Affording Nursing School As A Newlywed

UVA Grad Nursing · Feb 12, 2013

There is not a lot of scholarship resources for those wanting to become nurses in 2013. Most of the external nursing scholarship monies now are focused on growing nursing faculty or training primary care providers (NPs and CNMs) to work in underserved communities (such as rural counties or inner-cities). A decade ago the market was different and there was money to encourage people to become nurses; nowadays there are more new RN graduates than jobs in many parts of the country. Employers and foundations have found that they do not need to offer any financial incentives (scholarships) to encourage individuals to become nurses in today's economy.

The one major federal scholarship program, the Nursing Scholarship Program (NSP) uses the FAFSA score for rating candidates; since you (and you fiance) are employed now you would likely not qualify. The NSP prioritizes those with Expected Family Contribution (EFC) scores of 0 ahead of those with any savings/income.

Since you already have an undergraduate degree, I am afraid the only other option for your second bachelors would be loans. This is why many in similar circumstances are returning to community colleges or state universities where the tuition is much, much less expensive than at private or for-profit schools.

Good luck.

venusnscrubs · Feb 12, 2013

My husband and I are in a similar situation. I am going back to school for my BSN, but I already have a bachelors degree (in business). Honestly, it probably isn't what you want to hear but we are drastically cutting back our lifestyle so that we can cash flow school. I'm planning to attend an Accelerated BSN program to the tune of approx $30k (over an 18 month period). It's not exactly my idea of a good time, but we moved into a tiny one bedroom apartment. It sucks now, but in a couple of years when I graduate with no (or very little) loans, it will have been worth it. If you need some help setting up a budget...let me know. I'd be happy to help point you in the right direction.

P.S. Once you start the nursing program, I think you should be able to defer your SL's. So that would free up some "extra" money.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Feb 12, 2013

I have so far paid cash for my undergrad and graduate nursing degrees, a BSN and AAS for two of my kids and have two currently in college - so it can be done. As another poster stated - it comes down to lifestyle choices.

I would say that you cannot afford to change careers right now. You should pay off the student loans first (with two decent wage earners, and the schedules you both work - second jobs for both of you are not out of the question) - THEN look at a second degree. Live in a cheap one-bedroom apartment, get rid of one car if you can, pay off all consumer debt. How much are you planning to spend on a wedding? Could you scale that back and apply the $$ to debt? Putting off nursing school a couple years because you cannot afford it shows MATURITY. Doing it now and putting yourself into overwhelming debt in the end (between the two of you) shows immaturity and the need for instant gratification.

Because once you are out of debt- you can stop working and go to nursing school, give it your full attention - and NOT lay awake every night wondering if you have enough $$ to pay the light bill.

Just my two cents worth - but I've been there, done that and bought the T-shirt.