Anyone pay cash for NP school?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 27, 2008

You might want to check out this thread:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f34/student-loans-307544.html

PMHNP10 · Jun 27, 2008

Maybe I'm living on Fantasy Island, but I would like to get through NP school with little to no debt.
Is there anyone out there who has done this?

I dont' pay cash, per se. I just completed the RN-BSN program where I charged all fees, then pay off the bill in total--which includes just about all bills/living expenses. I use a CC rather than a debit card because I get reward points for spending on the CC. I already used many rewards points for certificates to use towards paying for a lovely 7 day Carrib. Cruise (there is no better vacation than a cruise I tell ya) Anywho, I digress....

I'll be starting a PHMNP program this fall and and plan on using the CC again because I have too many student loans from my bach. degree in psych. and my ADN. I'm drowning in debt as it is. And boy will I enjoy this 2nd cruise when I complete this NP program. I already have enough points to match the amount of the certificates I got towards my first cruise--this 2nd one could be paid in full. sorry I digress again.

:onbch:

So it's doable, possibly moreso depending on if you are a single income family and how many kids you are a "mama" of.

Anywho, good luck.

jer_sd · Jun 27, 2008

I managed to get through school without student loans. Now I wish I would have since they reduce your AGI and I could use the help on taxes.

My approach was to be proactive, see what programs I wanted, compare $$$ and save ahead to avoid going into debt. With distance learning options tuition is 300-800+ per credit hour. In state schools often have lower tuition rates. Some schools charge instate tuition for online courses reguardless of where you live.

Jeremy

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Jun 28, 2008

I pay in cash what my tuition reimbursement doesn't cover. I set up a 10-payment system with the school that breaks it down into manageable payments.

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Jun 28, 2008

I'm paying cash as I go. No tuition remibursment as I don't want any obligations. The biggest problem is doing it this way take WAY to long and it's hard not to let the frustratiosn of that not get in the way. I even quit at one point. Starting up again this sememster and I WILLL graduation with no obligatios to ANYONE. YEAH.

I've been working tons of overtime this semseter (the one I took off) and will be packing away every penny so I odn't have to work the same time I'm doing full time clinical.

We're still paying off my wifes student loans for PA school and I'm to old to make enough money for me to go into dept like that.

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Jun 28, 2008

I'm paying cash as I go. No tuition remibursment as I don't want any obligations.

I know.... thankfully my hospital system only requires 6 months of continued employment from the day I receive each reimbursement check. Eg.. I get paid Jan 1st, I can't quit until June 1st. Luckily there is no post-graduation commitment. I figure if things get crazy, It'll take me a good 6 months to get my ducks in a row and get out. If the tuition reimbursement were piddly compared to the commitment, I'd think twice. However, it covers 12-15k per year, and if I play my cards right, I can squeeze more than $45,000 out of 'em.

Atheos · Jun 28, 2008

I am paying for my ASN with cash. I am thinking when I do the NP/CNS or CRNA (still undecided) school that I will be making enough money then to use student loans and not have to worry about it.

7starbuck7 · Jun 28, 2008

I am using my employer's tuition reimbursement (there is no commitment for using reimbursement) and then paying for whatever is left. I will most likely take a student loan during clinical though.

RockyCreek · Jun 28, 2008

If the tuition reimbursement were piddly compared to the commitment, I'd think twice. However, it covers 12-15k per year, and if I play my cards right, I can squeeze more than $45,000 out of 'em.

OMG! I wish my hospital was that generous! I am lucky to get $5K per year with a 6-months per check obligation. You are a very lucky RN!

:yeah:

BlessedOne · Jun 28, 2008

My job only gives me 1500 per year. I am going pt. My program is abot $20k. I am working OT to pay for it myself. Hopefully by the end of the year I will have 8-9K saved. But yes, I am with the rest of you. I do not want anymore loans. I am still paying for my loans from when I was a teacher.

Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C · Jun 29, 2008

I'm worried about going into debt for NP school.
I am wondering the cheapest way to go through school (I'm assuming that as long as the school is accredited you will get out of it what you put in it.)
The best bang for the buck.
I should be ready to apply by next summer. I am getting by without any school debt so far (I'm in the ASN to BSN program, but I know graduate school is more expensive and you can't get pell grants.)
Maybe I'm living on Fantasy Island, but I would like to get through NP school with little to no debt.
Is there anyone out there who has done this?

You might want to check out University of Southern Indiana http://health.usi.edu/acadprog/nursing/grad/index.php. Not only is it least expensive program in the country (Please correct me if I'm wrong anyone), but all lectures are provided via distance streaming video so no gas cost going to and from the school. The FNP program is 42 units x $229=$9,618. All students in distance ed pay the same rate-"in-State". There's also a few hundred bucks over the entire program for distant ed fees. If you can find a preceptor (MD or NP) close to you, you are all set.

When evaluating prices of NP programs, always multiply the units by the tuition price and don't forget to include gas.