Prayers needed- Finances

[Iowa Roo Mom]

Well, I've been accepted into a wonderful four year school (Iowa Wesleyan College), and I will be going this fall for my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. The problem is that it is going to cost upwards of $80,000. I can take out student loans, about $40,000 worth- but that will leave me still with the other half, and thats alot of money to come up with. I'm working now, and will continue to work, but will have to go down to part time. I applied for PELL grants, but I'm not sure if I will qualify. I've been out of high school now for 7 years, and I'm ready to go back and get this degree that I desperatly need, but the finances will be a bit of trouble. I've prayed about it- and got accepted. God answered that prayer- and He is good. So please, pray for me to be able to work it out financialy. I know I can do all things through God- with Him all things are possible! Thanks a bunch!

 

[NancyDz]

Congrats on your acceptance ! You will be in my prayers that your finances will work out and you are able to get your Nursing degree.


Good luck!

Nancy

 

[Judy]

That is absurd. Nurses are in short supply, and will be in much shorter supply in a very short time. There is no way I would commit to a debt like that.

My DIL just got her Masters (or whatever they call it) in teaching and cannot even get a job teaching anywhere in this state. It is quite possible they will do the same to nurses soon. Nursing comes and goes. It's not that nurses are not needed, it's that facilities may or may not feel enough pressure to hire what is needed. Talk to any working hospital nurse, as that is most likely where you will have to start out. The pressure to do much more than one nurse can do is incredible right now.

I have been a nurse for over 30 years. Check this out much more carefully before you make any commitment.

God helps those who help themselves.

 

[redhen]

Makes me sick when working people cant get enough financial help to go to school!! Ooh, it REALLY gets me mad at our system!

WHat does that say for us?? Quit working and get a free ride....work and try to do the right thing and get shafted??

 

[calicokat]

We found a book at our local library that lists all the scholarships available for our state. You might see if there is a similar publication for your state. They update it each year so get the most current one.

There are scholarships out there for older students going to college if you look. Also there may be many local ones through churches, Heritage Fund, etc. Check around - make getting scholarships your second job this summer and it'll pay off

 

[CityChicker]

The first thing you need to do is file your FAFSA (if you haven't already) and just wait and see what your school's financial aid department awards you. Don't make the mistake of assuming what they will or will not be able to award you.

My husband and I both went back to school in our 30's and have had no problem getting enough financial aid to cover it. Financial aid is not just the federal student loans. It also can include numerous grants, scholarships (sometimes that you don't even need to apply for separately), stipends, work study, and private students loans.

You have numerous options.

 

[MysticScorpio82]

Quote:
That is just what I was going to recommend. the $80,000 worth of fees (classes, etc) are what is will cost if you pay entirely out of pocket or through a student loan. Fincial aid will help cover some-most of this. I go to college and it would cost me almost 50,000 if I paid it all out of pocket for the entire 4 years, but with fincial aid I end up only having to pay about $200-$500 per semester.

Also look into student grants, there are alot out there, esspecially for nurses. The hospital I work at will pay aportion of the college fees in return, they expect you to work there for at least 2 years after you graduate. If you get a job as a secretary or something at a hospital or nursing home in your area and they would more than likely help you out too. I will be praying for you though, and congratulations on being excepted!

 

[bluey]

If you can snag a job at a University, many Universities will defray or waive the cost of your schooling and allow you to go to school part-time. I completed my Masters degree for free at the University of Pittsburgh in less than five years while I worked there. If the University is a research school, you can also get lots of hands on experience in the field as well once you are in the program.

 

[crzychickenlady]

You might also look into getting on somewhere that helps pay for your schooling.
I heard that UPS pays a percentage of schooling, also there are some nursing facilities will help with tuition costs.

You never know on the PELL grants, if you go part time at your current job, that may just put you into the income guidelines.

I've worked nursing off and on for years now, its hard work and the turn around is high, so there is always work to be found!

Good choice in careers and luck to you!!

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

Thanks for all your support! I'm going to be conacting finincal aid this week and see if they've recieved my FAFSA yet (I completed it Thursday night) I found a pretty good website to help with finding scholarships, so maybe it won't be nearly as bad as I had thought. I appreciate all your advice and well wishes. I am sure I am making the right decision. I've been a nurse's aide for 5 years now and I am ready to move on. Thanks again to everyone! I

BYC and appreciate the support!