Loans for pre reqs

Shelexis · May 13, 2014

I left my career of 12 years in January to pursue my dream of nursing. We are able to "survive" on my husbands salary but it's been a lifestyle change for sure. I took out direct loans for spring and summer semester at a community college. I start an LPN program in the fall. It was a hard decision for us and took about a year of planning and paying down as much debt as possible but in the end I will have a job I love. I don't know that I could have possibly taken anywhere close to the class loads I've taken (18 credits spring, 15 for summer) if I still had to work full time.

RunBabyRN · May 13, 2014

Would you be able to find part time work? I'd be cautious about taking out that much in loans, because those payments would be HUGE! I'm not sure what you mean by, "I would have to take out loans for a yr to live but would this mean when i apply for a loan for nursing school, it would be less?"

Have you considered a CSU? It would certainly cost you less in tuition. Many in the Bay Area, including the one from which I've just graduated, have gone to 2 years (better than 3!).

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · May 13, 2014

Community Colleges should have plenty of night classes for you. Community Colleges usually cater to the working adult. I never had a problem finding a night class when I worked. I hope you understand that CA is a highly impacted state right now for nursing. I would go and speak to an advisor at the college you want to attend. Also, what kind of private college are you looking at? I hope it is not a for profit school. None of your credits will transfer there and your degree will pretty much be worthless.

tivo87 · May 13, 2014

What I meant by that was I heard through Fafsa youd only get a certain amt of loans, especially if you already have a degree so youre not priority. I have thought of going to csu but the only reason i want to go to a private is because its a one year accelerated program. Which school did you graduate from?

tivo87 · May 13, 2014

Also, im currently living in san diego and started going to cc college last year to start on my pre reqs. I have not been able to get any science classes at all! By the time its my turn to register, classes are all full and even waitlists are full and closed. I was looking at Samuel merritt for their one year program.

heb06004 · May 13, 2014

Double check with your CC, too. I was going to take out loans for my prereqs to help supplement the decrease in work hours, and my community college said they did not offer loans... at all! I was highly surprised (still feel like that can't possibly be the right information...), but was told numerous times the same information. I'm glad I wasn't banking on having the loans or I'd be in a really bad spot. Best of luck!