Loan Questions

elkpark · May 29, 2005

Some states have their own student loan programs for nursing (the point being to increase the number of nurses in the state). My state is one; if you are a resident, you can get a loan for nursing school and then work it off by working as a nurse within the state, instead of paying it back, which is cool.

There are also lots of private organizations and foundations, churches, and civic groups offering grants and scholarships for nursing school (or college in general, which would work!), if you look around. The student services or financial aid office at whatever school you hope to attend may be able to point you in some helpful directions, and/or you can just hunt around on the Web and see what you can find (I did that when I was planning for grad school, and was surprised at how many organizations were out there making grants to nursing students -- but they often have specific requirements to qualify for their programs, etc.) Often, it's small amounts of money, but it starts to add up after a while ... :)

Good luck with your search --

bmw804 · May 30, 2005

I already have a BS in another subject area - plan to attend a LPN or Associate program. Still paying student loans for the previous BS - told I can't get federal/state grants or loans. If I could get into a masters I could get them - those programs are scarce in my area and cost tons more than an LPN or AS program - not what I want to do - nor do I think I can get into a master program. Applying to sallie mae and teri and my credit stinks - need cosigner and have no one to sign (I am an adult with no relatives). Checked hospitals and they don't accept anyone unless they are already employed as an LPN or nurse - then they can get tuition to finish out from LPN or AS - but not as beginning student. Too old for military service. Don't own a house. Any ideas?

I am in the same situation with maxed out loans from undergrad BA. I feel so bad that I will not be able to atten the BSN program right away, but I have decided to become a STNA and work somewhere to get tuition reimbursement. I don't mind if I have to put off the program for a year. I will work on the LPN since there is state funding for that under WIA. This way I will still be on track to completing the BSN with the bridge LPN to BSN.

tonicareer · May 30, 2005

As stated I do not qualify for state or federal assistance because I have a BS in another degree area. My state won't allow it. If I were to move out of state I would need out of state tuition - which is more. No hospitals will hire you unless you are a Lpn or RN - then they might ( not necessarily will - pay for 1 to 2 years of school). The point is the LPN is the least expensive and fastest route to nursing school in my case. An entry level masters would be 50,000 to 100,000 in my state. While the LPN would be 10,000 plus my living expenses. So how do I get a loan for the cost of LPN and living expenses? Based on what I said in my first message? It makes me mad to take prereqs and see students who get welfare and assistance and barely pass grades and barely show up for class - and they get government assistance - while I make straight A's and can't. I have applied for scholarships and been turned down due to age, not receiving assistance, already have previous degree and tons of other reasons - even though I have the best grades and attendance in class.

DenaInWyo · May 31, 2005

The best thing you can do is make an appointment to talk to someone in the financial aid office of your school. They will know what's available for you, in your state, and with your specific set of circumstances.