2nd degree students: How are you paying?

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For everyone that already has a bachelor's degree, how are you paying for NS?

I am finishing up my pre-reqs that I didn't take for my first degree at the CC, then I'm planning on transferring to a university to do an accelerated BSN program. The CC will not do loans unless there is financial need, and since I already have a B.S., they won't let me have any. I have e-mailed the university to see what they typically do, since it is an accelerated BSN program I am sure they deal with this all the time.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else ran into this problem and what did you do? The financial aspect of it is the only thing holding me back from NS. I was actually accepted into the ADN program and would be starting tomorrow but I had to give up my spot because I couldn't figure out a way to pay for it! :uhoh3: Oh well, that gave me more time to think about it and realize that the BSN is probably a better fit for me and my future career goals anyway! (Hafta look at the bright side, right!)

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

OP: Hi, I understand where you are coming from... I am working on a third degree. I am in an ADN program and am paying cash.

You are correct many times we do not qualify for financial aid. However, I found out this a while a go (7 years to be exact) and paid off debts and saved up to attend nursing school over 5 years. I will get a BSN but I will pay cash for my remaining courses for that too.

As odd as it sounds, I am glad I ran into the same problem you have because today I am not tied down financially as I used to be. I no longer have to work at jobs I hate just because of my debt expenses. I am also able to take jobs that pay very little like the tech job I currently have to gain experience and exposure to nursing. Plus when I graduate, I can actually afford to pay off my prior student loans quickly because I will not have my former debts or nursing student loans in the way. Good luck to you!

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This is my first degree, but somehow my $8 an hour job paid to much for me to get financial aid (crazy I know). So, I quit my job and took out one of those private student loans ( I used Teri.org but there are many others), hoping that my income will be low enough next year to qualify for aid.

Debt sucks, but not as bad as not going to nursing school.

Peace,

Cathie

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Hi there! I start an accelerated second degree program in October and have the same problem with paying!! I am taking out a private loan with Wells Fargo. There aren't many scholarships available to second degree students, but there are a lot of hospitals and health care companies that will do a repayment of a portion of your tuition with your agreement to work for X amount of time for them. That is what I will be doing after graduating! Of course, this doesn't help to pay now, but can certainly help when you are trying to pay back any loans you have to take out!

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

A second vote for Wells Fargo Education connection. Up to 25k per year, just send in checkstub/1040 and your school schedule.

I'd rather be in debt after school than continue running around to disaster areas and sleeping in my bloody car. The only thing I have is my mortage anyways, and sometimes you can get the loans forgiven/paid off once you start working.

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I'll be taking out private student loans (I think even Sallie Mae has some but I haven't looked into it yet). My loans will cover daycare for my son while I'm in school.

I hate debt with a passion but after calculating it, it was very clear that the money I will have to borrow is an excellent investment in a not only fulfilling but also financially rewarding career. I'll be able to pay off my loans easily within the first two years.

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I just went through this process. I researched all the private student loan companies I could find. I chose one and found out my school wasn't listed with them, then tried another and another. I then called my Financial Aid Office and found out they had a list of private student loan companies who they work with. So, I recommend starting with your Financial Aid Office. :)

Peace,

Cathie

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I am one semester into an accelerated program, and I received loans no problem. Have you actually applied? We are not eligible for any GRANTS from the government when working on a second degree at the same level, but you can receive loans up to the maximum allowable - in the neighborhood of $46,000 total for all bachelor's degree education. If you're already past that, then you have to look into private loans. Also, even though I'm married and my husband makes not incredible but decent money - more than I will when I graduate - we still received enough in loans for tuition, books, and a couple thousand extra each semester. Apply before you get too worried.

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I have the same concern. I'm looking to start school this Jan and I was not sure how to pay bills and school. I'm not getting much FA and I already have student loans from my first degree. My fear is accruing too much debt then once I finish school my entire paycheck will go to student loans.:scrying: But I guess I have to do what I have to do in order to be become who I really want to be.:yelclap:

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Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.
I have the same concern. I'm looking to start school this Jan and I was not sure how to pay bills and school. I'm not getting much FA and I already have student loans from my first degree. My fear is accruing too much debt then once I finish school my entire paycheck will go to student loans.:scrying: But I guess I have to do what I have to do in order to be become who I really want to be.:yelclap:

I'm in complete agreement with that last statement. My student loans are going to be enormous, but if I really want to do this then I really have no choice.

I wonder if second-degree students qualify for the Stafford Loan. I know that the Staffords don't depend upon financial need or credit status. That's something to talk about with the financial aid office, along with some of the private lenders.

FYI I'm in an MSN program so I qualify for the PLUS loans to cover everything the Stafford doesn't.

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I had the same problem, there aren't many financial options for 2nd degree students. My stafford loan amount they gave me is the same amount you would give a senior in college, its not considered a graduate program because you are getting a 2nd bachelors, so I only got $4500, which is divided between the 2 semesters. So the rest I have to get with private loans. When I talked to my financial aid office and asked the lady about what other options, she told me the only thing left for me was private loans. I'm so blessed that I had a full scholarship when I got my first bachelors.

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Nursing is my second degree, but I filed a reinsteitment for tuition at my school and after a long wait the skies blessed me and they approved it. So i will get some pell grants and I'm applying for the Stanford loans so I wont acquire any interest while I'm working on my degree.

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