Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship

If you are thinking about a career in nursing; whether as an Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Registered Nurse (RN); the Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship could help make that dream much more affordable. This scholarship was created specifically for students like you who want to enter high-demand fields right here in Kansas.

What Is the Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship?

The Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship is designed to encourage enrollment in LPN or RN nursing programs. Recipients are legally obligated to practice nursing in Kansas for each year that they receive the scholarship.

Who Can Apply?

The Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship is for students enrolled in Kansas nursing programs, including:

Bachelor of science in nursing (leads to RN licensure)
Associate degree Nursing (leads to RN licensure)
Practical Nursing programs (leads to LPN licensure)

How Much Money Could You Receive?

The Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship award depends on the type of nursing education program you enroll in. The amount can increase if you have an employer sponsor located in a rural opportunity zone. Here's how it works in plain terms:

If you are enrolled in 12 credit hours or more and DO NOT have an employer sponsor:

Licensed Practical Nurse program are eligible for $4000 each school year
Registered Nurse program are eligible for $5000 each school year

If you are enrolled in 12 credit hours or more and YOU DO have an employer sponsor:

Licensed Practical Nurse program are eligible for $5000 each school year
Registered Nurse program are eligible for $6250 each school year.

Awards are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, and financial need can come into play if there the number of applications exceed the available funds. So, it pays to apply early!

What Is An Employer Sponsor and the Rural Opportunity Zone?

Employer sponsors are any employer of LPNs or RNs licensed to operate in Kansas, including:

adult care home
psychiatric hospital
medical care facility
home health agency
local health department
state agency

Priority is given to rural-based mental health center or treatment facilities sponsors. Sponsors CANNOT be located in:

Butler County
Douglas County
Johnson County
Leavenworth County
Reno County
Riley County
Saline County
Sedgwick County
Shawnee County
Wyandotte County

The Service Obligation; What You Agree To

Accepting this scholarship means signing a legally binding agreement with the State of Kansas or the Sponsor Employer. Here's what you're committing to:

Complete your program: Graduate from your nursing program and get licensed to practice
Stay in Kansas: After graduating, live AND work in Kansas one year for every year you received the scholarship
Important: If you don't meet this requirement, you may have to pay back the scholarship money with additional interest
Good news: Kansas has a strong demand for nurses! Finding a nursing job in Kansas after graduation is very achievable; which means fulfilling the two-year work requirement should be straightforward for most graduates.

Tips for Aspiring Nursing Students

Apply early: Contact your school's financial aid office early; awards are first-come, first-served
File your FAFSA: Complete your FAFSA first so your other aid is calculated before the Promise Scholarship fills the gap
Plan your program: Talk to your school's nursing department about program timelines to make sure you can complete your program

Why Nursing Is a Great Career Choice in Kansas

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand careers in the country; and Kansas is no exception. Whether you want to work in a big city hospital, a rural community clinic, or a long-term care facility, a nursing career offers job security, meaningful work, and opportunities to grow.

The Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship exists because Kansas needs nurses like you to work in specific rural settings so that Kansans can access the healthcare they need. By choosing this path, you're not just building your own future; you're helping strengthen healthcare across the entire state.