Tuition Questions

[kaybee91]

Hello Everyone!!

I have a question. I have already been accepted to Cedar Crest College in Allentown part-time BSN program. I plan on moving closer to campus at this moment I work at a local hospital as a cna and I am in the process of getting hired at a homecare job that I can do per diem. My only concern is if I have NO prior student loans from my first two years of school can I get loans to completely take care of my last two years of schools tuition????

Cedar Crest College is 853/credit for nursing courses. When I added it all up for my last two years it came to about roughly 52k not including extra fees and books. I also am getting a transfer scholarship from cedar crest which is about 1k. Is it possible to get loans to cover my tuition? I plan on working part time throughout school to pay for living expenses.

Any insight would be great!!!

Thank You!!!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

These questions are better answered from the financial aid office have you filled out the FAFSA application? Even if you don't think you qualify I would try.

[WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Depending on your age you can get up to $12,500 (I believe) from the government through stafford loans as an independent student (age 24+, married, have dependents, veteran, etc). It is less if you are a dependent (under 24, or unable to satisfy criteria as an independent).

Its possible to get loans, but be careful. Your total amount of loans really shouldn't exceed your expected first year salary.

You really need to speak with your financial aid department about your options.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

When I added it all up for my last two years it came to about roughly 52k not including extra fees and books.

My advice might go against the popular grain, but I'd find a nursing program with significantly cheaper tuition. Isn't Allentown not too far from Philly? If so, there's a plethora of more affordable schools within one hour's drive from the nursing program you plan to attend.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

How is your credit score? That will play a big role in whether or not you can get private loans to cover the cost of tuition. If you don't have adequate credit or a good score, you will pay higher interest rates and may need a co-signer for loans of the amount you need.

[rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN]

My advice might go against the popular grain, but I'd find a nursing program with significantly cheaper tuition. Isn't Allentown not too far from Philly? If so, there's a plethora of more affordable schools within one hour's drive from the nursing program you plan to attend.

Not against the grain, it is sane advice. Especially when you can find programs for half the price.

[caliotter3]

My granddaughter got accepted at a school before she figured out how she was going to pay for it and when she approached a private loan source (Wells Fargo) concerning loans, she was immediately told that without a job (source of income) to pay and no credit history, she would need co-signers. Unable to obtain co-signers, she was unable to attend that particular school. Highly suggest you consider the advice that Commuter gave to you if you had not previously worked out your funding source.

[notnursezelda]

HEY!

Yes its very expensive, so far I think its worth it. I got a small scholarship to help me pay, but it is a lot, I'm looking at private loans too, so build your credit history and get a good cosigner, thats the only way I am managing. Your going part time so each semester wont be as loaded and heavy with tuition charges. You can work and do a payment plan. They offer other loans and scholarships, such as PHEAA, fafsa, work study, nursing student loans, and perkins, but the later is more for IN NEED students who really need, or some cases if you already have your bachelors, then you cant qualify for some..

Lehigh Valley offers a 6,000 loan also, and then in exchange you do a work committment of 2 years, which seems like a good deal. And they offer student nurse positions at close by hospitals too, so thats great for experience too