how in the world does one pay for nursing school!

Published

  1. did you take out personal loans for nursing school?

    • 24
      no
    • 2
      yes - paid off
    • 18
      yes - still paying on them

44 members have participated

Hi all,

I am a stay at home mom with two bachelor's of science degrees (psych and addictions counseling) and am wanting to start Marian University's (Indianapolis, In) accredited, accelerated, online BSN program this August. The cost is around $750 per credit hour (i know, right?) for nursing classes in the program. Since it is accelerated, they strongly recommended you don't work during school and my federal aid is capped at $6500 or so per semester. Therefore, how in the world could anyone afford this program, especially if you aren't working?? Private student loans?? Any moms out there with a similar experience and if so, how did you finance your education?

Hi all,

I am a stay at home mom with two bachelor's of science degrees (psych and addictions counseling) and am wanting to start Marian University's (Indianapolis, In) accredited, accelerated, online BSN program this August. The cost is around $750 per credit hour (i know, right?) for nursing classes in the program. Since it is accelerated, they strongly recommended you don't work during school and my federal aid is capped at $6500 or so per semester. Therefore, how in the world could anyone afford this program, especially if you aren't working?? Private student loans?? Any moms out there with a similar experience and if so, how did you finance your education?

I had the same issue! I'm so close to my loan limit because off my first bachelors degree so I was going to run out of money like my second semester of the accelerated bsn program so I'm going to do a direct entry msn program. The direct entry program is actually cheaper than the bsn program, the bsn was 55k smh

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Public Health.

I think a PP was confused. Doing a traditional program means that it is not crammed into one year. They are completed in two years. Nursing programs do not usually include pre reqs because they are PREreqs. You complete them before you start the nursing program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I think a PP was confused. Doing a traditional program means that it is not crammed into one year. They are completed in two years. Nursing programs do not usually include pre reqs because they are PREreqs. You complete them before you start the nursing program.

THIS.

To also add: if one has the required pre req's, then it is two years of nursing courses.

When I went into my BSN program, I went in and completed major courses; I only had 3 university required courses to complete.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you are not working, then I would apply for any and all scholarships you can and try to get grants. If you are able to work at least part-time, that will help to pay for college or the bills. I don't have children, and currently I am only working 20 hrs per week and going to an accelerated nursing school full-time. I am taking all federal school loans to pay for my entire education. Nursing school, whether its the ADN, BSN or MSN, is very expensive and I don't know any average-income person who can do it without taking student loans. Good luck to you. I hope you can figure something out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I did an ADN program (Am no in an RN-BSN program and have loans). As I said, married with 2 kids, living off one income, my hubby is a school teacher, so he does not make THAT much, so I was able to qualify for grants.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.

I go to a community college for an ASN program. It's like $110/CR or something. My costs usually end up being $1600/semester after books and tuition. I get $3400 or so in aid total per month ($1400 federal, $2000 Native American grant). I'm 19 and living at home with my parents so I don't have to pay many bills.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Work as a stripper and sold one of my kidneys on the black market.

Just kidding- student loans mostly, will do the loan forgiveness program area offers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Work as a stripper and sold one of my kidneys on the black market.

Just kidding- student loans mostly, will do the loan forgiveness program area offers.

so you plan borrowing money and not paying it back, no wonder the economy is going under.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
so you plan borrowing money and not paying it back no wonder the economy is going under.[/quote']

Haha guess you could say that- I have to live in a tiny rural community which is under served and is in serious need of nurses.

Don't worry I doubt I live in the same country as you so my small amount of student loan money won't take your economy down anymore.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Haha guess you could say that- I have to live in a tiny rural community which is under served and is in serious need of nurses.

Don't worry I doubt I live in the same country as you so my small amount of student loan money won't take your economy down anymore.

you say small money. I bet if 1000 individuals are doing the same thing as you then it wouldn't be so small anymore . Well good luck not too many loan forgiveness programs out there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Aren't there any programs that are less expensive in your area? That sounds awfully high priced! I live 5 minutes away from a major university and they only charge $565 per credit hour for their BSN program.

Having said that, I do not qualify for financial aid, but don't make enough to pay for it out right. So, I'm spending most of my savings on my education. I may have to take out a student loan for the last semester of the BSN. Hoping I don't have to because I don't want any debt. I'm trying as hard as I can to get an academic scholarship.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

Is there not a state university that you could go to that is cheaper? I did the private route for a Masters and regret it (financially). I tried to get into an ABSN program, but missed some deadlines. I ended up going the community college route to get my ADN for MUCH less money and now am doing my RN-BSN online at a state university that, again, is much cheaper.

Like to address:

I don't understand for the life of me why people obtain a bachelors degree in one field then quickly or not so quickly want to switch careers to nursing??????? Boggles my mind. Wouldn't it just have been smarter to obtain the BSN in the first place??
I did not have a choice. I was a victim of a crappy economy and lost my job. The best choice for me was to go to nursing school. I am very glad I did and I probably should have started there, but we don't always make the right choices the first time around-not that I would change the path that I have taken.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion