How to Pay for 2nd Degree?!?!

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hey all:

I'm hoping someone can offer some words of wisdom ... I got great news the other day that I got accepted to my #1 choice for an ABSN program. But ... since it's a private school & I will have to move hundreds of miles away to attend, reality is sinking in on how the heck to pay for this! The tuition for the program is approx $35k, cost of living will be approx $20k (it's in a big metropolitan city) ... I spoke with financial aid, and I understand that as a 2nd degree student I'm only eligible for loans & no other aid.

I'm (crazily!) okay with taking these loans, seeing as how bad I want to pursue my dream, but I'm terrified I won't be able to get them. I know the federal Stafford loans will only scratch the surface on my bills, but I worry that I won't be able to qualify for private loans. I quit my job to attend school full-time to take the pre-req courses I needed, and although I have a decent credit score, due to the awful state of the economy, it won't be enough (I've already been denied by 2 lenders for private loans). I could potentially ask my father, but due to his age & health, he works & earns very little, and am terrified that again, I would be denied even with his good credit score as my co-signer since he has low income.

Is anyone else in a similar situation? I'm so stressed ... before I was so worried about getting into a school, and now I'm scared that I will have to throw this dream away ... Thanks for any help.

I totally understand your pain I am in the same situation I already have my AA degree and I am going for my 2nd I will too have to go for loans and there is no way my dad would co-sign for me UGH!!!!! But do what I do dont give up just go one step at a time go for your dream I am. You can do it:yeah:My friend told me that most hospitals where I live want the RNs to have their BSN degrees but I am going for my ADN if I can achieve that I would be so happy, excited, and thrilled:eek::bow: if the hospital wants me to have my BSN then they can help me pay for it!!!!!! I hope I have help in some way believe me I know exactly what your going through keep your head up ok let me know how it goes.

Re: Workforce. The income limit in Palm Beach county is 10,500 for a household of one. I'm not sure if the level is different in Miami-Dade, but definitely call and check.

Apparently, I make too much money (since when is 12k a year a lot??), but I hope you can qualify.

Good luck!

I am doing the same thing I already have a degree but I am going for my ADN degree that is very cost-efficent I have no idea how I can even begin to pay for a BSN program my credit is unfortunately not so great and I know I will not qualify for any private loans I feel like pulling my hair out:eek::bugeyes::nuke::flamesonbbut I am not giving up on my dream of becoming an RN that is all I ever wanted to be since high school. I am going to start my RN pre-reques this fall at CC wish me luck

Not all associates degree programs are alike just as not all BSN programs are alike. I paid less than $12000 to earn my RN at an associates degree program. It was very competitive and tough. It prepared me very well. I did not study for the NCLEX at all, and passed it with 75 questions 2 weeks after graduation. For me I already had a mortgage and 2 car payments, taking out a loan for school was just not an option. Everyone has to decide what is right for themselves.

I attend FSCJ and will have my ASN in August. Like the OP, I was unemployed at the time of application. I definietly qualified for Worksource. Then I was rehired by my company! Because Worksource only considers your situation at the time of application, I never lost that aid.

FSCJ operates on a point system, so there is no waitlist. The school is rigorous so the quality is not an issue. (FSCJ is well respected in Jax.) There are still plenty of hospitals that will hire ASNs.....and the OP - at least - was willing to relocate. The market isn't that great here in Jax for new GNs but I think that is an economic recovery issue and like all times before, hiring of GNs will start to occur again....we just don't know when.

Many of us will base our decisions on the schools in our area, waitlists, costs, school reputation and likelihood of getting hired. I agree with the previous poster...we all have to choose what works for us.

I would also check with your state. Since there is nursing shortage alot of states are offering incentive. For example where I live when nursing students get licensed and get placed, the state will forgive your student loans.

I have heard that Tylenol offers up to $10,000 in scholarships for future nurses. I believe priority is given to ABSN programs as they will "produce" nurses faster.

I am not sure when the deadline for these are. I just googled "tylenol scholarships" and it came right up about 2 months ago.

Moderator: I don't work for tylenol, I'm just trying to give this lady an idea where she might be able to find some scholarships.

I am in the same boat. I am going to get my ASN and then I am taking the bridge program to get my MSN and skipping a BSN completely. I am just going to the local community college for my ASN and then a top school (Ohio State) for my MSN. That way I can pay less money for ASN (Around 7000 - 10000) for 2 years and then I can get grants for my masters

About the post by TheSquire....not sure that's correct, i got into a masters entry program and was told that since the first year is basically getting your BSN, it was considered undergraduate and was not eligible for the Fed GradPlus. Now if the person gave me misinformation...thats a bummer as I gave up my seat :(....Anyway, I would verify with the program if you end up banking on that.

I was getting turned down for loans too (they were basically asking for a co-signer), with a good credit score then found one major lender, (dont know if i can post it on this site so i wont) but just got a loan and it was a large lump sum.

I was getting turned down for loans too (they were basically asking for a co-signer), with a good credit score then found one major lender, (dont know if i can post it on this site so i wont) but just got a loan and it was a large lump sum.

Which lender? Pease tell me!!

i couldnt fiqure out how to message you ........ so had to friend you.

Sallie Mae. I qualified but have not signed as I was reading some posts on here that they are a nightmere, so now I dont know what to do.

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