Updated October 13, 202615 min read

How to Fund Your Nursing Degree in Virginia: Scholarships, Loan Repayment and Stacking Aid

Compare state awards, 2027 deadlines and work commitments before you apply

Adam Hanson, RN, BSN
Written byAdam Hanson, RN, BSN
Reviewed byRN.org Editorial Team

How do you turn Virginia's newest nursing scholarship announcement into funding that actually reaches your tuition bill before the 2027 deadlines close? On Oct. 8, 2026, the Virginia Nursing Workforce Center awarded nearly $1.3 million in scholarships and incentives to nearly 350 prospective nursing students statewide, reported by The Zebra. Award amounts, eligible nursing degree levels, and post-graduation service obligations differ sharply by program, and several nursing school application timelines run on separate calendars. Sorting the Mary Marshall, Long-Term Care, and Graduate Level awards against loan repayment, preceptor stipends, and Earn to Learn partnerships matters, but no award removes Virginia's 17,000-nurse shortage pressure on service commitments.

Why Virginia Is Funding Nursing Students Now: The 17,000-RN Gap and SB 405

Some states study a nursing shortage; Virginia reorganized the agencies that respond to it. According to the governor's office, Virginia faced a shortage of 17,000 registered nurses in 2025, and demand for registered nurses is projected to substantially outpace supply over the next decade, while the lpn job outlook 2026 points to the same pressure for licensed practical nurses. That gap is the policy argument behind the state's scholarship, incentive, and loan repayment expansions , all of which affect how to afford nursing school.

What SB 405 changed

Senate Bill 405, signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger on March 31, 2026, took effect July 1, 2026.1 The law moved nursing workforce incentive programs from the Virginia Department of Health to the Virginia Nursing Workforce Center under the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority.2 The bipartisan measure was sponsored by Sen. L. Louise Lucas and Del. Mark Downey. State health officials directed applicants to check the center for current program rules, application windows, and updates rather than older Virginia Department of Health pages. Those older pages stopped accepting most rolling-deadline applications after April 30, 2026.3

Why this signals sustained opportunity

A 17,000-RN gap is not a one-cycle budget line. Shortages of this size typically support multiyear funding, but no award should be assumed to renew automatically. Applicants should treat each cycle as a fresh decision and confirm deadlines, eligibility, and service obligations with the center before applying.

Virginia Nursing Scholarships at a Glance: Amounts, Eligibility and Work Commitments

Compare award size, eligible program level, and the post-graduation work commitment before you apply. Larger awards such as the Graduate Level Nursing Scholarship or School Nurse LPN-to-RN Scholarship carry a one-year Virginia service requirement, while the smaller Mary Marshall and Long-Term Care awards may fit students who plan to work in specific settings. Pick the award that aligns with your intended nursing role and your willingness to stay in Virginia after licensure.

ScholarshipMax AwardWho QualifiesWork-in-Virginia CommitmentApplication Window
Long-Term Care Scholarships$2,000CNA, LPN, or RN studentsFor each $2,000 received, complete the equivalent of one year of full-time nursing practice as an LPN or RN in a Virginia long-term care facility after graduation.September 15 to November 30, 2026
Mary Marshall ScholarshipsUp to $1,000 for CNA students; up to $2,000 for PN and RN studentsCNA, LPN, or RN studentsOne year of work in Virginia; recipients must remain in good standing with licensure and certification requirements.March 2 to April 2, 2026 for the Spring 2026 LPN/RN cycle
Graduate Level Nursing Scholarships$4,000 annuallyNurse educator, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner studentsOne year of work in Virginia; recipients must remain in good standing with licensure and certification requirements.Not listed in cited source
School Nurse LPN-to-RN ScholarshipUp to $10,000Virginia school nurses who are current LPNs and enrolled in an accredited RN program approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing; eligible pathways are ADN or BSN, with graduation scheduled within 12 months and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.Complete one year of full-time employment as an RN serving as a school nurse in a Virginia school.Opens August 1, 2026; closing date not listed in cited source

Which Scholarships Fit BSN, RN-To-BSN, LPN-To-RN and Graduate Students

Virginia's scholarship lineup now maps more directly to a student's stage in nursing education than to a single generic application. The state's workforce center and General Assembly funding serve prelicensure BSN students, LPN-to-RN bridge candidates, RN to BSN completers, and graduate learners differently.

Prelicensure BSN and ADN students

Traditional BSN and ADN students enrolled in an accredited Virginia Board of Nursing approved RN program and graduating within 12 months may apply through the RN scholarship category. Long-Term Care Scholarships offer up to $2,000 for eligible students preparing for long-term care, and Mary Marshall awards provide up to $2,000 for RN students and up to $1,000 for certified nurse aide students.

LPN-to-RN and graduate students

LPN candidates must be enrolled in a Virginia Board of Nursing approved practical nursing program and graduating within 12 months, usually with a minimum 2.50 GPA. The School Nurse LPN-to-RN Scholarship targets LPN to RN bridge programs, but workforce center guidance does not publish one identical set of criteria for every award.

