HELP!!! Student Loans/ Financial Aid and Private LVN School...Ques

[pnkgirl25]

So I am 31 years old and to be honest, I don't have the time to wait 3 years to sit on a waiting list to get accepted into an RN program. I have decided that although an expensive option, private school is the best option for me. My plan is to do an LVN program then bridge to an RN program at a community college then move anywhere in the country I can find a job as an RN. Once settled on the job go back in a year (with tuition reimbursement) and complete my BSN.

My question related to financial aid and student loans. My income last year was 9,500 for the entire year...yeah don't ask, it was a NIGHTMARE. Anyways, I'm pretty sure this income will qualify me for any need based aid offered as well as government loans. My thing is based on what I have been told, I will get a max of $5,500 in pell grant per year and can take out a max of $9,500 in government loans. That leaves about $15,000 unpaid for (most school I'm looking at are in the $26k-30k range. )

My credit is pretty much in the tank after my recent divorce so a private loan is out of the question and I have no co-signer. For those that went the private school route, how did you make up the difference from what was covered by financial aid/student loans and what was not.

Working is going to be all most impossible as I am a single parent with zip zero family in this state to assist with daycare or watching my daughter. So the daycare I do have goes to cover watching her while I'm in school.

Any advice or pointers? I have tried contacting these school but they want to put you through the whole song and dance with meeting with admissions, taking the test etc. before they even talk funding. You would think financial aid would be the first thing to talk about since no matter what my scores are on your test if I cant afford your school its pointless.

The schools I am considering are:

Casa Loma Hawthorn campus

CNI College in Orange

[pixiestudent2]

You say you ok relocating after your a RN or LPN, why not relocate to a RN school where there are no waitlist? 26-30k is a lot of money.

[mznelly]

You can look into WIA at your local unemployment office.

[pnkgirl25]

You say you ok relocating after your a RN or LPN, why not relocate to a RN school where there are no waitlist? 26-30k is a lot of money.

Because of my current situation (in the middle of a divorce) I am tied to the state of California for the next 2 years. After the divorce is final I am free to move where ever I want. The only reason I am even starting school now is because my husband is court ordered to pay for a percentage of my schooling/living expenses so I want to get the ball rolling ASAP.

[pnkgirl25]

You can look into WIA at your local unemployment office.

Thank you for the heads up on this! I called them today and actually found out they offer services for people who were self-employed who are no longer self-employed. One of the programs is an LVN program in my area. I called them today to find out what I need to qualify and they are going to call me back on Monday. So all I can do is wait

But thanks for the heads up!

[gentor]

I'm starting at CNI in Orange on the 30th of this month for the LVN part-time program. My fafsa said I was eligible for a pell grant of $5550 and stanfford loans for $9500-something. I just completed my financial aide agreement yesterday and I ended up getting just under $10,000 in pell grants and about $16,000 in sub/unsub loans for the school years of 2012-2013 & 2013-2014, then a remainder of 9,000 give or take a couple hundered. My financial advisor said I could wait until after graduation to get another private loan or make monthly payments on it now. I'm planning on making monthly payments and then figuring it out later when I'm closer to finishing. All situations are different, but you should definately set up an appointment to see what your options are.

[gentor]

I wanted to add that the tests they have you take a fairly simple, I'd say junior high level. The admissions reps are very nice at CNI, so if you just explain to them your situation, I'm sure they'd let you speak with financial aid before going any further.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

Have you looked into the ROP programs also?

http://www.nocrop.us/vnprogram/VN/vn-adult-cost-list6-04-12.pdf

It only costs 4200.....I'd honestly recommend that, as someone who walked away from her LVN and RN program with a TON of student loans.

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

Have you looked into income-base loans?

I also live in California and plan on attending a private school LVN program. I'm willing to commute in Los Angeles, Orange County or Palm springs. Do you know any private LVN schools with a substantial discount financial package and accept offers like merit scholarships, need-based aid, low interest loans, and work study opportunities? I've tried Hacienda adult school, but didn't pass and seeking second option currently.