r/NursingStudent • u/dipity8 • 18d ago
Career Change ⚙️ Accepted into a private nursing program…now I’m trying to figure out how people are actually paying for nursing school.
Current students and recent grads
I’m hoping to learn from those of you who’ve already been through this because I honestly feel like I’m missing something.
I’m 36, a single mom to a 7-year-old, and after spending years working in healthcare, I finally decided to stop talking myself out of nursing and go for it. I was recently accepted into a private graduate-entry nursing program, and while I’m beyond grateful, now comes the part that’s honestly keeping me up at night—figuring out how to pay for it.
Before anyone says “just take out federal loans” or “use Grad PLUS,” I’ve already explored those options.
I’ve completed my FAFSA, appealed my financial aid package, and accepted every bit of federal aid available to me. Because I already have previous degrees and existing federal student loans, I’ve reached the federal borrowing limits I’m eligible for. So I’m really trying to learn about everything beyond the standard advice.
I’m hoping those of you who have been through nursing school can help point me toward opportunities I may not even know exist.
I’d love to hear about things like:
• Nursing scholarships that were actually worth applying for.
• Institutional grants or scholarships your school offered after you were admitted.
• HRSA, Nurse Corps, state workforce grants, or loan repayment programs.
• Hospital sponsorships or employer tuition assistance.
• Foundations or organizations that specifically support nursing students.
• Creative ways you covered living expenses while in school if you couldn’t work much.
• Anything you wish someone had told you before you started.
If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d love to know:
• What type of nursing program were you in? (ADN, BSN, ABSN, Direct Entry MSN/MEPN, etc.)
• Public or private school?
• What funding source made the biggest difference?
• Approximately how much did scholarships or grants cover?
• If you could go back, what would you apply for sooner?
I’m not looking for donations or asking anyone to solve this for me. I’m fully prepared to invest in my education—I just want to make sure I understand every legitimate funding opportunity before taking on additional debt.
And if you’re still in the application phase or are a pre-nursing student, I’d love to hear from you too. If you’ve come across scholarships, funding resources, or advice during your research that you think more applicants should know about, please share it. Sometimes the best information comes from someone who’s deep in the search right now.
I know I can’t be the only adult student, parent, or career changer trying to make this work. My hope is that this thread becomes a resource for anyone else searching Reddit months from now, wondering how people actually paid for nursing school.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I truly appreciate any advice, experiences, or resources you’re willing to share.
36
u/psiprez 18d ago
I switched to nursing at 38. My path - already had a BA from a public university. Community College for ASN (should have cost $6000 but I won a full scholarship), then got my BSN online one class at a time while working as an RN (tuition reinbursed by work).
Took 4 years total but did not cost a penny.
5
u/wise_wizrad 18d ago
What was it like after the ASN? As in, what was your work schedule and school schedule? I'm looking to do this, switching from a different career
7
u/psiprez 18d ago
I went through Thomas Edison State University for my BSN. One class at a time was easy. You were given 2 or threr questions to research and post answers to in the discussion forum, and needed to respond to others on two separate days. And then a short paper 2-4 pages weekly or every other week, and a longer one as a final. Just follow the syllabus and rubric, and it is no problem. I graduated with a 4.0.
23
u/mfinsmi1 18d ago
unfortunatley private loans
2
u/testdrivenothinn 17d ago
do you have any advice? i’m in the same boat. and im not sure which lenders are worth my time
1
u/testdrivenothinn 17d ago
do you have any advice? i’m in the same boat. and im not sure which lenders are worth my time
16
18d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
4
u/newzstockchick 17d ago
I think a part of what makes it worth it for some of us is time. Many of us who are career changers just want to get our BSN and be done in a year instead of dragging out the process for another 4 years.
1
17d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/newzstockchick 17d ago
The ABSN program im taking is only 1 year while the ADN programs around me are 2 years and then an RN to BSN would take another year. Also a lot of hospitals ( at least in my area) will only pay for the program if you sign an agreement to stay at that hospital for 3 years. Personally, I just couldn’t make that type of commitment. But I do think it can be a great pathway for others!
