So Upset

SDNurseWannabe · Jul 8, 2005

Oh Brandi.....

I know this is a big set back but I firmly believe obsticles are put in our way to test just how much we want it. I wish I had some advice about where to go from here...perhaps you can talk to the people at the school and ask them how they propose you pay for school? There are private student loans out there too...maybe one of those? I'm sure someone will come by here that will be much more help than I am. Just wanted to give you a (((Hug)))!!!

Lanie

GrnHonu99, RN · Jul 8, 2005

I have wanted to be a nurse ever since I can remember. I am now 27yrs old with no college at all. I have 2 kids and have decided to make my dream come true. Well I went to the community college today just expecting to sign up for classes. Well let me first say I had to take a placement test which I need 3 math and 2 english classes to get to college level. I also cannot get into the LPN program till Fall of 2007. The community college also doesnt offer Student Loans. So now I am stuck wondering how on earth to pay for all of this. I dont qualify for any financial aid. The school also doesnt except Federal Student Loans. I just dont know what to do.. I am in Bloomington Illinois and dont know of any other school that I can do this at. I guess my dreams are being crushed and I dont know where to go from here.
Sorry for the depressing post I just needed to get it off my shoulder.
Brandi

Hi Brandi,

Sorry for your troubles! I do have a link for you though. Here are some schools that offer nursing in Indiana, I dont know where bloomington is so I couldnt tell ya if these are close...

http://indiana.nursing-schools-programs.com/

Also, have you looked into hospitals in your area? Sometimes hosptials offer diploma programs and if you agree to work for them sometimes they will help with your tuition. Did you fill out a FAFSA? Most colleges accept student loans. Also, some employers offer tuition reimburstment...

use the web, its a great resource, hopefully you will find something!!!Good Luck

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2005

Good luck to you. Many of us had to take the long road.

I've never heard of a community college or any school that doesn't take school loans. Weird.

kayel · Jul 8, 2005

I'm sorry your attempts today didn't turn out the way you wanted them to! I can see how that could dampen your spirits! However, I also know you will do this somehow if you want it badly enough!!! I don't know how things work in Illinois but there are likely bursaries you can apply for and maybe some other kind of loan options. Have you actually applied for a student loan or just think that your income is too high?

I would say get going on your math and english and just concentrate on getting that. Even if you have to do it slowly, you still can do this!!!!!!!!

Sorry you are sad! You can come cry on our shoulders when you need to .... keep plugging away, though!! I think you can still follow your dream! Just remember it's not going to be easy but it is going to be worth it.

~ Karen

annievnurse2b · Jul 8, 2005

I think I can help...First of all...all colleges that are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission offer Financial Aid and unless you are a convicted drug felon you can qualify for Financial Aid. Financial Aid is loans! You may not qualify for grants, but loans yes. It is not based on income. Trust me...you qualify. The website to check out is fafsa.ed.gov I believe. The government gives you low interest loans that you don't pay off until after you are done with school. The payments are low and if you are going to community college it is cheap! Look for other schools. They are out there. However, most schools have a 2 year waiting list for RN. I am in LPN and will continue with RN at an online school once I have the LPN license. I am 27 too and I have a degree, but I know if you really want this you will do it. I gave up a great well paying career to become a nurse. I love it so far.

I have wanted to be a nurse ever since I can remember. I am now 27yrs old with no college at all. I have 2 kids and have decided to make my dream come true. Well I went to the community college today just expecting to sign up for classes. Well let me first say I had to take a placement test which I need 3 math and 2 english classes to get to college level. I also cannot get into the LPN program till Fall of 2007. The community college also doesnt offer Student Loans. So now I am stuck wondering how on earth to pay for all of this. I dont qualify for any financial aid. The school also doesnt except Federal Student Loans. I just dont know what to do.. I am in Bloomington Illinois and dont know of any other school that I can do this at. I guess my dreams are being crushed and I dont know where to go from here.
Sorry for the depressing post I just needed to get it off my shoulder.
Brandi

MrsStock10 · Jul 8, 2005

I think I can help...First of all...all colleges that are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission offer Financial Aid and unless you are a convicted drug felon you can qualify for Financial Aid. Financial Aid is loans! You may not qualify for grants, but loans yes. It is not based on income. Trust me...you qualify. The website to check out is fafsa.ed.gov I believe. The government gives you low interest loans that you don't pay off until after you are done with school. The payments are low and if you are going to community college it is cheap! Look for other schools. They are out there. However, most schools have a 2 year waiting list for RN. I am in LPN and will continue with RN at an online school once I have the LPN license. I am 27 too and I have a degree, but I know if you really want this you will do it. I gave up a great well paying career to become a nurse. I love it so far.

I filled out the FAFSA and they told me I didnt qualify for anything at al..

Fun2, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2005

I'm sorry for you troubles as well.

...My first thought was:

If they don't accept Federal monies, are they accredited????????? I agree with Tweety, very weird!

Hope things get better for you. Even if you have to take one class at a time, don't give up. Take all your non-science courses first. Then, start taking the sciences courses as many colleges have a 5 year rule. (I started going to college off and on since 1991. It's never too late to do it. It may take a while, but be persistant.)

jessicalyn80 · Jul 8, 2005

Keep at it! It has taken me 5 years to get a two year AA degree, I still need one more credit. Half of the hardship of college is all the paperwork and financial aid junk. It is always something, believe me I know! I know it is especially hard with kids, but dont give up. Time will pass regardless of whether you go to school or not. even if you take one class a semster that is still better than nothing. I am telling this to myself as much as you :). Hang in there it will work out.

lady_jezebel · Jul 8, 2005

I think you have to be enrolled in a degreed program to qualify for financial aid. This may mean that you have to get accepted into the community college in an associate's program first, any track (not just nursing). You may have to take prereqs just to get into a program -- so yes, it may require some money out of pocket at first. However, once you are accepted into ANY program, you can get financial aid while working towards nursing school.

scoley · Jul 8, 2005

What about scholarships?

mary777 · Jul 10, 2005

i truly feel you. i wish i could help you. i too never got financial aid, but i did apply for school funds, and was paid in full. speak to financial aid to give you a form to fill out, you must have registered for atleast 6 credits, and have applied for financial aid. the only reason you might not get it is because all the funds from the school are gone. so apply as early as you can, before it's all taken. don't get discouraged keep asking around, ask financial aid and people that you know that have gone to college. apply to scholarships, go to fastweb.com. they look for scholarships that fit you. i applied for hsf and next friday i find out how much i might get. if not borrow from banks. they're very helpful for college students. or try applying for long term loans in school. don't worry about how much you're gonna owe, who cares. by the time you become a nurse you'll be able to pay that back in a year or 2. do what you have to do to get to where you want, don't restrict yourself.