Half way through nursing school and may have to quit

[jaelloumom]

Hello fellow nursing students,

I'm in desperate need of an advice and will take whatever anyone can throw at me. I'm a single mom struggling financially to get by on this journey. I'm halfway through my accelerated BSN, been strong academically 3.96 GPA, really enjoy and thrive at my clinicals but physically, emotionally and financially drained out. Since I already have a bachelor, I don't qualify for any grants, have exhausted all federal loans and been unable to secure any outside loans to cover expenses. I've made it thus far on federal loans and few outside scholarships. With God's grace I finally received the HRSA scholarship to cover the remaining year, however, the funding doesn't start until November. As of now I still owe small balance for my summer session which prevents me to register for fall semester I have no one to lend me the money until November and feel stucked. My only option right now is to withdraw or take a leave of absense until the funding become available, then petition to re-enter if there is "available clinical space" which I'm not even sure the scholarship will approve of that. I'm so loss and feel defeated, are there any other options out there that I'm not considering?

Thanks in advance!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Have you tried private loans through local banks? Is there someone in your family would would be willing to co-sign a loan with you to make you more likely to be approved? Have you discussed the situation with your school's financial aid department to see if there is any way they can work with you so that you can continue your class schedule? The financial aid department might also know about other grants, scholarships, or avenues that you can go through to receive financial assistance.

[FinallyMine]

I also suggest talking to your schools financial aid office. Some schools have scholarships or other funds for students who may have to drop like you. The nursing dept may also be a good resource.

I hope you are able to get the help. Something just has to work out. Continue to reach out as you never know who may be able to help.

[alovelymother]

I'm not sure what type of school you go to but if you go to a community college they may let you set up a payment plan for what you owe and allow you to register for fall.

[ProudStudent]

I would think that the HRSA scholarship approval will be enough of an "IOU" to keep rolling in classes. If it's not tied directly into your school financial aid office, maybe taking proof of the funds to your financial aid officer will allow them to help you figure something out? I feel like anything I can suggest will be something you've already considered or ruled out. I too, think private loans thru a local bank could be an option. Who cares about higher interest when you've come this far. I wish you the best.

[jaelloumom]

Thanks everyone for your valuable suggestions, I did try the private local bank loans and wasn't approved. I haven't tried the financial aid office for any other type of funding available, I've been calling abut they've been giving me the run around as if no one has heard of HRSA. I attend Cal State Univ. San Marcos, looks like I need to do more than calling, I'll be going there tomorrow to see if anyone can help.

[ProudStudent]

Thanks everyone for your valuable suggestions, I did try the private local bank loans and wasn't approved. I haven't tried the financial aid office for any other type of funding available, I've been calling abut they've been giving me the run around as if no one has heard of HRSA. I attend Cal State Univ. San Marcos, looks like I need to do more than calling, I'll be going there tomorrow to see if anyone can help.

Going there might be your best bet. I know that I get better results when I visit them in person. I

[nurse2be13]

Going there might be your best bet. I know that I get better results when I visit them in person. I

I second that. You definitely want to go and speak to a financial aid rep in person.