Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS)
🏛 Health Resources and Services Administration (HHS-HRSA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for health professions students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing education in fields with workforce shortages. The program supports undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accredited institutions offering programs in medicine, dentistry, nursing, physician assistants, and other health professions. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and intent to work in underserved areas. Both individuals and educational institutions can apply, though individual applicants typically must be nominated by their schools. Geographic scope is nationwide, supporting students across all U.S. states and territories.
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Key dates
- Jun 26, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 28, 2026 Application deadline in 11 days
- Aug 1, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 1, 2026 Project start
Program description
Grant for health professions schools to offer scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- Graduate Student
- Private University
- Public University
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
- Undergraduate Student
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form (specific form varies by year; check grants.gov)
- Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or institutional financial aid documentation
- Personal statement or letter addressing commitment to serving underserved populations
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3, from faculty or supervisors)
- Institutional nomination letter (from school's financial aid or student services office)
- Curriculum vitae or resume detailing relevant experience and skills
- Documentation of disadvantaged background or financial need (as required by program)
Program contact
- 👤 Tamara Barbee
- 📧 SDSProgram@hrsa.gov
- 📞 301.443.5273
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.925 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$7,264,108
-
$4,178,364
-
$4,113,434
-
$4,095,843
-
$3,950,493
-
$3,924,941
-
$3,924,941
-
$3,924,941
-
$3,924,165
-
$3,921,495
Top States by Funding
- CA 13 awards $42.5M
- TX 10 awards $29.4M
- NC 7 awards $17.9M
- NY 3 awards $11.9M
- TN 4 awards $11.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.925). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $51,057,873 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship program?
Health professions students from disadvantaged backgrounds enrolled in accredited programs. Individual students typically apply through their educational institutions, which nominate candidates. Graduate and undergraduate students in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and related health fields may be eligible.
What is the typical application deadline?
HRSA scholarships commonly operate on fiscal year timelines with deadlines in spring or early summer. Check grants.gov for the current year's deadline, as this varies annually.
What activities or programs does this fund?
The program provides scholarship support for tuition, fees, and living expenses. It typically includes a service obligation component, where recipients agree to work in medically underserved areas for a specified period.
How competitive is this grant?
HRSA scholarship programs are highly competitive. Award rates are typically 10-25% of applicants. Strong academic records, demonstrated commitment to serving underserved populations, and clear articulation of career goals are essential.
What is the typical funding range?
Individual scholarship amounts vary, but HRSA health professions scholarships typically range from $5,000 to $30,000+ per year depending on program and school. Total program funding is in the millions nationally.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Work closely with your school's financial aid or student services office early—institutional nomination is typically required, and internal deadlines may precede the federal deadline by weeks.
- Clearly articulate your commitment to serving disadvantaged or underserved populations; this is central to HRSA's mission and will strengthen your application competitively.
- Document your financial need thoroughly with FAFSA data and institutional financial aid documentation; scholarship awards prioritize applicants with demonstrated need.
- Emphasize any prior experience in community health, underserved settings, or work with vulnerable populations—concrete examples strengthen motivation narratives.
- Plan for the service obligation carefully; understand the geographic and temporal requirements tied to the scholarship and ensure you can commit to them realistically.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many applicants underestimate the importance of the service obligation component and fail to address how they will meet it post-graduation. Additionally, weak connection to HRSA's social mission—working in underserved areas—is a frequent reason for rejection; applications must clearly explain why the applicant intends to serve disadvantaged populations, not just why they need financial help. Finally, submitting incomplete nominations or missing institutional deadlines (which often precede the federal deadline) eliminates otherwise strong candidates.
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