RN-to-BSN is the main gray area. The published RN scholarship language emphasizes programs preparing students for initial RN licensure and names ADN and BSN, so it does not clearly confirm that completion programs qualify. If you are already licensed and considering an RN-to-BSN, check the specific scholarship rules or contact the Virginia Nursing Workforce Center before applying.

Part-time, online, and school approval

Some 2026 state funding language describes support for full-time and part-time students, and Long-Term Care materials allow part-time enrollment in Virginia. Graduate awards may permit full-time or part-time enrollment at a State Board of Nursing approved school. Online or hybrid enrollment is not expressly ruled in or out, so if your clinical site is outside Virginia, confirm eligibility before committing. Most awards require at least one year of Virginia residency or bona fide domicile and enrollment in an approved or accredited Virginia nursing program.

Where post-licensure students land

Graduate Level Nursing Scholarships fit MSN, DNP, and APRN students, including MSN programs in Virginia and DNP programs in Virginia, with public guidance pointing to full-time or part-time enrollment and a 2.5 GPA expectation for currently enrolled students. Because several awards carry Virginia work commitments after graduation, compare service terms against your specialty and location before choosing a program.

2026 Nursing Scholarship Deadlines in Virginia: VNA, DAR, VDH and VHCA

Deadlines shift from year to year, so use this as a planning calendar rather than a final schedule. The VNA and VDH dates below come from administrator-published information; DAR and VHCA deadlines were not verifiable on official sites at publication time, so contact those organizations directly before applying. The VNA local chapter awards are for prelicensure students who have completed at least four prelicensure nursing courses.

ProgramAdministratorOpensDeadlineAmountDate Status
Virginia Nurses Association 2027 Prelicensure Nursing ScholarshipVirginia Nurses Association / Virginia Nurses FoundationJanuary 2027 (expected)Not publishedNot publishedConfirmed with administrator; 2026 cycle closed, January 2027 window expected
VNA Local Chapter AwardsVirginia Nurses Association chapters / Virginia Nurses FoundationVaries by chapterVaries by chapter$1,000 per chapter scholarshipDirectory-sourced, verify with local chapter
Mary Marshall Nursing ScholarshipVirginia Department of Health, Office of Health Equity (transitioning to Virginia Nursing Workforce Center)March 2, 2026April 2, 2026Up to $20,000 per year for up to two yearsConfirmed with administrator for the Spring 2026 cycle; a 2027 cycle was not provided
Long-Term Care ScholarshipVirginia Nursing Workforce CenterNot publishedNot publishedUp to $2,000Directory-sourced, verify; cycle dates not published

Application Checklist for Virginia Nursing Scholarships

  1. Confirm enrollment or admission
    Keep your acceptance letter or current enrollment verification handy, since most awards require proof you are admitted to or enrolled in an eligible Virginia nursing program.
  2. Gather transcripts and FAFSA
    Request official transcripts early and complete the FAFSA so you can document financial need where required.
  3. Prepare your essay and recommendations
    Many scholarships ask for a personal statement and one or two recommendation letters; give recommenders at least three weeks.
  4. Document Virginia residency
    Collect a state ID, lease, or utility records to satisfy residency requirements for state-funded awards.
  5. Log deadlines early
    Set calendar reminders at the start of application season; several Virginia nursing scholarships open in January and close quickly.
  6. Review service obligations before signing
    Read the fine print on post-graduation Virginia work commitments and confirm they align with your career and geographic plans before accepting funds.

Virginia Nursing Loan Repayment and Service Obligations: What You Owe in Return

Virginia’s nursing loan repayment is a contract: you receive help with student loans in exchange for a defined period of Virginia nursing work, and the terms are stricter than they first appear.

What the 2026 awards look like

The Virginia Nursing Workforce Center currently lists separate 2026 award caps: up to $10,000 for registered nurses, $5,000 for licensed practical nurses, and $1,000 for certified nurse aides enrolled in CNA programs in Virginia. These are maximums, not automatic awards, and the money applies to qualifying educational loans for tuition, fees, and reasonable living expenses within the school's standard budget.1 The state also describes an older structure with an initial award near $2,000 and possible renewals up to $8,000 across additional years. Published materials do not say whether the newer caps replace or supplement that framework, so treat your official application terms as controlling. Funding is active for the 2026 cycle, with applications opening August 1, 20262 and nearly $10 million allocated across fiscal years 2027 and 20283; the remaining balance and this year’s deadline are not publicly posted, so apply early.

Service periods and who qualifies

For RNs and LPNs, the center’s materials describe a two-year Virginia nursing employment commitment.1 Eligible work can be full-time or part-time, but PRN and casual shifts do not count.1 The center does not state a service period for CNAs. By contrast, 12VAC5-507-200 sets a minimum of one year of full-time service in a Virginia long-term-care facility for RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or qualified aliens, have one year of Virginia residency, and hold the relevant license. Because these sources differ, confirm the exact service period and permitted practice setting in writing before accepting funds.

