Tips on getting BSN without student loans?

Sour Lemon · Sep 4, 2016

I am still a senior in high school but I really want to go debt free. I want to apply to scholarships but my gpa is not a 4.0 and my SAT score is low, I want to retake it. I plan on working as a CNA during nursing school in God's will and my parents offered to help. I also plan on living at home and commuting to school. Is it possible to get my BSN without student debt? Do you guys think I should get my ADN first and then do a RN-BSN program? I don't have a problem with this but I am scared I will let my parents down. They think that an associates degree is not prestigious.

Is it possible, of course ....but there are eight million variables. How much will you be making? How much do your parents make? Do you have a bunch of children you can't afford? Will you be going to school full time, or a few classes here and there? Do you have any savings for college? Do your parents have any savings for your college? Will you be expected to contribute to the household if you live at home while you're in college? What are the tuition (and other fees) for the school you've chosen to attend and been accepted to?

As for ADN verses BSN- What is the market like in your area? Are you willing to move to a different city or state if you're not able to find work where you live now? Will you struggle to go back to school if you start with an ADN and plan to go back, or are you disciplined enough to push through? Are you willing to take on debt (or more debt) to start with a more desirable degree if it increases your odds of finding employment in your area? How fast do you need to get to work? Are your parents able to comfortably (and willingly) support you for the 4+ years it takes to earn a BSN?

joanna73, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2016

You may need to accept loans to get through the program and live. Determine a budget including all of your expenses to start. The key is to live well below your means and find a program that doesn't cost years to repay.

Your maximum loan amount should not be more than one year's salary (ideally).