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Nursing school and loan questions - Bored and Broke

Posted: Sep 08, 2011

Anyone seriously considering this? I am concerned about the money issue, of course. Did anyone receive a student loan that was enough to pay for books, supplies and have a little extra left over for living? It's been so long since DH had a student loan, I can't remember anything about that. I would still work part-time, of course, but that wouldn't put food on the table.

I just can't stay in this proffession anymore, have to do something to get out of this rut. Promised myself I would do this years ago, but got too comfortable. With my recent huge pay cut, I am now thinking this is the kick in the behind I need.

Thanks for any insight.

Loans - ke

[ In Reply To ..]
In April I started school again. I received federal grant, federal loans. I have another loan offered to me through the state with a cosignor (not sure why the cosign). Depending on my semester credits, I am allowed so much money between the grants and loans. I will only have 1 semester where it does not cover everything and it will only be around $100 that I will owe.

another thing... - ke

[ In Reply To ..]
I went back to school in 2001. At that point, we were receiving state aid. I found out that even though I was working full time, I still qualified for help through a program for women. They helped pay for tuition, brand new books, supplies I required, certain amount of mileage every month for going to school. This was on top of the federal grants I received, so I was able to take my federal grants home and pay my bills and buy food!

Obviously every state is different and I don't know if every job service does this, but it sure would be worth checking into!

Good luck if this is what you decide to do. The scariest part is just deciding what you want to do!

I am back in school - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I am going to my local community college so it's much cheaper than a four year school. I have a Pell grant, which is $2750 a semester (this is the most anyone can get in a semester). Plus, I get a $500 grant from my state. This is more than enough to pay for school and my books and I got a $400 refund. Obviously, $400 isn't enough to live on. There are so many programs/grants/loans, etc. that you can get. Look into everything you can with federal and state programs. Going back to school is the best decision I have made. Studying to be an LPN and then I will go further and get my RN. Do it!!!

Loans - advice

[ In Reply To ..]
Be sure to Stay Away from private student loans! Go for all the federal/state money you can find. Also, check to see if your school offers any scholarships for adult returning learners. My CC had a few of those (I didn't apply, didn't nee to) but they were available!

Good luck!

Thanks All! - OP

[ In Reply To ..]
It's nice to know there are others out there in the same situation, and thanks for all the ideas and info.

Loans and school - MTschool2

[ In Reply To ..]
The government loans have a very low interest rate and depend on need. They are a great way to go. If you go to graduate school or a graduate program (not sure if your nursing school is considered graduate) you do not qualify for government free money but again the loans will not only pay tuition but also living expenses. I once tried to live on those alone but it was a mistake as the govt loans come in about 3 weeks after the school starts and you probably would need the money then if your budget is loan to loan. I ran into that problem so I realized that MTing is a good way to make ends meet but not by itself, along with the loan living expenses. Either way, I have to tell you that my studies make me feel great, it is an area of study I love and also I know that someday I will be doing something other than MT which I want to do as a career. I suggest you go for it. But, when you do your FAFSA and loan counseling do not be afraid, it just looks scary. Also do note that your loan repayment is deferred for 10 years I believe as long as you stay in school and or graduate. Then the payment plans are set up based on your income, so you will be able to make it ok even after your degree. Good luck on your new endeavor. I have found it a great move in my life and hope that you will too.

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