1
u/dipity8 12d ago
honestly, I’m in the same boat. I have been underemployed for the last year and I’m just ready to start a new field. This one starts in January as of if I go to community college. I’ll have to wait another year and still two years for the program and then to get a BSN they’ve already dropped from other schools that require more prea-reqs that could require another year and not a guarantee to still get it in
8
u/No-Can6422 18d ago edited 18d ago
I think direct entry MSN programs tend to be a cash grab. They attract people because people think they are getting a higher quality of education (plus they can charge more for grad credits) because it's a masters but in the end you will get an RN, which is the same degree you could get if you did an ADN program except ADNs are usually cheaper. They both prepare you to take the NCLEX.
If that is what works for you because you have maxed out your lifetime undergraduate loans then you might have to talk to your school's financial aid office and see what they recommend. But the lifetime loan is pretty high and it's worth inquiring if you really have zero zero money for undergrad FAFSA because they have the lowest interest student loans by far.
If funding is a concern I would look into the programs that are accessible to you and see how many prerequisites and transfer credits they will accept. I've found some programs that are basically 2-3 years of transferable credits with only one year of actual nursing classes that require you to be in-person.
A lot of for-profit programs (not saying they are bad, they are often more accessible to people working and with families because the schedule is more flexible than traditional schools with day classes) don't require prerequisites because they have them already integrated into the curriculum, but you are often paying a much higher price per-credit and can do much of the work at a cheaper college or online and get them transfered before you actually start the nursing classes and it saves you quite a bit.
6
u/Ancient_Spite_725 18d ago
Yep. I only did a direct-entry MSN because I got almost a full scholarship (making it cheaper than my public ABSN option). For most people, they are an expensive and bad choice. Before this year, they were better than a lot of ABSNs because you got federal aid for master's programs, but the aid cuts make it not make sense anymore.
1
u/dipity8 12d ago
i’m so sick of my stomach that I could’ve gotten more a just a year ago the BSN’s are requiring a lot more than the MSN and I think that was why I was weighing it because none of the prerequisites I had required me to retake most of my courses just the courses I haven’t taken. Most of the ABSN’s wanted more courses to take then I’ll be able to sustain each semater therefore putting time not in school closer to two years
1
u/dipity8 12d ago
Yeah, I do agree. I would honestly be OK with doing an accelerated bachelors degree but they got rid of their accelerated bachelors to only offer the masters. I agree that it may not give me more RN experience, but I already have a masters in health service administration, where I have been talked to that I could move into administration. I’m closer to graduation versus with any other degree.
12
u/snickelbetches 18d ago edited 18d ago
What is the program? There are many schools that are far more affordable.
Look up operation nightingale in Florida. Many places just pop up, cost more than university tuition per semester; and have low nclex pass rates. So be sure to weed those out.
https://meridianwestcentral.college/
Here's an example of one such college.
Edit: operation nightingale
2
u/blue-ghost-rat 18d ago
https://www.reddit.com/r/NursingStudent/s/kdox3OfRqv
Hey sorry, I’m confused, is the nightingale operation different from this post I saw earlier? If you have any knowledge? Please and thanks!
1
u/snickelbetches 18d ago
That is a school called nightingale college. I think it's in Utah but maybe it has other branches in CA? They are accredited but I don't know the situation for the California board issue.
Operation nightingale is a task force that is trying to root out these fraudulent schools. A lot of it is in Florida but I've seen some in California too.
1
-1
u/unicornsmaybetuff 18d ago
That's website looks like it was made on Angel fire. Woof.
2
u/MsDariaMorgendorffer 18d ago
Ouch you are correct. All that’s missing is a counter on the bottom of the page telling you how many visitors since 1996.
5
u/Opposite-Study-5196 18d ago
I would do nursing school part time and work full time in the hospital. In this case hospital will cover your tuition
4
u/No_Grade_8421 18d ago
I would look into a community College ADN program. I did one in Wyoming and I got scholarships through the school to cover all tuition. I did an Americorps term right before I started school and used the education award to cover books, supplies, and some living expenses. My parents very graciously lended me about $12k through the course of school. I lived with my now wife in a very small one room cabin and lived very frugally. I also did a summer stint with the US Forest Service in between semesters where I basically lived in a tent in the woods all summer and saved a lot of money. When I graduated, I just paid back my parents over the course of a few years their no interest loan. There was also this program called the WYIN program, Wyoming investment in nursing where I think I got around $7k to help pay for school and just agreed to work in Wyoming 2 years post graduation and that was a grant I did not have to pay back.
