Finding College Scholarships

College is expensive, but don`t let that scare you away from earning your nursing degree. There are a wide variety of financial aid resources available to online students, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, assistantships, and loans. Several million scholarship funds award billions of dollars each year to both undergraduate and graduate students based upon need, merit, or abilities. Scholarships may even be available through your company or community! Unlike student loans, scholarships are financial gifts that do not have to be repaid. With so many different scholarships available there are probably several you qualify for - no matter what your age, background, or study interest. Scholarship awards are available for both U.S. students and international students planning to study in the USA. Students receive scholarships by applying for them and emerging as the most qualified candidate.

RNDegrees.net is here to help you learn how to find how to find reliable scholarship information, use free internet scholarship databases, and avoid scholarship scams in order to help you maximize your total financial aid package.

Getting Started Finding Scholarships

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA is the form used by virtually all colleges and universities for the awarding of federal student aid and most state and college aid. Most scholarship sponsors also require students to submit the FAFSA in order to apply for scholarships as well, so if you haven`t already submitted one this should be the first step you take. A FAFSA may be submitted either on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by completing the paper form. We recommended that you use the FAFSA on the Web because You`ll get your results as much as three weeks faster than using the paper FAFSA.

Need help completing your FAFSA Application? A number of web sites offer to help you complete your FAFSA for a fee, but why do that! You can get free help from FAFSA on the Web`s online help, or from a U.S. Department of Education online guide called Completing the FAFSA at http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/completing/2006_2007/index.html.

Financial Aid Office

Financial aid advisers exist to help students find a way to pay for college. Your nursing school`s financial aid office will gladly offer advise and assist you in putting together a comprehensive financial aid package. They can also tell you about school specific scholarships and fellowship opportunities you may be eligible for. Many private colleges and universities require you to submit a CSS Financial Aid PROFILE in addition to the FAFSA in order to determine your eligibility for non-government financial aid, such as the school`s own grants, loans and scholarships.

Avoiding Scholarship Scams - A legitimate scholarship should give you money NOT cost you money!

Scholarship information is plentiful and freely available through your institution`s financial aid office, the public library, the U.S. Department of Education`s free Scholarship Search, and a growing number of free online scholarship databases. Unfortunately, in their efforts to save time some students hire scholarship services that offer "guaranteed scholarships" for a fee, or fall prey to other costly scholarship scams and wind up being defrauded out of thousands of dollars. You don`t have to pay for scholarship information!

Tips for Students on Avoiding Scholarship Scams

The FTC cautions students to look for tell tale lines:

1. "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back." - No one can guarantee that they`ll get you a grant or scholarship. Refund guarantees often have conditions or strings attached that make it difficult it not impossible to get any of your money back. Get refund policies in writing before you pay.


2. "You can`t get this information anywhere else." - You don`t need to pay for scholarship information! Check with your school financial aid office, your company, the library, and the free online scholarship databases for free access to scholarship and grant information. The scholarship search service that wants your money probably gets their list from these same free sources!


3. "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship." - A legitimate scholarship should give you money NOT cost you money! Never give your bank account or credit card information to any organization that tells you they need it to "hold a scholarship for you". That`s just setting yourself up for unauthorized withdrawals and charges.


4. "We`ll do all the work for you". - As enticing as that may sound it just isn`t true at all. IF they actually provide you with a list of scholarship opportunities YOU still have to do everything involved in applying for each scholarship yourself. No one can "do it for you".


5. "The scholarship will cost some money." - Refer to number 3 again, a legitimate scholarship should give you money NOT cost you money!


6. "You`ve been selected by a `national foundation` to receive a scholarship" or "You`re a finalist" in a contest you never entered. - This is a common "come on" used by scam artists want to charge a fee for supposed "customized scholarships", with a hint that the information can`t be found elsewhere. What victims receive is scholarship information they could have received for free from their institution`s financial aid office. Remember, you don`t need to pay for scholarship information!

Reputable Online Scholarship Search Databases

We encourage students to explore scholarship and grant sources either through their financial aid office, their public library, company, community, or online through the following reliable FREE scholarship database/search sites:

1. U.S. Department of Education - offers a free online scholarship search that allows keyword search for specific scholarships and scholarship matching for those who have filled out the MyFSA Profile.


2. Fast Web Free Scholarship Search - Fastweb.com provides access to the largest, most accurate and most popular free online scholarship search database. We strongly recommend FastWeb to locate and apply for local scholarships, national scholarships and college-specific scholarships.


3. International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) - International Education Financial Aid (IEFA.org) offers a free searchable database of scholarships specifically for international students wishing to study in a foreign country at www.iefa.org/.


4. CollegeBoard.com Scholarship Search - Locate scholarships, loans, internships, and other financial aid programs from non-college sources that match your education level, talents, and background. Search Now!


5. Scholarship Experts Scholarship Search - Provides free scholarship application tips and unlimited access to their online database of 2.4 million awards worth over $14 billion. Fill out their free scholarship profile and find out which scholarships fit your unique needs, interests and background.


6. FinAid Scholarships for Specific Majors or Courses of Study - On this page you`ll find a several scholarship databases as well as individual scholarships and awards, which assist students pursuing specific majors or courses of study. Search Now!

Additional Scholarship Information

• Scholarship Basics - What You Should Know About Free Money For College
• How to Apply for a Scholarship for an Online Degree
• Tips to Help You Win Scholarship Awards

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN

Kaplan University

Campus

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:

• MS in Nursing
• RN to MS in Nursing
• RN to BS in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)

Campus Locations:

Bakersfield
Fresno
Ontario
Woodland Hills
San Jose
Rancho Cordova
Sacramento
Los Angeles
Elk Grove
Gardena
Costa Mesa
Lancaster
Pasadena
Fairfield
Lathrop
Diamond Bar
Roseville
Online
San Francisco
Oakland
Livermore
Murrieta
Salida
Palm Desert

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

Vista
San Diego
Chula Vista
Riverside
Bakersfield
Stockton

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim
Los Angeles

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Campus Locations:

Addison

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration

Campus Locations:

National City
San Diego
San Marcos

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Medical Assisting Associate

Campus Locations:

Rancho Mirage
Santa Maria
Ventura
Santa Barbara

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Registered Nursing
• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Sacramento
San Jose
San Leandro
Antioch
Emeryville
Citrus Heights
Stockton
Pleasant Hill

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Gardena
Los Angeles
South Gate
San Bernardino

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Fairfield
Elk Grove
Orange
Carson
West Covina

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
• Professional Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Redding
Modesto
Stockton
Citrus Heights
Clovis

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Certificate - Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Canyon Country
Long Beach
Lancaster
Oxnard

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Medical Assistant - Administrative & Clinical

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• MSN in Executive Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Medical Office Assistant

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Medical General
• Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Los Angeles
Hayward
LA Puente
Santa Ana
Torrance
San Francisco
Ontario
Alhambra
Gardena
San Jose
Reseda
San Bernardino

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science
• Medical Administrative Specialist

Campus Locations:

Alhambra
Ontario
Riverside

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Rancho Cordova
Salida
Concord
Stockton
Hayward
Roseville
Fresno
Salinas
Milpitas
San Francisco

UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Bakersfield
Fresno
Stockton
Gardena
Riverside

Milan Institute

Campus

Successful careers begin at the Milan Institute. We offer quality hands-on training, experienced faculty and a staff committed to helping you realize your goals.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Administrative Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Indio
Visalia
Clovis
Bakersfield

Empire College

Campus

Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Santa Rosa

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical General

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

Mayfield College

Campus

Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Cathedral City