Anyone here use the Hope Grant to pay for LPN?

Grapenut · Aug 15, 2008

I graduated from LPN school in Georgia in a few years ago and got a Hope grant which did indeed pay for my school, core and all. The only negative thing, they don't give you but $100 per quarter for books which is not nearly enough. The good news is you can go to the campus bookstore and get the ISBN number off the books you need and then go to the internet and order them from half.com or ebay or some other used book website for 1/4 the price of a new textbook. Go for it!

GaMBA · Aug 16, 2008

Thank you, that is so encouraging to hear! I'd much rather just have to pay the difference in boooks than have to pay for the entire LPN program, lol. Every little bit helps. If you don't mind my asking, how do people typically support themselves during an LPN program? Do they work, or do most people take out student loans to pay living expenses if necessary? Or perhaps some combo of the two...?

Grapenut · Aug 16, 2008

Lucky for me (if you can call this "lucky") I had lost my job so I was getting unemployment while I was doing my core; when that ran out I worked a part time job. Most people in my LPN class were working part time; a few had jobs at the hospital as nurse techs or unit secretaries, which is a good way to get some experience. I worked for a home health agency as a sitter - I did two 12 hour shifts per week, Thursday and Friday nights 7p to 7a, at someone's home. I was able to use that as a reference when I graduated and applied to the hospital where I work now, which was helpful on my resume because I had never worked in any health related field. I also had to become a "basement dweller" and move in with my son, rent my house out, etc. It wasn't easy but I really wanted to do this and with determination, family support and prayers, I am now an LPN. I'm glad I did it. You can talk to the financial aid office at the school you are thinking about attending and they can tell you what you might be eligible for in terms of loans, grants, etc., and help you with the applications. Good luck!

rnlately · Aug 17, 2008

I used the Hope grant; as a matter of fact it was the only way I could afford to go to school (I don't qualify for Pell). Although they only provide $100 for books/quarter it was better than nothing at all. I purchased all books online from Half.com and only paid about $200 out of pocket as opposed to the $800 at the campus bookstore. It will work out for you; just use clever and creative ways to cut your costs. Best of wishes to you.

Amybeth56 · Nov 7, 2008

Hi. I am now going thru LPN course with only the hope grant. Thank the Lord for it because I did not qualify for pell. Books can be very costly but hey my studies are free. It is what they say it is. Good Luck

ccstar · Dec 9, 2008

I was told that only technical and community colleges use the hope grant and that universities do not take the hope grant. I was also told the the hope scholarship is only for people who graduated high school in GA which I did not having only moved here 3 years ago.

Is this true?

I really want to attend Georgia Highlands College/University but they say they don't accept the hope grant and I don't qualify for financial aid. Are there other good schools for ADN that accepts Hope grant besides Chattahoochee and GPC?

GaPeachLPN · Dec 9, 2008

I used the HOPE grant years ago when I went to school. It is paid for by the GA lottery. It is excellent. I had a BA when I went back to be a nurse and the grant paid for my classes. It is a great deal. Take the offer!

GaMBA · Dec 9, 2008

CCStar, from what I understand the Hope Grant cannot be used to pay for any degree program, so that rules out the ADN. However it can be used to pay for certificate and diploma programs, like the LPN (which is what I am currently using it for), up to 95 credit hours I believe. Good luck in getting financing for school!! Don't forget to apply for schoarlships too!

missbee10 · Mar 3, 2009

This may be a little late but there is a loan program which you could use. Its called a cancelable loan and what it is its a loan that you don't have to pay back. But, you have to work in georgia for two years and if you don't or you quit the program you have to pay the money back.