Paying for Nursing School

Do Or Do Not · Aug 21, 2009

I go to an in-state public uni, so tuition ain't too bad there. I applied for and got Stafford federal subsidized & unsubsidized loans that add up to about $12,000 per year. If you need any more than that other programs like Sallie Mae and private banks can offer more loans. Just be aware that the interest rate's gonna be higher, like around 11% as opposed to 6.5% for the Stafford. Most nursing schools offer grants of all kinds and loan forgiveness programs in exchange for, say, committing to a hospital or a state for a certain number of years. Also check out the Pell Grant if this is your first time through college.

netglow, ASN, RN · Aug 21, 2009

I already have a degree that cost me mucho dinero and took a while to pay off.

This second one is much less expensive as it is an ADN. I am paying cold hard cash this time. I worked and lived light in order to do it. Now I am still not working and am begining my last semester on what I've squirreled away. If you are going the 2yr route, (well more than two with the sciences I didn't have from degree #1) you can try and keep working full time and OT while you do the A&P, Micro, Chem. prerequisites (and the sociology you blew-off during first degree because you thought, no way am I gonna need that!). Sure I'm gonna be on fumes when I graduate, but at least not in debt! Hey, I HEAR THERE'S THIS NURSING SHORTAGE... so I can easily begin working and have my pick of jobs with sign-on bonus! -- joking there, just in case you didn't know I was.

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Aug 21, 2009

I mooched off my wife's salary, used some of our savings, had a 60% scholarship, and also had a college loan (federal unsubsidized).

GeneralJinjur · Aug 21, 2009

I'm doing an ADN with Pell Grants. There's a little state grant attached and together, they just cover books and tuition. For any financial aid, you will need to go to fafsa.edu to apply. I do it every year right after I file my taxes.

ToBANurse2010 · Aug 21, 2009

:yeah:Congrads on your decision to become a nurse. I'm having my tution paid for by pell grants & stafford loans. It's a little expensive, but it will be welll worth it when I'm done with school next year :wink2: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah::wink2::wink2::wink2:

jo'ee · Aug 21, 2009

I am applying to a university for nursing school. Right now I am in a community college doing my pre-requisites. I am really fortunate, even though I do not qualify for loans, the university I applied to recognizes my 4.0 GPA and is giving me 8K in transfer scholarship a year and the community college recognized my GPA and invited me to belong to Phi Theta Kappa. The university gives another 2500/yr to phi theta cappa members. Lucky me, 10,500 yr in scholarship because of my grades. So keep the grades up and find out what is available to you.

Goingthere · Aug 21, 2009

Work as much as possible now, and save. Throw that money monthly into ING and wait. Loans/grants/scholoarships are a great way, but start saving TODAY-thats what helped me. In 9 months I saved ALOT of money-so i had some security while waiting for outside funds.

RNperdiem, RN · Aug 22, 2009

I went to a community college, lived with my parents and worked a part time job.

The school was so affordable that my $4/hr CNA job paid for my tuition, used books and fees. The job paid for my car insurance, gas, health insurance(a better deal 12 years ago), clothes and spending money.

Plenty of people work their way through school.

Scrubby · Aug 22, 2009

In Australia if you can't pay the university fees upfront then you can get an interest free loan from the government that you only have to pay back if you earn over a certain amount. To become an RN is about 12,000 AUS.

Lajimolala, BSN, RN, NP · Aug 22, 2009

Good for you for thinking so far in advance! I started prereqs two years ago, and I was just like you--thinking ahead. Now that I got into my #1 choice school (state university), I can go to school full time and my last day of work is next Tuesday (I'm so sad about it though--I love my job and my boss!).

Many people already gave great advice about loans, and other federal aid. But just to add to that: pay OFF your debt ASAP!!! Trust me, you will thank yourself later as I have!!! I spend two years paying off debt, and it is SURE nice to have $xxx that would have otherwise gone to credit card or loan debt, back to myself!

petunia2016 · Aug 22, 2009

I'm paying for mine with the Pell grant, Stafford loans, and lots of scholarships. And I do mean lots. As for you, it really depends on your situation. How old are you? Do your parents still claim you on their taxes? Are you a minority? How are your grades? If you're below a certain age or your parents claim you on their taxes, you may be ineligible for the Pell grant, especially if they earn a decent salary. If you're a minority, there are many, many scholarships available out there. And even if you're not, apply to as many scholarships as you can. Brush up on those personal essays now, because you'll be doing a lot of writing for your scholarship apps. And many times, different scholarships want you to write completely different essays. If your grades are good, then you have an even better chance of getting that scholarship over the the next applicant. Remember, all you are to the scholarship committee is an essay and a piece of paper with your basic information.

The estimated cost of attendance for me this year was a bit over 22k, and I am getting that amount in aid and scholarships, which is so awesome because I don't have to work my way through college. Even my books, nursing supplies, and health clearance was paid for. I can focus on my schoolwork exclusively and, at a later date, do an internship and volunteer. You are wise to plan now! Good luck on your journey. :redbeathe