Published
Just wondering how everyone finances their education?
I work part time as CNA, receive pell grants and Cal grants, took out a loan just in case because there can be unexpected expenses. I plan to apply for more scholarships too. I also have my fiancé and both of our families are there if we ever need them. I refuse to let finances be an excuse as to why I can't get my BSN degree.
While I was waiting to get into nursing school I took my nurses aid certificate and now I work as a care aid in a nursing home as a casual. It's great bc the pay is good (21.95$ per hr), bc I learn a lot that's relevant to my schooling, I don't have a permanent position so ican just not take shifts if I get stressed out during exams.
At 30 years old, my main concern was rent and utilities while going to school. My only professional training (until this past Monday) was as a weldor. I've been doing it on and off for 14 years. Can't work as a weldor (7-4 job) while going to school during the day. So i decided to take a CNA course. I have contacts at the local hospital that will not only help me get a job there, but will also allow me to come in late on the days that I need to because of school. So I quit my welding job, moved back home (HARD decision to make), and will be working approximately 35 hours a week.
As far as tuition, books, and gas (becase the college I am attending is 35 miles each way), I got Pell and PLUS loans. I will get enough back each semester to fully pay for my gas, pay for my meal plan, and allow me to save some money over the next three years to move on after school. Once I start the actual nursing program (after my first semester), one of the hospitals in the state (and the one I planned on working at anway) offers tuition assistance. 6 month requirement for each semester paid. So I've planned it all out.
GI Bill with $1700 monthly living stipend, National Guard Education assistance which pays 100% and Federal tuition assistance for PA soldiers which pays me $2900 each semester. I count myself lucky because I make about $6500 each semester. I also work full time (every Fri-Sun) as a paramedic in Philadelphia.
I have a scholarship through WIA that pays for my tuition, scrubs, supplies, books, etc. My husband works, so he's paying the bills - no difference considering I'm a stay at home mom whether I'm in school or not. We're saving now for my bridge year since the scholarship won't cover that, just in case I don't find a job with tuition reimbursement. Anything beyond that will be loans, I'm sure.
leenak
980 Posts
I started saving money specifically for school when I knew I wanted to go back. We started living completely on my husbands income and saving a good portion of my income specifically for school. I have enough money for tuition and expenses for any of my prospective schools.