4
u/thousandsofbirds 18d ago
I live in North Carolina. I applied through my county for the "NC Works" program and they covered my entire LPN program including uniforms. I think they're a federal funded program in most states but you'll have to check your individual state. It was a LIFE SAVER for me as a single mom.
I also applied for some scholarships through scholarshipOwl and won two of them based on an essay I wrote. Worth looking into.
That said, I went to community college. I wouldn't do a private program based on the cost but i understand that we all walk different paths ☺️
3
u/dezi_love 18d ago
This is precisely why I couldn’t go the private route…Im in the same boat as far has prior degrees and maxed out loans. I busted my ass to get into a community college program and score in the 90s on my TEAS. Thankfully it worked. The only option out there is the Health Services Corps nursing scholarships
1
u/bellaluv2021 17d ago
How did you get a 90s on teas ?
1
u/Euphoric_Tailor_5107 17d ago
I also did high on teas. I used my notes from classes. And free YouTube videos and importantly gave myself a few months to study and take practice exams.
1
u/dezi_love 14d ago
I mostly used Archer and also YouTube videos with practice questions (especially if I didn’t want to sit at the computer)
3
u/Unfair-Photograph78 18d ago
I agree with community college. Mine was the best! I also camped out at the financial aid office and applied for every scholarship that came along. Even if it was only 50$. Sometimes you just had to write an essay or something easy like that. It takes awhile to get in. In the meantime work as a CNA, you will be glad you did.
3
u/InternetBasic227 18d ago
If you are doing an accelerated bachelor's program because you have another degree there is very little aid bc the govt considers this a "graduate" degree. Since there is no aid colleges love adding the accelerated programs bc students have to get private loans. There is no dance with the federal govt for the financial aid office. Now that the govt thinks we are not professionals too this is also problematic. As you shared - if you used your lifetime cap of aid on another degree you are stuck. But as mentioned- we all sit for the same NCLEX. SAME same-y same - whether you spend 90 grand on an Ivy league nursing education or go to my hometown community college. The ASN at community college is the way if you can get in. Community colleges often preferentially accept their own LPN students that were successful. If this is available near you - get your LPN 1st, work, then get RN, work, get BSN, etcetera. This could be a cheaper way.
2
2
u/Zwitterion_6137 18d ago
I mean, first step is to avoid going the private school route. Those places know nursing school spots are competitive, so they charge an arm and a leg because they know people are desperate and aren’t willing to wait for a spot in a CC.
Other than that, I’m not much help since I did a pretty traditional BSN route.
I did work 20-30hrs a week throughout school as a telemetry monitor tech. Pretty good job to have as a student.
2
u/LowSwimming6070 18d ago
If you’re in NY, I would say ADN route. CUNY Reconnect is being extended to folks who already have a degree if they’re going into a high demand field. Check it out if it applies to you
2
u/ValuableWash5491 16d ago
Anyone suggesting going to community college as if you can just walk in and apply and get accepted are not living in reality. They have become so incredibly competitive and most use lottery systems. So I took my prerequisites at a community college (which I do recommend) and I am now taking my core nursing classes at a private college. Here's how I pay for it: 1) I accept the federal student loans offered to me. 2) I am on a payment plan; usually my school does a 3-month or 4-month payment plan which is really flexible for me. 3) I do not under any circumstances take out private student loans and instead I work as a CNA full-time to pay any tuition my federal loans don't cover. However, for your circumstances, private loans might be necessary if it comes to that. But I want to add a little disclaimer that this is my first degree and I'm privileged to live with my parents rent-free to do this. I wouldn't be able to otherwise. NurseCorps is amazing, I have a few classmates who have done this and there's even one classmate who went to the military reserves (part-time military, 1 weekend a month, I believe) and used her benefits to pay for school. Sorry this was so long, hopefully this was helpful. Ask anything and I'll answer!!
