Paying for school??

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I am a 23 year old single mom of two and went to a private local college after high school, Kaplan University, and Rasmussen College. I wasn't aware of the cost Kaplan and Rasmussen. Needless to say I have maxed out my student loans and I am getting close to not being eligible for any Pell grant money. I know this is nobody's fault but my own. However, I am determined to finish school for nursing. I am enrolled in community college now and I have to just finish up my science courses then I can apply to nursing schools starting next fall. My question is to everyone that doesn't qualify for aid how do you pay for school? My first choice for nursing school has an agreement where they will pay your tuition if you work for them for a year. Are there any other scholarships or resources that I could possibly use. I hate that I messed up and now I am stuck in this situation but I don't know what else to do. I have bad credit and can't find a co-signer for a loan so that wouldn't be an option either sadly.

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Specializes in Primary Care; Child Advocacy; Child Abuse; ED.

Be happy you have a deal with the hospital. That is a great deal education paid and a job when you graduate. Can't beat that

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My school has lots of scholarships you can apply to. They are small scholarships ranging from $250-$500.. but every bit helps. See if your school has these. Also if you google nursing scholarships or just scholarships in general, LOTS of stuff comes up.. its just a matter of deciding which one you'd have a better chance at winning. I won one for $800, so I guess it's just the luck of the draw.

Other than that, I really have no idea how people pay. I hope you get into the school that covers the tuition!!

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Specializes in GI, ER, ICU, Med/Surg, Stress Test Nurse.

Hi there,

I too just finished RN school, I was not elegible for Pell or even a student loan. So my solution was the Hospital I work for reimbursed everything up to $2500 a year with the agreement that I will stay for 2 yrs for every $2500 that they pay. I just view this as opportunity to pay back the debt, My payments are made by doing what I love to do. It has worked for me so far, I am still employeed and I plan to stay many years here. Love Nursing

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Not everyone can do what I plan to do but I will be self-paying. No kids, living off my husband's income and paying for school with the savings I've built.

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Wow - that sounds like a good deal where you'll have a job + get free school!? Unless there are major drawbacks, I'd jump on that!!

As for me - I've been saving my backside off and will be paying cash for school when I start (god willing) next year. I hope to get some scholarships, but I am not banking on it.

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I am not eligible for any grants or loans either. It is all out of pocket. I am busting my butt to keep my grades high and I made it into the program on my first try. I have seen so many students receiving federal assistance who don't give 100%, so they retake the same class several times on the governments money. It is sad because they don't know how lucky they are and the rest of us struggle to pay.

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Thanks guys! I am really hoping I can get into this school. I just have to make sure I work hard when I start my science classes. They have guaranteed admission if you have a 3.0 overall, 3.0 based off science classes, and a 80 on the TEAS.

Dawn2012 I agree with you completely. When I was younger and going to school for free I took advantage of it and didn't really care. Now that I am a little bit older and realize the error of my ways and how important a education is I'm thinking clearly now.

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Specializes in CMSRN.

That sounds awesome! I would love a program with that kind of admissions. Good luck! :-)

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I am eligible for Pell (thank God) but my school is about 24,000 a year. I have worked my butt off and I have approx 17,000 in scholarship. The rest I have a loan for :-/ I would just start applying for scholarships through the school. There are also scholarships you can get for community service. My friend is going to a different school and she doesnt get any aid. She just saves every semester and pays her tuition out of pocket every semester.

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