This curated list highlights leading public universities that provide high-quality nursing education combined with significant financial support. While rare as a single 'full ride,' these institutions offer merit-based scholarships, tuition waivers, and state-sponsored programs that can effectively cover the majority of costs for eligible students.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
A top-ranked public research university offering a prestigious Nursing program. It provides the prestigious UF Scholar award and various merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition costs for high-achieving applicants, alongside numerous need-based aid options.
Consistently ranked among the best public universities in the nation, UNC offers robust financial aid packages. Students can access the Tar Heel Grant and various department-specific scholarships that, when combined with Pell Grants, can cover a substantial portion of educational expenses.
Offers a highly respected School of Nursing with diverse scholarship opportunities. The Regents' Scholarship and other merit awards can cover full tuition and fees for exceptional students, while need-based grants ensure accessibility for low-income families.
Known for its excellence in healthcare education, UVA offers the prestigious Jefferson Scholarship. This full-ride award covers tuition, room, and board for top-tier students, including those pursuing degrees in the School of Nursing.
Provides substantial need-based aid through the Wisconsin Grant. Combined with the Chancellor's Scholarship for academically exceptional students, it can create a nearly debt-free nursing education for qualified candidates.
Home to a renowned nursing program, UCLA offers the UCLA College Dean's Scholars Program. This merit-based award can provide significant financial relief, though students must also leverage federal aid and work-study programs for full coverage.
Offers the Texas Exes Scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees for outstanding students. The College of Nursing provides additional specific grants, making it possible to achieve a low-cost or fully funded education for high achievers.
Provides the Maryland Honors College Scholarship, which can cover full tuition and fees. Nursing students in the honors track benefit from this substantial support, along with access to specialized nursing scholarships and stipends.
The College of Health and Human Development offers merit scholarships like the University Honors Scholarship. While rarely a full ride alone, it significantly reduces costs, especially when combined with federal loans and work-study opportunities.
Offers the University Scholar Award, one of the most prestigious merit scholarships, which can cover full tuition and fees. Nursing students can also access specific college-level grants to further reduce overall educational costs.
Known for its strong healthcare programs, UW offers the Washington State Need-Based Scholarship. For nursing students, combining this with the College of Nursing merit awards can lead to significant financial assistance and reduced debt burden.
Provides the President's Scholarship, a full-tuition merit award for top students. Nursing applicants can also utilize the Gies College of Nursing scholarships, which complement federal aid to make education more affordable.
Offers the Trustee Scholarship, which covers full tuition and required fees. Nursing students may also qualify for additional college-specific awards, helping to bridge the gap for remaining costs like housing and books.
Provides the Regents' Scholarship, a full-ride merit award for outstanding high school students. Nursing students can further reduce costs through specific department grants and state-funded assistance programs available to Kansas residents.
Offers the President's Scholarship, which covers full tuition and mandatory fees. Nursing students can also access the College of Nursing scholarship fund, providing additional financial support for high-achieving candidates.
Provides the Regents' Medal Scholarship, a full-tuiton merit award. Nursing students benefit from this significant support, along with access to state-sponsored nursing programs that offer tuition waivers for those committing to service in rural areas.
Known for its strong health sciences programs, UAB offers the President's Honors Scholarship. This award covers full tuition and fees, making it an excellent option for high-achieving nursing students seeking a fully funded public education.
Offers the Chancellor's Scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees for exceptional students. Nursing students can also access the College of Nursing scholarship, providing additional financial aid to support their degree completion.
Provides the Chancellor's Scholarship, a full-tuition merit award. Nursing students can further reduce costs through the College of Nursing scholarship program, which supports students with demonstrated academic excellence and financial need.
Offers the Presidential Scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees. Nursing students can also access specific college grants and participate in service-oriented scholarship programs that waive tuition in exchange for community service commitments.