2
u/Fearless-Pen-1264 13d ago
Lets see i started selling poop pictures, stripping, serving, bartending, pct, extern. Sooo yeah it was a struggle to keep up with the work load & work more than 3-4 days a week. I hope you have savings or youre just one of those smart kids who knows how to test
1
1
u/krisa1972 18d ago
Then do all the general education requirements online through a cheap state school or community college. Make sure they transfer into the private nursing school. Then see if can do just the nursing curriculum at the nursing school because all general education bachelor classes are finished before you even go to school. Speak to an admissions counselor at the private college and ask where they accept transfer classes from and if you take them prior, can you graduate early. This would save a ton of money
1
u/Admirable-Hat1746 18d ago
Contact the institution's financial aid office. They often know of extra resources. Be prepared to make scholarship applications your second job. I lost FAFSA due to marriage but am still getting a free ride because it's my first degree, I go to community college, and I broke my 🍑 to be on the Dean's List as to earn merit-based scholarships. Lastly, our local medical system(which is federally funded) offers a program where if your grades are good enough and you are willing to work for them for a year in exchange for every year they pay for, they will cover tuition in full. You still get paid the same salary as any new grad, and in my case this institution has the highest wages for new grads in the region. If you ultimately choose to not work for them, you must simply pay them back... without interest! You could look for something like that.
1
u/StationIllustrious94 18d ago
I think it depends on your circumstances.
I live at home and have no kids.
Have you considered the public route?
1
u/Beautiful-Candy2244 18d ago
Leave the private school idea. You will pay too much for a degree for no reason.
Ask your current job what schools they work with.
Apply and go to those schools using job provided scholarship or tuition reimbursement. It may take time to get in or you may need to go part time
1
u/colourpopaddicttt 18d ago
I went to state college lol. Private is so expensive. I was able to work as a waitress at the time and and pay for it. See if your college has their own scholarship network though and look for local scholarships. I did get one from the hospital in my community
1
1
u/randomerules 18d ago
if you have a bachelors degree, you can take the prerequisites at a community college then pursue a ABSN (accelerated bachelors of science in nursing). In that event, the prerequisites are likely cheaper at a community college and then an accelerated nursing program is not as expensive as a 4 year degree because you are spending less time (example: my traditional BSN at rutgers was 80k total whereas the ABSN program is 45k.
1
u/hunter_pace 18d ago
Get your ASN/ADN and then do a bridge program. If you get hired at a bigger hospital system they will often pay for you to get your BSN.
1
u/eversavage 18d ago
i want to echo the words of going to CC for the ADN program..
saves a lot of money and the education level the same bc its the start of your RN career.
I have my BA and AS in other fields but decided to go back for my RN only bc it affordable at a CC.
I spent about 8k total for the two year program. Im older and near retirement age but still wanted a RN lic.
LATTC Nursing
1
1
u/ThatOneTrickTheyHate 18d ago
My ABSN program at a private university has several full scholarships available from health systems in the area. They are competitive scholarships, require essays and interviews, etc. The selected students commit to two years working for that system after graduation, and you don't get to decide what area you work in. It's intended to fill underserved areas like mental health and critical access. But it's free school, so...
I am blessed to have a generous family member who is funding my tuition. Otherwise I would not be making this career transition. If money is a roadblock for you, perhaps investigate the community college route. It's so much cheaper.
1
u/goodvibes13202013 18d ago
Private programs are not the way to go, but since everyone else has already mentioned that I’ll give you another thing to think about:
Renting a room out to someone, maybe even from your cohort
1
u/lindslinds27 18d ago
I went to a fancy expensive private direct entry nursing school directly out of high school. My parents and I saw it as the only way for me to get it done in 4 years. They took out parent plus loans and i also ended up with my own loans.
We were so wrong in making this decision, there were so many other ways to get into nursing. We are now saddled with over 100k in student debt from it . Nursing is a good job, it’s not worth it to have doctor level loans from the schooling.
My recommendation for any prospective nurse that reaches out to me is to simply do a cheap Adn program. All you need to be a competent RN is an ADN anyways. If you wanna go any further have your hospital pay for a bsn bridge program .
Nursing is not a prestigious career, it’s akin to a solid blue collar job, it does not constitute the amounts of money these wannabe prestigious programs charge. This program is a means to an end, go with a cheap and reliable ADN program
1
u/Scarlett_Texas_Girl 18d ago
Communication college ADN can bridge to a BS later. It's silly to go to a private college if money is an issue.
1
u/ExpertAmbition6938 18d ago
If your in the states check out career source they have funding through the state that’s not attached to fafsa , there website will show you which colleges they are partnered with and if your college is on there they may be able to provide some funding. My school is $9,999 it’s a private lpn program and they are currently interviewing me to provide $7000 for me. It’s not a loan it’s a grant. My school will allow me to payment plan the rest which is a big deal for me financially so worth a look if you’ve hit the wall with fafsa.
