Scholarships for Kirkhof College of Nursing students

Nursing student studying

The Kirkhof College of Nursing and Grand Valley State University offer a wide variety of scholarship opportunities for new and returning undergraduate and graduate-level students. Scholarships are a great resource to help reduce your reliance on student loans. 

For most Grand Valley scholarships, the application period opens October 1 with a March 1 deadline. Review and apply for scholarships by logging into myScholarships. 

Visit the GVSU Financial Aid website to explore additional financial aid options including Admission Scholarships for first-year and transfer students, Robert and Ellen Thompson Scholarships, grant opportunities, and personal loans.

The GVSU scholarships team is here to help you! If you would like to schedule an appointment for assistance with your scholarship search and to receive feedback on your general application, please email [email protected].

Undergraduate Scholarships

  • Esther R. Stotz Nursing Scholarship Endowment: The purpose of this scholarship is to provide a distinguished scholarship award to an entering freshman who plans to pursue a degree in nursing. Students must have a 3.6 GPA and a minimum 30 ACT composite score to apply.
    • Award: Varies
    • Application Deadline: May 1
    • Dr. Esther and Enrico Sobong Scholarship: This scholarship will assist students with financial needs who are non-traditional students with unique pathways to education including child/family responsibilities, re-entry to college after some significant time away, or exceptional life circumstances due to employment or other challenges.
      • Award: up to $1,500
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Michigan Board of Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship is funded by the State of Michigan. GVSU has decided to award these scholarships to students who are currently in the RN to BSN completion program.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Steven and Kathryn '83 Bandstra Health Sciences Scholarship: RN to BSN: assists students with demonstrated financial need and those who need support to fill the gap between their personal contribution and financial aid in the Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (undergraduate) program. Preference will be given to students who are interested in senior care.
      • Award: $5,000
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Steven and Kathryn '83 Bandstra Clinical Placement Scholarship: RN to BSN: assist students with demonstrated financial need and those who need support to fill the gap between their personal contribution and financial aid. Preference will be given to students with clinical placements outside of urban areas in Western or Northern Michigan.
      • Award: $2,000
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Teri Linn (Houghton) Marsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship supports students enrolled in the Kirkhof College of Nursing in one of the following programs: RN to BSN, traditional BSN, second degree BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. Pre-nursing students are not eligible.
      • Award: Varies
      • Deadline: May 1
         
    • Wildey Family Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to help widen the pathway to graduation for nursing students from middle-income families who do not qualify for federal need-based aid and are ineligible for many of the government programs intended to help defray the costs of tuition and fees. Support from the Grand Valley community will impact the University’s highest priority and help students from middle-income families to avoid indebtedness, achieve their goals, and become fully engaged citizens.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
    • Esther R. Padnos Nursing Endowment: Recognizing the national shortage of nurses and its impact on health care, Esther Padnos has come to appreciate how fortunate the residents of West Michigan are to have a cadre of well-qualified, caring, and dedicated nurses. This scholarship fulfills Esther's vision by assisting students in the accelerated nursing program.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Gail & Scott Haebich Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship seeks to assist students in obtaining their goals in the field of nursing. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, be in their last six semesters at the Kirkhof College of Nursing, and must demonstrate financial need. Candidates who have previously earned an undergraduate or graduate degree are eligible to apply.
      • Award: Up to $1,000
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Helene Fuld Health Trust Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students with the costs of the Accelerated Second Degree Baccalaureate Nursing Program.
      • Award: $5,000
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Judith S. Pratt Non-Traditional Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship was established to benefit the nontraditional nursing student who has previously earned a BS/BA degree and desires to complete a BSN degree. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better to be considered.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Maria I. Perez Nursing Scholarship: assists any nursing student pursuing a BSN degree (including nontraditional students and those pursuing a second degree) who are dedicated to promoting academic, professional, and personal growth for people who have been historically underrepresented in the nursing profession.
      • Award: $1,500
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Teri Linn (Houghton) Marsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship supports students enrolled in the Kirkhof College of Nursing in one of the following programs: RN to BSN, traditional BSN, second degree BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. Pre-nursing students are not eligible.
      • Award: Varies
      • Deadline: May 1
         
