Financial aid question....

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I am 35, married, and work full-time. I have been accepted into the fall 2004 nursing program at the local community college. I filled out the FAFSA and it said my EFC is $8200 (yeah, right) :chuckle . I have already adjusted my hours at work to some evenings and every weekend so I can have time for school and studying. Now, I just need to be able to pay for school. My salary all goes to living expenses. Tuition and books are around $3000 per semester. Most of the programs through my school are either for people with low to no income, high school seniors, or local hospital programs for people already in clinicals. Anyway, my question is since my state does not offer any loan repayment programs or state-funded scholarships, would it be a complete waste of my time to apply for other state programs even though I am not a resident of that state, but willing to move there to work upon graduation? I have searched DiscoverNursing.com and FastWeb.com and they all say you must be a resident, but there are several for states like California and Texas. Just thought I would ask. My last resort will be a Stafford Loan. Thanks to all!

meandragonbrett

2,438 Posts

I Anyway, my question is since my state does not offer any loan repayment programs or state-funded scholarships, would it be a complete waste of my time to apply for other state programs even though I am not a resident of that state, but willing to move there to work upon graduation?

I'm pretty sure that in most states, if not all, you have to be a resident for at least a year to be elgible for their state aid. If I were you and you don't mind having student loan debt, I'd take out the stafford and then get it paid off in the first 1-2 years after you graduate :) Good luck!!

ARmickie

127 Posts

hmm.. Maybe you could email the state BON where you are willing to move and ask if they have any advice. I'm sure you aren't the only person who has ever faced this problem.. and so we know there is a way to do it.. we just dont' know how.. good luck.

Tony35NYC

510 Posts

Hi,

I posted a comment in another thread about my own frustrations with financial aid, but here's what I suggest in your case: go for the non-need based stafford loans. Just do it. The ADN is only about 2 years long and CC tuition rates usually aren't that bad. Have you checked the local hospitals to see if they offer any sponsorship programs? Did you check with your nursing school about non-need based scholarships?

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