How to find financial aid for MSN program?

It'sMe, RN, BBA, MBA · Apr 23, 2009

Let me clarify, the small hospital I work at does not pay enough "tution reimbursement" as a benefit to cover the entire cost. They do pay some towards an advanced degree. Thanks.

elkpark · Apr 23, 2009

My first thought was "talk to your school's financial aid office" but I guess a lot of on-line schools don't offer help with finding scholarships, etc. Many states offer state-funded scholarships to help people (residents of the state) enter or advance in nursing -- that would be one possibility to check. Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. is a foundation that provides competitive scholarships for graduate education in nursing. Best wishes!

That's pretty steep tuition -- have you considered looking for a less expensive program? There are certainly plenty of them out there.

It'sMe, RN, BBA, MBA · Apr 23, 2009

Thanks for the information and encouragement! Loyola University is the program I will be attending. It is highly recognized and considered an excellent program. A lot of the programs that I checked out all use the same funding mechanisms which rely on the federal government. I don't know if I will qualify for federal aid. I am still waiting on my accountant to give me my financial reports so I can even apply. I think I may end up paying out of pocket for the first semester and then be partialy reimbursed by the hospital. I just need to cover the rest of the tuition and books, if any. Thanks.

elkpark · Apr 23, 2009

I would still check and see if your state has any state-funded scholarship programs for nursing -- many states have them (my state has three different programs for nursing). I got a nice chunk of change for my graduate studies, and was able to "work off" the money instead of paying it back. It was a v. nice deal.

Cinqly, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2009

I don't know if I will qualify for federal aid. I am still waiting on my accountant to give me my financial reports so I can even apply. I think I may end up paying out of pocket for the first semester and then be partialy reimbursed by the hospital. I just need to cover the rest of the tuition and books, if any. Thanks.

I just wanted to post and say that even if you don't qualify for financial "aid" (i.e. grants or scholarships), you WILL be able to take out student loans. If your hospital will pay you back some of the money, even if it isn't all or at a reduced rate, you could use that money to pay off the loans. Student loans from the government have a low interest rate, 6 month grace period after graduation, deferment while "in-school" status, and several repayment plans (including a hardship deferment if needed). I think people shy away from loans, but it is an excellent way to pay for education and the payment plans are very flexible. It is a good back-up plan if you don't get any scholarships, grants, or an assistantship. Good luck!

I wanted to add one more thing. Depending on where you live, there are some federal programs for people who agree to work in rural/special needs areas after graduation for a certain period of time. These can help subsidize your cost (may or may not pay for all, depending on cost of your program).

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Apr 23, 2009

Have you investigated state schools with online programs? Almost all offer them now. They are cheaper, and their financial aid (or deans office) will help with scholarships, etc. The idea is to keep the money and the nurse in the state. It is also easier to get the clinical portions done. We won't take online students in our hospital to be precepted, but if they are enrolled in a state school they are treated as generic students. This alone can save a lot of time and money as you might have to travel to another city to get a preceptor for the online school. Online programs are common now - don't let the advertsing fool you. Good luck.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Apr 23, 2009

To clarify: we don't accept "online schools" because they are getting paid for the preceptorship & we are not. The student has to buy their own malpractice insurance and our nurses have all the risks and effort of precepting with no rewards. We consider it a risk on many levels, including no background on the student

nminodob · Apr 23, 2009

Just wanted to point out that federal student loans do not always have a low interest rate - unless you call 12.9% low, which is what I am paying for some of my loans, because I had no co-signer.

It'sMe, RN, BBA, MBA · Apr 23, 2009

I would still check and see if your state has any state-funded scholarship programs for nursing -- many states have them (my state has three different programs for nursing). I got a nice chunk of change for my graduate studies, and was able to "work off" the money instead of paying it back. It was a v. nice deal.

Thanks, I will do that! I am in Georgia so hopefully they have something. The lottery here in Georgia is suppose to support higher education. Otherwise, I will have to buy a lottery ticket and hope I cover the tuition! LOL!

Cinqly, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2009

Just wanted to point out that federal student loans do not always have a low interest rate - unless you call 12.9% low, which is what I am paying for some of my loans, because I had no co-signer.

I'm just curious, is your loan through Direct Loan Servicing (the federal lender) or another lender?

RNBelle · Apr 28, 2009

Check out the Medical College of Georgia. I can say they have excellent programs there and I believe they may have some online.