    • Wildey Family Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to help widen the pathway to graduation for nursing students from middle-income families who do not qualify for federal need-based aid and are ineligible for many of the government programs intended to help defray the costs of tuition and fees. Support from the Grand Valley community will impact the University’s highest priority and help students from middle-income families to avoid indebtedness, achieve their goals, and become fully engaged citizens.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
    • Beatrice "Bea" A. Idema Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship provides support to junior or senior-level nursing students in the Kirkhof College of Nursing who have above a 3.2 GPA.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Budden Family Pathway Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to help widen the pathway to graduation for students from middle-income families who do not qualify for federal non-need based aid and are ineligible for many of the government programs intended to help defray the costs of tuition and fees. Support from the Grand Valley community will impact the University’s highest priority, and help students from middle-income families to avoid indebtedness, achieve their goals, and become fully engaged citizens. 
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Candace Otte Scholarship for Nursing: This scholarship benefits a deserving BSN or graduate nursing student interested in entering the paramedic career field. Preference will be given to candidates who are licensed Paramedics, Advanced EMT, or who have equivalent training.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Carl Erickson and Mary O'Neill Pathway Endowed Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to help widen the pathway to graduation for senior engineering, computer science, and nursing students from middle-income families who do not qualify for federal need-based aid and are ineligible for many of the government programs intended to help defray the costs of tuition and fees.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Douglas C. and Kimberly K. Fenbert Endowed Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship assists talented nursing students with the cost of their education.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Dr. Linda D. Scott Nursing Student Success Scholarship: To assist nontraditional Kirkhof College of Nursing students who embody leadership and balance work and school responsibilities.
      • Award: $3,000
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Dr. Sara Kane-Smart Scholarship in Honor of the Children's Advocacy Center in Holland: The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage and assist students with career goals in child abuse prevention and advocacy who have demonstrated a commitment to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children. Preference will be given to students with permanent residence in Ottawa or Allegan counties.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Eugene and Lillian Pawl Scholarship: Dr. Lawrence E. Pawl established this scholarship in 2006 to honor his parents, Eugene and Lillian, who did not graduate from college but provided their son the opportunity. This scholarship benefits first-generation nursing students. Applicants must be in their junior or senior year.
      • Award: $1,500
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Florence Cowan Ward Scholarship for Nursing: this scholarship benefits nursing students and is awarded to the highest-qualifying applicants. Each recipient receives up to $1,000. This scholarship was established to provide a lasting memorial in honor of Florence Cowan Ward, who worked at Butterworth Hospital during her lifetime.
      • Award: Up to $1,000
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Gail & Scott Haebich Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship seeks to assist students in obtaining their goals in the field of nursing. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, be in their last six semesters at the Kirkhof College of Nursing, and must demonstrate financial need. Candidates who have previously earned an undergraduate or graduate degree are eligible to apply.
      • Award: Up to $1,000
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Grace Huizinga Endowed Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to be used to assist historically underrepresented individuals including students of color, ELS, and students who identify with a diverse sexual identity including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA) in pursuit of a degree from the Kirkhof College of Nursing or College of Health Professions.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Gracias Family Nursing Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students with their undergraduate or graduate degrees within the Kirkhof College of Nursing.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • James R. Moyer Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to support students pursuing careers to assist the aging population with recovery from disease and injuries, and the expansion of careers that keep older Americans in their homes. Students must be an undergraduate junior or senior, or a graduate student enrolled full-time.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Jamie A. Allen '14, '15 Black STEM Professional Advancement Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to help relieve the financial burden and reward African American students pursuing careers in vital professions where African Americans have traditionally been known to be inadequately represented. The ideal candidate strives to personally accomplish various levels of success, but also realizes the significance of reaching back to uplift others as they climb.
      • Award: $5,000
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Kristin M. Zoller Cooper BSN '94, MSN '02 Nursing Scholarship: Created in honor of Kristin M. Zoller Cooper BSN, '94, this fund provides support for single student parents who are pursuing a BSN or MSN degree in nursing and reduces financial pressure on students.
      • Award: $2,000
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Kirkhof College of Nursing Alumni Scholarship: This scholarship supports undergraduate senior nursing students who have financial need. 
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Koning Family Health Sciences Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to help widen the pathway to graduation for students from middle-income families who do not qualify for federal need-based aid and are ineligible for many of the government programs intended to help defray the costs of tuition and fees.
      • Award: $3,000 
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Rita Stephanak Memorial Nursing Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to nursing students in their final year of studies.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Lynne Kraemer Memorial Endowment: This endowed scholarship benefits deserving students enrolling in the nursing program who demonstrate financial need. Recipients are awarded $1,000. Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Kraemer, from Detroit, Michigan, established this scholarship in memory of the tragic death of their daughter, Lynne Kraemer.
      • Award: $1,000
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Maria I. Perez Nursing Scholarship: assists any nursing student pursuing a BSN degree (including nontraditional students and those pursuing a second degree) who are dedicated to promoting academic, professional, and personal growth for people who have been historically underrepresented in the nursing profession.
      • Award: $1,500
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students pursuing a degree in the College of Health Professions, Kirkhof College of Nursing, School of Social Work, School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, or Psychology.
      • Award: $2,500
      • Application Deadline: March 1

