Thanks for the info on Chase student loans Asherah! I just got a letter from them about their services yesterday and I'm definitely hanging on to it.
No problem, but just be sure to contact several lenders and inquire with them about their rates, the index they use to calculate if the rate is variable (Prime Rate v. LIBOR), APR discounts they may offer for on-time payments, the length of the repayment term and any other questions you may have. I've found everyone to be very friendly and patient over the phone. I submitted loan applications to four lenders to compare the rates and terms of each loan (Wells Fargo, Wachovia, Chase, Sallie Mae) as unfortunately they will not disclose the rate you qualify for until you complete an application.
There are several second degree programs in Michigan. I'm attending U of Mich. They just started a rolling admissions this year, so you can apply anytime. The sooner the better. They have info sessions regularly, which can be accessed at their website. They are also very friendly/helpful on the phone or via email.
There is a list published on their website that has the equivalent courses that are acceptable from everywhere.
PM me if you have any questions about this specific program.
You might want to try Wayne State University. I read that it is one of the top Nursing schools in the nation. You can go to there nursing website http://www.nursing.wayne.edu/ to check out their program and see if you like it. If you want to see if your prereq will transfer you can go to http://www.classschedule.wayne.edu/course_web/transfer/index.cfm Then you can check and see if any of yours classes transfer.
I thought you can still qualify for Federal Loans, unless you have borrowed the max of $46,000?
You all may want to go to the financial aid offices at the schools you'd like to attend to see if they offer something called a Perkin's Loan. Thankfully I was able to get both the Stafford Loan and the Perkin's Loan allowing me to still have about $20,000 left to pay for my second degree considering I just recently found out the program I'm planning to get into is no longer paying for every student who is accepted tuition...Only about 30 out of the 45 who are accepted each January.
During my first time around in college I mostly lived off caffeine and sugar and once in a while real food. I can't do that this time around, I might not be so lucky and end up with diabetes. So I guess I will have to find another way to sustain my energy:)
Thank you for the reply. U of M is actually my first choice (my boyfriend is starting dental school there in the fall). I was told that it is rolling admisions, but applications do not open until August. Do you have any idea on the average GPA they look at? Any info or advice about the application would be great!!!
YES I definitely understand where you all are coming from. Im 27, married, and have a BA in Political Science which has done exactly nothing for me career wise. I went into college as an 18 year old convinced she wanted to be a lawyer. By the time Jr year rolled around I realized that while I loved studying the law, I would probably hate practicing it. By then if I had changed majors I would have had to take extra time to graduate and I just wanted to be done ASAP. 6 years and several dead end corporate America jobs later, I finally realized where I belong.................nursing! I have about 15K in debt from my undergrad. I went to a state university, so tuition really didnt kill me too much. Right now I am paying cash as I go for my prereqs. I want an Accelerated BSN though and I dont know if I will be able to continue to work while Im in school. That scares me a little. Plus the schools Im looking at are quite expensive. Im the oldest of 6. My parents didnt really contribute to my education the first time, even though they are paying 2 of my younger brothers college tuitions in full right now. I think my dad feels a little guilty that they didnt help me the first time, AND hes been after me for 6 years to go back to school. I think this time they will help out some. I feel EXTREMELY fortunate to have that to fall back on.............EXTREMELY. The only other thing I worry about is paying our bills. The Community College Im doing prereqs at schedules its latest science class at 5pm. There was no way I would have been able to keep my 9-5 desk job and make it to school by 5, so I quit that job and just recently went back to waitressing. Its been A LONG time, so Im def not making as much as I could be right now. Having less income is DEF stressful. Luckil DH has a REALLY good job that pays well, so we arent totally screwed, but still. I still kick myself for not realizing what I wanted to do a lot sooner, and kicking myself even more for waiting so long to go back.
I am a 47-year-old second degree student who didn't use any student loans for the first degree. So now I have been awarded some Stafford loan money, and planned to borrow the rest of what I need from a private lender. But the lending agencies are saying that I can only borrow up to the amount that the school says is the estimated cost of attendance. This amount is WAY below my cost of living, as I have a mortgage and live like an adult. For example, they estimate room and board at $9000/year in metro Atlanta. I guess they think I'm going to live in an apt. with 3 other students and eat grits and bologna like I did 25 years ago. Has anyone else run into this problem? What are possible solutions?
Go through your school's financal aid office and ask about the subsidized loans. The govenment handles the interest while you're in school, which is one advantage...and the fiancial aid office may be able to get you a better deal on the loans than a private lender is wiling to give you.
I would encourage anyone with questions to use the financial aid offices of their schools, these questions are what they are there to serve you for!
That was going to be my suggestion... Because each situation is unique and some schools offer their own financial aid, scholarships or forgivable loans contacting you school of choice is the best way to get the most accurate answers. Good luck everyone! I know it seems daunting right now to take on these loans (and school in general!), but its VERY worth it in the end!!!
I am a second--may be third degree student also. I have a Bachelor's in Education and a Masters in Nutrition, but I have started taking my prerequisites at a local CC. I am 35, have been working in the same company the last 8 years but I am ready to change direction. I was debating between Accelerated BSN or Occupational Therapy, and I think I am finally leaning towards OT. It is a three year direct entry Masters program, costing about $25K per year. Fortunately I have no students loans but I am really concerned about job availability in the OT field and the pay as well. I know nursing would be shorter, pays well and the jobs ate many. But I am not sure I can handle nursing--the hours, stress etc.
PreRN Katie
524 Posts
Thanks for the info on Chase student loans Asherah! I just got a letter from them about their services yesterday and I'm definitely hanging on to it.