How did you pay for EC?

Nursing Students Excelsior

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I need advice/inspiration on how you guys are able to afford getting your RN degree through EC. I am working full time and raising kids but want to fulfill my dream of becoming an RN. How much is it costing you on a monthly basis for example? I know I can do it, but need to set realistic goals and figure out if I can afford to further my education at this time. I would be grateful for any advice.. Thank you in advance :)

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I used CLEP and Straighterline for pre-reqs. Took Health Safety and Transitions before enrollment. Then paid the enrollment fee and paid as I went for the exams. I have completed all of the exams in 9 months and hoping to finish before my student fee is due again in July. Paid with cash/credit card all the way thru. I was testing every few weeks (normally the week of my bi-weekly payday). Books, I bought used from Chegg or Amazon. Purchased SG101 and the practice exams. If you do nothing else, buy those practice exams and memorize questions, answers and rationales for the both right and wrong answers. EC has been the best money I ever spent. For my CPNE fee......luckily came at a time when DH had lots of overtime.

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Most people fit it into their budget. They save on prerequisite and corequisite courses because usually they have already taken these and all they have to do is to transfer the courses to EC. When they are taking the tests, they pay for them as they can afford them. There are also financing plans with EC and if a person wants to, they can apply for grants and scholarships. At one time, EC would grant a scholarship to pay for the cost of the CPNE, nothing to sneeze at when you are at the end of the program and scraping up money to get finished. Also, you can look into other sources of help that would be local, such as employer assistance. All of this takes a certain amount of effort, but not much more than applying for financial aid at any other school.

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Thank you for your advice, it means a great deal to me :)

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Specializes in ED.

Minimized cost using the community college and Cleps it straighterline for pre-reqs and then one amazing new credit card. I got a lot of help from family though. The practice tests helped for less repeats and to narrow down studying.

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I am paying as I go. I plan on paying for the tests with my bi-weekly check. Then by the time I get to my CPNE, if all goes well tax time will be rolling in once again!!!

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