I received my acceptance letter last week and have been on cloud nine ever since. Of course, the next step was getting financial aid in order. I looked over what was being offered and unfortunately, it is not nearly enough to cover school, books, and fees. On top of that, I will no longer be able to work my current job, so I will either need to get a part time job or have money to cover the lost income. And, since I currently work from home, I am able to keep my daughter here with me. Now I will have to come up with money for childcare.
Not really sure what to do next. Loans aren't an option. I can manage on the childcare for the first semester, but, come summer, I will definitely need to have another plan. Even still, I am not sure how to pay for school.
I have read the super scary posts advising against working while in school - especially since I also have a young child (almost 2 years old). And, even if I am working, it's not going to generate enough income to make up the difference.
Well, first off, I want to say that bankruptcy does not mean uneducated or stupid. It is also not always the result of poor decisions. Sometimes it comes about due to circumstances that are completely beyond your control. My husband and I are very careful with our finances and we do not spend beyond our means. We had over $800K in medical bills and insurance only covered about half of that. In addition, it was best for our daughter that I be able to stay home with her that first year because she had appointments and therapy every week and needed special care. So, I had to leave a very well paying job. However, I tried to supplement our income by keeping other children during the day.
I realize that applying to a private school is expensive and harder to fund. However, I received a four year degree from this same school several years ago and walked away with no debt. I was able to go for four years and paid for it through scholarships and grants. I graduated with a 4.0.
I went to a local community college for my nursing pre-requisites and will finish those this semester - with a 4.0. So, when I applied to this school again, I was hoping to be able to get enough in scholarships and grants - same as before.
There are very few programs around here that start in the spring. Yes, I could wait until fall (and will if need be). However, this program that starts in January is accelerated and I would be done the following spring. At that point, I could start working and have a better shot of getting out of this financial hole. In addition to that, we would like to have another child at some point, but do not want to do that until we are in a better place financially, which isn't going to happen until I graduate and start working.
Oh, and because I am sure someone will bring it up - we now know what the problem was and why my daughter was born early and will most likely be able to prevent this from happening again.
Umm, I don't think anyone was thinking that you are uneducated or stupid because of the bankruptcy....stuff happens and you already explained why.
We are just saying that even though I'm sure you'd love to do the one year program to get out as soon as possible but you have to look at what you've got. And realistically its doesn't look possible in your situation. Unless you have a credit card you can rack up for the next year.
If not you may have to take the option that takes longer but cost less. I understand you want to go to your old school but you have to understand that after the first bachelor degree you simply won't get as much help overall. At least I know that goes for federal help.
I know right now for me I'm lucky to get help from my parents with my bills because i was willing to live with them through out this process. At 29 I definitely did not want to be here at ALL and I could afford to live on my own but you have to do whatever it is to get it done. I also didn't' want to use my credit cards at all that I've been trying to pay off. But it looks like I may have to do that to get by.
Perhaps the least favorable option is the best option for you too.
I definitely understand how you're feeling - I applied to two schools, one CC that starts in January and one private university ABSN program that starts in May. I got accepted to both, but when I sat down and looked at it, I just can't afford the private university. It kills me, because it's a great school, and I really would love to go there. If money weren't an object, I'd go there in a heartbeat. However, the reality of it is that I can't afford it.
I'm not saying give up now - definitely look into every option you have for financial aid and getting a part time job - but it may be a better idea for you to go to a CC for the time being and get your ADN. That way, once you graduate you could go right into getting your BSN and keep working (there are plenty of online RN-BSN programs, so you could even have your childcare business going during that time if you wanted). If the CCs around you don't start for another semester, use that time to prepare for school in terms of critical thinking or pick up any clinical skills you can. Shadow at a hospital, or get your CNA. Remember - at the end of this, you will be a nurse, and that is what's most important.
I also don't think anyone was trying to imply that you're uneducated or stupid, or look down on you in any way for declaring bankruptcy in the past.
Hope this helps, and I hope you figure out what is best for you!
SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN
1,295 Posts
I ditto the others, go to a CC if you can! They are so much cheaper!