Recently, Stressed Out Nurse columnist Heather Grondin, RN, met with Sara Martinez Tucker, the U.S. undersecretary of education, to discuss how to make college a reality. Tucker was touring the country to visit with students and recent graduates to talk about higher education. Today, with knowledge from the session, Grondin will provide some tips and tools to help you finance your dream of attending college and becoming a nurse. Or, for those of you past that stage, you can use these strategies to further your nursing education:
I don’t think I can afford to go to school!
Many potential students do not realize the financial resources available. One tool that Sara pointed out was the FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) Forecaster (www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/). Just click on the link (make sure to have your tax return and, if applicable, your parent’s tax return) and fill out the worksheet. This will show approximately how much financial aid you will be awarded to attend school.
The school that I am interested in exceeds what I was forecasted.
Relax. Take a deep breath. The more expensive schools have more resources. Many have grants and scholarships to apply for beyond FAFSA. Also, FAFSA takes into account the cost of the college or university you plan on attending and will award you more money to help offset the difference.
I have exhausted all grants, scholarships, and financial aid. Now what?
- You can apply for a loan. Or, if your parents are filling out the FAFSA, they can apply for a PLUS loan. PLUS loans will only be awarded in the amount that you are short on your tuition bill. For example, let’s say tuition is $6,000 and you were awarded $4,000. Your PLUS loan would be for no more than $2,000. For more information about PLUS loans, click here.
- When you fill out your FAFSA, make sure you check that you are interested in work-study. This is a great way to supplement your income while being able to focus on your studies. You can even tailor the work to your larger career goals. For example, if you want to learn more about the human body, apply for a lab assistant position.
- Another great thing about the nursing community is that most hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory centers, etc., have tuition reimbursement or forgivable loans available to their employees. It’s yet another reason to work as a nurse’s assistant while attending nursing school.
- Last, but not least, check to see if you are eligible for the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program (http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/loanrepay.htm). The program will pay for up to 60% of your student loan balance in exchange for working in a critical shortage facility.
Now that you have the tools to finance your education, start applying to the nursing schools of your choice!
Editor’s note: To read more of Heather’s articles, click here.
Interested in becoming a Stressed Out columnist? Give us a shout at mbriddon@hcpro.com.
December 21st, 2010 at 8:54 am
After study a couple of the blog posts on your website today, and I truly like your style of blogging. I added it to my bookmark internet site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my site as well and let me know what you think.
December 23rd, 2010 at 12:08 pm
I would like to thnx for the time you have put in writing this blog post. I am hoping the same top-grade post from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing skill has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a fine model of it.
December 24th, 2010 at 1:49 am
It’s unusual for me to discover something on the web that’s as entertaining and intriguing as what you’ve got here. Your page is lovely, your graphics are outstanding, and what’s more, you use reference that are relevant to what you’re saying. You’re definitely one in a million, man!
December 24th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
I am impressed, I must say. Very seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both informative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your post is important; the matter is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to it.
December 25th, 2010 at 1:58 am
It is rare for me to discover something on the web that’s as entertaining and fascinating as what you’ve got here. Your page is lovely, your graphics are outstanding, and what’s more, you use reference that are relevant to what you are talking about. You are certainly one in a million, great job!
December 25th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
You’re not the regular blog author, man. You definitely have something powerful to contribute to the World Wide Web. Such a wonderful blog. I will revisit again for more.
January 4th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
There are times that i dont read more than two lines but i honestly enjoyed what i read. Bravo !
January 5th, 2011 at 3:48 am
Happy New Year 2011! Hi, a splendid info dude. Good share. But I’m experiencing issue with ur RSS feed. Don’t know why Fail to subscribe to it. Is there anyone facing similar RSS trouble? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thankx
January 5th, 2011 at 10:59 am
Happy New Year 2011! Thank you so much for this! I havent been this thrilled by a blog post for a long period of time! You’ve got it, whatever that means in blogging. Anyway, You are certainly someone that has something to say that people need to hear. Keep up the outstanding work. Keep on inspiring the people!
January 5th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
This is very interesting. I actually enjoy your writing style and your word choice more than anything Smile
January 6th, 2011 at 12:19 am
Happy New Year! I would like to thnx for the efforts you have made in composing this article. I am hoping the same top-grade post from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing skill has inspired me to begin my own blog now. Truly the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it.
January 6th, 2011 at 2:14 am
Great job here. I definitely enjoyed what you had to say. Keep heading because you undoubtedly bring a new voice to this subject. Not many people would say what youve said and still make it interesting. Properly, at least Im interested. Cant wait to see extra of this from you.
January 7th, 2011 at 3:49 am
Acai Berry is a great option for the people to lose weight and the people across the world are trying this type of berry.
January 8th, 2011 at 5:10 am
Smoked for 29 years.
January 9th, 2011 at 10:25 pm
Happy New Year 2011! Thnkx so much for this! I haven’t been this moved by a blog for a long period of time! You have got it, whatever that means in blogging. Anyway, You’re certainly someone that has something to say that people need to hear. Keep up the great job. Keep on inspiring the people!
January 10th, 2011 at 9:14 am
Reverse Phone lookup is one of the best technology which is providing you instantly trace an unknown phone number to find the owner’s name & address.
January 10th, 2011 at 11:55 am
You lost me, companion. I mean, I suppose I get what youre expressing. I realize what you’re declaring, but you just appear to possess ignored that you will acquire some other folks inside the globe who look at this problem for what it seriously is and might possibly perhaps not concur with you. You may be turning aside lots of of consumers who can potentially have been fans of one’s net websites.