ABSN Programs and Financial Aid Help!!

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Hi guys!! I am applying to ABSN schools in Spring 2019. This year I just plan to take Prereqs for the programs because it is much cheaper to do so. Most ABSN programs cost around $55,000 in total. I have about $44,000 from student loans for my BA degree in undergraduate. I have $28,000 from a direct plus loan for a master's program I was in that I left because I wanted to pursue an ABSN program.

Would I qualify for any kinds of student loans?? Nursing is my dream and I am worried that I will not be able to enroll in a nursing program because I will not have the aid to cover it. Any advice would help. Financial aid is just confusing to me! Thanks.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

PLEASE don't take out any more loans! There are far cheaper ways to become an RN. You're already looking at a decade or more of crushing student loan debt. Continuing to dig is no way to get out of the hole!

Have you looked at ADN programs at your local community college? Thought about delaying nursing school while aggressively paying down that debt?

Also: Not to pile on, but per the TOS you agreed to when you signed up for AN, you may not use the term 'nurse' in your username if you are not one.

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You would not be eligible for federal aid beyond possibly some loans because you have a previous bachelor's degree.

I agree that perhaps getting a ADN degree first and then going for a RN to BSN program while working might be cheaper and a better option with the amount of debt you already have.

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Hi! Thanks for your advice. I considered an ADN or LPN program but I have been told that most hospitals and clinics prefer BSN, RNs now and that makes me nervous to do one of those programs.. I feel like I will have a tougher time securing a job. This upcoming Spring and Fall, I plan to take Prerequisites for Nursing programs at a community college which will only cost me about 5k and I will pay out of pocket, while working to pay some of my loans off throughout the year. I will still have $15k left in loans I can use and I considered taking a private loan out. My partner starts his residency soon this year and I know I will have help through him. Maybe my family as well. I really want to go into nursing.

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Hi! Thanks for your advice. I considered an ADN or LPN program but I have been told that most hospitals and clinics prefer BSN, RNs now and that makes me nervous to do one of those programs.. I feel like I will have a tougher time securing a job. This upcoming Spring and Fall, I plan to take Prerequisites for Nursing programs at a community college which will only cost me about 5k and I will pay out of pocket, while working to pay some of my loans off throughout the year. I will still have $15k left in loans I can use and I considered taking a private loan out. My partner starts his residency soon this year and I know I will have help through him. Maybe my family as well. I really want to go into nursing.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Depending on where you live- ADN and LPNs have many, many job opportunities. I live near Indianapolis. All four major hospital systems hire ADN new grads. And help pay for RN-to-BSN via tuition reimbursement.

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Depending on where you live- ADN and LPNs have many, many job opportunities. I live near Indianapolis. All four major hospital systems hire ADN new grads. And help pay for RN-to-BSN via tuition reimbursement.

I live in Indianapolis! I did not know this... I don't even know where to start looking for ADN or LPN programs. Maybe we can connect and I could speak with you more on this? Thank you so much for your help so far.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

you CAN take out more loans, they will let you. I went the ADN route, then let my job pay for my RN-BSN program. I also got a tuition repayment bonus on being hired to help pay for ADN (which wasn't much, but like you, I had some other loans).

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
I live in Indianapolis! I did not know this... I don't even know where to start looking for ADN or LPN programs. Maybe we can connect and I could speak with you more on this? Thank you so much for your help so far.

I'd be happy to. You need 15 posts in order to use Private Messaging here. Go leave a brief comment such as 'interesting' on some threads- then PM me.

Ivy Tech has both ADN and LPN programs. I was just at their Senior Day and almost every grad I spoke to already had a job lined up.

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It sounds like you may be approaching the federal loan limit of $57500 but I would suggest using these loans first before trying for private loans. Also look like crazy for scholarships. If you have to do the loan route, keep your eye open for an employer that will help with loan repayment after you graduate. At least in my area, I know a few hospitals that do this.

It goes without saying, if you haven't already, schedule an appointment with financial aid.

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Not sure of where you live, but I was once considering an ABSN program. I looked into the differences and soon found that ASN and BSN have little difference as an entry-level nurse. I applied at my local community college & will more than likely be starting classes this Fall with high scores. I am going to go RN-MSN through Ball State in Indiana hopefully. I have a 3.78 GPA with my BS in Psychology. I am hoping to continue this during my ASN program and get into the MSN program. I also do not have to take out loans for the ASN program. There are pros and cons; however, the pros far surpassed the cons for me in regards to an ASN program.

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I am an ASN and want to do RN to MSN at Ball State or IUPUI.

I agree, go for the ASN and start working. Make some money then have your employer help pay for you to further your education.

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