Information for External Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships and Awards

The School of Nursing has several scholarship awards for full-time students. Most of these are need-based. These awards are described in detail below.

Need-Based Scholarships

• Whitehead Scholarship: A lump-sum scholarship fund for nursing students is given to the school of nursing by the Whitehead Foundation on an annual basis. They are need-based scholarships for Christian females from southern states. To be considered, please complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The financial aid office determines need eligibility and awards are made by the School of Nursing. All eligible students are considered. Awards are made to students at the junior and senior levels. The amount of individual awards is based on the total donation from the Whitehead Foundation and the number of eligible students. Students on academic suspension, probation, or warning are not eligible for this scholarship.
• Farrell Scholarship for RN to BSN students: Dr. Francis (JMU ’82) and Mary Carter Farrell (JMU ’84) established the endowed Farrell Scholarship in 2004 in honor of their parents, Frank and Eva Farrell. This scholarship is awarded each spring to a Registered nurse with an Associate Degree who has gained admission to the James Madison University RN to BSN program as a full-time student, demonstrates of excellence in and commitment to nursing practice, and claims self-reported financial need. To be considered, complete the application form and return to the School of Nursing by March 1.

Other Helpful Links

• Johnson & Johnson Scholarships
  Search here for scholarships for nursing students.
• SCHEV Financial Aid
  Provides a wealth of information on federal, state, and private financial aid, as well as lists financial aid resources that may be helpful to students.
• EduMed Scholarships and Resources
  EduMed provides a guide that showcases over 15 scholarship opportunities that can make all the difference in affording nursing school.
• Virginia Department of Health Incentive Programs
  The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers several scholarship opportunities to help pay for nursing education in exchange for one year of service in Virginia upon graduation. Scholarships are available for individuals seeking certificates, diplomas or degrees as Certified Nurses Assistants (new), Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses. Applicable scholarships for RN-BSN students are the Virginia Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship Program and the Virginia Long Term Care Facility Scholarship. The application cycle for The Virginia Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship Program for LPN/RN's is now open until April 1, 2024. The Virginia Long Term Care Facility Scholarship for RN/LPN’s opens on September 1, 2024. Please visit the link above for more information and on how to apply.