How to pay tuition on a CNA income?

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

Published

I was wondering if anyone knows of an tuition assistance, scholarships, special grants, reimbursements, anything to help pay for my LPN starting in January.

I currently work as a CNA in a hospital in Florida. The money I make at this job is barely covering my bills and I have had to pick up 2 extra jobs just to get by. I have been trying to save as much as I can but with rent, car payments, insurance, phone, gas, groceries, and school loans from my first Bachelors degree it's not looking too promising. I got into a LPN program at a local community college (cheaper tuition), starting in January. And I know once that starts I won't be able to juggle all 3 jobs and that extra $$ to help with tuition will be gone. My pay will increase, but only by about a dollar and my hospital will reimburse me only $1000 because it is a LPN program not an RN program. This means I will need help covering the other $4000. On my hospital income there is no way I will be able to pay for all that!

I'm in a bit of a panic! So much so, I have seriously considered learning to dance by a pole!!! I didn't know if anyone knew of any help for someone with a Bachelor's degree, working as a CNA, and with a low income... PLEASE HELP! I have gone to my school website and looked up the scholarships from financial aid, unfortunately my Bachelor's tends to get in the way. I will not receive FAFSA, or any other similar assistance. I am kind of dependent on scholarships and hopes of a tax return.

Any advice helps! Thanks

0 Votes

Please still fill out your FAFSA...you may still get something. And are you against a student loan? It will be for such a small amount. But yes, check with your FA office about scholarships, they should be able to give you a list. BTW, what is your bachelors degree in??

0 Votes

Yes I agree try fafsa first then try to get a loan it's not that much.

0 Votes

If you don't mind me asking what school will you be attending in January?

0 Votes

Definitely fill out the Fafsa!:) You can get grants and/or loans. I'm in the RN program, got a scholarship, grants that covered my tuition, and took out loans to cover my bills while in school so I don't have to work as much. Don't worry, it will work out!:)

April, Student Nurse

0 Votes

Have you thought of going into an RN program? I know here in Maine, if you already have a Bachelors degree ( in any area), you can get into an accelerated RN program. At least then your hospital would cover more? Just a thought!:)

April, Student Nurse

0 Votes
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I will not receive FAFSA, or any other similar assistance.
Can you not apply for a private student loan through Discover, Chase, Citibank, Wells Fargo, Sallie Mae, Bank of America or your local credit union?
0 Votes

Check for scholarships or grants with local medical organizations, such as a women's auxiliary to the county medical assn. or any foundation with local hospitals or medical groups.

0 Votes
Specializes in TCU, Post-surgical, Infection Prevention.

I'm just curious, is there a specific reason you won't be filing fafsa?

My mother filed her fasfa when going for her PhD in Nursing; she had already received 2 masters degrees and a BSN - so I don't know why they'd shut you out...

0 Votes

Since OP already has a bachelor's degree the Pell Grant is not going to be available. This is a big deal. There are still other grants, and loans thru FAFSA have the lowest rates, and some hospital jobs (VA) will pay back the loans. The best places to look for finance options are Fafsa and your school's financial aid office. Good Luck, and apply early.

0 Votes
Specializes in TCU, Post-surgical, Infection Prevention.
Since OP already has a bachelor's degree the Pell Grant is not going to be available. This is a big deal. There are still other grants, and loans thru FAFSA have the lowest rates, and some hospital jobs (VA) will pay back the loans. The best places to look for finance options are Fafsa and your school's financial aid office. Good Luck, and apply early.

Ahhhhhhhh, totally forgot about that - that was the reason I wasn't finishing a bachelor's degree at my current school - to continue to receive the pell grant.

What about federal loans?

0 Votes
Specializes in hospice.

Does your employer offer tuition assistance? I'll be pursuing LPN next year and couldn't afford to without my employer's assistance.

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment