How to afford cost of living during school?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm starting my pre-reqs for nursing school this summer, and will be entering my school's nursing program in the fall of 2016. I've been advised by multiple nursing advisors that I should not work more than 10 hours a week during nursing school. I am determined to make this work for me, but I just don't see how my husband and I can afford it. My student loans will cover just enough for my tuition and I plan to apply for scholarships as well, so I'm not really worried about how to pay for school...I'm worried about how I'll pay for the cost of living while I'm not working a significant number of hours. My husband and I are struggling and living paycheck to paycheck as is...we can't afford for me to quit my job....but we also can't afford for me not to further my education so that I can contribute more financially down the road someday. There is a light at the end of the tunnel...I just don't know how to put food on the table and keep the lights on while I'm navigating the tunnel! How are all the working adults with mortgages and bills doing it, if you don't have a spouse who can support you on their own? Ultimately, I guess I could use student loans to help pay for day-to-day life if I have to, but I really don't want to. I've worked so hard to get out of debt, so my goal is to fund my tuition with as much money from scholarships and employer reimbursement as possible, so that I don't need many loans.

How do you all afford to live if you're not working and don't have a wealthy spouse to support you?

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Are you not eligible for any grant money? Complete and submit your FAFSA to take advantage of these subsidies. FYI, If you are attending a school that does not 'participate' in federal programs, this is a huge red flag....

Your ability to work & attend school is unique, based on your own capability. You may be able to work more hours, particularly if your job is flexible or has some down time in which you can study.

Best of luck on your educational journey.

No, I already used all the grant money I was eligible for on classes that I took straight out of high school. I've already done my Fafsa; my loans will cover my tuiton, so I'm not necessarily worried about paying for school, just the cost of living.

I have been in school before and know that I don't do well when I work more than 25-30 hours....but that program wasn't as academically intense as nursing school...so I imagine I'll need to be under 20 hours when I school. It's better than nothing, but I don't know how I'll afford to live! :( getting really nervous but I know I need to find a way to make it work for us.

Specializes in PCT, RN.

Read my post from last week and some of the comments:

https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/-quot-dont-work-987446.html

Don't listen to anyone saying you can't work during school. Thousands of nurses did it because they had to. Of course if you're able to cut back on hours or not work at all, that is advised, but don't believe that you cannot support yourself if you need to during school.

I am going to work. Leaving my $22 hour counselor job to be a $15 an hour ER night tech 32 hour's a week while going to nursing school. Thankfully won't be a huge loss since only work 24 hour's a week. Will pay for school out of FASFA, grants, and money from work reimbursement. Think it's doable. Three days a week full time 8 to 4 is the class schedule. Three days of school don't work. Study on the days not in school.

Specializes in PCT, RN.
I am going to work. Leaving my $22 hour counselor job to be a $15 an hour ER night tech 32 hour's a week while going to nursing school. Pay for school out of FASFA, grants, and money from work. Think it's doable.

Kinda similar to myself. Going to need to leave my salaried office job and find a PRN CNA job where I can work 2 doubles a week and keep my remaining 5 days free to focus on school.

I am in a similar situation. I start the ADN program Fall 2016. My tuition is covered however, I am trying to figure out other options to cover the cost of living. My husband and I are finding ways to cut back. I don't want to use student loans or credit cards however, it maybe a temporary solution with a great outcome in the long run. I have to leave a great paying full time position. Here are a few suggestions: Look into cost of living scholarships, home health positions, working as a sitter, work study, or look into working from home options (exm medical transcription). We are going to get through that tunnel. Please try not to stress. WE GOT THIS!!!!!

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