I guess I'll go straight to the point. Here's the deal: I'm from Las Vegas and I go to UNLV as a nursing major. I decided to stay as an in-state student because it was cheaper for my family. My millenium scholarship and pell grants have, so far, covered at least all my tuition fees and classes for the first two years of my college (pre-nursing). This is why I decided to not even bother applying to other states as a transfer student since I thought that my tuition fees and classes were at least covered. The good news: I got into the nursing program with A's and B's (I know, not very impressive) and we start on Sept. 7. The bad news: I just realized that my scholarship and grants are not enough to cover my tuition fees and classes (it's fallen short by a couple of hundred bucks) and my parents don't have enough money to pay for all other requirements, which should be completed by August 24th (if it's not complete by then you're dropped from the program). I feel like it's not fair if I'm dropped from the program just because I don't have enough money. What I'm hoping for: other states, universities, or whatever is out there who's willing to take me in as a student (for free in exchange for working for their company when I graduate, or at least have my tuition fees and classes waived, or whatever kind of financial aid they can offer that is more than what I'm receiving right now, I know this is a lot to ask) and I promise to work my hardest, meet/exceed their standards, and forever be grateful. My student background: unfortunately, I'm just a regular student. I don't think my SAT's are impressive (I have a total of 1600, I'm sure other kids have higher), I'm an A and B student and GPA 3.64 (I think) and I've never taken the ACT test. I wasn't involved in any extra curricular activities (because again of the out-of-pocket expenses) but I did at least 100 hours of community service at the local library and elementary school. Though I get A's on my essays most of the time, I personally don't think they're that impressive (I've read way more impressive essays on the internet). I'm shy but I'm willing to go out of my comfort zone and even away from my family if it means getting a better education for less. Btw, I'm an immigrant and my family makes less than $50,000/year. (I don't know if this info can increase my chances, most of the really good scholarships I saw were geared towards U.S. citizens which is understandable since the U.S. is supposed to cater to it's citizens first before everyone else.)
Going into nursing is expensive. If you knew this is what you were going to be getting into, honestly, you should have done something about the money months ago... Now that you only have a few weeks left, you have the choice of either going for a loan or dropping out. If you talk to your college, they may be able to give you a couple extra weeks to pay, or see if they have anything like a payment plan, if you do end up getting a job.
But like others mentioned, depending on your race, being an immigrant can help you out quite a bit! Some colleges have reduced fees, some organizations will give you scholarships depending on your background... But living in the states, don't expect to get education for free. Take out a student loan, and get some sort of income. After your first year you can work as a nursing aide in hospitals for some pretty good money, and a little less if you can find a personal care home facility who hires uncertified aides.
Unless you can take out a loan, they will kick you out of the program and someone who can pay will take your place. There are tons of waiting lists all over North America to get into nursing programs. I worked for two years as a nurses aide to save up enough money to pay for nursing school because I too, am paying for it out of my own pocket (not my parents.)
Our goverment here in Canada, just announced they are spending over 2 million dollars to educate aboriginals to become nurses, in return for them going up north in isolated communities to work. Our tuition fees are also a lot less here though...
You don't need your parent's permission to get Stafford loans. Well, you personally may need it but you don't need them to sign the paperwork. I would suggest talking to your financial aid office TODAY to get everything set up because the loan process isn't instantaneous.
Your parents do realize the economy has crashed in the past few years? Nursing is not recession proof and right now there is a glut of nurses (especially new ones) instead of a shortage. You might be able to get repayment of your loans if you work in a high need area like in Texas in the Rio Grande Valley (along the border) or on a Native American reservation. You could also join the military as a nurse for loan repayment but even that is competitive.
All I can add to this discussion, and I doubt it will be very helpful, is that when I lived in Phoenix, Arizona, friends of mine went to nursing school via a cooperation between a local community college and a major hospital system in the area. They had to sign papers that they would work for the hospital for a few years afterward, or pay back the education expenses. This is a great deal for prospective nursing students. I don't know if this is still going on - this was about 4 years ago.
