If I were addressing you in lecture, I’d open with the search terms many of you are already typing each fall: “nursing scholarships 2025,” “AACN scholarships,” “pre-licensure funding.” Right now, there’s a nationally recognized opportunity tailor-made for entry-level students: the new AACN–Certiphi Scholarship awarding three $5,000 awards each year via the Foundation for Academic Nursing—AACN’s philanthropic arm. The launch was announced by AACN on September 2, 2025 (AACN press release; also distributed via Newswise).
Here’s the headline for your calendar: Applications are open now with a portal-listed deadline of November 1, 2025 (official AACN scholarship portal). AACN’s scholarship page confirms the window opens September 1 and closes November 1 (program page). Note: the press release references a “through November 3” close; when in doubt, follow the portal date (Nov 1) and submit early.
Why we’re covering this on GoodNurse: funding content draws high-intent readers who often become long-term learners in our ecosystem. If you’re planning NCLEX prep while managing tuition, this scholarship can lighten the load—and we’ll show you exactly how to apply, who qualifies, and how to make your 500-word essay stand out.
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Table of Contents
- What Is the AACN–Certiphi Scholarship? (Amount, Awards, Why It Exists)
- Who’s Eligible & How to Apply (Essay, GPA, School Requirements)
- Timeline, Official Links, Discounts & Professor’s Tips to Win
- FAQs
- Key Takeaways
- Further Reading
What Is the AACN–Certiphi Scholarship? (Amount, Awards, Why It Exists)
Program overview. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and Certiphi Screening—a widely used compliance-screening partner in the health professions—launched a new scholarship to support the preparation of future nurses. Three $5,000 awards are granted annually through AACN’s Foundation for Academic Nursing (AACN announcement). The official scholarship details—including application window and eligibility—are outlined on the Foundation’s page (AACN Foundation scholarship page).
Why Certiphi? Earlier this year, AACN designated Certiphi as a preferred partner—negotiating up to 30% discounts for students on background checks and related compliance services (AACN–Certiphi partnership news). That relationship underpins both the new scholarship and cost-savings students may leverage during clinical onboarding.
Professor’s note: When a national body like AACN funds pre-licensure students, selection committees look for two themes: (1) evidence you’ll **strengthen the workforce** (read: clinical judgment, safety, resilience), and (2) a credible plan to **finish on time** and contribute. Your 500-word essay should make those two points unmistakable.
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Who’s Eligible & How to Apply (Essay, GPA, School Requirements)
Who can apply (summarized from AACN):
- Entry-level pre-licensure nursing students (traditional BSN or direct-entry) currently enrolled and actively taking classes.
- Attending an AACN member school.
- GPA ≥ 3.2.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident (per program page).
- Submission includes a 500-word essay describing your intended impact or how you’ll address a challenge in nursing (AACN Foundation scholarship page).
Where to apply: Use the authenticated scholarship portal—the same place AACN lists all open cycles and deadlines (AACN Secure Platform).
How to apply (professor’s checklist):
- Confirm membership: Verify your school is an AACN member (program/Dean’s office can confirm; AACN maintains member listings).
- Gather documents early: unofficial transcript for GPA, enrollment verification, resume.
- Draft the 500-word essay (see tips below). I recommend opening with a concise clinical or patient-safety moment that shaped your trajectory—then connect it to a concrete plan (coursework, clinicals, capstone, leadership).
- Request a quick peer review (faculty mentor or writing center) and run a final proof.
- Submit before the portal deadline. (Remember, the portal shows Nov 1, 2025; the press release mentioned “through Nov 3”—always defer to the portal date.)
Professor’s note (essay): Committees skim fast. Lead with a one-line “why me, why now,” then show impact. Example arc: challenge → action → learning → how the funds accelerate finishing/licensure → patient/community benefit. Keep your sentences active and specific.
If you want an edge outlining and tightening your essay, use our AI Prompt Library for Nursing Students to generate draft angles and tighten word count without losing your voice.
Timeline, Official Links, Discounts & Professor’s Tips to Win
Application window (2025): Opens September 1 and closes November 1 per AACN’s scholarship page and portal (scholarship details; portal). The press release announcing the program was dated Sept 2, 2025 (AACN press release).
Award amount: $5,000 per recipient; three awards annually (AACN Foundation).
Discounts worth knowing: AACN’s partnership with Certiphi provides up to 30% off common student compliance requirements (background checks, drug screens, and record tracking) for AACN member schools—useful as you enter clinicals (AACN partnership announcement).
Official links (bookmark these):
- Program page (eligibility & overview): AACN Foundation – Certiphi–AACN Scholarship
- Application portal (deadline listings & submission): aacnnursing.secure-platform.com
- Launch announcement (PR): AACN Newsroom | Newswise syndication
Professor’s tips to stand out (beyond GPA ≥ 3.2 and the 500-word essay):
- Show clinical judgment growth. Briefly link a patient scenario to how you’ve improved accuracy/safety. For inspiration, practice judgment steps from our NGN guide: How to Read NGN Case Stems.
- Demonstrate momentum toward licensure. Mention your timeline to sit for NCLEX and how you’re reinforcing high-yield skills (e.g., dosage math, labs).
- Tie funds to finish-line outcomes. Spell out where the money goes (tuition gap, childcare, commuting, certification fees) and how that prevents delays.
- Submit early & clean. The portal sometimes closes at 11:59 p.m. in a specific time zone; don’t risk a time-stamp surprise.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the AACN–Certiphi Scholarship?
Entry-level pre-licensure nursing students enrolled at AACN member schools with GPA ≥ 3.2, plus a 500-word essay, per the Foundation’s scholarship page (AACN Foundation).
What is the deadline for 2025?
The portal lists November 1, 2025; AACN’s press release references “through November 3.” Use the portal’s deadline and submit early (AACN portal; press release).
How much is awarded and how many students receive it?
Three awards of $5,000 are granted annually through the Foundation for Academic Nursing (program page).
Does the AACN–Certiphi partnership offer other benefits to students?
Yes. AACN negotiated up to 30% discounts on common compliance screenings (background checks, drug tests, record tracking) via Certiphi for AACN member schools (AACN partnership announcement).
Any essay tips?
Lead with a short clinical moment, connect to workforce impact, and close with how funds enable on-time graduation and licensure. Use our AI Prompt Library to brainstorm drafts and tighten to 500 words.
Key Takeaways
- New national scholarship: three $5,000 awards for pre-licensure students at AACN member schools (GPA ≥ 3.2, 500-word essay).
- Apply now; portal deadline Nov 1, 2025—submit early and defer to the portal over press-release phrasing.
- Official links: program details on the Foundation page; submissions via aacnnursing.secure-platform.com.
- Bonus savings: AACN’s Certiphi partnership includes up to 30% student discounts on compliance screenings.
