Paying for second degree

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Hello everyone,

I was recently accepted into nursing school for fall semester (yayyy me). This will be my second degree and I am having trouble finding the funds for school. I pretty much maxed out of my financial aid with my first degree so now I have no idea what to do. I applied to scholarships but I am just waiting to hear back from the organizations. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions? Or has anyone had a similar situation? If so what did you do?

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I paid for my second go-around (nursing) by working.

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did you work full time or part time?

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Hopefully your first degree wasn't in something goofy and you're actually employable. If so, consider working and saving. I only worked six hours a week while in school and found it difficult. Other people I know worked full time and did fine.

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I'm not sure if I should work because I know nursing school is going to consume my life but it looks like I might have to work at least part time.

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did you work full time or part time?

Worked both full time and part time. When the full time job ended due to downsizing, so did school. The job was putting a roof over my head and food on the table.

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Specializes in NICU.

I worked two 12 hr night shifts (Fri and Sat) through nursing school. I also used a credit card that allowed me to a balance transfer to your checking account at 0% for 18 months (ABSN program was 15 months).

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Which program are you going for: ABSN or Master's Direct Entry? If I am not mistaken, you are eligible for up to $57,000 in loans to cover your bachelor's and up to $110,000 (not sure on the exact number) in loans to cover your master's. Double check if you have something left in your bachelor degree loan money.

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Make sure you still fill out your FAFSA, even if you have maxed out federal loans. Many scholarships cannot be awarded unless you have a current FAFSA on file.

I am getting through school without loans because I have been working full time since 2011 and actively saving for this for several years. I am married as well, but my husband just recently (last year) paid off his 120K+ grad school debt by living like a student for 3 years. We still live like students. In terms of how to manage your money, make sure you live as frugally as possible so as to not incur any more debt.

I am not "scolding" anyone, but I don't get why I see so many people on here who don't think about finances until they actually get into the program. Private loans are very likely going to be the best option for you (even if you work, chances are you'll need supplemental funds). If your student loan debt is high enough, I would even consider postponing until you bring your debt load down.

I am in my ABSN and am honestly not able to work. I DO volunteer every Sunday for 4 hours, but since it is healthcare related, I haven't given that up and can even study sometimes during my shift. I do have classmates who work, but it is very difficult. ABSN moves so fast that you really don't want to get behind. I study during my weekends (like, almost the whole weekend but I'm realistic and still exercise, eat, and see a movie once in a while) so I don't have to be the maniac that stays up until 3 am and falls asleep during the week. Work if you must, but don't bank on being able to work a LOT. This varies by person, though. I honestly don't know how people work full time during ABSN programs (if they even do) because classes are scheduled 4 days a week the entire day during the first semester, and after that clinicals are 3 days a week (so 6:30-4:30) and class runs til 5 on the non-clinical days. I just don't know.

If you are lost, I would start by contacting your financial aid office to guide you through/point you to some resources for the private loan process. I never had to resort to private loans, but I do remember my financial aid office being extremely helpful to my peers who did. Good luck and congratulations on your acceptance.

Edit: Aside from the usual Sallie Mae loans, there are state and federal programs out there that promise to repay x amount of loans if you work in an underserved area for X years. These can be a great option for many if you are willing to give up the freedom to move/take higher paying jobs in turn for loan repayment. Nurse corps is also a scholarship that you may or may not qualify for, I believe that the amount is pretty significant, but that you also have to demonstrate need.

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Specializes in psych.

I'm a second degree person/second career. I also was in the same boat as you as I had maxed out my aid from my first degrees. I went to CC so it was affordable and I applied for every scholarship I came across. I walked away with $0 in debt ready to start my nursing career and now after a year, I'm going back for a BSN with work picking up most of the bill. It is possible.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

How about delaying entry until you can save enough to pay for it? Seems like the prudent thing to do. How are you planning to pay off your existing student loans?

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This may not be for you and for many people but the United States Army recruits future RNs. They pay for your education and a salary. All you gotta give back is six years of your time to the service.

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