Help - ABSN/MELN programs and financial aid

Hello allnurses community,

I had a few questions regarding ABSN programs and Masters Entry programs in Nursing.

For those who have done ABSN programs in California, or out-of-state, how was the financial aid if you received any? I am a low-income first generation college student.

Fafsa has a maximum cap at 6 years of aid.

By the time I graduate I will have two-years left of unused aid.

Is it true that once you receive your first bachelors degree, you longer qualify for FAFSA grants/free money, even if you had unused aid, only loans?

As for the loans, is it easy to get approved for those? I've never taken out any loans in my life! It scares me a bit. As of now, I'm looking into ABSN programs at the CSU schools since they're more affortable then the private ones like at Upenn/NYU, but still leaving those options open.

My goal is to become ER/Trauma nurse, but I'm keeping my options open with specialties since a lot can change with time.

In terms of opportunities, which one is best if I'd like to keep my options open, an ABSN or MELN program?

And for MELN programs, how is financial aid for those schools, if there is any at the graduate level?

If anyone could please share your experience with these two types of programs I would highly appreciate it. Listing information such as the school you attended, cost of tuition for your program, experience with loans and how you went about your path to pursue ABSN/MELN programs would be appreciated!