Nursing Education Scholarship (NES)
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Up to $9,238 or $18,856 a year (by program type) for high-need Illinois nursing students who agree to work as nurses in Illinois.
- How much
- up to $9,238 or $18,856 per year (2026-27), depending on program
- Who qualifies
- Illinois resident for at least one year before applying; enrolled or accepted in an Illinois nursing program approved by IDFPR or IBHE; satisfactory academic progress; must work as a nurse in Illinois after graduating.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- For nursing students
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual application window typically March 1 – April 30 (2026-27 extended to May 31, 2026); awards made in September.
- How to apply
- During the spring window, submit the NES Application/Work Agreement/Promissory Note through the ISAC Student Portal, and file the FAFSA for the same year
- Reapply every year
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 20, 2026, against the official page (isac.org)
The details
For students in practical nursing certificate, associate, hospital-based diploma, bachelor's or graduate nursing programs at approved Illinois schools. 2026-27 maximum annual award: $9,238 (LPN certificate any school; ADN at community colleges/nursing schools; hospital diploma at community colleges) or $18,856 (ADN at 2-year private or 4-year schools; BSN; graduate nursing; nurse educator). Pays part of tuition and fees for nursing coursework (not prerequisites), plus a living allowance for full-time students, in all terms including summer. Years of aid: 1 (LPN), 2 (ADN), 3 (diploma), 4 (BSN), 5 (graduate), 3 (nurse educator). Recipients must work as an LPN, RN, APRN or nurse educator in Illinois within 12 months of graduating, for as long as the aid covered. Otherwise they repay it with 7% interest. Awarded to renewals first, then new applicants by lowest SAI.
More money from Illinois
- Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grantup to $8,400 per year (tuition and mandatory fees only)
- AIM HIGH Grant Programvaries by university
- Higher Education License Plate (HELP) Programvaries; tuition and mandatory fees only
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.