How to pay for school??

2011NursingStudent · Dec 12, 2010

The only loan forgiveness program I've found is the Peace Corps, but your salary is only a few thousand a year with that, so probably the way to go is just work and pay it off. I started wanting to be a nurse in 08, and it took me until this year to be able to do it, because I had to wait until I could go p/t at my work, about 30 hours a week (had to work it out with fiancee, boss, etc) and I got a small scholarship, but hey, that helps. I'm going to a community college, and while that takes a little longer, its so much cheaper. I'm paying roughly $100 a credit hour. I'm also working on my second degree - my first was a bachelor's in business administration, so I'm later going to use that to get the rn to bsn then hopefully msn, because I have all those gen eds under my belt.

elkpark · Dec 12, 2010

Have you checked with your state? I don't know if they're still doing it, in the current economic climate, but lots of states (used to, at least) offer loans/grants for residents to attend nursing school, and you could often "work off" the loan after graduating instead of paying it back. My state used to offer three different loan programs for residents who wanted to become nurses (or further their nursing education and career) -- I got a nice chunk of $$$ to attend graduate school, and was able to work it off when I returned to the state after graduating, which I was planning on doing anyway (if I had not worked in the state, I would have had to pay the money back).

I'm guessing a lot of those programs have been cut back or eliminated in recent years, but it couldn't hurt to check and see if there is any state money available to you.

krenrs2b · Dec 13, 2010

Crayons & Elkpark, I am in the same boat - I finished my Undergrad degree in Business Management in 09' and now can not qualify for the PELL/PEG grants...

The online searches seem fake...Let me know what you end up finding out. I'd be intrested to know.

I am currently paying out of pocket to not rack up any more debt until I need to..

backatit2 · Dec 14, 2010

i was just saying this is another thread. i'm in the same boat as you guys - already have a B.S. so don't qualify for fed. aid and can't afford anymore loans. you should call your local hospitals - or even google nurse recruiters in your area. where i live the local hospitals will pay for you to go to school, books, and a stipend in return for 2-3 years of working for them afterward. that's the route i'm going bc my plan was to work for them anyway so it's basically a guaranteed job. i just knew about it bc i've lived here all my life and i've heard/seen flyers throughout the years. so, it's possible someone in your area offers something similar. i live in a small town btw which i think is odd that they need nurses so badly.

marbear · Dec 23, 2010

Whatever you do...don't apply for a Sallie Mae loan! They are horrible! I've been turned down twice with 2 co-signers who have great credit and well paying jobs. One of the co-signer's was approved for a Sallie Mae loan last year and they turned him down this year. They also make you pay interest while in school. I'm applying for loans just to pay for my Sallie Mae interest (while in school). They have REALLY tightened up banking. Great for us dedicated older adults looking to go back to school. Thanks Sallie Mae for destroying nursing careers!

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2010

Have you considered a direct entry MSN program? I'm pretty sure if you're going to graduate school you qualify for FAFSA.. I