How to Get Free Money for CNA School – Grants and Loans That Make It Possible
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a smart move if you’re looking to start a meaningful career in healthcare — especially if you want to get to work quickly and without spending years in school. CNA programs are generally short (typically 4–12 weeks) and much more affordable than a traditional nursing degree. Still, the cost of tuition, supplies, and certification exams can add up.
The good news? You may not need to pay out of pocket at all.
There are federal grants, state programs, scholarships, workforce training funds, and even employer sponsorships that can cover most (if not all) of your CNA education expenses. In this guide, we’ll walk you through your options for getting free money for CNA school, plus low-interest loan options to help fill any gaps.
💰 Federal Grants for CNA Students
Let’s start with the best kind of financial aid — grants that you don’t have to pay back. These are offered by the federal government and are based primarily on financial need. To apply for most of them, you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov.
✅ Important: Make sure your CNA program is offered through a Title IV-eligible institution, like a community college or accredited technical school. Most federal grants only apply to these programs.
1. Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is one of the largest sources of federal financial aid in the U.S. It’s specifically for students with low to moderate income and doesn’t need to be paid back.
Highlights:
- Maximum award for 2025 is around $7,000
- Based on financial need and family income
- Apply through the FAFSA
- Available to students without a bachelor’s degree
- Can be used for tuition, books, uniforms, and fees
Even if you’re an adult returning to school, you can still qualify. This is one of the most accessible forms of aid, and many CNA students use it to cover their full training cost.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is an additional grant for students with exceptional financial need. Not all schools offer it, but if yours does, it could give you a few hundred to a few thousand dollars more in free money.
Details:
- Grants range from $100 to $4,000 per year
- Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
- Must apply early through FAFSA
- Only available at participating institutions
Check with your school’s financial aid office to see if they participate in the FSEOG program.
🏛️ State Grants for CNA School
Most states have their own education grants or scholarships for students attending in-state schools — especially those enrolling in career training programs like CNA.
Examples of State Programs:
- California – Cal Grant Program for low-income students attending community colleges or vocational schools
- Texas – Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
- Florida – Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)
- New York – Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Other states offer healthcare-specific grants, workforce scholarships, or even full-tuition waivers for short-term certifications.
How to apply:
Visit your state’s Department of Higher Education website or your local community college’s financial aid office. They can direct you to programs specifically for CNA students.
🧰 Scholarships, Workforce Grants, and Employer Funding
In addition to federal and state aid, you may also qualify for scholarships, job training programs, or employer-paid tuition — especially if you’re willing to work after training.
1. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
The WIOA is a federal workforce program that provides job training funds for in-demand careers — including Certified Nursing Assistant.
Why it’s great:
- May cover 100% of your CNA program cost
- Also pays for books, uniforms, supplies, and exam fees
- Available to low-income individuals, the unemployed, and adults changing careers
To apply, visit your local American Job Center or workforce development office, and ask about WIOA eligibility. They’ll assign you a case manager to guide you through the process.
2. Employer Sponsorship or Tuition Reimbursement
Believe it or not, many nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities will pay for your CNA training if you agree to work for them after certification.
There are two main types of employer support:
→ Tuition Sponsorship
The employer pays upfront for your CNA training and may even enroll you in a program they partner with. In exchange, you agree to work with them for a set period (often 6 months to a year).
→ Tuition Reimbursement
You pay for the program yourself, and after completing training and getting hired, they reimburse your tuition.
Tip: When applying to jobs or training programs, ask the HR department if they offer any training assistance programs. Some even advertise “Free CNA training” in job listings.
3. CNA-Specific Scholarships
There are scholarships specifically for people entering the CNA field. These often come from industry associations or local foundations.
Examples:
- NAHCA (National Association of Health Care Assistants) – Offers small scholarships and aid for members
- Local hospitals and foundations – Many offer scholarships to support future healthcare workers in the community
- Community foundations – Search for “[Your City] + Community Foundation + Scholarships”
Even if it’s only $500–$1,000, a scholarship can help cover books, fees, uniforms, or exam costs.
💸 Loans for CNA Training
If you’ve exhausted your grant and scholarship options and still need help covering the full cost of your CNA program, student loans can fill the gap — but be sure to borrow wisely.
1. Federal Student Loans
If your CNA program is offered through a Title IV-eligible school, you may qualify for federal loans through FAFSA.
→ Subsidized Direct Loans
- Based on financial need
- No interest accrues while you’re in school
- Lower rates than private loans
→ Unsubsidized Direct Loans
- Not based on need
- Interest accrues immediately
- Still lower-risk than private loans
These loans give you flexible repayment options and can be deferred until after graduation.
2. Private Loans
Some banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer career training loans or personal loans for education purposes.
Be cautious with private loans:
- Higher interest rates
- May require a co-signer
- Fewer repayment protections
Always compare lenders and read all terms before signing.
📝 How to Apply for CNA Grants, Loans & Aid
Here’s your step-by-step game plan to get started:
✅ 1. Choose a CNA Program
Look for a state-approved and accredited CNA training program. If you want to use federal grants or loans, make sure it’s Title IV-eligible (ask the school).
✅ 2. Fill Out the FAFSA
Go to studentaid.gov and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This unlocks Pell Grants, FSEOG, state grants, and federal student loans.
✅ 3. Talk to Your School’s Financial Aid Office
The financial aid staff can:
- Help you understand your award package
- Tell you if your school participates in FSEOG
- Help you find local scholarships or state grant options
✅ 4. Visit Your Local Workforce Center
Ask about WIOA funding and other training grants for CNA programs. You may qualify for free tuition, transportation stipends, or even childcare assistance.
✅ 5. Ask Employers If They Offer Paid CNA Training
Reach out to local:
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Assisted living facilities
- Home health agencies
Ask if they offer free CNA classes, tuition reimbursement, or scholarships for new hires.
✅ 6. Search for CNA Scholarships
Use scholarship search tools like:
Use keywords like “CNA scholarship,” “nursing assistant training,” or “healthcare support.”
🎓 Final Tip: Apply Early!
Many grants and scholarships are first-come, first-served, especially FSEOG and state programs. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get the maximum funding available.
🔑 Bottom Line: CNA Training Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
Becoming a CNA is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to launch a healthcare career — and thanks to grants, scholarships, WIOA funding, and employer programs, you may be able to train for little to no cost.
So don’t let money stop you.
Start with the FAFSA, explore state and local resources, and reach out to employers who support CNA students. With a bit of research and early action, you can turn your career goals into reality — without taking on unnecessary debt.
Want help finding CNA programs near you that qualify for financial aid? Drop a comment or send us a message — we’re happy to point you in the right direction!
