NYC Nursing and Student Debt!

[handsomelatin8]

So basically, I have my master's degree in another field but have thought about going back to school for nursing. I must say that NYC SUCKS for affordable and flexible nursing school options. The high price tags of many of the nursing schools is a hinderance for me. I am ALREADY $60K in DEBT! So I am wondering if this is worthwhile or should I just give up on nursing? Does anyone know about nursing loan repayment programs, hospitals that will pay for nursing schools or nursing scholarships? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[sch1109]

I think a lot of states have programs were hospitals will pay your entire tuition if you agree to work for them for 2-3 years so you should definitely look into it. I'm in Texas and the program I'm applying to has this option so I will be applying for it. Some people get nervous about the commitment but having nursing school paid for and a secure job when I graduate sounds good to me!

[guiltysins]

You could try going to a public college in NYC. It's cheap but very competitive. While the private schools are more expensive but you have a better chance of getting into one of their nursing program. It's definetely not easy and a lot of people have been going to the private schools. CUNY schools are so competitive and sometimes accept on a lottery basis and have wait lists have made people go the expensive route. It's one of the reasons I'm at a private university as opposed to CUNY.

[flee43]

It's been mentioned before but have you heard of the HRSA scholarship? Here is a link to the website:

http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/scholarship/

Georgetown has a high price-tag too but they do have a scholarship affiliated with the Washington Hospital Center that will pay for 80% of your scholarship, granted that you work for them for 3-years.

[AccelCNL, MSN, RN]

If you are sure about becoming a nurse you can look at other options for nursing school.

I myself know how expensive nursing school is.

I think the first thing you need to do is complete some of the prerequisites science classes ( API, APII, Micro, Chem) over the next year is you have not done so already. You cannot get into most schools without it.

Then consider applying to SUNY Downstate and Hunter for their accelerated BSN programs. Yes, it is a long chance of getting in but the worst that can happen is no.

Then I would say look at programs outside of NY. There are quite a few programs outside of the tri-state area that are much cheaper ( such as Salisbury U in MD).

Or you can try to apply to ASN programs. ASN programs are definitely the cheapest route. Once you get a job you can then use the hospital benefits to go to school.

Or you can look at programs across the country is you are willing to move.