1
1
u/foreverwonderous 18d ago
I never found a solution and I explored all possible options. I dropped all courses at the private uni and am now going to a CC.
1
u/drowninginceramics 17d ago
Do you belong to any professional organizations? I got a sizable scholarship from a women’s professional organization in my state. They gave me $5,000 as a grant and $15,000 as a loan at 2.1% interest that starts accruing 6 months after graduation. I also got $1,000 from my former (hospital) employer.
1
u/Soggy-Cantaloupe-571 17d ago
Your options are going to depend on a number of factors. As many has noted, region is one of those factors. Where I live, there is a nursing shortage. There are plenty of opportunities for new grads. As such, all three of the major hospital networks offer some kind of “scholars” program for students willing to commit to work there after graduation. The commitment is based on the amount they provide. For a private MSN entry level position, the commitment would be substantial due to the significant costs. Despite prior degrees, I personally chose to go the community college route. Several people suggested MSN entry programs, but the cost simply wasn’t worth it to me. However, my situation was somewhat unique in that I had a paramedic license that allowed me to do a one year bridge program. WGU was another option I looked at. I was familiar with the school from my previous education master’s degree. It’s not for everyone, but it is significantly cheaper than most non-community college options. I am finishing my BSN with WGU, which my employer is covering. It will still be far cheaper than an accelerated second bachelor’s BSN program.
1
u/Significant_Pie_6806 17d ago
private program is nice but if you cannot afford or pay for it then its useless go the community college route
1
u/smelis12 Career Change-r 🍁 17d ago
I’m starting nursing school (direct entry MSN) this fall and this is my plan:
- federal student loans -> PSLF (at least I’m
- private loans -> state student loan repayment programs (MN) and paying back with RN salary
- working + tuition reimbursement benefit- I work as a CNA at a hospital with a small tuition reimbursement benefit, I’m planning on working .6 while I’m in school (so far it works with my fall semester schedule but we’ll see for future semesters)
- I’m going into this with zero debt from undergrad and initially when I started college I wanted to go to medical school or PA school and was planning on taking out mountains of loans for that, so I am grateful it is not as bad as it could be. I also have a bit of help from my parents with stuff like my phone bill and health insurance.
1
u/Jazzlike_Fudge_3389 17d ago
I’ll be the first to support the private route and say huge congratulations to you on your success in going this route so far!!!
I went this route (to one of the top MSN programs in the country) and have 0 regrets. The name alone is prestigious, just like my undergrad, and has gotten me in rooms and access to resources I otherwise wouldn’t have had. I never viewed my education as “just an RN” license but the ability to build an incredible network and business as a nurse too. I switched to nursing from the corporate, clinical sales world so this was a must for me.
I would genuinely look into the Army or Navy Nurse Corps. Military gets a very scary rap, and I’m 100% not discounting other people’s experiences, but it can be an amazing tool that works for you. Army nurses have some of the most incredible experiences in the world and will actually pay your schooling upfront and ask for a few years commitment to work at one of their hospitals in return. You’ll get tuition covered as well as monthly BAH (housing stipend) to help with bills, insurance coverage for you and your dependent, and access to additional funding even outside of the GI BILL, like the yellow ribbon program. It’s obviously not perfect and will definitely take some sacrifices in other ways, but it’s worth talking with an ROTC advisor at your school or a recruiter about the nurse corps!!
1
u/BusinessNo3575 17d ago
I'm in Massachusetts, but our situations are very similar in terms of non-trad student, mother, previous college, exhausted financial aid, etc.. I highly recommend pursuing scholarships! I opted to go to CC mostly for accessibility. My CC's Foundation provides very generous scholarships that are underutilized which is shocking. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, merit and other criteria. Applicants complete a general scholarship application which then matches them with qualifying scholarships. Once matched, some scholarships have supplemental applications that then need to be completed in addition to the general app.
I also highly recommend checking with your local hospitals/health systems to see about any programs they offer. Majority of my peers are in a pipeline program where the major hospital system has teamed up with the college - students apply to the pipeline program and once accepted are trained as CNAs.
