I need help finding funds!!

dnw826 · Jul 11, 2006

I know the feeling. We are dirt poor and just had to move out of state for dh to find a job. Now I have to pay out of state tuition and even with $11k in loans, it doesn't cover my tuition, let alone books and living expenses.

LoriAlabamaRN · Jul 12, 2006

I worked 11-7 shifts as a CNA at a local hospital to pay for living expenses. If you absolutely cannot work even part time, perhaps take out a mortgage?

dnw826 · Jul 12, 2006

For me personally-There are no jobs around here. I used to work as a CNA, EMT, and ART. But since moving out of state, my qualifications don't transfer and it would take me months to get them back. Which means I couldn't take my nursing classes because I would be taking those classes. There aren't any jobs around here anyways. And we certainly want to move far away from here in 2 years when I graduate, so we are renting.

The Dude · Jul 12, 2006

Same boat for me. We're renting so I can't take out a mortgage. I am currently a PTA and there are no 2nd shifts for me to work while in school. I'm not opposed to taking out a large loan to pay for living expenses as it ultimately is an investment in my future to get my BSN, but I can't seem to find anyone to lend me money!

firstyearstudent · Jul 13, 2006

There are funds out there if you need them, you just have to look hard and persevere. So far I have received a fee waiver from the state for my community college tuition, a books and supplies scholarship from my local jobs center, $1500 in low-interest loans, a $200 scholarship from my school and I just received word that I just got a $2000 scholarship from a local hospital. I also received near-complete scholarships for my sons' dayscare and elementary school (daycare has us pay $100 month, the other $200). People have been so generous. When they hear you are broke and are working hard to become a nurse, they are really sympathetic and want to help you. I am so grateful.

You can look on the Internet for scholarships but I would also go directly to the school and to the nursing program and explain that you need money. You might also try calling hospitals in the area, especially ones that you might like to work for. (I have heard of a hospital that will give you a loan -- which you don't have to pay back if you work for them for a number of years.)

Apply for everything that you can find, no matter how small (all the applications are similar). Also, keep your grades excellent -- it really impresses some folks).

When I get out of school and am working, I'm going to pay back some of these places -- especially the schools that have been so generous.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Jul 14, 2006

Sallie Mae has this loan which I jsut took out to help with some of my expenses while I am in school. I found this site from other posts on allnurses. This was such a HUGE relief as I just needed a small amount for now to help with car payment, gas, books, etc. as the community college is not that expensive compared to most program. I got notice that I qualified within seconds; an e-mail that verified that I was pre-approved; and then once I submitted the documentation, confirmation in days that the loan dispersal was coming 8/1.

I have also seen others post that Wells Fargo, possibly Bank of America, and some other financial institutions offer these types of loans.

Good luck!

http://www.salliemae.com/content/tuitionanswer/index.html

dnw826 · Jul 14, 2006

Thanks! I just used Bank of America online and got a loan approved. Thank goodness! That should at least cover the tuition that my financial aid doesn't cover for being out of state! I never even thought about it!

VRN-RN · Jul 14, 2006

i am having hard time to decide whether i should take out bank loan or from companies like sallie-mae. i dont know which makes sense to take out. what should i do?

WDWpixieRN, RN · Jul 14, 2006

i am having hard time to decide whether i should take out bank loan or from companies like sallie-mae. i dont know which makes sense to take out. what should i do?

It would probably be most prudent to check rates, terms of payback, fees charged, and check out the small print...I just grabbed Sallie Mae as I had dealt with them before on my student loans....but I didn't take my own advice!! I have excellent credit, so got good rates, and to be honest, I was so stressed worrying about money and knowing that I was submitting notice from my $50,000+/year job yesterday that I just applied to see if I'd get anything. Not the wisest financially, but I feel better knowing I don't have to stay up nights watching for the repo man.

There's a thread on either the General Student Nursing or the Pre-Student Nursing that has the word "SUNNY" in it...go check out what the OP wrote about how they're handling school costs...but make sure you haven't been drinking beforehand....apparently this person was in the financial biz before this!! Your head will swim reading that one!!

Good luck!

Achoo!, LPN · Jul 15, 2006

I qulaified for a state grant though the Adult workers program through my local workforce development center. I get $3,000 a year for tuition & books, plus $1000 a year for mileage and/or childcare. I have gotten a few scholarships as well as a pell Grant. Going to a community college part-time, this almost covers costs.

ree-nee · Jul 15, 2006

Can anyone help me with some information? I am going to be attending Binghamton Universtiy to get my BSN in the fall and will no longer be working. I have 2 very young children (2yrs, and 2mos) to support while attending college. Are there loans out there that I can apply for to cover my rent, food, and other daily living expenses while in school and not working?? I have received financial aid for school expenses, but am having a hard time finding info for other non-school related monies. I can't be the only one that has ever been in this predicament!!! Any info would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!!!!

I agree with some others on here. I had excellent results with Sallie Mae Tuition Answer loan. All major lenders (Chase, Bank of America, Wachovia, Wells Fargo...etc) have education loans that they offer and dont need to be payed back until 6-9 months after you graduate. The key is to look for loans that are NOT CERTIFIED by your school. This means they send the check DIRECTLY to you and NOT the school first. You do need good credit to get the best rates, but from the research Ive done you can still get approved with less than desirable credit-you'll just have to pay higher fees and rates.

Good luck

ree-nee