Second Degree Help Please!

Hi. You shouldn't feel discouraged from applying to ABSN programs. I always give this website out to those who are looking for one: Accelerated BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Programs

I will tell you don't look at any of Jersey's ABSN programs, because you must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA to apply. They are very strict on that requirement.

I also have loans from my first degree that I'm currently paying back. I graduated in '06. But, I will be borrowing very little for this program. I am capable of paying my rent, utilities, and my other living expenses, so I don't need to borrow money for that. I also applied for scholarships. There is money out there for us "non-traditional" students.

Hope that helped.

I totally agree with mschas!

It's very competitive to get into NS now, but please don't be discouraged by GPA.

I recently got accepted to 2 ABSN programs with under 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

So you can do it, too!! =)

For the finance,,, try hard to get scholarships as much as possible.

Good luck!!

"Secondly, how does everyone pay for this? I already have 63,000.00 in federal loans from my first undergrad degree. I know I'm not eligible for federal loans the second time around. Are you all taking out private loans to pay for the accelerated second degree program?"

Hello. I am also in an accelerated BSN to RN program at a private college. I have a $10 k loan from my former degree. You can get federal loans after 1st degree but you just can't get grants. I do believe there is a lifetime max for loans, but I'm not sure what that is. You can check with the financial aid dept of a school you want to attend and they should be able to tell you.

Please don't give up applying, I also was a Bio Major, Eng. minor with a 2.75 GPA but 3.8 in my nursing pre-reqs. I was waitlisted at my first choice schools U rochester, Drexel... so I applied as a transfer student at my previous undergrad. I was told to apply for financial aid thru FAFSA and im soooo glad I did, despite thinking I wasn't going to qualify since I already have my 1st degree. so now, Instead of paying 45,000 a year, I only took out a loan for 5,000! The rest were scholarships and grants! The program will take me two years instead of the usual 12 or 14 months in a regular ABSN, but at least I will only have 10,000 or less in loans when im done!!!