New Nursing Student Needs HELP!

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Hello to all Nurses...How do I pay for school? I dont' qualify for financial aid, I have one scholarship, one grant, a federal loan but still need more money. What loan should I choose? How did you guys pay for school?

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I don't understand your post. You said you don't qualify for financial aid, but then you said you received a grant and a federal loan. Wasn't your grant/loan a part of the state and federal financial aid program? If you are a US citizen or legal permanent resident there is a special low-rate loan that you can qualify for as an RN student. It is a stafford loan funded through EdAmerica. Call the financial aid office to get more information. Or look here

http://www.edamerica.net/money/loanoptions/edloan/floridanurse/default.aspx

If you are not a US citizen or permanent resident the only option that may be available to you is to get somebody with good credit to co-sign on a private loan for you. Or you could check around with local hospitals to see if any of them will sponsor you.

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I went to school and supported two children on my stafford loan....you said you have a loan, a grant, and a scholarship???? How expensive is the school you're going to? You are 21 - if perhaps you are a single mom there is assistance for that when you are going for your first degree and lots of financial help. If you aren't and you are still needing more money I would check out other schools (honestly, I'm not being judgemental - it's just that I worked late into the morning hours and had my stafford loan and went to a university with two children....I'm wondering where you're going to school that costs so much?? Some programs try to soak you....).

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My school is private, $17,000 a year! I know it's very expensive, but it was the only school that wasn't going to make me take four "pre-professional" nursing courses without knowing if I was accepted in the school or not. That would have wasted on semester and those courses could not be transfered to other universities. Also, my school is the only school in south florida that does not have a two year waiting list. Oh, and by the way it is the cheapest of the private schools. I couldn't leave South Florida so this was pretty much my only option. Although it's very expensive, I am very glad that I am here, I love the professors and the program is fantastic! I just wanted to know if there was any more 'free money' out there that i could qualify for so i wouldn't have to borrow and pay back. Turns out, there isn't so I'll be in debt for a while...but I'll be a NURSE!

thanks for your replies...the EDAMERICA loan idea was really helpful!:lol2:

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Hey Nova! I read your post one time before and i didn't realize that you were a Nova student. I have been looking into that college and actually considering it, but the price is kind of high. But, we will be nurses in the long run and there are alot of tuition reimbursement programs as well as loan forgiveness programs. it is alot cheaper than some other private colleges (BCC, UM, and Palm Beach). I think i do have to correct you on one of your statements tho. I have applied and talked to a couple nursing advisors for FAU and FGCU which are both in South Miami, and neither have waiting lists. you either get in, get out, or are put on the alternate list. Most universities are like that now. That sounds like community colleges, because i know here in orlando, Valencia has a waiting list for 2008. There is also FIU which is really good, but i could not apply there because i repeated one science course. Now are you already in the nursing program at NOVA? if you don't mind me asking, what was your gpa and when did you apply and were accepted? If i end up going there, i will really research hospitals that offer tuition reimbursement and other scholarships through the school. Good luck to you.

Renee

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I think i do have to correct you on one of your statements tho. I have applied and talked to a couple nursing advisors for FAU and FGCU which are both in South Miami, and neither have waiting lists. you either get in, get out, or are put on the alternate list.

You mentioned FAU - are you talking about FAU in Boca Raton? I thought they had a really long waiting list as well. If that is not the case that is HUGE and helpful news in trying to decide what career path to take. I'm 30 yrs old (expecting my first child) looking for a career change, and I am trying to decided between teaching and nursing. I've got a BS in Psychology, but won't qualifiy for the second degree option b/c of prior gpa. The two year waiting list rumor are weighing heavily on my mind and may influence my decision.

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Hi there! Yes, i'm talking about Boca Raton. Whenever i hear about waiting lists, i always call and email for myself and speak to atleast 2 nursing advisors, because rumors will get you no where. from what i was told, FAU only takes 40-50 students (May and August. the one in august is a different campus) and your minmum gpa has to be a 3.0. i had to submit and essay and my nursing application and i will be taking the HESI entrance test next week. everything is due by November 30th. The waiting/alternate list is just in case students don't attend orientation or decline their acceptance, but as far as waiting for 2 years to get into the program, they mentioned nothing about that. most community colleges have the longer wait lists, because they don't require as much classes to be completed and the minimum gpa is usually lower. i would atleast check it out tho. My expectations are not that high of being accepted into FAU, being that the # admitted is so low and my gpa is not over a 3.5. but i have talked to several students and grads on myspace.com who have had lower gpas, but did very good on the essay portion and the entrace exam and got accepted. I would love to attend there, but won't be disappointed if i don't, ya know:) What other schools are you considering? Congrats to you coming into nursing!!!! Hope to keep in touch with you!

Renee

You mentioned FAU - are you talking about FAU in Boca Raton? I thought they had a really long waiting list as well. If that is not the case that is HUGE and helpful news in trying to decide what career path to take. I'm 30 yrs old (expecting my first child) looking for a career change, and I am trying to decided between teaching and nursing. I've got a BS in Psychology, but won't qualifiy for the second degree option b/c of prior gpa. The two year waiting list rumor are weighing heavily on my mind and may influence my decision.
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i also meant to say that you remind me of myself when you say that you are torn between teaching and nursing. i know that i want to do bedside nursing for 10 years or so, but eventually want to venture off into teaching like a child development class or either go into the social work role. i know with getting a BSN it kinda opens the door for everything else, and you always have nursing to fall back on.

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Specializes in jack of all trades.

As a last resort and if you are able to swing the work time, check as many hospitals will pay part or all of tuition if you promise to work for them upon graduation. Also in regards to teaching, with your BSN in Fl you can apply to teach in the middle/high schools for First Aid/Health. That is an option I have been considering myself and of course Fl is begging for teachers at this point. I worked for a hospital while I was working on my BSN and they paid some of my tuition without a contract for just being an employee. I worked as a nurse extern but lots of others worked as CNA and other positions while they were attending school just for the tuition assistance. I also had children and realize it can be difficult but it can be done. lol my son remembers to this day attending classes with me when I was stuck with no sitter. Thank goodness I had instructors who were understanding on those occasions. Plus he enjoyed all the other students fussing over him and it also opened up lots of babysitting offers from other students.

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Specializes in Labor & Delivery.

I know you guys are talking about BSN programs...but PBCC has an awesome RN program with no waiting list. You either get in or you don't. A good friend of mine is going to Nova right now, and I am graduating from PBCC in Dec. :yelclap:, we compare notes all the time and the two programs are pretty dead on when it comes to "nursing" classes, paperwork, clinical experience, etc. I can vouch for the fact that PBCC's staff is wonderful too! Just a little blurb. However, if you all go to FAU, I will be starting the RN-BSN program in August, so maybe we will see each other there! Good luck on your education path...stick with it...it will be worth the debt in the end! :nurse:

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