Paying for healthcare school

1. File the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to apply for financial aid for college, career school or graduate school. File it even if you're not sure you'll qualify. Schools and states use it for their own aid too. The 2027–28 FAFSA is now available.

2. Grants first

Federal Pell Grants are for undergraduate students with financial need and usually don't have to be repaid. Your FAFSA results determine eligibility. Ask your school and your state about grants as well.

3. Scholarships for nursing students

The HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program pays tuition, fees and other educational costs, plus a monthly stipend. In return, after graduating you work at an eligible health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses. The 2026 application cycle is closed; check the HRSA page for the next one.

4. Help from employers

Many healthcare employers offer tuition help, especially for roles they need, such as CNAs becoming LPNs or RNs. Ask about repayment rules if you leave.

5. Borrow carefully

If you need loans, federal student loans generally come with protections private loans don't. Borrow only what you need.

Compare before you choose

Use the Department of Education's College Scorecard to compare schools' costs, graduation rates and graduates' earnings. Then compare those earnings with what your role typically pays in your state. See pay by state.