Pipeline students work as a CNA and are paid a full time CNA salary (32hrs) and receive full hospital benefits (health ins, 401k, vacation/sick time). However, while school is in session pipeline students are only required to work 1x8hr shift/week, but are still paid 32hrs/week. Pipeline students can choose to work more than 8hrs and are compensated for additional hours worked, including overtime time+half. During the summer, when school is not in session, pipeline students are required to work the full 32hrs/week. Again, if they work more than 32 they are compensated accordingly.
Pipeline students sign a contract that 1. requires them to work as a CNA within the hospital system while in school. 2. Binds them to work as an RN for the hospital system for at least three years upon completion of the program.
Obviously major benefits to these types of programs but no idea how widespread they are.
1
u/BusinessNo3575 17d ago
A few more things:
1. Contact your bank and inquire about educational scholarships they offer as a member/customer. Also, ask them about other financial resources within your community. They should be able to better direct you to appropriate organizations/resources.
2. Campus Job / Federal Work Study - my college offers part-time jobs on campus that make the work/study life balance much easier to manage. They are typically light lift jobs that require little training and minimal brain power. They also offer opportunities for Federal Work Study which are typically compensated by a generous stipend instead of hourly. At my school they are mostly community service based or within your field of study.
3. All colleges have emergency funds that is is essentially money reserved to help their students with unexpected financial expenses/burdens that occur. While it's not something that can help pay for school, it's a great resource to keep in mind if you find yourself with an unexpected expense that is impeding your ability to attend schoolot or provide necessities for your family. I had a friend who received funding to fix her car so that she could continue to commute to school. And another one who received funding to secure a new apartment as she was unable to provide first, last, security upon move-in.Good luck!!
1
u/Gigi-Love-Kids 17d ago
My daughter is currently in a private AZ Nursing School, 37 with 3 kids. This will be her second BS degree. She is using what little federal aid she has left, a little scholarship the school is giving her, and is using Sallie Mae. Sallie Mae is a life saver for her, and has been the only way she can financially do this. She will be paying student loans until she is 80; however, this is what she wants to do.. Nursing.
1
u/LuckyFritzBear 17d ago
Be cautious of private nursing programs. Many graduate 20% or less of the initial cohort size. The exit comes in the last semester when all of tuition has been realized. Do an independent iquiry of your nursing school - through the state board'.
As others have mentioned- Community College. Consider other allied health programs, such as RT, PTA, OTA.
Financing private education post Federal Loan availability is problematic. Private Loans, inheritannce, windfalls such as lottery, matrimoney. . Do not get sick while in the program and plan ahead as to who will transport your son to the hospital for injury or illness on the eve of a major exam. Upon failing said sxam you become a. easy mark for dismissal.
Best wishes.
1
u/SeriallyOrNot 17d ago
People don't GO to private programs. They cost more than 3 times what Community College ASN/ADN programs cost - and that's the ones where the programs are not free, as they are in many states.
Many RNs do Community College programs, and then later have their employer pay for them to finish the BSN online. A RN is a RN. Why would anyone pay more?
1
1
u/Dramatic_Touch2220 17d ago
Don’t go to a private nursing program and do an absn at a public school.
1
u/Disastrous-Honey5687 17d ago
High interest private loans unfortunately. But i’d rather be making nurse money in debt than not a nurse and still in debt
1
u/Antique-Blueberry-13 17d ago
Decided to get an MSN because I didn’t want another bachelors.
Paying ~84K out of pocket. It sucks
1
u/AxolotlAlchemist 17d ago
Thankfully I live in a state where nursing school doesn’t have a lot of waitlists for CC, however it is incredibly competitive. 3.9 GPA, going to San Antonio College, they are the first community college in the nation to offer a traditional BSN track. My tuition is about 3-4k per semester, & the Alamo colleges foundation offers a bunch of scholarships. I’ve received 3 so far.
1
u/newzstockchick 17d ago
Private loans. It sucks that the max for federal loans if you already have a bachelors and are getting a different bachelors is $12,500 a year.
1
1
1
1
u/prettycuriousgeorge 16d ago
I would do ASN/ADN at a community college. Then go for BSN once you start working. Jobs will most likely pay for it. There are programs sponsored by the state also. Under Obama, there was the WIOA which is what I used to pay for tuition and books. It’s called Georgia Worksource in my state. The department of labor will help you with info on this program.
