high school graduate with a 3 yr. old

[av3194]

i graduated from south gate high in june 2011. i applied to cal states arould my area and i got in! i didnt have money to pay for collge and was told not to take any loans. now im wishing that i would have done it. my boyfriend in now in cal state la while im here taking care of our daughter. i have an orientation at downey adult school lvn program and i am freaking out. i want to get into a lvn school so i cant get started with my life and help my mom with the financial expenses of taking care of my daughter. but i dont want to pay for a school thats 35,000. what should i do here?

[shhr]

I lived and went to school in California. First community college, then CSU. That's the path I recommend. Do not waste any money in a private scam of a school when you have access to some of the finest and cheapest public education in the country.

Did you apply for FAFSA? Because you have a child, you will qualify as an independent student. As a fresh high school grad, I can't see you making a lot of money that would disqualify you from getting grants. From what I remember, CSU would probably cover the cost of your tuition. CSU has a really reasonable tuition, as well, so you could probably get by working part time and going to school (part time if needed so you can care for your daughter). My Csu had a daycare that was free to low income students.

Also consider community college. The actual nursing programs might have waiting lists, but there are pre reqs you will most definitely have to take. Community college in your case will probably cost you like 15 dollars a semester (at least that was the cost to me when I went). As a single parent, there are programs available to cover your books and supplies. CC also has a daycare program to help accommodate you. Also consider doing prereqs at the CC and transfering to a CSU for a nursing program to get your BSN. There are "tracks" that help basically guarantee your entrance into CSU programs. I doubt you will need to take out loans at all to cover your expenses after you do well at CC and transfer to a CSU (or UC) and apply for scholarships and grants.

The best thing to do is schedule an appointment to see a counselor and a financial aide officer at the CC (or CSU!). That's what I would do :)