How to fund a RN-MSN education

[mazzini148]

Hello to everyone. I have been accepted to one, just one, RN-MSN program that begins in June 2007. I am very excited, nervous, full of anticipation, but more than all these things, I am terrified by the prospect of paying for these three years. Tuition alone amounts to [EVIL]>100k[/EVIL]. Besides tuition, this program is in NYC, which will add another 90k for living expenses and incidentals for the 3 years. So far I have seen numerous scholarships in the $500-$1000 range. Maybe if I am awarded 100-200 of these, things just might work out.

Can someone please suggest a place to look for grants, scholarships, etc., and considering I am a man, perhaps someone could suggest male nurse associations.

Thanks for any and all help.

Robert

[dg05, RN]

Hello all,

I'm in the same boat as mazzini148. I was accepted to Columbia. I'm really committed to going and doing well, I feel like this is my life path, etc. But I just can't get past the money aspect. It doesn't seem like there are any other options other than "suck it up" or "find a cheaper program".

Also, it seems that a lot of people are relying on loan repayment programs but it seems that even the most generous of those (federal programs at least) only pay $25K a year for 2-3 years which would still leave people in the Columbia program with at least 50k in student loans. My fear is that these demand for these repayment programs will FAR out weigh the supply and there will be a bunch of people with overwhelming debt burden.

dg

[Wgbem]

If there is concern, work and find a program that allows you to work and go to school part time. The organization where you work will then help you pay to go back. It seems to be a cheaper road. Many jobs offer nursing scholarships to assist nurses in going back to school. Also depending on your state, there may be scholarships out there for nursing going on to further their education to teach nursing. You just have to commit to give back a certain amount of time. Not bad and you will have a job when you finish.

[mvanz9999, RN]

But these days it takes so little to trash your credit I don't know how it is expected for anyone to keep up!

I know that sounds like a fairly bad attitude but really, they've (whoever they are!) made it so difficult for the normal person to borrow money for anything because of this new "credit score" that's all the rage, it just burns me up!

"They" are the scammers at FICO. And you're right. Apply for a credit card, and your score drops through the floor.

The other thing is just the plain astronomical cost of education. The $200+ textbooks and other nonsense have just gotten way out of control.

[deleern]

New Program at UND RN to MSN, $200 Per Credit.(aprox) and only need to do 20 Credits in the BSN part to go on to the Masters. Check it out. Cost of living much more resonable... yea i know it's North Dakota.

http://www.nursing.und.edu/grad/index.cfm

[uscstu4lfe]

an MSN is not worth 100,000. just continue doing bedside nursing!

[CNM2B]

I know that sounds like a fairly bad attitude but really, they've (whoever they are!) made it so difficult for the normal person to borrow money for anything because of this new "credit score" that's all the rage, it just burns me up!

Wow! That's a pretty crazy attitude. I'm a 'normal person' and have no trouble keeping my credit score in good shape. Keep in mind, that many employers run a credit check as a condition of hire--I know several NP's who have gone into small practices who had to pass a credit check since they were going to be dealing with practice finances and such. It's not that hard to just pay bills on time!

[Dixiecup]

Wow! That's a pretty crazy attitude. I'm a 'normal person' and have no trouble keeping my credit score in good shape. Keep in mind, that many employers run a credit check as a condition of hire--I know several NP's who have gone into small practices who had to pass a credit check since they were going to be dealing with practice finances and such. It's not that hard to just pay bills on time!

A couple of medical emergencies with no insurance, need a tooth pulled, son totals your vehicle with $4000 left to pay that insurance won't cover, end up with a judgement on your credit report, even a couple of late payments and you're credit is trashed for seven years.

Sorry to be so negative but murphy's law seems to always get me.

I already have my job lined up if I ever get finished!