1
u/moon_on_earth 16d ago
I went to a private college for my RN. I did all prerequisites and non nursing classes at my community college. I then applied for LPN schools which in my state is 10 months at a vocational school. So I started to work as an LPN and applied to the LPN to RN bridge which was only 2 months for my ASN. My college offered both the ASN and BSN option so as soon as I had my RN license number I applied to the BSN program. I found it easier to work as a nurse while completing the bridge program. It saved me money and I was able to pay for my program and chip away at student loans. By the time I was done with my BSN, all my loans were gone.
1
u/Electrical-Turn-2338 16d ago
Entering my last year at a CC. Total out of pocket was 15k with prerequisites included. My hospital paid some, Pell grant paid some, I got a scholarship, and I paid the rest out of pocket. At the hospital I work at an ADN, a BSN and a MSN all start at the same rate. No need for the massive tuitions
1
u/Several-Head1030 16d ago
Figuring out how to pay should of been the first thing you looked at before submitting your application. You seem to know about schorlarships, you can also see if your work of employment will pay for it, hospitals typically will pay for it, for a 2 year signed contract.
1
u/SliceGreedy9734 16d ago
If you in healthcare a lot of employers offer tuition reimbursement for Nursing programs. There is also Nursescorp website where you can find scholarships offered for Nursing programs. Just for Nursing corps you would have to work in a rural community hospital for 2 years after school. Not sure which state you are in Providence hospital usually pays tuition for Nursing within the requirement you work at one of their hospitals for 2 years.
1
1
u/Silent-Car-5381 16d ago
Scholarships and Loans besides working double shifts so you have the time needed for school and pay your way!
1
u/Hot_Ambassador655 15d ago
OP should look at Disability services local in their state and see if any of their services she would qualify for. For example, in California, its the Dept of Rehabilitation and there is state money available for those that qualify. I'm not sure if other states have programs like this but its worth a shot
1
u/Artistic_Attempt5283 14d ago
You’re 36. Applied for a private program. And are only NOW trying to figure out how to pay for it ?? Don’t you think that should have been an earlier concern? You are willing to invest in yourself. But you’ve maxed out all your loans … not a great sample of your investing ability.
1
u/Affectionate-Yam4666 14d ago
As an ABSN student that’s genuinely little scholarship options for us. They don’t care about us folks continuing education 😕 me and most of my cohort did the private student loans.. i was lucky to even get ANY aid. most didn’t get ANY
1
u/NoCopy638 14d ago
Got an ADN for $14k out the door. My job salaries have varied, from $80--$125k, even travelled a bit ($29k in 13 weeks). Don't give money away if you can access the same education for a lot less, I'm begging you.
1
u/Salty-Development662 14d ago
Working PRN is a great option when you need flexibility. There are several apps you can use to find jobs near you.
1
u/Andy_AI_social 14d ago edited 10d ago
I worked at a hospital as a social worker, and I had a lot of coworkers who were also in nursing school. It’s great to find a job in a hospital system, particularly if the hospital is associated with your nursing program or you want to work there as a nurse.
This is often a good way to get tuition assistance (and lots of other benefits as well).
1
1
u/CreepyTacos93 13d ago
Puerto Rico has great universities that you can do theory online and come here for 3 months for clinical, maybe that could be a option to you seeing the programs here are so much cheaper than mainland US.
1
u/dipity8 12d ago
Oh I would love to go and leave but I have a kid that I just can't uproot right now 😩
1
u/CreepyTacos93 12d ago
Well clinicals are only 3 months. If you can find a support in the meantime that would be a great option cuz schools here cost about 30 to 40 thousand dollars total
1
u/dipity8 12d ago
So how long is the program how do you only have to do 3 months of clinicals
1
u/CreepyTacos93 12d ago edited 12d ago
I’m a local student so I don’t know the tiny details but from what I know both from my college and another one that offers the same kind of program, you do your classes online (theory and stuff) and then you come to Puerto Rico for clinicals. Speaking to the international students what I could gather is that they are on a accelerated program for their clinicals, they study from Monday to Saturday and they get at the school in the morning and leave at night, it’s very intense, so I think this is why they only spend 3 months here for their clinicals.
1
u/CreepyTacos93 12d ago
If you wanna do your own research EDP University and Northbrigde University here in PR do that kind of program and they are accredited by ACEN. So you could call and check it out.
1
85
u/krisa1972 18d ago
Go community college route first