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Can You Get Financial Aid for LPN Programs?

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Written by Marie Hasty, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare

Can You Get Financial Aid for LPN Programs?

If you’re considering becoming a licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN or LVN), you might be wondering, Does financial aid pay for LPN programs? The short answer is yes, but there’s more to know when it comes to financial aid for LPN programs. Program tuition can range from $4,000 to $30,000, so if you’d like to bring down your out-of-pocket costs, learn more about finding and applying for financial aid.

LPN training takes about a year (fast-track LPN programs can be even faster), and it’s a great path if you’re interested in becoming a nurse without the time commitment of an RN program. LPNs perform many of the same duties as an RN but have less responsibility and a smaller practice scope. Once you’ve completed LPN training, you could work in any of the following clinical settings:

To prepare you to work in this range of settings, LPN training includes courses in anatomy and physiology, nursing skills, pharmacology, growth and development, and more. Programs also involve clinical rotations, with chances to practice your skills and gain confidence in real healthcare settings.

Free financial aid for LPN programs allows you to complete your training for less than the cost of tuition, but it takes some research to know your options. Aid is offered through training programs, private institutions, and government funds. Let’s go over what you need to know about getting help with paying for your LPN schooling.

Getting Financial Aid for LPN Programs: 3 Steps

If you need any type of financial aid for nursing school, don’t put off the research and application process. Understanding different aid opportunities takes time, and the application process does as well. Your timeline for this process will depend on a few factors, including your program’s application deadlines, start date, and location.

Step 1: Research Your Financial Aid Options

Start by understanding the types of financial aid for LPN students. Financial aid can include:

Need-based grants are funds awarded based on your financial need, not academic performance. Grants do not need to be repaid.
Scholarships may be offered based on merit, need, demographics, and/or your field of study. They do not need to be repaid.
Student loans (federal or private) must be repaid, with interest.
- Federal loans typically have lower interest rates, more flexible repayment options, and protections like deferment or forgiveness programs.
- Private loans come from banks or other lenders and often require a credit check. They may have higher rates and fewer protections, so they’re typically a second choice.

While you’re investigating your options, use trusted sources like your school’s financial aid office, the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website, and nursing-specific organizations like the AACN’s scholarships page. You can also check out our resources on paying for nursing school:

Once you know the financial aid opportunities you’d like to apply for, compile a list of their deadlines and requirements so you don’t miss the application period.

Step 2: Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your key to unlocking most financial aid opportunities. The deadline for this application depends on your state. If you’re interested in government grants for nursing school, federal student loans, or school scholarship opportunities, you’ll need to fill out this application.

Review the eligibility criteria for the FAFSA financial aid process below:

Demonstrated financial need
U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Valid social security number
Enrollment or acceptance as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Satisfactory academic progress
Consent and approval to have your federal tax information transferred directly to your application form
Must not be in default on a federal student loan or owe money on a federal student grant
Qualified to obtain a college or career school education via a high school diploma, GED, homeschool education, or an eligible career pathway program

Submit the FAFSA as early as possible for the best chance of receiving grants and scholarships. List all the schools you’re applying to — they’ll use your FAFSA information to build your financial aid package. Since LPN programs generally take a year or less, you may only need to apply once, but if you pursue aid next year, you may need to complete the application process again.

Step 3: Review Your Aid Offers and Understand Terms

Before accepting any aid, make sure you know the following:

Whether it’s a loan, grant, or scholarship
Interest rates and repayment timelines for any loans
Service commitments for programs like loan forgiveness or scholarship programs
Academic performance requirements

Financial Aid for LPN Programs: FAQ

Can I go to an LPN program for free?

The answer will depend on your area and the programs available to you. See the tips below for reducing your out-of-pocket costs:

Alongside your research on financial aid, run tuition comparisons of the schools you’re applying for. Community colleges typically have lower tuition than private, for-profit schools.
If you’re employed as a CNA or medical assistant, ask your employer if they offer tuition reimbursement in exchange for a work commitment after graduation.
Check if your state offers workforce development grants or special funding for nursing students. Some states fully cover nursing school tuition for residents entering high-need healthcare fields.

Will the Pell Grant pay for nursing school?

If you plan on pursuing LPN training, you will not be eligible for a Pell Grant. These federal grants are offered to students pursuing bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degrees. For example, a BSN student may be eligible for a Pell Grant.

Do LPNs qualify for student loan forgiveness?

Yes. If you work for a government or nonprofit, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) will forgive your loans once you’ve made qualifying payments for 120 months. Individual states may also have student loan forgiveness programs for clinicians working in rural health, mental health, or other high-need areas.

Find Roles for Nursing Professionals

Finding financial aid for LPN programs can be a long process, but finding a nursing job doesn’t have to be. When you sign up for nursing job notifications, roles will come to you. Learn more today.