how to apply for fin aid

yourPhutureNurse_ · Jan 8, 2014

I am clueless as to how to go about applying for financial aid for ABSN programs. I'm familiar with the FAFSA for my undergraduate classes. Is it the same? I have a number of schools I am applying to so do I list every school on there? Can I even get financial aid for a second degree?

did you exhaust your financial aid the first time???i think u should call the department of higher education because that's serious! That's ur money! I think u should know for sure and not just go off what people say about their different situations! U should call them ASAP and find out! :)

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 8, 2014

You are not eligible for grants for a second degree. You may be eligible for additional federal loans if you did not already borrow the maximum amount. If your school participates you may be eligible for private student loans if you have good credit.

Some schools use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need based scholarships and school based grants.

Shorty11, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2014

Like the previous poster, I would recommend contacting the department of education. Check out studentaid.ed.gov/ The website can provide general FAQ's. For more specific questions, I believe contact info is provided. I think you could also benefit from contacting the financial aid departments at the individual schools you are applying to for more detailed information pertaining to each individual school. While everyone's individual circumstances are different, I wanted to let you know that I was eligible for additional financial aid after already having received a BS in BIology. I decided to return to school to pursue nursing after graduation. I was informed through emails with the department of education that if I pursued a ADN that I would NOT be eligible for more financial aid because I already had a Bachelors, but that I would be eligible for more financial aid if I decided to pursue a BSN, another bachelors degree. I decided to pursue the BSN. I was informed that the maximum amount I was eligible for for all combined undergraduate degrees was approximately $57,000. Because I had not reached this amount for my first Bachelors (it cost $26,000), the remaining amount was available for me to use for my BSN. For a second degree you will not be eligible for federal grants, but you will be eligible for scholarships so get applying! Check the school's website for scholarship recommendations. I would not use my example (or others) as a sure thing of what your experience will be.. Just trying to provide an example. Best of luck!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2014

I wouldn't apply for financial aid until you decide what school you are going to. You will not qualify for any grants but you could get a loan. So apply to the schools and once you get accepted and decide which one you are going to then fill out your FAFSA form.

RHill9919 · Jan 9, 2014

thanks everyone for the information. I have not exhausted my financial aid for the first degree. I guess I need to call the US Dept of Education and find out how much I am eligible for. Are Stafford loans the best route as far as interest rates go? I am also going to look in to some scholarships.

How can I apply for scholarships for specific schools if I haven't decided which school I'm going to or been accepted yet? I'm applying to 5 ABSN programs, all of which have different deadlines and notification of acceptance dates.

RHill9919 · Feb 21, 2014

Update to this thread:

I spoke with the US Dept of Education and was informed that the maximum amount for all combined undergraduate degrees that can be borrowed is $57,500, as an earlier poster stated. However, the maximum amount can be borrowed as a 3rd year or 4th year student is $12,500 annually. Also, because I already have a Bachelor's degree, I am no longer eligible for pell grants on a second Bachelors. So that leaves me with a few more questions that they weren't able to answer for me.

1-As a ABSN student in a 1 year second degree program, does that make me a 4th year student?

2-If the 1 year program I'm applying to is 20-40k, yet I can receive a max of $12,500 annually, how am I suppose to pay for this entire program?

3-How do most of you fund your living expenses while doing a program that doesn't allow you to work? I'm trying to avoid having to take out personal loans. Those interests rates are so steep.

Is there something that I'm missing? I was hoping that I'd be able to max out my student loan amount to cover all tuition and living expenses.

I am being told to talk to the fin aid office at my school, but I am still awaiting acceptance letters.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Feb 21, 2014

1. No. Your 4th year was your senior year when you earned your first degree.

2. Not a 4th year but a post- bac/2nd degree student Private loans? School based grants? Scholarships?

3. Work? Family support

RHill9919 · Feb 21, 2014

All of the programs I'm applying for do not allow you to work. No family support either :/

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Feb 21, 2014

Perhaps rethink attending a ABSN program with such high cost and consider ASN or DEMSN (direct entry masters). ASN would have lower out of pocket cost. DEMSN would be potentially eligible for graduate level financial aid/federal loans and possibly loan forgiveness if a qualified HRSA program.