Creative Ways to Pay for ABSN?

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in Health Education.

Hi All -

I'm going to be starting an accelerated program in May of this year. I'm planning on saving my tax return and as much money as possible until I start. It seems like it is very unlikely that I'll be able to work while in school so I'm concerned about the cost.

I have a Masters degree so I'm not eligible for any federal aide for post grad studies and I'm also not eligible for many scholarships due to this as well. I work for a hospital so I may be able to get some reimbursement if I can stay on at least 20 hours (unlikely, I know).

I was not awarded any scholarships from the school. I may apply for the HRSA program but I saw there was a income limit which I'm past since I'm currently working (even though it is a very low salary).

My question is this...besides living on a very small budget, what are ways you paid for school, if working while in school was not an option?

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Specializes in L&D.

Im getting my under grad bsn. Paid for school out of pocket by doing hair in my kitchen. Bit by bit im able to save up and pay my tuition. Who says you cant work while you go to school? It may be tough but that doesn't mean it isnt doable.

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

I worked as a pole dancer nights, it wasn't the most glorious job but the night time hours were great and so was the money! :uhoh3:

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.
:woot: I am Kidding of course....
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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Unfortunately I was too old to copy HappyParamedicRNs savvy option which I'm sure paid better than what I was making, lol. I worked, a min of 30 hours a week through all my nursing programs including weekend option a times which paid well and allowed me to get a lot of hours in a short period of time. I'm not a fan of debt and never appreciated a school telling me I wouldn't be able to do both.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
:woot: I am Kidding of course....

Dang, I was just raising my glass in your honor! :)

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:woot: I am Kidding of course....

Darn...I was going to applaud you...

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The reality of the matter is that unless you are working while in school and your employer offers tuition reimbursement/benefits, or you have family willing to lend you money, or you have money saved up right now, then you will likely need to take out a private loan for your tuition. Depending on the amount of your tuition and the loan amount, you may need a cosigner on the loan.

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