how do you afford to live while in school?

[gordonarkell]

I am starting (at 45yrs old) nursing prereq's. Plan to drop my dead-end, full time job when I get into full-time nurse school. I have to totally support myself. I have a good amount of savings and wonder how anyone can support themselves on financial aid/loans/grants/whatever while getting through school. THe only thing I really worry about is being able to live (pay rent, bills, food) while in school. THe school part is actually not a problem financially.

I am going to need help paying for living expenses. Can "financial aid" pay for it all without much ordeal? Will that be my one big stumbling block?

This is my huge question and appreciate all wisdom.

Thank you.

[bullcityrn]

Husband's income, scholarships, grants and plenty o' LOANS:uhoh3:

[twoanddone]

What companies are you all using to get loans? I'm hopefully starting full time at a cc this fall but need help with daycare expenses besides the federal loan ... Thanks

[bullcityrn]

Sallie Mae Tuition Answer Loan worked best for me. The application process and verifications were relatively simple and I received approval within a day. Another plus is that the check goes directly to you and is not disbursed through the school -- not many lenders do that. My financial aid counselor recommended them to me for that reason because the loan is primarily for living expenses while I'm in school, including daycare. Good Luck!

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Since i'm only taking 2 classes, tuition isn't though the roof. Plus taking classes at a CC made things cheaper. I've done tuition reimbursement, but i'm trying to pay for it out of my own pocket now.

Switch from soda to water, and saved about $20 in a month.

I bought my books for this semester off of Ebay, i saved OVER $100!! Make sure that titles and ISBNs match before bidding (not to mention if the seller is reputable, good feedback, etc.)

If i treat myself to some place like Wendy's, i stick to the 99 cent menu, and get water to drink.

[twoanddone]

Thanks!! I'll check it out! When (if) I get accepted, I think I'll go with Sallie Mae. The cost of daycare is scaring me LOL

[marinemommy]

What companies are you all using to get loans? I'm hopefully starting full time at a cc this fall but need help with daycare expenses besides the federal loan ... Thanks

I am using my bank (Wells Fargo) to get a loan (the Education Connection loan, the money comes directly to me). I have three kids I have to put through daycare so I know all to well how scary that is! (I figured that it'll cost me about 8-9K to keep them all in school)

[smurfyetta]

Do you have kids? You might be able to go to the welfare office, or your nearest church or salvation army. they usually will help with rent and stuff like that. That's the only thing i can think of. hopefully this helps. good luck to you.

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

Sallie Mae Tuition Answer Loan worked best for me. The application process and verifications were relatively simple and I received approval within a day. Another plus is that the check goes directly to you and is not disbursed through the school -- not many lenders do that. My financial aid counselor recommended them to me for that reason because the loan is primarily for living expenses while I'm in school, including daycare. Good Luck!

Wow.....thank you SO MUCH for this information! I will be quitting my full-time job in about 5 weeks and have been just freaking out trying to figure out how I'm going to manage this, particularly since I am having troubles getting a hospital job without the first semester of NURS101 under my belt!!

This helps me to breathe a lot easier knowing I can at least keep up with tuition, books, & my car payment, etc., until I get some kind of part-time work!! The little bit of savings I had wasn't going to hold me over for long!!

:balloons:

[melkev98]

Just a thought, hospitals in my area, if you have your CNA, they have a program where they hire you part-time and pay for a big part of your tuition in return for a 2-3 year contract when you are done. If you don't have your CNA, they still help with tuition. It wouldn't hurt to look into your local area to see if you have any facility willing to do that. I have save some in savings, but luckily my husband works full time and my kids are in school . I will still have to work a few days at my cna job to keep up. Good Luck!!!

[bullcityrn]

Wow.....thank you SO MUCH for this information! I will be quitting my full-time job in about 5 weeks and have been just freaking out trying to figure out how I'm going to manage this, particularly since I am having troubles getting a hospital job without the first semester of NURS101 under my belt!!

This helps me to breathe a lot easier knowing I can at least keep up with tuition, books, & my car payment, etc., until I get some kind of part-time work!! The little bit of savings I had wasn't going to hold me over for long!!

:balloons:

You're welcome, I completely understand! I would not have been able to go to school without the loan, we're a family of five with one child going into daycare...I didn't realize how stressed out I was about the whole thing until I got that approved letter from Sallie Mae. It was such a weight off my shoulders!

Word of advice...apply for the loan BEFORE you quit working, approval goes faster and the interest rates are a bit better. The only thing you need to provide in most cases is proof of full-time school enrollment and verification of the school term dates for which you are requesting the loan. I was able to secure funds through Spring 2007. They send the check directly to you for the full amount about 30 days prior to the start of the semester.

I also heard good things about Wells Fargo student loan program, I think someone mentioned them on here...I found out about them after I had already secured the Sallie Mae loan. Might be worth checking out to see which one is offering the better deal.

Good Luck!

[weytn]

401k and some equity in my home. I hate to do that but, I have to be able to concentrate on my studies while taking care of my family.