Accelerated BSN prerequisites

Published

Hi everyone, I'm new here. With this deplorable economy and my love for the sciences, I have decided to get an Accelerated BSN. I have a bachelors degree in political science and some of the science prerequisites already but need to take a few more. My question is this and I hope someone can answer me: Since post baccs can't receive grants but may receive loans, can I take the prerequisites at a local community college, where they will be cheaper or is there a better way to get these prerequisites done? My plan, though it may change, it to go to USF for the accelerated BSN program. Any information and advice on post baccalaureate funding for nursing prerequisites is what I need help with. Thanks!

You are not eligible for financial aid at a college (that I am sure) because you already have a degree. It doesn't matter if you had your degree here or at a foreign university. You will only be granted fin aid if you are pursuing another degree or going higher and not the other way round.

I was denied aid at my college coz I had a degree from a foreign university; however, I was offered federal loans and probably pell grants ( can't recollect what it's called), I rejected them and decided to pay out of pocket.

I was told if I were to be pursuing another degree or masters only then can I be eligible.

You will also need to apply for either ADN or Pre- Nursing to be able to take college level Pre-Reqs. (I had to apply for an ADN)

It does differ in states though, so you might want to apply for FAFSA and see how it goes.

My advice: if you want to receive aid from a college and you already have a bachelors degree, don't indicate or mention it while filling out the FAFSA application form.

I graduated with a BS in Biology in 2009. I used scholarships, pell grants, and federal student loans to pay for it. I decided to go back to school in 2011 to pursue a BSN. Many people told me that I would not be eligible for financial aid and federal student loans bc I already had a degree. In my case, this turned out not to be true. When I started school again for my BSN, I filled out my FAFSA (truthfully) and applied for all the scholarships my university offered. I qualified for student loans for this degree also (and in addition to scholarships), that is how I have been paying my tuition. I was informed that there is a "cap" to how much you are able to receive for "undergrad" federal student loans, but I am still below that "cap". For reference, I live and go to school in Texas.

Most likely prereqs at a community college will be cheaper than the cost at a university. However, you need to be absolutely positive that your credits will transfer. Also, the university I attend determines admission into the BSN program based on a point-system. At my school, points earned come mainly from your GPA. Yet, you also receive additional points for every prereq completed at the university, as opposed to those credits transferred from another school/program. This is just an example, but I would check into things like this before deciding where to do your prereqs. Best of luck!

+ Join the Discussion