Kaplan College, Student Loans??

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I am going to the San Diego Kaplan college campus tomorrow evening to learn about the RN program. I first went to Everest (ontario/metro campus). They wouldnt even tell me about the program, they just said its full. The next session to sit and just learn about the program is in Feb. I have been really upset that no one can even explain anything about the program til next year!

I called Kaplan, found out its a bit more expensive but...classes start 3 times a year so at least I dont have to wait a year to attempt to get in. Kaplan is also in San Diego, which means Id have to move. This is something Im willing to commite to for two years in order to end up with a great career.

I need to know about student loans, mainly private ones because I am trying to see if I can get loans to pay for ALL my expenses for the two years that I am in the program. I dont know if this is possible but it would be the only way for me to do this and Im really hoping I can.

Thanks

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Specializes in Obstetrics, Women's Health.

I do know that student loans can be combined to pay for everything. After tuition and fees are payed, you'll get a refund check that you can use to pay for anything.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I think you can take out as many private loans as you can get approved for... and definitely combine those with federal loans. The cheaper the program you find, the more left over in loans you'll have to pay for cost of living.. keep in mind though that these private schools are WAY expensive and when you tack on loans to live off of for 2 years you're going to put yourself in massive debt that you'll be paying back for a very, very long time.

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Thanks guys,

Do you know how hard it is to get private student loans? Is it based on credit? My credit is not that great (the little credit I have established) but my mom would be willing to co-sign.

I know I would be eligible for financial aid and I would definantly look into grants and fed loans first but I know Ill need private loans aswell.

If I can go through this program and house myself for two years Im willing to take out as many loans as I need. I just want to make sure that they are available...I have many friends who have taken out loans going to 4yr uni, these loans paid for all they're expenses aside from tution. I just want to know if I can do the same even though Im only wanting to go to a two year private school.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

If you can get approved for enough loans, you can do it. Private loans are definitely credit based- so if you don't have stellar credit, you'll definitely need help getting loans in the amount that you are looking for. Having a co-signer is good though.

It's a possible to fully fund your living and education on loans.. it's just harder to do with these for-profit schools because they cost so much and take a huge chunk out of the money you can get.. (and often more than you can get)

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

Kaplan is a tough school. They let you do the pre-reqs along with the nursing courses, but if you get your pre-reqs out of the way first at an inexpensive community college you have a better chance of passing all the Kaplan courses and the less money you will owe in the end. :) Good luck.

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Specializes in Health Information Management.

Wow, are you sure about this? Those for-profit school are very touchy. I'd suggest you look on the student section of this site for information about Kaplan and other for-profit programs, including the way the federal government is cracking down on some of these programs.

Here's a starting point: https://allnurses.com/nursing-news/new-regulations-will-493470.html This thread also contains a like to an excellent Frontline documentary on for-profit schools called College Inc. I emphatically suggest you watch it before you commit to a for-profit organization.

Just do a search for topics like for-profit schools or Kaplan on this site and you should find some very valuable information regarding such for-profit programs. If you haven't already done so, I suggest you investigate your potential school's accreditation status. Good luck to you. :)

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Unless something has changed drastically in the last month or 2, Kaplan in SD is not regionally (WASC) accredited (yes, you can sit for the NCLEX, though). If I was paying $864/ credit for an associates degree (which is drastically higher than the $26/credit it costs at community colleges in CA), I would want to know that my degree and credits were transferable/ accepted at any school I would want to go to in the future, if I chose to further my education.

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Specializes in Corrections,Med/Surg, Infectious Disease.

Pouneh,

PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT put your mom or any family member or friend as a co-signer.....why.....because if...and it's a big if you are unable to pay your student loans off or miss a payment(s) then the first person they come to is your co-signer, no if and's or butt's. I've seen this too many times with friends and it's sad. It can rip a family a part. It's not worth it. One never knows what can happen while in school or after and if you can't find a job or sadly become disabled for some reason and can't pay your loans then the next one in line responsible is your co-signer. One may never think things happen to them but I'm trying to help you not put those you love in a bad situation if god forbid something were to happen to you that prevents you from paying your loans off. Even as a nurse you will make good to great money but.......but you can't base it off all that....play it safe and protect yourself and others by taking the loans out only in your name. If you can obtain just what you need and go from there that will help a ton.

Personally I would not go to a accelerated school or program because 1. they are crazy expensive and 2. not a lot of hospitals or employers are keen on nurses coming from one, at least in my experience. I went to a Community College, yes I had to wait a year to get on the list but in that time I completed all my other classes so when I completed the RN program I was all done with classes and ready to graduate without needed more classes to take. A lot of the Kaplan's and etc prefer you take even the prereq's through their program because it brings them more money. So, really before moving and making huge changes in your life...you need to do your research and figure out the best route. If saving thousands of dollars is worth waiting a year or 2 then go that route, but student loan companies are worse than almost loan sharks, so I'm just really leary of new students wanting to jump into the loans. Check other routes first like scholarships or something but if you're in CA and been a resident for over 2 years then you should be ok to check about getting your class fee's at a reduced rate or almost free. Check with your financial aid office.

Another thing to think about is that if you do not have an healthcare experience is to become a CNA(Certified Nursing Asst) which doesn't take much time and see if you truly want to be a RN. I was a CNA for many years and went on to obtain my RN but then I also knew what I was getting into and that helps you bigtime in Nursing school as well. I was amazed how many of my fellow nursing classmates had never stepped into a hospital but were in the Nursing Program. Doesn't mean you wouldn't make a great nurse I just think it makes for a more well-rounded RN because not everything will be so new to you. Just some ideas. Hope it works for you and feel free to email me with any questions if I can help.

Good luck!!! :nurse:

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Some people have already said it, but it is worth repeating. DO NOT go to Kaplan. It is stupid expensive, non-transferrable, and if the "college" (aka: company) goes bankrupt, you are S-O-L. It's happened. You mentioned, you were willing to move. If that is the case, move somewhere that has a school the has a good reputation and inexpensive. I am telling you, going to these for-profit schools is an absolute waste of your money.

These days, if you don't have perfect credit, you won't get any type of loan. Having a co-signer with really good credit is probably the only way you will get PRIVATE loans (fed. school loans are different). Sure, if you are a bad person with no morales and don't hold up your end of the bargain, it can rip families and friends apart. Otherwise, having a co-signer is a good deal.

Good Luck.

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Specializes in Corrections,Med/Surg, Infectious Disease.

All I can say is make sure that if you do have family co-sign that they truly understand the meaning and responsibility of being a co-signer. Again, you cannot predict the future so keep that in mind. If you borrow a small amount of money that is one thing but even those who borrow small amounts can have nightmares. Just trying to make you see all sides of it is all.

Good luck!!

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You do not want to start your career in a huge amount of debt. Just look at the threads about how hard it is to find a job as a new grad. In the year you are waiting to get into a community college program, you could: take your pre-reqs at a community college which would save you $$ (& that would have a much higher chance of transferring to say maybe a RN-BSN bridge); find a job as a CNA or ER tech or whatever gets you some experience in the medical field; save some money so that you don't have to take out so much of a loan. Some hospitals may even help you with tuition/school, but might have restrictions on the type of school. Is Kaplan even accredited?

Good luck in whatever you decide.

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