Out of state tuition HELP!

CuriousMe · Aug 7, 2008

Hello,
I need some suggestions from anyone who can offer it. I just moved to South Carolina, Beaufort area. I am a second degree seeker and have found a bsn program and only have 2 more prereq's to finish up this fall & then I can apply to the nursing program in the spring. I qualify for student loans, however, one of the classes I am taking is online and the other is through the university with the nursing program. I just found out that if I'm not taking at least 6 credit hours from either institution I can't get the aid (both classes from same school). On top of it all I have to pay $2800 for 1 class because it's out of state tuition, and $860 for the other class....out of my own pocket.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help with this? I have been looking for a job at a hospital. Does anyone know if there is a waiting period to work at a hospital before they will help with tuition reimbursement? I am going out of my mind thinking that I may not be able to do this. I have finally found an opportunity and this school is working with all of my classes from my previous degree! Now is my chance and I don't want to lose it.
Any suggestions would so very much appreciated!!!!!

I'm assuming that you looked to see if the class you're thinking of taking on line is offered at the university? That would get both your classes at the same location.

As for the out-of-state thing, there's usually someone at the school who decides the bottom-line on who is considered in and out of state. I would find out who that is, and make an appointment to speak with them. You can find out what you need to do to be considered a resident, and they might even be able to help you achieve residency.

Best of luck!

Peace,

CuriousMe

AtomicWoman · Aug 7, 2008

I'm assuming that you looked to see if the class you're thinking of taking on line is offered at the university? That would get both your classes at the same location.
As for the out-of-state thing, there's usually someone at the school who decides the bottom-line on who is considered in and out of state. I would find out who that is, and make an appointment to speak with them. You can find out what you need to do to be considered a resident, and they might even be able to help you achieve residency.
Best of luck!
Peace,
CuriousMe

Most hospitals have a certain waiting period before they will give you tuition reimbursement.

How long does your school require you to be a resident before you can be considered in-state? In my state, by the time students start their 2nd year of school, they can apply to be considered "in-state". I realize that that wouldn't help you right now! Meanwhile, can you take any of your prerequisites at a cheaper community college?

JettaDP · Aug 7, 2008

Can you take an extra class or two to make sure you get the aid? You could take something easy like a p.e. class or a computer class.

Do you have kids? And are you a single parent or not? Because I moved to a different state to go to school. I lived here for two months before registering full-time and I was supposed to pay out-of-state tuition but then I was talking with the lady who overseas this and I mentioned that I was a single mom. And because I am a single mom and I received state assistance for daycare; she said I qualified for in-state.

So I guess my suggestion is to talk to someone personally. Someone may be able to pull some strings for you.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Aug 7, 2008

What a yukky situation to be in... you have my sympathy.

Basically, each state decides their own criteria for "in state" status. In Texas, for instance - you have to have proof of residence for 2 years prior to enrolling. And it doesn't count if you just moved here for school. This is just a fact of life for state colleges & universities because they are supported by taxing the residents of that state. So they can't 'give away' tax dollars to anyone who is not a resident.

Did you move from a neighboring state? In some cases, there is a mutual agreement to in-state rates... in our case, residents of La can get in-state tuition rates for some programs in Tx.

Otherwise, I agree with the previous poster - take some more 'puff' classes to increase your hours to the requisite number that qualify you for aid.

westmomto4 · Aug 7, 2008

thank you all so much for your tips. i have to wait for a year before i can qualify for in state tuition. fortunately, i'm not a single mom, and have a very supportive husband who is willing to do whatever he can to help me through this journey. we both see "the light at the end of the tunnel" and the benefits of me figuring out a way to get through this program. i'll have a good career with a lot of options.

i have tried to find another online class for the other class i need. neither of the classes are offered at the same schools though. i'll figure something out, i've come this far and i'm not about to throw in the towel! i know it won't be easy, for any of us, but it will be worth it!:redbeathe