Big 'Howdy from Texas'!!

nurseaaron · Feb 25, 2001

Originally posted by SuzieT:
Howdy there! I'm new to your boards so I hope I did this right..
Let me just say that I think you all are a world of advice and a great group of people! I am happy I found this board and have been watching it very closely since I found it. I know the boards get a lot of people from all over the world who are thinking about entering the nursing field and want imput.
I hope I'm not being too nosey here, but I was hoping some of you could help answer a qestion for me. Did any of you recieve any finacial aid or student loans while persuing your dream? How in the world did you manage to pay them off? I really want to go to school and follow my heart but the finacial strain is really making me think twice. (LVN school is ten thousand for one year.)
I have a little one and my husband is military. I've talked to the financial aid dept. at the school I wish to attend and wasn't happy with just that. Can anyone offer advice on where I might be able to get some help from. Thanks!!

Completely understand your problem. Had the same one also. Just some advice that's hopefully helpful.

Firstly, Why LVN. These schools are not associated with our public school system thus FSFA is not able to give student loans through these school. Let the government pay for you school sweety. Your husband has devoted his life to it, and they would greatly assist you. In fact, I believe they specifically asked if anyone in your immediate family is active or has been active in the military.

Secondly. Tuition at a public university is alot cheaper than 10,000 a year. UT Arlington is around 2400 a semester and has night classes too. I was able to get 5,000 a year in FSFA loans that I didn't have to start paying until 6 months after graduation, at low interests rates I might add. They will also extend this period if needed. Amounts to 20,000 paid over 30 years. About 200 a month. You'll make this much xtra in a week with an RN opposed to an LVN. I make 32 / hour working various PRN jobs as an RN.

GOOD Luck. PS associates degree is also a good option. FSFA loans also. But can't get master if want to later. Must then get BSN degree which would take another year full time.

Aaron