Financial Aid for parent going back to school

[MPulga]

Hi, everyone.

I've recently applied to a few nursing schools in the SF/Bay Area.

I'm here keeping my fingers crossed I get into one of them.

One of my concerns, however, is the financial aspect of it. I'm married and have two young kids (1 and 5) and living in the Bay Area is not cheap, but we manage our finances on two full-time work salaries. If I do get into a school, I will most likely quit my job as I've been advised that RN school is intense and working is not advised. I'm worried that we might not be able to pay all the bills and expenses on my husband's salary, and would like to ask you all for advice (if you are or have gone through something similar).

Were you able to get enough financial aid (ie. loans/scholarships) to cover all your tuition and living expenses (keeping in mind it's not the finances for one person (student) but also the family)

Are there scholarships available for parents going back to RN school?

Any of you work and go to school, and what are your thoughts on that?

I'm not sure we'd qualify for low-income assistance, but if we were, what kid of public assistance programs should I look into?

Any feedback or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[JessicaDanielle]

Working while going to school is not impossible. Hard work, yes, but it can be done

[MPulga]

Hi, Jessica. Did you work while attending school? How did you balance school, work and life with kids (ie. going to parent-teacher conferences,pick-up/drop off at school and childcare, after school activities, etc?)

Can you tell me a bit more about your experience? Thank you

[WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Big question: do you already have a bachelors? If you do, that may limit the amount (if any) federal aid you could get.

How expensive are the respective programs you are applying to? I think first year federal loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) is $9500. Second year it bumps up to $12500, I believe. Would that cover your entire tuition? If not... then you will need to look into private loans, possibly. They recommend you not take out more loans than what you would be expected to make your first year.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

There's financial aid to pay for your tuition. Not sure about the living expenses. I didn't know it was designed for that. You will also have to consider if you have any previous degrees. I would speak with the financial aid counselor at your school.