paying for private school

U.S.A. Florida

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so i basically switched to nursing last minute, finished my pre reqs, and applied to two schools where i had met the requirements.. FAU and Nova. i had a bunch of problems with FAU and wasn't told i needed to send extra information so my application was never processed and therefore i didn't get it. i got into Nova and have done everything i need to do to attend this school. the problem is.. they JUST processed my financial aid even though i sent in everything in May and i am getting such little money to pay for tuition. i'm really getting cold feet about going to a private school but i basically only got into this program and i already paid a fee of $1000. i was wondering if anyone had advice as to what an alternative could be. i am really doubting i will get into another program because i only have a 3.0 and am lucky i got in at all. i also have a lot of credits and most schools don't seem to like this for some reason.. please any advice as to any other way i can get my RN (BSN preferably because i'd like to get a masters). thanks so much!

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Why are you not going to community college? My plan right now is to go community college and get my RN, then do the RN-to-MSN program somewhere. Of course you will need to apply and that will take time, but if you can't afford private school, then don't feel like you have to go. I have no idea how much Nova is, but I'm sure any private school is really expensive. Better to lose $1000 than much more, right?

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I was in this same position before I decided to suck it up and go to Barry University. I looked at it this way. At a community college it takes you two years to get your RN, but it is an associates degree versus a private school where in those same two years (or less if you do an acclerated) and you get your BSN.

Community Colleges are very competitive. I have a 3.9 GPA and my local community college put me on a two year waiting list. There was just no way I was going to wait that long. If you got into Nova check about their Baptist Scholars program, they help with some of the funding. Good luck!

- Monica

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If you plan to stay in the South Florida area, please keep in mind, there is NOT a nursing shortage especially for new grads in this area. I'm not sure I would take on the debt to pay for Nova or Barry in this market because you may not have a job when you graduate. The job market is very competitive.

On the other hand, I'm not sure you would get accepted into a public school with only a 3.0 gpa. So, I guess it's a tough call.

Good luck with your decision.

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saraFL- the reason i am not going through a community college (which i should've done from the beginning) is because i went to UF, started with another major, kinda screwed up, and decided to do nursing as a junior. they really don't take juniors so that program was out for me. and like Asira said.. community colleges are EXTREMELY competitive and with a 3.9 got put on a waiting list. so i just think it's a little late for me to go from UF to a CC but that's such a great plan if you start off with it.

and Asira- that's exactly what i'm thinking.. i went to UF and its kinda as issue for me to end up with an associates after going there for 3 yrs. are you paying for barry with loans? i heard barry is more expensive than nova. what CC did u get waitlisted from?

LeavingTeaching- right i heard there was such a struggle for a job at this time.. i guess im just hoping it will be better once i graduate and nursing is what i want to do. i am willing to relocate though. do you know where the best job market is right now?

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Paying for Barry with loans and a GPA based scholarship they offer. Also in regards to the waiting list it was for Miami Dade College. I've heard there is not a nursing shortage in FL, but in Miami I do see hospitals looking all the time, especially Baptist Hospital from various RN job fairs I have seen.

- Monica

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If you look at any hospital's website, there are a ton of nursing positions. However, no one wants new grads. I know because I have time to type this because I am currently seeking employment. I was an above average student. All A's and B's. I have an impressive resume, great professional experience, outstanding letters of reference, and a hospital scholarship. However, I'm still very concerned about the job market. In fact, some scholarships are having to release students from their contracts for the first time in history.

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Well, the job market is going to be whatever it will be, whether you become a nurse or not. You are accepted at this program. There are no guarantees of acceptance elsewhere. I would proceed with loans and other financial aid you can get. Loans can be deferred at the end for unemployment (at least some types). Worry about that when the time comes. Good luck.

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The reason why I mention the job market is b/c the OP stated she "switched to nursing at the last minute." If this is a whim and not her "passion", it would be unfortunate for her to enter this program, graduate with a ton of debt, and then, have difficulty finding a job. Just think it through.

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thank you, caliotter3. i agree with you. gotta take that chance!

and leavingteaching, when i said i switched to nursing at the last minute i meant it as i was between two careers.. both health related with similar pre reqs and decided nursing was the right path for me. just like i am thinking you decided by leaving teaching for a nursing career. nursing is my passion and although i wasn't sure of what i wanted to do before, i have never been so sure of anything in my life as i am that nursing is the right career choice for me. i am just scared of graduating with a ton of loans but like caliotter said.. the job market is bad for most careers at this point.

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thank you, caliotter3. i agree with you. gotta take that chance!

and leavingteaching, when i said i switched to nursing at the last minute i meant it as i was between two careers.. both health related with similar pre reqs and decided nursing was the right path for me. just like i am thinking you decided by leaving teaching for a nursing career. nursing is my passion and although i wasn't sure of what i wanted to do before, i have never been so sure of anything in my life as i am that nursing is the right career choice for me. i am just scared of graduating with a ton of loans but like caliotter said.. the job market is bad for most careers at this point.

i see. i didn't mean to offend. nursing is my third career actually. i have the freedom to change careers and continue my education because i have only attended public colleges and universities and i have very little debt. when i read that you changed, i thought maybe you would be a career student like me. :wink2: i have friends who went to nova who have $60,000 and $80,000 in debt. they want to go back to school and they can't because of their student loan debt.

but on the other hand, education is your only sure investment. so, if you are not a career student like me, go for it. unfortunately, i can't answer your original question of how to pay for it. in the past, some took helocs, private student loans, plus loans, and stafford and perkins. i don't know if all of these options are available in this market. i would definately look into hospital scholarships because they have an interest in giving you a job when you graduate.

i love nursing as well. i think this field is what i've been looking for. it combines all my passions of teaching, social work, psychology, and the human body. good luck to you!

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i wasn't offended! i asked a question and wanted different perspectives and that's what i got! so thanks for your advice. i am very scared to graduate with all that debt and would also not be completely happy without a masters so i have to keep that in mind but i suppose the masters will also help me pay off my loans faster lol. does anyone know if any hospitals payback loans for you for working for them? not like the scholarships through school but once you get hired they will pay them back?

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