If you are planning to attend nursing school, one of the biggest factors you have to consider is the cost of tuition. The obvious question is, will you be able to afford it? If you lack the resources, do not lose hope. Like millions of others who are in a similar situation, you can get financial assistance through nursing school grants.

Nursing school grants are like gifts, which means they are free, given by various organizations to help those interested in a nursing career to get the necessary education. Majority of nursing school grants are needs based, which means eligibility depends on your financial need. Other eligibility requirements such as good scholastic record depend on the agency.

The US Government provides an excellent program known as Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Through FAFSA, you can start your application for nursing school grants and other forms of financial aid. Most organizations that provide financial assistance to students use the information in this application form to determine if a student is qualified to receive a grant.

Some of the information and documents you will need to complete your FAFSA are your Social Security Number, driver's license, income tax return, recent bank statements, and if you are not a US national, a permanent residence card. You will be more efficient in your application, if you secure all the documents you need first before filling out an application.

It is very important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. If the school or the government verifies that you have provided misleading information, your application will be denied or you will be obligated to pay not only the amount of the grant but other fines as well.

FAFSA forms are available in high schools and colleges, the education department offices in your state, many community libraries and on the FAFSA website. You can send your filled-out and signed FAFSA form to a processing unit or, alternatively, submit an application online.

Time is of the essence when applying for nursing school grants. It is critical that you complete and send your application on or before the deadline. Deadlines vary for each state, school, or agency so be sure to find out the exact deadlines. Many financial aid counselors recommend that you send your applications a year early. Do not wait to apply after you have already started school, as processing takes time and funding for grants do have a limit.