Need Finance Advice

[futurenurserntobe]

Hi, I just want to seek some advice on how to finance my nursing education. I already have 50k loan from undergrad and now it seems I will have to take another 50k for an accelerated nursing program. Do you think it is worth it or I should wait another year to apply to a cheaper public school for nursing? Thanks!

[compassionresearcher]

You should wait to get into a community or state college. $100k debt won't be easy to pay off on a new nurse's salary. If you belong to a group that is under-represented in nursing and have good grades then there are scholarships that can help you.

[lasvegasnurs]

If you aren't making much money now and a public school isnt accelerated and would keep you in school longer it "could" be better financially, but avoiding loans when there are cheaper options that get you to the exact same place is preferred.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Wait a couple years while you furiously pay down your existing debt. While doing that be getting all your duck lined up for a cheaper community college/ public university degree program.

A decade or more of crushing student loan debt impacts where you can afford to live, what you can afford to drive, how/ what you eat and what you an do with your free time. Not worth it for the 'immediate gratification' of a nursing degree a couple years sooner. Delayed gratification is your friend in this case.

[futurenurserntobe]

Thanks for all the advice! I agree that wait another year is the better option.

Does anyone have any suggestions on temporary job for a biology college graduate during the gap year? I am thinking about medical coding or tutoring. Thanks!

[lasvegasnurs]

ER scribe in ideal world but can be hard to get. At my previous hospital almost every scribe was on way to nursing, respiratory, or MD. Great experience and you learn a ton.

[futurenurserntobe]

I will check it out. Thanks a lot!!