Can anyone suggest how to find grants for an LPN to obtain RN

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Hi All,

Just hoping someone can help. I live in Ocean County and I'm very interested in going to Ocean County College to obtain my RN. I own my home and I'm single so I have to work to pay my mortgage and bills. I have heard there are grants available to help.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Are you unemployed? Recently divorced or widowed? Those are who some of the grants are intended for aside from traditional financial aid obtained by completing the FAFSA. Pell Grant is the main grant based upon financial need. File the FAFSA and see what you are eligible for

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I was working for a pharm company that was bought by another company. I was one of many let go. So yes, I am now unemployed. The problem is that if they go by my taxes, I WAS employed in 2014 :(

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

You don't have to be unemployed to qualify. My husband makes decent money and I still qualify for grants and loans. As long as you aren't getting a degree lower then any you already have, then you should have no problem getting financial aid. If you don't qualify for grants, you can still get low interest rate government student loans. Also, you may be able to apeal a grant denial with the FA office at your school. But your first step is going to need to be filling out the FAFSA online followed by an appointment with a rep at the FA office for your school to review your options.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
You don't have to be unemployed to qualify. My husband makes decent money and I still qualify for grants and loans. As long as you aren't getting a degree lower then any you already have, then you should have no problem getting financial aid. If you don't qualify for grants, you can still get low interest rate government student loans. Also, you may be able to apeal a grant denial with the FA office at your school. But your first step is going to need to be filling out the FAFSA online followed by an appointment with a rep at the FA office for your school to review your options.

The grants for returning to work require unemployed or displaced household.

Financial aid grants are need based on income

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I was working for a pharm company that was bought by another company. I was one of many let go. So yes, I am now unemployed. The problem is that if they go by my taxes, I WAS employed in 2014 :(

You file a change in status with the school financial aid office . You should have a layoff/reduction in force letter and unemployment benefits letter. WIA won't pay for RN school as its longer than 12 months and you are already a skilled licensed nurse.

Your best bet is to file the FAFSA, then follow up with the school who can adjust your income due to the RIF. I believe it asks if you are currently unemployed in the FAFSA application in addition to last year's income

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thank you so much for your advice. I will fill out my FAFSA and speak to someone in financial aid :))

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.
The grants for returning to work require unemployed or displaced household.

Financial aid grants are need based on income

I am well aware of this as a multiple year financial aid user. I was telling the OP to fill out the Fafsa (indicating I was talking about regular old federal financial aid), and then see what she qualifies for. Op has not given her income, so we have no way of knowing if she would qualify. But I do know that you can appeal a decision for declined grant. Mentioning she is now unemployed might get her grant approved.

As for displaced worker and unemployment grants. I have no idea how those work, which is why I did not give advice on them.

ETA: Justbeachynurse, I have reread and feel I misinterpreted the intention behind your post. It appears it was just to explain the difference between the two types of grants.

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I suppose the question I really have is do I have to search for grants myself or are they automatically offered (if available when you fill out FAFSA)? People have told me to go online, that there are so many grants available that most are not aware of.

I appreciate everyone taking the time to offer guidance!!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I suppose the question I really have is do I have to search for grants myself or are they automatically offered (if available when you fill out FAFSA)? People have told me to go online, that there are so many grants available that most are not aware of.

I appreciate everyone taking the time to offer guidance!!

Federal grants are based on need and automatically offered before loans. Private grants are rare. Grants to return to work and can only be issued from specific agencies as a return to work initiative such as via unemployment, social services or the private industry council. Unless you maxed out on financial aid in other coursework you likely qualify for aid. Many schools have alumni and founders grants/scholarships that are only awarded via the financial aid department.

Start with the FAFSA, I believe it asks if currently unemployed or if there was a change in status (which would trigger a form to verify your changed financial status)

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Thank you again for taking the time to reply !!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

No problem. Call the financial aid office. They may have time to review your options in an appointment

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