Money for DNP...how!?

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Hi there! Just having a serious freak out! I was planning on going back school to get my DNP but now don't know if I'm able because of the finances! I think (pretty sure just waiting for them to confirm) that I'll be denied any federal loan money, tried a private lender already and got denied. I guess I could ask my parents to cosign but really don't want to put that burden on them. I'm white, work PT, have an 8 month old and am married. My husband works FT, but we don't have 15,000 to pay for school in a month. I guess im being denied for defaulting on past loans (this was years ago!) I have decent credit, 695 my husbands is worse. Can anyone help or have any suggestions!? I fear I won't be able to finish my dream =( Thanks in advance

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Why don't you wait, work really hard and save up the money, then pay cash for it? I assume with an 8 month old you're under 45 or so. Waiting another couple years will not hurt you. It sounds like you can't go to school right now.

Why did you fell compelled to tell us you were 'white'? Just curious.

I agree with meanmaryjean. Save your money and pay out-of-pocket. Is your tuition 15,000 a semester? If so, I would recommend you find a less expensive school. There are plenty of reputable state schools that are significantly less expensive. You could also look at scholarships. There are faculty loan repayment programs if you are interested in teaching. Good luck!

Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

Get part time job in an short-staffing or local travel agency, put the money aside. I got all I need for my MSN plus posh new laptop and a little something more in less than a year this way.

Reg. being "white", I too saw quite a few scholarships for grad students/research projects which had a condition that the recipient must be "representative of minority group" or direct note stating that only members of certain minority group (s) are eligible.

Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

So is it really important to have a DNP? What return on investment (ROI) will you see? Enrichment isn't the right answer if it entails spending money you don't have or owing anyone because of it.

I commend education, but the DNP is about as useful and economical as a MFA.

Are they still in default? I would get that fixed. In my state they will take your nursing license if they find out that you have defaulted on student loans.

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I agree with the others. Put your educational plans on hold until you get your financial house in order. Take responsibility for your financial health. The world doesn't owe you free money for education. It's time to "pay the piper," as the saying goes.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Is that 15,000 for the degree or 15,000 for the first payment toward the degree? If it's the latter, that's WAY too much money and you really should shop around for more affordable options.

As far as inability to to take out student loans, if you have defaulted in the past you are absolutely right in thinking that it may be difficult to obtain traditional financing. If you have parents that are able and more importantly willing to cosign your odds will be much better of receiving loans. But why focus on the need for loans? Have you considered saving up money to pay cash for a more affordable program? Are you eligible for any grants or scholarships? I am just assuming you found out you wouldn't receive financing after filing for FAFSA but in case I am wrong in that assumption have you asked the financial aid department of the school about financing options?

Just an aside, but unless you are concerned about getting advice that steers you towards grants and scholarships that are only available to minority races why tell us you are white? What difference does that make?

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

This bothers me kbrn2002. Because a co-signer is responsible for the balance of the loan if the borrower defaults. This borrower has already defaulted. Co-signing ANY loan is a terrible idea- co-signing a loan for someone with a history of not paying back what they've already borrowed is just plain foolish.

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

This bothers me kbrn2002. Because a co-signer is responsible for the balance of the loan if the borrower defaults. This borrower has already defaulted. Co-signing ANY loan is a terrible idea- co-signing a loan for someone with a history of not paying back what they've already borrowed is just plain foolish.

Never co-sign for loan unless you are willing and able to pay the bill yourself. The OP's parents would be foolish indeed for co-signing in this circumstances.

Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

HYOU should analyze your cash flow. It should take 2-3 hors. Develop a spending plan which is more detailed than a budget. You'd be surprised what you can save and pay off when you account for every dollar.

Specializes in CTICU.

Money for school how? I assume you'd earn and save like most other people. If you know of another way, there are lots of people (myself included) who would love to hear about it!

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