Paying for Pre-Reqs in Community College

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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22 year old self-sufficient LVN here currently living with my parents that have a gross annual income of between 90k-100k per year but the thing is THEY DON'T PROVIDE FOR ME FINANCIALLY. I have a huge strained relationship with them and they have never supported me, it took my mental and emotional health to even just obtain a LVN diploma. The only reason living with them has worked out is because all of us work 2-3 full time jobs and never see each other. So I'm planning on going back to a local CC this Spring 2017 and to feed my already suckish life, financial aid took a 2 second look at my FAFSA student aid report and denied me of anything to offer to help pay for classes because of my parents-on-paper's income. I don't make a lot as a LVN and 80% of my paycheck is sent to my country. About to give up in my BSN-RN dreams unless any of y'all can suggest a grant or scholarship that can give me real hope? Appreciate it.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Can you stop sending $$ to 'your country', move out and become independent? This would take their income out of your FAFSA equation.

Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

I don't remember how the whole FAFSA thing works, but if they're not supporting you financially, does that mean you pay rent, groceries, etc.? If so, I would think that disqualifies you as their dependent and it would change things.

In any case, is moving out with a roommate an option? I agree with the above poster that it might be beneficial to stop sending money anywhere else while you're in school, if at all possible.

Someone else is getting fat off your sweat. Get yourself together and man up.

Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

I worked as a CNA while taking my nursing pre-reqs and had very little money to spend on school and no financial aid because I had a prior degree. I ended up having to take pre-reqs 1 or 2 at a time because that is all I had money for. It took me longer to get through them, but the important part was that I was able to complete them.

Taking one or two classes at a time may be a way to cut down costs for you as well, however I think establishing further financial independence may be beneficial. If you are 100% independent of your parents I believe financial aid takes this into account, so you may be able to qualify for independent financial aid. Also are you sending 80% of your income to your country because you chose to or because of familial expectation? Are you able to lower the amount you are sending and use that money to save up for your schooling expenses or to put towards moving into a more independent living situation?

As for scholarships and grants, talk to your school financial aid office and search online.

22 year old self-sufficient LVN here currently living with my parents that have a gross annual income of between 90k-100k per year but the thing is THEY DON'T PROVIDE FOR ME FINANCIALLY. I have a huge strained relationship with them and they have never supported me, it took my mental and emotional health to even just obtain a LVN diploma. The only reason living with them has worked out is because all of us work 2-3 full time jobs and never see each other. So I'm planning on going back to a local CC this Spring 2017 and to feed my already suckish life, financial aid took a 2 second look at my FAFSA student aid report and denied me of anything to offer to help pay for classes because of my parents-on-paper's income. I don't make a lot as a LVN and 80% of my paycheck is sent to my country. About to give up in my BSN-RN dreams unless any of y'all can suggest a grant or scholarship that can give me real hope? Appreciate it.

Everything you receive without working for, someone else works for without receiving. Welcome to the real world, young 22 year old. Your youth is a huge advantage because you have more time and energy than many of us.

Pay your own way as you go, like other responsible people have ...or take out student loans and pay later. There are no free rides unless you have three kids and your "baby daddy" gets locked up in prison.

I would also loved to have graduated with no debt, but I'm still paying after seven long years (almost done, though!).

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

At 22 years old, I was a homeowner who lived on my own. However, since I was under the age of 25, I was considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes.

To get around the issue, I obtained a private Sallie Mae student loan that was based on my credit history.

@ meanmaryjean, DNP, RN Sweetie, this was just a general story of my situation. I send money to my dying father in my country for his medical bills and I am independent. I pay for everything and I work 3 jobs right now. Unless you can be more compassionate and understand what I'm asking I don't appreciate judgmental comments.

@NightNerd Yes, the only benefit I have with them is I live here rent-free because I tried moving out and with high costs in CA for rent I was putting myself through LVN school full time and juggling 2 full time jobs. It almost took my life cause I fell asleep driving and had a huge car accident. Unlike some people, I don't have the luxury to just stop sending money to my country. It is a need, not a want.

@Atl-Murse, BSN I'm not an entitled human being, sorry. I have strong family values. Delete your useless comment. Don't need it.

@verene THANK YOU. Finally, someone that makes sense and understands. I took your advice and dropped 6 units and just paid for what I could which are 2 classes. No, I am sending money because I need to and if I don't my dad doesn't get insulin or can't go to his dialysis appointments. Everyone on this website needs to get off their high horse, not everyone is from a 1st world country and had everything spoon-fed. Thank you again.

Sour Lemon, RN Thank you for saying that. Yes, I understand this as well but I wasn't asking for free money without working for it. That's why the question was if there are any GRANTS or SCHOLARSHIPS I can apply to. It was a simple question because I was desperate. If there was an answer then yay but if there wasn't any then a simple "none" could've sufficed. Everybody got all judgmental off the bat without even understanding the whole thing.
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