How am I going to pay for all this?

[Megsd, BSN, RN]

I'm starting an accelerated (15-month) BSN program this fall. The FAQ I received about the program states that tuition will be $12,000+ "with increases expected based on tuition changes each year". They also state there are additional expenses for "books, lab fees, uniforms, equipment, health assessment, health insurance (already have it), graduate tuition supplement, PDA (already have one) and Liability Insurance."

So, first question -- hoe much do you guys spend per term on things like books, uniforms, lab fees, equipment, etc.?

Secondly, I am applying (if they ever mail me the info) for a loan repayment program through a local hospital where they will give me $30,000 in exchange for a few years of work. So, 30K-12K=18K left over, divided by 15 months = $1200 per month. This would cover my living expeneses, but since I have all the above extra expenses, I'm not sure now how much I would get to keep for myself. It's worth stating that I will have to give up my job(s) if I accept this offer, so this will be my ONLY income.

So, I'm thinking about taking out more loans anyway. I've been offered a subsidized stafford loan through school for $2675 per year ($875 per quarter), but am not sure if that would be a better idea than private loans. Anyone take out private loans and had good or bad experiences with them? I'm planning to call the financial aid office and ask for advice as well, but I'm just trying to get a feel for what I'm up against and what I can do to help myself out. Thanks in advance for your input!

[AllyRN82, MSN, APRN]

I am going for my ADN but I needed a quick loan and the best one I got was from Sallie Mae and it's called the tuition answer loan. It was extremely easy and fairly quick. I recommend a loan through them to anyone. I thought I wasn't going to be able to pay for school and they were like a little gift from God.

I am about to complete my 1st semester of the ADN program and I spent about $2,000 including every last little thing. I got an $8500 loan and Sallie Mas thought that was pretty low but it's all I need so I know they approve much higher loans.

I wish you the best of luck and God wouldn't get you here and then not direct you to financial resources. It will happen for you. You've worked too hard to lose it because of finances.