    • Rick K. Hamlin Memorial Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to assist Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT+) students with the costs of a Grand Valley State University (GVSU) education and encourage them to get involved with the GVSU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT+) Resource Center. Students must identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ+), be an undergraduate junior or senior enrolled in 12 credit hours or more, and priority will be given to students with a declared major or demonstrated interest in Environmental Design, Nursing, Psychology, and Education.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Samuel L. Westerman Nursing Scholarship Endowment: This scholarship benefits full-time nursing students at the junior and senior levels who have demonstrated financial need. Students must be active in volunteer community service programs and have a 3.0 GPA to apply.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Spectrum Health Diversity Scholarship: This scholarship was established to encourage persons of color from Michigan to pursue and complete degrees in the health care field. Candidates must be accepted by GVSU for enrollment as an undergraduate junior or senior, second-degree bachelors levels, or graduate student and admitted to one of the programs offered by The Kirkhof College of Nursing or the College of Health Professions. This fund is in compliance with Prop 2-06 because it was established prior to its passing in 2006. At the donor's wishes, this fund will continue making awards as originally intended, and in return, no new gifts to the fund can be accepted.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Teri Linn (Houghton) Marsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship supports students enrolled in the Kirkhof College of Nursing in one of the following programs: RN to BSN, traditional BSN, second degree BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. Pre-nursing students are not eligible.
      • Award: Varies
      • Deadline: May 1
         
    • Volkhardt Family Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students who demonstrate financial need and are attending the Kirkhof College of Nursing. Students must be in their junior year. Doris Volkhardt, throughout her life, received care from many nurses and physical therapists and wishes to honor those who cared for her by providing this scholarship for future nurses and physical therapists.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Wildey Family Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to help widen the pathway to graduation for nursing students from middle-income families who do not qualify for federal need-based aid and are ineligible for many of the government programs intended to help defray the costs of tuition and fees. Support from the Grand Valley community will impact the University’s highest priority and help students from middle-income families to avoid indebtedness, achieve their goals, and become fully engaged citizens.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1

    Corewell Health West (BHSH) Nurse Scholars Program

    The purpose of the Grant is to provide student financial assistance grants to nursing students that are admitted and enrolled in the expanded traditional GVSU nursing program, thereby increasing the pipeline of nurses in the West Michigan community and nurses employed at BHSH.

    Click here for more information if you are a traditional BSN student

    Click here for more information if you are a Accelerated Second Degree BSN student

    Corewell Health/GV partnership video

    Pine Rest Academy

    Pine Rest Academy for Nursing Students is partnering with Grand Valley State University to provide up to $10,000 in tuition assistance per semester (up to $40,000 total) for each student interested in pursuing an Accelerated Second Degree BSN, and has been accepted into the academy. In return, the student agrees to work at Pine Rest during nursing school and for two years after being licensed by the State of Michigan.

    Click here to apply for the academy!

    Graduate Scholarships

    • Budden Family Pathway Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to help widen the pathway to graduation for students from middle-income families who do not qualify for federal non-need based aid and are ineligible for many of the government programs intended to help defray the costs of tuition and fees. Support from the Grand Valley community will impact the University’s highest priority, and help students from middle-income families to avoid indebtedness, achieve their goals, and become fully engaged citizens. 
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Candace Otte Scholarship for Nursing: This scholarship benefits a deserving BSN or graduate nursing student interested in entering the paramedic career field. Preference will be given to candidates who are licensed Paramedics, Advanced EMT, or who have equivalent training.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Cheryl Borgman Student Assistance Fund: This financial fund assists undergraduate and graduate nursing students with non-tuition-related expenses such as books, materials, and travel expenses for clinical placements so they can focus on successfully completing their nursing degree.
       
