Help! Paying For NS?

[FazzDazzle]

So, I'm 20 years old and live in a different state than my parents. I haven't relied on them financially for a few years, mainly because they are separated and are lower-middle class. I am currently unemployed and i know that if i get a part-time job it will interfere with my studies (pre-nursing, taking 14credits). I completed all my pre-reqs and have a 4.0 gpa and i know based on my NET scores that i will be accepted for the spring '10 session that starts in December.

Because i am 20 and am considered a 'dependent' (although i am independent) until i am 24 i can only borrow a max of $5,500/year. I have no co-signer for any other types of loans. And my unemployment benefits run out in about a month and have had trouble finding a job. I have some money in the bank; when i say some, i mean very little.

My school isn't counseling me as to what my options are. I ended up crying and yelling at the woman in my financial aid office because she shrugged her shoulders at me when I asked how to make $5,500 pay for rent, food, and transportation for an entire year.

I'm really stressed and need some advice.

I scared to work and go to NS. I'm not lazy; I just want to get everything out of my education I can so that I can be the best that I can be. I don't want to choose between NS and having food and a place to live. My brother had to drop out of college for the same reasons.

My question is:

What types of grants/scholarships are available to nursing students with high gpa's?

Is it possible to work and attend NS at the same time and still do well?

How have you made through NS without relying on anyone but yourself?

Please give some advice to a young person who doesn't have any idea on what the to do.

Sorry, i'm nervous and writing alot!

[serenity8675]

I know you may not like idea of working while you're in school, but if you do decide to get a job, I would look into jobs at UPMC, WPAHS or other healthcare facilities. Part of their benefits package includes tuition assistance. From what I hear, it's not a lot, something like $1,800/year, but every little bit helps!

Good luck!

[FazzDazzle]

Just a thought... but have you tried working while going to school? I have been working (full-time) in a very challenging career, and I have also taken a minimum of 9 credit hrs a semester. This is in addition to having a child, fiance, house, and three cats & two dogs. I have maintened a very good GPA, and felt that I was truly able to manage my time effectively to balance work and school.

It is challenging, but it is very doable. I still have to take out student loans to pay for classes, and it doesn't cover all of the expenses, so that comes out of pocket for me.

I'm glad to know that it is doable! I've been looking for a job for a while now in my area but no luck. I don't think I'm as qualified in comparison to other applicants in many circumstances. I'm looking into doing work-study and tutoring at my school.

I'm going to get my CPR training in the next month for school. I figure if my job search is still not working out that I can get a volunteer position at one of the area hospitals and get some additional experience under my belt and network.

I guess I'm mostly scared about what will happen if I can't find a steady job while going to school. I'm scared of failing! It's SO good to know that other people can do it in more stressful situations.

Thank you to everybody who has responded!

[futurernfarmer]

CCAC's staff is next to useless. I only go through them for the necessities. Do your own research online for financial aid. There are some grants specifically through CCAC that the fin aid office SHOULD be able to tell you about. But, again, the CCAC website may be more useful. As for unemployment.. are you sure yours runs out soon? I'm also on unemployment. Back in May, students became exempt from seeking employment while on unemployment. There are now 4 tiers of federal unemployment. If my calculations are right, and unemployment stays at the state it currently is, I should be able to ride out the rest of school on it (till 1/12). I started collecting back in March '09. In March '10, I'll reapply. Don't forget, they look at the first 4 of the last 5 quarters. If your benefit year is ending soon, maybe you worked one of those quarters, and can reapply for another year. Also, check with Careerlink (unemployment probably already made you see them for some fairly pointless help) for their financial aid. They help with 2 year (or less) programs. Another avenue (if you're a full time student) is Job Corps through CCAC. I don't know what campus you're at, but at South it's the first room on the right if you go in the A Building entrance by the tiger's den or lair.. whatever they call it. Also, we have social benefits for a reason. Again, not sure of your location, but in south side across from Giant Eagle, there is a welfare office. It's not a pleasant place, and it's not fun to wait, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Better yet, check heretohelp.pa.gov first to see quickly what benefits are out there and if you qualify. If you want it badly enough, you'll make it happen. Do your own research (certainly don't depend on CCAC), and you'll be fine. These are tough times for a lot of us..

Hope this helps!