School choice dilemma

[mmwaters81]

Hello Future and Current Nurses,

I am determined to go to nursing school (have to complete some prerequisites first), sooner than later, but I have to stay local due to transportation issues. Ultimately, I want to get my BSN, and ideally would like to go for my ASN instead of LPN (no shade to any LPNs or those going for it). I applied and got into a community college that is literally 10-15 minutes tops from my house that has an ADN program. It is actually one of the top schools for ADN programs in my state, if not nation.

The problem I'm running into is I already have a bachelor's degree (in another subject) and can not receive any financial aid from that school (and probably most community colleges for that matter). I'm not 100% sure if I can afford to pay for school out of pocket at this moment. There are a few schools in the area that offer LPN programs that I believe I have a better chance of getting into AND receive financial aid. The biggest downside of those LPN programs for me is that it's going to take me twice as long (monetarily and time wise) to get my BSN. I rather go to the community college because it's by far the cheapest, most accredited (if I'm saying that correctly), and it'll only take me 2 years (at most because I have a good majority of my prerequisites completed). I'll then have my ADN, which means the job/career prospects will be better and I can then work toward my BSN online while working (or may even be able to get tuition reimbursement). The only other option is to try to get into a 4-year college that is just as close as the community college to complete my prerequisites which may buy me some time to be able to afford to pay out of pocket for the community college (or whatever nursing school I get accepted into) and my transportation situation will hopefully change by then.

I really don't want to wait another year to figure this out as I have wasted enough time not going for my RN sooner. Should I just give in and go for my LPN? Go to the 4-year school just for my prerequisites (and then apply to a nursing program/school)? Or just wait until my financial and transportation situation gets better (whenever that may be) to go to that community college (close to my house)? And has anyone had an issue receiving financial aid at ANY SCHOOL that already has a bachelor's? I know I will not ever be able to receive a pell grant, but I have to be hopeful that I'll be able to receive some type of financial aid at some school.

I APOLOGIZE FOR THIS EXTREMELY LONG POST AMD THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR ALL YOUR ADVICE.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

You've applied and gotten into an accredited program with a good reputation. Congratulations. I'd say go! I'm not sure what your financial situation is exactly, but you don't say you cannot pay for any of your education; you said you're not sure you can pay for all of it. You've got time to explore options other than financial aid.

Cut your expenses as much as possible -- get a roommate or move in with your parents, a sibling or someone you meet at school or church or the grocery store bulletion board. Plan on eating rice, beans and ramen. Borrow money from a relative, take out a personal loan or get a job waiting tables at the fanciest restaurant in town. Sell your new car and buy a clunker. Don't buy anything except schoolbooks and uniforms. Once you're employed as an RN -- in a little over two years -- make paying back the loans your first priority. Then check into tuition reimbursement and get your BSN paid for by your employer.

ASNs make the same money as BSNs. They have fewer opportunities other than the bedside, but a new grad of any stripe has fewer opportunities other than the bedside. By the time you get your BSN, you'll have enough experience to qualify for some of those other jobs.

[forevernursem]

Hello!

I personally would not go for an LPN if your goal is a BSN. Like you said, it would take longer to get your BSN, and will ultimately cost you more money. Maybe you could finish your prerequisites part time, and work full time to save up money while getting your financial situation worked out. Once in the nursing program, you could part time (which is hard), but can be doable if you manage your time.

After getting your ADN, RN to BSN degrees are usually a year or two long online, so you can work during it.

Best of luck!

[RainbowSprinkles]

I'm in my first semester of nursing school at a community college, I too have a bachelors. I wasn't able to get pell and free financial aid money but I was able to take out subsidized/unsubsidized loans. My tuition is under 2,000 a semester with 4 semester in total. However, I did luck up, I'm in a 14 month accelerated adn program. My school offers tons of scholarships, many of my class mates work full time jobs ..although the work is accelerated/double work. I wouldn't give up the opportunity. I would pick up extra hours somewhere, babysit, whatever I need to do to make it happen. Most schools have tuition payment plans, jobs on campus, talk to someone in financial aid before you make a decision! Good luck!

[CharlieFoxtrot]

Congrats on being accepted!

If you're going to a community college, they often have scholarships for non-traditional or returning students. Check with your college's foundation / aid office, and apply! Even if you don't qualify for a Pell, you may qualify for a scholarship.

Depending on your location, you may be able to cut transpo costs by using mass transit. Some schools offer free rides on the bus for students with their Id's.

Look at your situation and see what's negotiable financially: shopping at Aldi, getting civvie clothes at thrift shops, getting smart about your utility usage, cutting out or making your own incidentals like coffee, making more meals in, looking for free fun, etc.

Best of luck, you got this :-)