    • Dr. Linda D. Scott Nursing Student Success Scholarship: To assist nontraditional Kirkhof College of Nursing students who embody leadership and balance work and school responsibilities.
      • Award: $3,000
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Gail & Scott Haebich Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship seeks to assist students in obtaining their goals in the field of nursing. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, be in their last six semesters at the Kirkhof College of Nursing, and must demonstrate financial need. Candidates who have previously earned an undergraduate or graduate degree are eligible to apply.
      • Award: Up to $1,000
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Gracias Family Nursing Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students with their undergraduate or graduate degrees within the Kirkhof College of Nursing.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students pursuing a degree in the College of Health Professions, Kirkhof College of Nursing, School of Social Work, School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, or Psychology.
      • Award: $2,500
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Spectrum Health Diversity Scholarship: This scholarship was established to encourage persons of color from Michigan to pursue and complete degrees in the health care field. Candidates must be accepted by GVSU for enrollment as an undergraduate junior or senior, second-degree bachelors levels, or graduate student and admitted to one of the programs offered by The Kirkhof College of Nursing or the College of Health Professions. This fund is in compliance with Prop 2-06 because it was established prior to its passing in 2006. At the donor's wishes, this fund will continue making awards as originally intended, and in return, no new gifts to the fund can be accepted.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Teri Linn (Houghton) Marsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship supports students enrolled in the Kirkhof College of Nursing in one of the following programs: RN to BSN, traditional BSN, second degree BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. Pre-nursing students are not eligible.
      • Award: Varies
      • Deadline: May 1
         
    • Dr. Esther and Enrico Sobong Scholarship: This scholarship will assist students with financial needs who are non-traditional students with unique pathways to education including child/family responsibilities, re-entry to college after some significant time away, or exceptional life circumstances due to employment or other challenges.
      • Award: up to $1,500
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Wildey Family Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to help widen the pathway to graduation for nursing students from middle-income families who do not qualify for federal need-based aid and are ineligible for many of the government programs intended to help defray the costs of tuition and fees. Support from the Grand Valley community will impact the University’s highest priority and help students from middle-income families to avoid indebtedness, achieve their goals, and become fully engaged citizens.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
    • Kristin M. Zoller Cooper BSN '94, MSN '02 Nursing Scholarship: Created in honor of Kristin M. Zoller Cooper BSN, '94, this fund provides support for single student parents who are pursuing a BSN or MSN degree in nursing and reduces financial pressure on students.
      • Award: $2,000
      • Application Deadline: May 1
    • Steven and Kathryn '83 Bandstra Health Sciences Scholarship: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): assists students with demonstrated financial need and those who need support to fill the gap between their personal contribution and financial aid in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (graduate) program. Preference is given to students who are interested in senior care. 
      • Award: $5,000
      • Application Deadline: May 1
         
    • Steven and Kathryn '83 Bandstra Clinical Placement Scholarship: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): assist students with demonstrated financial need and those who need support to fill the gap between their personal contribution and financial aid. Preference will be given to students with clinical placements outside of urban areas in Western or Northern Michigan.
      • Award: $2,000
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Kipp and Erin Chillag Endowed Scholarship: This endowed scholarship assists a Doctor of Nursing Practice student in the Nurse Practitioner track.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: March 1
         
    • Jean E. Martin Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarship: This scholarship will assist students pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree who are interested in child and adolescent health issues. To encourage those who are involved in professional organizations, preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate their involvement in professional nursing organizations and community initiates to advance nursing practice.
      • Award: $10,000
      • Application Deadline: May 1
    • Brintnall Interprofessional Palliative and Hospice Care Endowed Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to assist post-baccalaureate level students with the costs of completing the Interprofessional Palliative and Hospice Care Certificate at GVSU.
      • Award: Varies
      • Application Deadline: May 1

    External Scholarships

    Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

    The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nurse Corps Scholarship Program provides financial support to students enrolled in nursing degree programs in exchange for a commitment to serve in high-need areas across the country.

    External Scholarship Database

    Local and national opportunities for all students based on various criteria.

    Special Assistance

    Cheryl Borgman Nursing Student Assistance Fund

    This financial fund assists undergraduate and graduate nursing students with non-tuition-related expenses such as books, materials, and travel expenses for clinical placements so they can focus on successfully completing their nursing degree. 

    You can submit a request for yourself or in support of a GVSU nursing student. The application requires the support of a KCON faculty member, who will be contacted to provide a written recommendation.

    Questions? Contact Lori Turnbull at [email protected].

    Louie the Laker in a mask
    GVSU Financial Hardship Requests

    GVSU remains committed to supporting you because of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and is here to help you in times of financial need. We understand that every student's situation is different, so we have provided you with several different options to review in the event of financial hardship.  From the generosity of the GVSU community and our partners, we have been able to provide institutional grants to those who have faced economic hardship.  Financial hardship funds are available to help students meet their basic needs, and help cover educational costs (such as housing, food, and textbooks) that a student could not otherwise pay out of pocket.  

    Apples
    Replenish: A Food Resource for Students

    Replenish, the university's food pantry and food resource for students, provides food and personal care items for students who face financial struggles that affect their food access.

    Locations: Kirkhof 074 - Allendale Campus and the Steelcase Library on the DeVos Campus.


    Page last modified June 27, 2024
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