# Why Second-Degree Nursing Students Can't Count on Pell — and What to Use Instead --- **Featured Image:** [Student in a library studies financial aid forms with a laptop, surrounded by papers and other students.] (https://absn.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2026/09/financial_aid_options-scaled.jpg) --- **Author:** ABSN Editorial Team **Published:** September 11, 2026 **Updated:** September 11, 2026 --- Students entering an ABSN or another second-degree nursing program generally cannot rely on Pell Grants because they already hold a bachelor’s degree. Instead, they may need to consider other nursing Pell Grant alternatives, including scholarships, institutional aid, employer support, federal loans, and private loans. Because eligibility varies, students should confirm available funding with each school’s financial aid office. ## **Why Second-Degree Nursing Students Usually Cannot Receive Pell Grants** Federal Pell Grants are generally available only to undergraduate students who have not already earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. That means most students entering an ABSN or another second-degree nursing program are no longer eligible, even though the nursing program itself leads to an undergraduate degree. Narrow exceptions exist for certain postbaccalaureate teacher-certification and eligible workforce programs, but they do not ordinarily apply to ABSN students. Pell eligibility and FAFSA eligibility are not the same thing. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree can still submit the FAFSA, which may help determine eligibility for other aid, including federal student loans and some state or institutional assistance. Prospective students should therefore complete the FAFSA when appropriate rather than assuming that losing Pell eligibility means losing access to all federal or school-based aid. ## **What to Use Instead of a Pell Grant for Nursing School** No single funding source fully replaces a Pell Grant, but second-degree nursing students can combine several nursing Pell Grant alternatives to reduce what they must pay or borrow. ### **Scholarships for ABSN and Second-Degree Nursing Students** Scholarships may be available through nursing schools, universities, hospitals, healthcare systems, professional associations, foundations, and community organizations. Because eligibility rules vary, applicants should confirm that awards are open to students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Students may have better odds by applying for multiple smaller awards rather than depending on one large scholarship. Start with school-specific opportunities and broader[ ABSN scholarships] (https://absn.org/resources/absn-scholarships/) that match your qualifications. ### **Institutional and State-Based Aid** Even when Pell is unavailable, some colleges offer nursing-specific scholarships, donor-funded awards, merit aid, or need-based assistance to second-degree students. State programs may also provide support, but eligibility rules vary widely and some exclude students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Ask each school specifically what institutional or state aid is available to second-degree nursing students, rather than assuming general undergraduate aid rules apply. ### **Federal Direct Loans** Second-degree nursing students may still qualify for federal [Direct Loans] (https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized) even when Pell Grants are unavailable. However, any federal loans borrowed for a previous degree can reduce the amount of remaining undergraduate loan eligibility. Because available amounts depend on prior borrowing and other eligibility factors, students should rely on their school’s financial aid office and official aid offer to determine how much federal loan funding they can actually receive. ### **Employer or Healthcare-System Support** Some employers and healthcare systems offer tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, sponsorships, or discounts through partner schools. These benefits can reduce out-of-pocket costs, but they may come with employment, grade, or postgraduation service requirements. Students should review the terms carefully and confirm that the benefit applies to an ABSN or other second-degree nursing program. ### **Private Student Loans** Private student loans can help cover a remaining funding gap, but they are not equivalent to Pell Grants. They are generally credit-based, may require a cosigner, and typically offer fewer borrower protections than federal student loans. Students should first compare scholarships, institutional aid, employer support, and remaining federal loan eligibility before turning to private borrowing. ## **How to Prioritize Your Pell Grant Alternatives** Because nursing Pell Grant alternatives vary in cost and repayment obligations, it helps to consider them in this order: 1. Look for scholarships and grants that do not require repayment. 2. Ask the school about institutional aid for second-degree students. 3. Investigate employer or healthcare-system funding. 4. Review your remaining federal Direct Loan eligibility. 5. Consider private loans only for any remaining gap. This approach prioritizes funding that does not need to be repaid before adding debt. ## **What If the Funding Gap Is Still Too Large?** Without Pell eligibility, the remaining cost of a second-degree nursing program can be substantial. Compare total program cost—not just advertised tuition—including required fees, living expenses, available aid, and expected borrowing. If the gap remains too large, choosing one of the[ most affordable ABSN programs] (https://absn.org/degrees/bachelors/cheapest-absn-programs/) may be a better option than simply taking on more debt. ## **Pell Grant Alternatives for Second-Degree Nursing Students: FAQ** ### **Can I Get a Pell Grant if I Already Have a Bachelor’s Degree?** Generally, no. Pell Grants are usually limited to undergraduate students who have not already earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. Narrow exceptions exist, but they ordinarily do not apply to ABSN students. ### **Should I Still Complete the FAFSA if I Cannot Get Pell?** Yes. The FAFSA may still be used to determine eligibility for federal student loans and some state or institutional aid. ### **Are There Grants Specifically for Second-Degree Nursing Students?** Sometimes. Schools, states, employers, healthcare systems, foundations, and other organizations may offer grants or scholarships that include second-degree nursing students, but eligibility varies. ### **Are Scholarships Better Than Student Loans?** Scholarships generally do not require repayment, making them preferable when available. However, they are competitive and may cover only part of a student’s costs. ### **Can Federal Loans Replace the Pell Grant?** Federal loans can help pay for school, but they are not a true replacement for Pell because they generally must be repaid. ### **What If Scholarships and Federal Loans Still Do Not Cover My ABSN?** Students may need to combine institutional aid, employer assistance, personal resources, or private loans, or consider a lower-cost program to reduce the remaining gap. ## **Finding a Realistic Way to Fund a Second-Degree Nursing Program** Second-degree nursing students generally should not include Pell Grants in their expected funding plan. Instead, build around confirmed scholarships, school-specific aid, employer support, available federal loans, and additional borrowing only when necessary. Because eligibility varies by program and student, verify each funding source rather than assuming it applies simply because an ABSN is an undergraduate degree.