Funding or loan repayment for nrsg grad school?

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Hi there. I'm new here, so my apologies if there is a better place to post this. I am considering NP programs. I'm concerned about cost. Unfortunately, my first undergraduate degree was useless and left me with a ton of debt. My BSN was a better return on investment, but both degrees have left me so in debt, I'm very nervous to incur more with a graduate degree in nursing. My state and employer have no repayment options for my BSN loans. I applied for the HRSA Student Loan repayment program, but was not selected. I will try again this year, but my guess is I won't be selected again, as I work for the same HPSA score agency (19; a good score, but apparently not enough). I am working towards public loan forgiveness, but in case this program isn't around when I'm eligible in 10 years, I am looking for a back up plan......

Questions: Any schools out there that are known for significant scholarship assistance for strong students? I have a strong science background with a GPA of 3.97. Any nurse repayment programs besides NHSC that are out there? Is it common for employers to offer loan repayment? If so, what type of terms have you heard of?

If anybody out there can help me squelch my fears of graduate school debt, I would welcome any advice. I'm sure I am not alone in this fear. Thank you so much and Happy New Year.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I think your fear of graduate school debt is healthy. It seems to me the time is not right for you- perhaps work a couple of RN/ bedside jobs for a couple of years and pay it down before considering graduate school.

I would not advise anyone in your position to take on additional debt.

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Specializes in Rehab, pediatrics.

I agree with meanmaryjean. I wouldn't even have considered going back to school if it weren't for my employer paying about 90% of it. I would work as an RN with overtime if possible until the debt is more manageable.

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An employer who assists with NP tuition? What types of settings can I find this in? I have never seen this offered, and my HR person laughed in my face when I asked....

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Specializes in Rehab, pediatrics.
An employer who assists with NP tuition? What types of settings can I find this in? I have never seen this offered, and my HR person laughed in my face when I asked....

Around my area in Pennsylvania a lot of employers, especially hospital systems offer this. I thought it was the norm. So the company I work for gives me a certain amount of tuition reimbursement yearly and then they also give me 25% off for going to their partner school. It's a pretty good deal.

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Specializes in Sleep medicine.

Maybe find a program that allows you to pay cash? Grand Canyon does this. You take one class at a time which is about $1500 and you pay as you go. The whole balance just has to be paid by the end of the class (some classes are 8 weeks, but most are 16). The whole

program is just over $30K. It takes 3 years to complete the program, but a no debt advanced practice degree sounds preeeettty good to me.

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Specializes in Sleep medicine.

I just wanted to add that you don't HAVE to pay cash at Grand Canyon, but they offer it as an option. A pretty awesome option in my opinion! :)

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement programs. My employer offers up to a certain amount depending on if you're full or part time. They also offer a certain percentage off if an employee attends their partner school.

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Look up AENT, it funded 1/2 of my tuition and gave me a $1200 monthly stipend with no commitments!

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Specializes in Sleep medicine.

Did you apply for it yourself or did someone from your school have to do it? The way I'm reading it makes me think only the school can apply.

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The schools apply for the AENT grant money. Some schools get BIG money from the Feds for this program, then (as I understand it) divy it up to eligible students. You can go to the AENT's current list of grantees and see which schools have gotten which grants……unfortunately, the schools I've been looking at aren't grantees.

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