Nursing schools

Hi There!

I am new to this site and am hoping I could get some feedback. This is sort of a two-part question. I have recently decided that I no longer wish to be in the dreaded marketing field and would like to go back to school for nursing. I know I need to get some pre-requisites out of the way before I can actually enter a program. Problem is, that originally I wanted to enter into the accelerated program (for those who already have their bachelor's and would like to take a quicker route to their degree) at the University of Oklahoma. Turns out that they recently cut this program off to all residents of California (I live in San Diego) for budgetary reasons. So, now I am trying to find other accelerated programs in the area. Does anyone know of any? Are they costly? Are there options for grants or financial assistance?

I know that I will not be able to work while I am in this kind of a program so I am trying to save as much money to live off of for when I am in school, which is no easy feat. I have no idea what I am looking at with tuition, books. cost of the program, etc, etc. I have no family out here so moving home is not an option. When I look at the big picture, I get so overwhelmed that I just want to give up but I know this is my dream and want it more than anything. I also have debt, but that will be hanging over my head for so long I feel like i should be saving for this endeavor first and then pay off the debt when I begin my career. Ahhh! Help! Anyone in the same situation or have any advice??

Thanks,

Jacq