Getting into nursing school (financially)

bonitamiaRN · Mar 6, 2008

You may have to seek out financial aid. I understand that there are programs that will allow you a loan to cover a living stipend + school + books. I say, where there's a will, there's a way. You are going to have to do some research into it. That's how my hubby made it through grad school. Search some of the threads across this message board, I am sure there is something mentioned regarding loans.

fiona81 · Mar 6, 2008

yeah I thought about that, except my credit is thrashed (no thanks 2 my ex husband) I cant even get a car loan, or an apartment with my poor credit!! :cry:

Nurse9481 · Mar 6, 2008

I'm sort of in your situation. I"m 26, work full time and i also didn't want to wait. I was accepted into this upcoming class at Apollo, but I didn't get a good vibe (This is just my opinion). I had to retake classes I already did b/c they said so, yet at community colleges these classes didn't expire. That was a big draw back for me as I'd like to continue my education at a state college (more specifically where i'm from, which is california). Also, paying 40k for a program for just your Associates and then paying alot of money to go thru UofP was also a an issue for me... Bottom line, i felt i would get a better exprience at a community college that is more reputable, way less money and able to transfer credits. I would take the time and just save your money.

My two cents.

bonitamiaRN · Mar 6, 2008

yeah I thought about that, except my credit is thrashed (no thanks 2 my ex husband) I cant even get a car loan, or an apartment with my poor credit!!

I did not think that student loans take into consideration your credit situation. I could be wrong, though.

sassiebaz · Mar 7, 2008

Actually, Sallie Mae does have a credit requirement. They are going to have loans that are higher dollar amount that will allow you to live on while in school. Those are considered private loans. Federal student loans however, do NOT have a credit check. You can only borrow up to a certain amount each year and then there are limits in totality as well. Almost everyone can get federal student loans(those who have felonies cannot).

The financial end of things is my biggest issue as well. Mainly paying for child care. I figured it will cost close to $14K for a two year program for me to put my little one is daycare. Then, I still need care for my school aged children. Im not sure it's worth it and then to pay tuition on top of that....and NOT work. Sometimes I think it would just be easier to wait untilt he little one gets into kindergarted and then pursue my career full time. For now just keep taking one class at a time.....

I wish there was a magic button(not the easy button you see on TV) that would help us all get through nursing school....Im sure eventually we will find a way to work it out!

Good luck! If you want more info on financial aid PM me, I used to do financial aid for a college here.

bonitamiaRN · Mar 7, 2008

Sassie, I did not know that the higher dollar loans require that. I am financial aid illiterate - I have not looked into it for years. That does make sense due to the totality of the amount needed (taken into account living expenses). I know that others that I worked with in the past took out 2nd mortgages to finance their educations, not sure if that is a possibility. It would help to reduce your extraneous debts to zero (I am sure you know that).

However, you do it - I wish you the best. I know that it seems like a mountain, but do more research and I am sure you will figure something out. Have you looked at nursing scholarships? I know a long time ago, there were state programs to pay for education if you made a X year commitment to work in particular professions & in demographically areas desperately needed (similar to those programs that they had for teachers).

MassagetoRN · Mar 7, 2008

Another solution to the daycare dilemma is DES. The dept of economic security will step in and help with childcare if you make less than a certain amount ($1800 monthly for a family of 2, but goes up with more people in the family). As long as you are pursuing technical training, and nursing qualifies, they will pay a huge chunk of childcare. There are really good daycares that won't charge you above your DES co-pay. Just another suggestion. As a single mom, I am not ashamed to say that I use it. I paid into the system before and will continue to after. Its there for people who genuinely need the assistance for a season in their lives.

sassiebaz · Mar 7, 2008

You know, it can be frustrating! I know there are people who need assistance more than I, and single moms who need more help with daycare and things of that nature.....but even with our income and raising three kids, there is nothing left in our budget for school and childcare. There are no breaks for people in my income bracket! Im really NOT complaining, Im fortunate to have a husband that works hard and makes a decent living. But, I don't qualify for any money from the government to help cover expenses related to me going to school. I talked to Phoenix college about this grant that I was told to apply for. The lady on the phone told me it was denied....I asked why? She said you have no financial need....I laughed and said "being broke doesn't count"? She didn't see the humor. It's a real catch 22.....we make barely enough to live on but cannot get any help......Again, I really do count my blessings!

Be careful with the private student loans as they can have different interest rates than government loans.....They can be costly! But helpful....

Lisa From Phoenix · Mar 7, 2008

1. Stop asking people here about financial aid questions. Call a school close to home & talk to the financial aid department.

2. Go to craigslist.org and search for a roommate. You might be surprised. There are people out there that are a husband and wife, no kids, both work 40+ hours per week, that would actually enjoy having someone take care of the house. They'll give you a room at a really low rate in exchange for you cleaning the house and doing dishes.

3. Get plugged into your church, synogogue or house of worship. Ask for help.

4. STUDY AHEAD OF TIME!!! Find students who are in blocks 1&2. Find out what you need to study, and study for a year before starting school. Then, while you're in schoo, you might be able to work 20 hours/week and still pass classes... because you've studied ahead of time.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

Lisa from Phoenix ;-)

sassiebaz · Mar 8, 2008

1. Stop asking people here about financial aid questions. Call a school close to home & talk to the financial aid department.
2. Go to craigslist.org and search for a roommate. You might be surprised. There are people out there that are a husband and wife, no kids, both work 40+ hours per week, that would actually enjoy having someone take care of the house. They'll give you a room at a really low rate in exchange for you cleaning the house and doing dishes.
3. Get plugged into your church, synogogue or house of worship. Ask for help.
4. STUDY AHEAD OF TIME!!! Find students who are in blocks 1&2. Find out what you need to study, and study for a year before starting school. Then, while you're in schoo, you might be able to work 20 hours/week and still pass classes... because you've studied ahead of time.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
Lisa from Phoenix ;-)

This board is here for all types of questions.......What works for some may not work for another....It's not like the posters are sitting back just wishing for things to happen, most of us have different circumstances and are still working, going to school, raising a family and "plugging in" to our community. Im not sure what you are trying to get across in your post but most of us have done and are doing all of those things.....

Cursed Irishman · Mar 8, 2008

4. STUDY AHEAD OF TIME!!! Find students who are in blocks 1&2. Find out what you need to study, and study for a year before starting school. Then, while you're in schoo, you might be able to work 20 hours/week and still pass classes... because you've studied ahead of time.

This, in my opinion, is bad advice. Learn what they want you to in nursing school, don't come to class already having bad habits and half baked conceptions of what you think you ought to know. Learn what the instructors want you to know; they've been doing it longer.