Paying for Nursing School

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Aug 22, 2009

I was able to pay for my pre-reqs with grants and I got a scholarship. Then when I didnt get accepted right away to nursing school I worked full time and saved. My first year of nursing school I just used grants and worked part-time and unfourntantly used credit cards to make ends meet. However now that I am starting my second year I am planing on using both grants and loans to avoid the credit cards, the interest rate on student loans is sooooo much smaller than the interest rate of credit cards.

misstnessa · Aug 22, 2009

I work full time at a hospital and am reimbursed at the end of each semester the tuition. Also, I applied for and got two scholarships. So everything is basically paid for. I praise God that I got those.

Now once I'm in the depths of my Junior year of nursing school, I might be singing another tune with the full time working and going to school. But I have to do what I have to do because I don't want to owe anyone money. No loans, no credit cards.

Took me two years to pay off my debt and I told myself I would never go into debt again for anything. And I mean ANYTHING.

Jules A, MSN · Aug 22, 2009

I worked 30 hours a week all through school so I could pay my tuition at a community college which was pretty cheap. I'm not a fan of racking up huge loans for living expenses to "focus on school" :rolleyes: and in this economy I'd strongly urge against it. Good luck and kudos for planning ahead.

cheertt2 · Aug 24, 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

Thank you all for replying to my post. Well, to answer some of your questions, I already have a BA degree in Biology, and recently I earned a MS in Public health. Although I had grants and scholarships for my first degree, I paid for my MS with loans. I don't want to take out anymore loans, but to go to nursing school just might have to do that. I am a minority, mid twenties, however I am not be eligible for a Pell Grant :cry: . I have my own apartment and live by myself. I am just trying to find a way to go to nursing school with having more debt than I already have. :confused: I want to apply to accelerated programs, but they are so expensive where I live. I guess I will just try to apply for as many scholarships as I can.