Education has come to an end...

Nurse2bSandy · Apr 4, 2003

Don't give up on your dreams! I have been able to get student loans, and I don't think that they even really do credit checks. Have you spoken to a financial advisor? I know that I didn't fill out anything specific about my credit history, although they do have ss#. I think student loans are much different than regular loans. Even if you don't qualify for financial aid, you may be able to get a loan.

Have you looked into any incentives that hospitals offer? I know I have a classmate that works as a ward clerk for a hospital and has all of her nursing education paid for. Just an idea...

Keep motivated! You know those prereq's might be useful later if now is not the time to finish up... you don't want to have to bring up grades again!

ashemson · Apr 4, 2003

Actually I have been getting student loans. The problem there is that the maximum studen loan amount at a 4 year college is really high, I think my loan amount right now is 14000. (ugh) At a 2 year college, you are only allowed a maximum of 12000. So I am over the limit there too. Sucks all the way around!!! Thanks for the advice though!

KC CHICK · Apr 4, 2003

The community college has a payment plan...I think you make 3-4 payments over the semester. Might be worth checking into.

Don't give up.

Are there any other 4 year colleges that you would be interested in attending?? UMKC has a BSN program....Jewell does but is too expensive IMO. If attending a 4-year would be the only option in receiving more financial aide, why not look into others in the area?

Why not pursue a different bachelor's degree at your present school? You can then go through the accelerated bachelor's to RN program that is offered through Research. The RN program takes a year to complete. I've run into many students that are in that program. http://www.researchcollege.edu/programs/accelerated/index.htm

I'm sure you have more options than you think. Check around. I mean, it would be a shame to owe 14,000 bucks and not have anything to show for it.

lisa23 · Apr 4, 2003

Do they have any type of Women's Resource Center at your Comm College? I know at my school they do, and will pay for most if not all of your tuition if you have unusual circumstances (i.e. mother/going back to work, divorced, etc). You may want to check into that. Also check all scholarships available. I didn't think I was eligible, but was surprised by a check in the mail. The money is out there, you just have to hunt it down. Try the financial aid office. Hope this helps!

ashemson · Apr 4, 2003

The reason I haven't applied to any other 4 year colleges is because I took the math, sciences, english, etc. classes about 11 years ago. Because I returned to the same 4 year college, they accepted those credits. When I checked into UMKC I would have to retake all those because they are so old and won't transfer. And I really don't want to do that!

I will call the school and see if they have any type of women's program or something. Thanks for that idea, didn't know those existed...Renee

colleen10 · Apr 4, 2003

That sucks, sorry to hear that.

My school only allows a max. of $1,200.00 a semester.

I would still check into trying to get a Student Loan from a bank, etc. You might get lucky.

Do you own your own home? If so you could try to open up a mortgage line of credit. It's different than taking out a home equity loan that has to be paid back relatively quickly.

I would also check into local hospital programs. Around here you have to go to CCAC or Pitt, etc. to complete your "pre-req's" even if you are going through a Hospital based program so they accept your credits anyway. You might be able to do something like that.

Good Luck and don't give up just yet!

RedKat · Apr 4, 2003

I think that Stafford Loans have higher limits... have you checked into them? If not, you can get some info on them at http://www.salliemae.com - it's worth a try! There's got to be a way for you to make this happen! I'm not in school yet - still working on the financial end of my plans - but I think I'm going to go with the Stafford Loans. Hope this helps! Good luck!!!

NurseWeasel · Apr 4, 2003

Word of the day: SCHOLARSHIP. Get in contact with any & all schools' financial aid offices and start pounding the pavement (and keyboard). Do NOT give up. You never know when a door will open and your opportunity will be standing there wearing nothing but a big red bow. Good luck to you.

Momto2Boys · Apr 4, 2003

I thought the same thing about my vredit being bad and not able to get a student loan but it is VERY possible. I would suggest that you see your financial aid advisor

KimRN03 · Apr 4, 2003

Do you work in the health care field? If so check with your employer to see about getting reimbursement through them. If you don't have a job in the health care field, get one and find out about assistance from them. Most hospitals are more then willing to help you with school. Good luck, and keep the faith. One day you WILL be a nurse!

2banurse · Apr 4, 2003

Well, the student loan you have can't be the Stafford. Reason being that in your first year you are allowed to borrow $6,750 and in your second year, $7,500, as you can see that is above $14,000. I, myself, have borrowed even more since I have started 2 1/2 years ago, and I also attended during the summer. Please check with your financial aid office.

Kris