Scholarships & Aid

GW Nursing awarded over $1 million in scholarships last academic year, thanks to the generous support of our hospital partners, donors, and institutional aid! Imagine the impact this funding could have on your journey in nursing—helping you reach your goals with less financial stress and a strong support network behind you. Join GW Nursing, and you could be among the students benefiting from these life-changing opportunities to fuel your education and career.

Partnership and Scholarship Opportunities

GW Hospital Nursing Scholars Program: The GW Hospital Nursing Scholars Program is the result of a partnership with the George Washington University Hospital. This program offers 50% tuition support to ABSN/VBSN students with the promise of 36-month employment and professional growth at George Washington University Hospital. RN-BSN students who work as an RN at GW Hospital will have 100% of the tuition covered.
Washington Squared: The Washington Squared (W²) Program is a partnership with the MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The W² program provides two options: 60% tuition support to ABSN/VBSN students with the promise of 36-month employment, or 40% tuition support to ABSN/VBSN students with the promise of 24-month employment and professional growth at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
Washington Squared Plus: The Washington Squared (W²) Plus Program is a partnership with the MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The W² Plus program offers 50% tuition support to MWHC employees pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management (NLM), and/or a Doctor of Nursing Practice Executive Leadership (DNL-EL) Degree.
The William and Joanne Conway Transitioning Warrior Nursing Scholars Initiative: The William and Joanne Conway Transitioning Warrior Nursing Scholars Initiative is offered each semester to up to five new students in the incoming Veterans to BSN (VBSN) cohort. Selected recipients will receive funding totaling 50% of the cost of tuition to be used towards tuition or received as a stipend divided across the first four semesters of study.

Merit-based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships may be awarded to high-achieving students at the time of admission to help with tuition costs. All ABSN/VBSN applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships, which are awarded based on fund availability and do not require a separate request.

Need-based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are available for students who demonstrate significant financial need. To be considered for these awards, students must submit a FAFSA for each academic year they plan to enroll.

James M. Johnston Trust: The James M. Johnston Trust Award is available to eligible students who submitted a FAFSA and who have a low student aid index (SAI). This award is typically awarded to continuing students. Yearly award determinations are based on fund availability.
Helene Fuld Trust: The Helene Fuld Trust is available to eligible students who submitted a FAFSA and who have a low student aid index (SAI). This award is typically awarded to continuing students. Yearly award determinations are based on fund availability.

Endowed Scholarships and Awards

The Pam and Joe Jeffries Innovation Award: Dean Pamela Jeffries and her husband, Joe Jeffries, established this annual award to support students enrolled in the doctoral program. Qualified students should demonstrate innovation and incorporate technology in nursing practice or education that will impact the culture of health, patient, communities and/or nursing faculty or students.
Dawson Scholars: The Dawson family created an endowment to honor Dr. Ellen Dawson’s lasting contributions to the school. Dr. Dawson's leadership and creativity in her prior role as Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs led to the creation of several programs, including the RN to BSN. It was their wish to provide tuition support to one or more outstanding students with unmet financial need. This award is typically awarded to continuing students seeking their MSN degree in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery programs. Yearly award determinations are based on fund availability.
Johnson-Pawlson Scholarship: GW Nursing Founding Dean Jean Johnson, Dr. Greg Pawlson, a former faculty member, and their daughters, who are GW alumni, contributed to endowment funds for this scholarship. This award is for Accelerated BSN students who demonstrate a special interest in patient safety and quality. Yearly award determinations are based on fund availability.
Founding Faculty Award: The Founding Faculty Award is for both undergraduate and graduate students in alternating years, beginning with graduate students in 2019. The scholarship will provide an award to assist one student per year in their academic pursuits, but is based on fund availability.

Funding for Military and Veterans

Our military and veterans are a valuable resource to our country, and GW values their service. At GW Nursing, we provide the best educational experience and resources for our military and veterans.

The Office of Military and Veteran Student Services helps students understand the benefits available to them, assists students in taking the proper steps to receive those benefits, and acts as a liaison between students and other offices.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Since 2009, GW has been a proud participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the G.I. Bill® that provides assistance with educational expenses. For more information on the program and application instructions, please contact the Office of Military and Veteran Services.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Peace Corps / Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

The George Washington University School of Nursing (GW Nursing) offers Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) 25% tuition support and an outstanding opportunity to build on their skills and education for a new career in nursing. RPCVs are uniquely positioned to make an immediate positive contribution to direct patient care, community health, health care policy, and leadership, both locally and globally. Learn more about the Peace Corps/Paul D. Coverdell Fellow Program.

Outside Scholarship Opportunities

At GW Nursing, we understand the importance of making education affordable and accessible. In addition to our own scholarships, we encourage students to explore a wide array of external scholarship opportunities provided by healthcare organizations, professional associations, community groups, and other generous sponsors. These scholarships can help offset tuition costs, cover academic expenses, and reduce the financial burden of pursuing a degree in nursing. Use the links below to find out more information, determine eligibility, and locate instructions on how to apply.

Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), this program offers scholarships to students committed to working in underserved communities. Learn more and apply here.

Nurse Candidate Program

Offered by the U.S. Navy, this program provides financial support for nursing students who are interested in a career as a Navy Nurse. Learn more and apply here.

VA’s Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP)

The Department of Veterans Affairs supports students who are pursuing careers in healthcare, including nursing. Set up an applicant account to begin the process. Learn more here and set up an applicant account.

Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG)

Designed to offer financial support to Virginia residents attending accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities in the state. Eligible students must submit their completed VTAG application to the GW Financial Aid Office by September 15, prior to the start of the fall semester. Applications received after this date will only be considered if funding remains available. For the VTAG application and more details, please visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) website.

Additional Options

There are numerous other external scholarships available to help nursing students with educational costs. Explore the options below for more information and application details:

Federal Financial Aid and Loans

We understand that pursuing your educational goals can be a substantial financial commitment, which is why we offer assistance with exploring your financial aid options. Learn more about the options through the Student Service Hub or access personalized financial aid information through GWeb. (GWeb is for current students only, as it requires a GWid to log in.)

Office of Financial Aid

GW’s Office of Student Financial Assistance administers financial aid to both undergraduate and graduate students. In conjunction with GW Nursing, they assist students with applying for loans, calculating the cost of attendance, determining eligibility for financial aid, and completing the FAFSA or GW Loan Questionnaire.

As GW Nursing aims to recruit, prepare, and graduate more qualified providers to shore up our health care system, scholarship funding remains critically important. The School of Nursing Student Support Fund ensures access to a GW education by supporting our best and brightest—regardless of their background or financial circumstances—for years to come.

Please support our future leaders in nursing with a gift today.

For more information about giving opportunities to support GW Nursing students, please contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office at 202-994-7511 or [email protected].