grants for accelerated BSN Student

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 20, 2008

Hey everyone. I'm a pre-nursing, second degree BSN candidate.
I'm trying my best to weed through sooooo much information on the web regarding nursing school grants. Specifically, I'm looking at grants as opposed to loans.
I know about FAFSA as kind of a pre-req for grant consideration.
I guess my question is this: what do you recommend as the most efficient way to examine all the $ that is out there. This is totally not an issue of laziness; I know this stuff takes a lot of time and patience. I'm simply trying to consolidate my information and every search is still yielding thousands of responses. I'm positive I'm doing something wrong...
I'm applying to schools in the Miami, Fl area (Barry, Florida Atlantic University, and University of Miami.)
Thanks and good luck to everyone.

I could be wrong on this, but I don't think you get many grants (if any) being a second-degree student, or at least in my experience that's how its worked out for people. Unfortunately, most have to resort to taking out federal loans and I think even those are capped at around $12k, but don't quote me on that. Any more additional funds that are needed are usually financed through private loans.

Obviously, it's contingent on the individual, the cost of the program, etc. I hope that helps.

heynow1313 · Nov 20, 2008

Thanks, that does help. Unfortunately in the opposite direction!!! HA HA. All of this comes as distressful, even more so than usual, considering all the money WE will probably be doling out to THEM any day now.

Just makes me want to hunt for that green even more. Any good leads I find, and I will, I'll pass on. Thanks

bibibi · Nov 21, 2008

I don't think you are eligible for grants through Federal Government, because you are already holding a bachelor's degree. You are eligible for loans $5500 subsidized and $7500 unsubsidized per year through Federal Government.

Your other option is scholarships. Usually your school's Nursing Department's website will have a list of scholarships you can apply for. Good luck...

GaMBA · Nov 21, 2008

I've got a Bachelors and a Masters degree and am currently attending school for my prereqs on the Ga Hope Grant. This grant covers all of my tuition and fees and gives me money for books each qtr. It will pay for my entire LPN (God-willing I get accepted to the program next year!!) without me owing anything. This particular grant is available in the state of GA to those already holding degrees and will cover up to 95 hours of credit for any course of study leading to a diploma or a certificate. It cannot be used for degrees unfortunately.

This grant is a God-send. Grants are possible to those with degrees, you just have to talk to your financial aid office about what you qualify for. Scour these forums as well, they have a ton of info that may be more relevant to your locale (ie programs available thru your local unemployment office, or local tuition-assistance programs for low-income residents, etc). I wish you the best of luck in your fin aid search! I feel your pain since I've still gotta figure out how to pay for the RN (hoping an employer will pick it up) :-)

lcamp99 · Nov 22, 2008

I am second degree BS and have received some assistance through GA Hope grant but it has been very limited. Guess I need to inquire further for more help. Thanks!