I doubt this helps you though because you are in another state, and I'm pretty sure to be considered for that program you would have to be an in-state student, and to be in-state you'd have to live in AZ for a year. Plus, it would be too late to enter this year anyway.
I don't see how you will be able to get a loan in the next two weeks - any kind of loan, even a personal loan, unless you have really, really good credit. Do you have any relatives or friends who could help you?
My school offers a payment plan - I think it's four payments per semester - is there anything like that offered to you?
. If you do well your first semester, many hospitals will pay your tuition if you sign a contract with them. You must get good grades. Also, depending on who you work for, the loans can be wiped out if you work for an area that really needs nurses. Also, paying back the loan does not start until you get work
I'm curious where this is as I have never heard of hospitals paying the tuition of someone who did well their first semester of nursing school? Also, as far as Stafford loans from the government, they start repayment 6 months after you stop school..
I'm curious where this is as I have never heard of hospitals paying the tuition of someone who did well their first semester of nursing school? Also, as far as Stafford loans from the government, they start repayment 6 months after you stop school..
Some hospitals will sponsor you, i.e. if you are a aide and then go back to upgrade. Most won't even think about it, there are too many new grads already out there, nevermind handing out free cash.
I do know, at least here, that rural areas will sometimes pay your tuition fees if you agree to work a 3 year contract at their hospital once you graduate. All of this has to be approved in advance, though... I've never heard of someone's tuition being covered after the first semester.
At the two schools I applied to, after your first semester hospitals will come to the school, and offer to pay for your tuition in exchange for a one or two year commitment. The names of the scholarships in florida broward area are HCA and Memorial , and Baptist Hospital Scholarship - pays tuition and books. Speak to your school about the sponsorships, they will know off the tops of their head.
I heard from my school that some hospitals do not link up w ith schools, and if you ask them about it they will tell you about it.
Also there is a program called the WIA program that will pay for RN school if you are accepted, and are in financial need. It is associated with workforce one. It takes a while, and is not something that happens overnight.
The short-term and government loans may be the most efficient use of time to start. Later, once you have made it through the first semester, the sponsorship is a good idea.
At the school, I go to they work out a deal where you work as a nurses aid after the first semester, and then agree to work with the hospital after you graduate. I really do not recommend working and going to nursing school at the same time. Loaning it out or a sponsorship after you gradutate is better as you can concentrate on your studies. And once you get a job, if you took the loan route, depending on who you work for there are loan forgiveness options for nurses. ( Must be one the hospitals in need that are designated for loan forgiveness or partial payout)
If you can't find the money to go to school in time, even with the short-term loan and federal loan , think about asking for a deferment. This will hold your seat in the nursing program, and allow you some time to get the money together.
My school is just now accepting loan applications so if you rush you may make it.
If you get the amount you have to pay for the 4000. Depending on the terms of the loan which your parents should help you with, it can be as little at 60.00 per month. A worth while investment. Loans for something else are not good, but for education, it's a very wise investment as nursing students need to concentrate on school not money or working.
doublehelix
165 Posts
Going into nursing is expensive. If you knew this is what you were going to be getting into, honestly, you should have done something about the money months ago... Now that you only have a few weeks left, you have the choice of either going for a loan or dropping out. If you talk to your college, they may be able to give you a couple extra weeks to pay, or see if they have anything like a payment plan, if you do end up getting a job.
But like others mentioned, depending on your race, being an immigrant can help you out quite a bit! Some colleges have reduced fees, some organizations will give you scholarships depending on your background... But living in the states, don't expect to get education for free. Take out a student loan, and get some sort of income. After your first year you can work as a nursing aide in hospitals for some pretty good money, and a little less if you can find a personal care home facility who hires uncertified aides.
Unless you can take out a loan, they will kick you out of the program and someone who can pay will take your place. There are tons of waiting lists all over North America to get into nursing programs. I worked for two years as a nurses aide to save up enough money to pay for nursing school because I too, am paying for it out of my own pocket (not my parents.)
Our goverment here in Canada, just announced they are spending over 2 million dollars to educate aboriginals to become nurses, in return for them going up north in isolated communities to work. Our tuition fees are also a lot less here though...