How to pay for Nursing school: Student Nursing Scholarship + Financial Aid Links

[NRSKarenRN]

College Grants

A grant is free money usually based on financial need. These awards do not have to be paid back. Read more

School Scholarships

Scholarships are considered gift aid, which do not have to be repaid, and are often awarded for merit in academics, athletics, or a particular field of study. Scholarships may also be awarded based on ethnic background, religious affiliation, and special interests. Read more

Education Loans

Student loans are long-term, low-interest loans made directly from the federal government or by private lending institutions such as banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions.

Students from across the nation also have a number of discounted student aid options they can explore. 

Read stories about Student Loans

Work-Study Programs

Work-study provides you with employment opportunities both on and off campus to help pay for school costs. Participation in a work-study program is based on your financial need.

Read Your Guide To The Federal Work-Study Program

Additional links

Complete the FAFSA® Form

8 Steps to Completing the FAFSA® Form

Financial Aid Timeline

Glossary of Terms for Financial Aid Offers

Estimate Your Federal Student Aid

[CuriousMe]

JoPACU, I agree with you! It's funny though... my nursing program was 22 months and BSN was 13 months... so I indeed spent less time in school than a straight 4-year BSN student would! I also agree with the credibilit and respect. Look at interns... they have no bedside experience and are starting their 1st year as advanced practitioners... no wonder why we want to choke them!

And to gnursetobe who posted this... If you post, you will get our down and dirty advice and opinions... we are merely trying to help you... after all, we are nurses and you are not yet one... so please do not take offense to our advice, we are just trying to help you out...

Wow, 22 months, was that including prereqs?

[SteffersRN87, BSN, RN]

Here is how the curriculum was set-up... I went to a hospital-based diploma program so all of the non-nursing classes were built into the curriculum... Lots of school in my area do not believe in the pre-req approach...

Term 1 - A & P 1, Psychology, Nursing Concepts 1

Term 2 - A & P 2, Micro, Nursing Concepts 2

Term 3 - Nutrition, Med/Surg Nursing

Term 4/5 - English Comp, Critical Care Nursing, Psych Nursing

Term 6/7 - Sociology, Peds Nursing, OB Nursing

Term 8 - Leadership & Managament, NCLEX Review

[CuriousMe]

Here is how the curriculum was set-up... I went to a hospital-based diploma program so all of the non-nursing classes were built into the curriculum... Lots of school in my area do not believe in the pre-req approach...

Term 1 - A & P 1, Psychology, Nursing Concepts 1

Term 2 - A & P 2, Micro, Nursing Concepts 2

Term 3 - Nutrition, Med/Surg Nursing

Term 4/5 - English Comp, Critical Care Nursing, Psych Nursing

Term 6/7 - Sociology, Peds Nursing, OB Nursing

Term 8 - Leadership & Managament, NCLEX Review

Wow, that's great that you didn't have to go back and do prereqs for your RN-BS. It works differently at my school.

Peace,

CuriousMe

[Benedina]

First of all, congratulations on your acceptance into a program that offers what you're looking for! I don't think you should settle for a program you're not interested in, and I hope you find a way to make the school of your choice work for yourself.

I'm considering entering a state university BSN program next summer. I've met with advisors there, and believe I'll be accepted if I apply. I hold a previous bachelor's and master's degree. The cost will be comparable to that of the ADN program at our community college, but even if it were somewhat higher I would choose it: I prefer the expanded opportunities available through the program.

Here's how I'm thinking about handling the costs:

1. In preparation for this career change I made sure I was entirely debt-free except for a small mortage payment, about half what monthly rental costs in this town.

2. I'll pay for health insurance by enrolling in the student health insurance offered through the college-based nursing school. This is a financial factor often not taken into account by those recommending ADN or diploma programs: in my town the ADN program offers no health insurance.

3. I'll use savings to pay for the relatively low in-state tuition.

4. I'll earn some income during nursing school. I'm an experienced writer and editor and plan to continue earning money for living costs through freelance assignments. I hope to obtain an externship position in my summer off to earn a tiny amount of money while I experience hospital work in more detail.

If I were you, facing your choices, I would probably move *first* to the area where I wanted to go to school, and take a year or two to establish residency and pay the lower tuition available to in-state students. At the same time I would follow Dave Ramsey's advice to live as cheaply as possible and work as hard as possible while stashing away money for a year or so to pay cash for as much of college as possible.

If you're young, you've got time on your side. And just imagine what it could feel like to graduate from the program of YOUR choice, with little or no debt. Mind you, I think you're capable of paying off the higher loan costs over time; I just would prefer my post-graduation income to be at my disposal so I did not HAVE to feel rushed about which job to take first, because loan repayment schedules were breathing down my neck.

Whatever you decide, best of luck to you in your schooling and career.

Dina

[jriley78]

Hi all

I am getting so VERY frustrated with trying to figure out how to pay for nursing school? I am a new mom and was planning on going to school during nights/weekends and staying home with my new baby during the day and obviously studying at that time too! I feel like I have exhausted my online search for student loans that allow the borrower to withdraw funds that can be used to both pay the tuition & have funds remaining to pay for daily living expenses as well? Any suggestions on banks/companies for private school loans?

If I can't find a loan that will cover both tuition & living expenses...I feel like I would need to go straight to the LPN program and then work while I get my RN, which I would prefer not to have to do.

Any advice??

[Despareux]

If it's going to save you from having to take out loans for living expenses, I would go the LPN route, and then have your new employer pay for your RN degree.

Or if you're really bent on getting loans for living expenses then maybe consider a cheaper college and take the maximum Stafford loan amount, that is, if they refund what is left over from tuition and books.

[damrcngrl95]

I haven't been through nursing school, but I got a degree as teacher. I received pell grants and some loans. I was able to use any of the remaining for my children's child care and living expenses. I actually divorced my last year of school and between the loans, child support, and working as a substitute teacher I made ends meet. Though that was many years ago. I hope this eases your worries. Just get approved for your grants and loans, sign up for school and I'm sure the rest will come along.

[windmill182]

The RN program that your looking into has lecture/clinicals during the night and weekends?

[Student4_life]

Why stop at loans? There are scholarships galore out there? Fastweb.com scholarships.com etc. I didn't qualify for very many (I am the exact wrong demographic...) but there are alot out there. Some are just for tuition, others for books, and a few that are for whatever you want/need.

[Emilynn09]

Maybe wait until your baby is at least in School all day? That way it would help with the child care at least a little bit. Then you could schedule your courses around your child's school schedule as best you can.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Most people cannot get enough loans/scholarships to cover all needed daily living expenses. You may have to consider a part time job or waiting until your baby is older to go to school if you do not want to go the LPN route.

[MidnightAzalea]

Sallie Mae has the SMART option student loan, which is enough for school plus living expenses. It's what I'm using right now, and with some tight budgeting, it works.

Good luck!