how do you afford to live while in school?

[gordonarkell]

I am starting (at 45yrs old) nursing prereq's. Plan to drop my dead-end, full time job when I get into full-time nurse school. I have to totally support myself. I have a good amount of savings and wonder how anyone can support themselves on financial aid/loans/grants/whatever while getting through school. THe only thing I really worry about is being able to live (pay rent, bills, food) while in school. THe school part is actually not a problem financially.

I am going to need help paying for living expenses. Can "financial aid" pay for it all without much ordeal? Will that be my one big stumbling block?

This is my huge question and appreciate all wisdom.:eek:

Thank you.

[Brendenb]

It depends, some scholarships will only pay tuition, some pay tuition and books/supplies and don't consider living expenses. Student loans can be taken out, either Federal or private. You just have to do a lot of footwork finding them and reading the terms of the scholarship/grant/loan.

Personally, I took a full ride scholarship from a local hospital. They are paying tuition, books, supplies, uniform etc, but not living expenses (total of ~$9200) and all they ask for in return is for me to work for them for 2 years after graduation. They will be paying me normal salary and benefits during those 2 years.

Some people might not like the idea of being tied to a place for 2 years, but I liked the idea since the hospital is close to where I live (that means I don't have to move, again!).

[gordonarkell]

Thank you brendenb

[bamabrat1140]

It is sometimes difficult. I work part time and I am a single mother. I get pell and I have student loans but it all does not cover my living expenses. You have to learn to prioritize your expenses. My cell phone got cut off yesterday however m rent is paid as well as my needed expenses. Yeah I would love to have my cell phone on and I will get it back on in the next week but hey I gotta eat and I need a place to live so that is what is important. If you really want this you have to find a way to sacrifice. It will be worth it in the end

[hsieh]

ask your financial aid office. i think there are loans to pay for living expenses while you're in school.

[starlingcv]

I am thinking about (will attend nursing school). There is a program here in NC at Watts School of nursing. (http://dukehealth1.org/watts/tuition_program.asp). The section of the program offers money to get through school, but you have to sign a contract for 3 years of service after you get your RN.

I will get 1038.00 per month from the VA and at the same time try to get grants, loans, etc...I thought about working through school, but I cant. I need to focus on school.

[Arkansas Red]

[QUOTE=Brendenb;22772]

Personally, I took a full ride scholarship from a local hospital. They are paying tuition, books, supplies, uniform etc, but not living expenses (total of ~$9200) and all they ask for in return is for me to work for them for 2 years after graduation. They will be paying me normal salary and benefits during those 2 years.

[QUOTE]


How does one look into these types of programs?

[starlingcv]

normally hospital based schools offer such. Watts is a hospital based school.

[starlingcv]

More information I find regarding this:

RN Scholarships & Loan Program
Download application packet in PDF format (92 Kb).

Carteret General Hospital Foundation offers the following nursing scholarships with work agreement for individuals pursing health careers as Registered Nurses:

ADN Program - Up to $6,000 ($3,000 per year) scholarship.
BSN Program - Up to $10,000 ($5,000 per year) scholarship for Junior and Senior Years.
Each scholarship will be for two consecutive years assuming satisfactory completion of each semester. After payment of tuition, fees, and books, remaining funds will be given to recipient for living expenses. Preference will be given to individuals who are residents of Carteret County, employees of Carteret General Hospital or immediate family members, and nursing students attending Carteret Community College.

Completed application packets should be returned by March 10th or July 10th to CGH Foundation, PO Box 1619, Morehead City NC 28557

Should you have questions, feel free to contact Michelle Gregson, Foundation Director at (252) 808-6336 or Vickie Elmore, Recruitment Coordinator at (252) 808-6028

Download application packet in PDF format (92 Kb).

Mail completed application to:
Carteret General Hospital Foundation,
Scholarship Applications,
3500 Arendell Street,
Morehead City, NC 28557

This type of program is everywhere...I guess one would have to do some research regarding such.

[badphish]

ill be working baby. im going to be in a medic to adn fast track program; "shift- frndly" i wrk 24 on 48 off; this summer and fall will be the grind cause the pre reqs i need are not on a shift frndly schedule. so every three weeks i need to lose a few hours.

so lets see no sleep for 18 months can do. my current employer will be paying for the year of core classes i just give themanother year as a nurse.

peace im out,