Scholarships for Kirkhof College of Nursing students

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. Click here to view a comprehensive list of all GVSU scholarships without logging in.
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
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
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.
Local and national opportunities for all students based on various criteria.
Special Assistance
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].

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.

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.