Financially Surviving an accelerated BSN program

You may have to take out loans. They provide you with a "Cost of Attendance" so you know how much the maximum you are allowed to borrow. This cost of attendance factors in personal expenses, such as travel and rent. They also have scholarships on their website.

Btw, Congrats! My first day is tomorrow.

Congrats to you as well! Are you nervous? I know someone who is in the program at Stratford I believe she is Level 3..... lots of hard work but I've heard that it is ALL DO-ABLE. Congrats again!! I don't know you but I am happy for you, I wish you well!:)

Thanks. Not nervous at all. Yes, many students I met with said it's tough but doable. I will advise you be apart of the pre-program. I thought it was worth it to get a jump start before starting the program officially.

And reading your other post in the UMDNJ thread, no they don't check documentations of your rent. They do however, check the basics such as your Income Tax Return. When you fill out your financial aid you fill out information, which helps with determining your "Cost of Attendance." If you have any questions, please call financial aid. They are there to help you and guide you with all your money questions.

Best of luck to you! Btw, I'm at the Newark campus.

Hi I am confused by what you mean about "cost of attendance" and how much one is allowed to borrow? Do you mean submitting loans to the school in excess of their tuition to cover living expenses? Please explain. Also, congratulations on your acceptance!

Hi,

Cost of attendance is what it costs for you to attend the school, this includes rent, personal expenses, transportation,etc. UMDNJ has a link to the cost of attendance document and it breaks down everything based on the program you are in and the school you are attending. Because the accelerated BSN program is a second bachelor's degree you must foot the bill or take out personal loans other then federal loans and the college will approve the loans, I believe it is called certify the loans if your budget, which is based on you own personal needs, is reasonable. Hope this helps, feel free to ask me whatever.

Oh, I see I am looking at that now. Are you from NJ? If you are on the Newark campus you don't need a car because the path is very convenient. If you find housing in Jersey City/Hoboken you can take the path to school and that will alleviate your budget. Most things are within walking distance in this area.

I actually live in south jersey.......i wish I had that luxury.

Zyrasmom,

Would you be able to keep us informed on how your first semester goes? I was recently accepted for the summer program and I am waiting for my id number, etc. I would love to know what to expect from a second degree student.

Hope your first day went well.

D

Hi,

I actually don't start until May 2011. I will be attending the Stratford Campus. Which campus will you be attending? I actually know someone who started the summer of last year at the Stratford campus and one of the nurses that teaches at the school is the Nurse Practitioner I see so I was told by both of them that the program IS DO-ABLE! In fact, the nurse told me she knew students that were working 40 hours a week with a hubby and kids! Crazy right?

OH! I guess we will be starting at the same time just on different campuses. I will be attending the Newark campus. I hope it is do-able, so many students seem overwhelmed by the amount of studying, I'm thinking if I psych myself up for a lot of work it will make it a little easier. Did you get your id number yet? I sent my deposit last week but haven't heard from them since.

D

OH! I guess we will be starting at the same time just on different campuses. I will be attending the Newark campus. I hope it is do-able, so many students seem overwhelmed by the amount of studying, I'm thinking if I psych myself up for a lot of work it will make it a little easier. Did you get your id number yet? I sent my deposit last week but haven't heard from them since.

D

Was the pre-program offered to your group? If so, please join it.

I'm at the Newark campus and yes, there is plenty of work from just the first week.

Thanks, mzchas

I will certainly take advantage of it when the time comes.

Good luck with your studies.

D