Scholarships 

• Sponsor: Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin 
• Award: up to $5,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: November 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled in (or accepted into) a nursing program (includes graduate programs). Must submit one letter of recommendation and demonstrate financial need. Must be a member of the Wisconsin Nurses Association and demonstrate a potential to contribute to professional nursing in Wisconsin. 
• Details: https://www.wisconsinnurses.org/education/scholarships/  

Mary Barker APRN Scholarship 

• Sponsor: WNA Nurse Practitioner Forum and the Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin 
• Award: up to $2,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For applicants pursuing a graduate degree focused on an APRN role (NP, certified nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse anesthetist), or is currently an APRN pursuing an advanced degree. 
• Details: https://www.wisconsinnurses.org/education/scholarships/  

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 Wisconsin 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/  

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  

Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation/Proctor & Gamble Endowed Scholarship in Community Service 

• Sponsor: Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation 
• Award: $1,000 
• Deadline: annually in December 
• Eligibility: For NP students enrolled in a Masters, DNP or PhD program. Must have either made significant contributions in patient care or the community, or have an interest in gastroenterology. Must submit one recommendation letter. 
• Details: https://www.nphealthcarefoundation.org/scholarships-awards-fellowships/  

Student Scholarships in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke

• Sponsor: American Heart Association (AHA) 
• Award: $2,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: April 
• Eligibility: For ANA members enrolled in either an accredited graduate program or medical school where research training in cardiovascular disease and stroke is available. Must engage in research on either cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease/ stroke, or cardiovascular surgery/anesthesia. Applicants may be eligible for research grants during their studies. 
• Details: https://professional.heart.org/en/professional-membership/awards-and-lectures/student-scholarships  

The Bottom Line

For Wisconsin 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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