Florida Tuition Reimbursment

PHM · Jul 18, 2004

Hi Robert,

The state of FL doesn't have a tuition "forgiveness" program per se, but it DOES have what is called a "Gender Equity Scholarship" program. In a nutshell, if you are pursuing a degree in a field in which you are a minority (e.g. males going into nursing, females studying building construction, etc), the state will pay for ALL of your tuition, lab fees, and required texts and materials. Check with the financial advisors at the schools you're interested in. That being said I've got a couple of suggestions from my experiences . . .

1. Florida state gives a hefty sum each semester to each school for this program. In most cases, it pays just about 95% of those qualified to participate. If you're late to register or sign up for classes, etc, they may exhaust their funds for the semester. It's happened here frequently.

2. Once you've found your school participates in this program, talk to the financial rep after you register for classes, but BEFORE you pay. Have a list of all books, materials with prices available when you visit them. They will pay for your classes and give you paperwork to take to the bookstore. This will save you time waiting in lines you've already waited in.

3. Don't rely on other students. You would think most other guys would give you the straight answer, but many have the self-preservation mode in mind (want to make sure they get their $$).

4. Don't expect the school to advertise or even publish this program in the catalogue. Not sure why, but it almost seemed this was a huge secret on campus. FA office was more than happy to help set it up, give you the $$$ for anything and everything, but it seemed to be the "willing" on their part went only as far as to help those who seek the initiative and reward them first. Probably not a bad idea.

Anyway, the GEP paid my last two semesters as I'd been using the GI Bill prior to that (and :) yes, you can use combo's of FA with the Gender Equity Program).

Best of luck and post any other q's you may have.

Phil

Does anybody know if there is tuition forgivness in the state of Florida like they have in Pa. I'm in nursing school and will be done in 2006. My wife and children are thinking about moving to Florida after graduation. So any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You Bob Nolte

senimoni · Jul 18, 2004

Does this only apply to Florida Residents, or anyone if they agree to work in the state after they graduate. Additionally, do you have a link that has all the fields listed etc.

michelle95 · Jul 19, 2004

Sticking tongue out at both of you guys... :rolleyes: :chuckle

nsFAMU · Jul 19, 2004

we do have loan repayment programs...

federal perkins loan cancellations

loan cancellation is available for service as a full-time nurse, volunteer in the peace corps or action programs, or as a member of the armed forces in an area of hostilities. (us department of education: ms. bernardette hebert, 202-708-7742.)

florida nursing student loan forgiveness program

part or all of your loan/s will be repaid to you in exchange for full-time employment at an eligible/designated site in florida. (department of education: ms. pat gabriele: 1-800-487-1080)

the indian health service (ihs)

administers a program to help repay undergraduate and graduate loans of health professionals in return for full-time clinical service in indian health programs. (www.ihs.gov/jobscareerdevelop/dhps/lrp/toc.asp)

u.s. air force

the air force accessions bonus is $10,000 for a 4-year commitment, and the loan repayment for nurse accessions is $27,998 for a 3-year commitment. (tsgt. edward romero; 305-362-9785)

us nursing education loan repayment program

the health resources and services administration (hrsa) is now taking applications for the nurse education loan repayment program (nelrp) which provides up to 85% of student loan debt for nurses who work in eligible facilities located in areas experiencing a shortage of nurses. the purpose of the nelrp is to assist in the recruitment and retention of professional nurses dedicated to providing health care to under served populations. applications are due june 14. determination of which eligible applicants will receive an award is based on a four-tier preference scale based on the availability of funds. more information and the application materials are available online at http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/loanrepay.htm.

there is also a new program for nurses to buy a house in fl with a low down payment and interest rate through fanniemae....here is the link for that....

http://www.fha.org/acrobat/nurseloans.pdf

good luck!!!!

PHM · Jul 22, 2004

Gender equity program is only for Florida residents.

As for USAF bonuses, keep in mind that if you're an ADN (2 year) RN you'll enter the service as an enlisted servicemember, but if you've got your BSN you will qualify for a commission as an officer (pay differs significantly). Either way, I loved the USAF (25 years both enlisted and commissioned) and would highly recommend it to everyone. It's really a great experience.

Great links from nsFAMU. Thanks so much.

Cheers,

Phil