How did you make the decision/pay for NS/pre-NS?

[blondielocks]

Hi everyone

I see a lot of posts here about how to pay for NS and whether or not to work, go p/t, etc. I'm going to start my pre-reqs for NS in January and have some decisions to make.

Currently, I am employed FT working retail. I bring home approximately $2400 a month. I have no children or husband. I have a rent of $650 and a car loan of about $140 plus some small CC bills that total a maximum of $200 a month. I do have some additional debt that I am working at aggressively paying down. It will most likely not be fully paid off before I start school in Jan but should be paid off w/in 6 mos.

I will be doing 2 classes per quarter. I have app'd for financial aid as well as the Stafford loans. I don't want to quit my job until I have SOME money saved up and have the vast majority of my debt paid off which will definitely be done by the time NS starts (As long as I get in on the TCC lottery system, I would be starting in Jan 2011 - I have some prereqs done already).

How did you decide what to do and how to pay for NS as well as your pre-reqs? Did you live on campus or get a roomate? Like I said, I would like to work PT during pre-reqs just because I am nervous to quit working + not sure how I would fund living expenses like rent and food and gas and groceries - any advice on how you paid for these things, especially if you have done this all alone? My parents are not able to pay for ANY of my schooling at this point nor am I able to move back in with them.

Basically any advice is appreciated!! Or your experiences too :)

[kirham]

I live in ny and am in the same financial situation as you. It's really hard, but worth the costs. I make too much to get financial aid so I pay for all of my classes (roughly 1500 per semester). On the plus side you do get it all back in taxes I am so close to being done with my prerequisites. Just make sure you research the schools you want to apply to and the requirements.

[WIGGIES_future.rn]

I'm in new york as well (on long island).. I'm confused myself about what I will do. I even looked at some communiy colleges with campus housing in other states..Is it hard for you to work and go to school are u doin both fulltime?I would loved any advice too!!

[kirham]

Extremely! Some days I want to give up because it's so hard. Also schools here are so competitive. Do your research before you choose a school. Community colleges are a lot harder to get into than private schools. I'm in Brooklyn but I work in manhattan. What classes have you started ?

[kirham]

Oh school part time and work full time. I don't think I could do both.

[emmasma]

I am going to try and switch to a contingency position with my employer so I can work when I'm able and go full time.

I'm low income so my tuition is paid, but not much more. Also I'm planning on donating plasma twice a week. This will also give me 2 hours 2 times a week where I am stuck in one spot with no kids so maybe I will get some studying in.