What happens if you do not finish

Breach consequences are not fully spelled out in the available administrative text. 12VAC5-507-90 governs eligibility and does not publish a repayment formula, and a prior breach of a Virginia nursing loan repayment or similar contract is listed as a disqualifying factor for future aid. Treat the award as a binding contract: if you leave the required role early, assume the state can pursue recovery, and ask for the written default clause before signing. Do not rely on partial service to settle the obligation unless the contract says so.

Quick test for the commitment

Before applying, map the service term against your life. Are you willing to stay in Virginia and remain in direct nursing employment for one or two years? Would a relocation, a part-time academic progression, or a move into a non-clinical role disrupt that plan? If the answer is uncertain, a scholarship with a shorter or no work commitment, or a broader plan like How to Pay for Your MSN Degree, may fit better.

Preceptor Stipends and Earn to Learn: Funding That Opens Clinical Seats

The NP preceptor shortage, not classroom seats, has become the binding constraint in graduate nursing education. Virginia is responding with two indirect funding mechanisms that put money behind preceptors and employer-school partnerships, not directly into student bank accounts.

How the Nurse Preceptor Incentive Program Works

Since July 1, 2026, the Nurse Preceptor Incentive Program has operated under the Virginia Nursing Workforce Center after Senate Bill 405 moved it from the Virginia Department of Health.1 Eligible licensed clinicians supervising students at approved Virginia schools can receive fixed semester payments based on verified clinical hours: $500 for 25 to 70 hours, rising to $5,000 for 206 to 250 hours.2 Payments are fixed by hour range, not an hourly wage. Physicians, physician assistants, APRNs, and RNs are eligible.1 The Virginia Department of Health stopped accepting applications after April 30, 2026; applications received before then remain under review, and the center will issue future instructions.3 Earlier guidance focused on otherwise uncompensated APRN preceptors, and placement sites now include hospitals, federally qualified health centers, free clinics, private practices, rural health clinics, health departments, and long-term care facilities.1 That matters for APRN, MSN, and DNP students in NP programs in Virginia because a stipend can make a clinician more willing to precept, expanding the pool of available clinical sites.

Earn to Learn

Earn to Learn funds partnerships between educational institutions and healthcare providers. According to the program announcement, eligible partnerships can receive up to $400,000 over two years so students can earn income while completing clinical training. The student benefit is indirect: paid or income-supported clinical hours reduce the financial strain of graduate training and can make rural or safety-net placements more feasible. Because APRN and doctoral students often need several hundred clinical hours, this model can open seats that would otherwise sit empty.

Questions to Ask a Program

  • Does your program pair MSN or DNP students with NPIP-eligible Virginia preceptors, or do students recruit their own?
  • Which employer partners participate in Earn to Learn, and what income or stipend do students receive during clinical rotations?
  • If a preceptor is otherwise uncompensated, will the school verify and submit clinical hours for the semester payment?

How Virginia Compares: NURSE Corps and Other State Nursing Funding Models

Federal NURSE Corps: Tuition, Stipend, and Critical Shortage Service

The federal NURSE Corps Scholarship Program, outlined in the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program Fact Sheet, covers tuition and required fees and provides a monthly stipend to nursing students in accredited programs. After graduation, scholars serve at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility. The commitment generally lasts two years, with up to four years possible for longer support. The NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program serves registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses who work full time, at least 32 hours per week, at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility in a high-need area.1 For FY 2026, the program paid 60 percent of qualifying nursing education debt over a two-year commitment, as 30 percent per year. A third consecutive year could add 25 percent, for a maximum of 85 percent.2 The 2026 application closed March 12, 2026.2

State Comparisons: Idaho and Maryland

Idaho's Rural Nursing Loan Repayment Program offers up to $25,000 over three years to RNs and LPNs in rural or underserved direct care, a smaller but longer commitment than Virginia's initial $2,000 award.3 Maryland's FY 2027 program is larger: RNs and LPNs can receive up to $50,000 for a two-year obligation, and APRNs up to $100,000. Maryland defines full-time as 40 or more hours per week, higher than HRSA's 32-hour standard.4

Where Virginia Stands Apart

Virginia's state awards are modest next to Maryland's loan repayment, but Virginia layers incentives that many states do not. The Nurse Preceptor Incentive Program pays eligible clinicians $500 to $5,000 per semester for supervising nursing students, and Earn to Learn partnerships can receive up to $400,000 over two years to support income while students complete clinical training. Together, those programs target both student costs and clinical seat capacity.

Verify Before You Accept

Before accepting any award, use a nursing program comparison checklist and confirm the current deadline, service terms, school eligibility, and tax treatment on the official HRSA, Virginia Department of Health, or state program site. Award amounts and hours definitions shift by year, so do not rely on older fact sheets alone.

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