The cost of your education is a crucial element to
consider as you plan for your future as a nurse.
Student aid exists to help you and your family pay for your
education. There are a number of different kinds of
student aid available to you, including grants, scholarships,
work-study programs and loans. There’s even student
aid available especially for nursing students through
loan forgiveness and tuition reimbursement programs
depending on your tract and length of study in school.
Sound difficult? It’s easy! All it takes on your
part is a little research, evaluation and planning –
and you can lower the cost of your college education.
Here’s how:
Research
Research and create a list of student aid opportunities
that will help you reach your education goals. Financial
aid awards have been established for nurses studying
at all education levels.
If your goal is to start earning money and quickly
enter the workforce as a Licensed Practical Nurse, your
employer may have tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness
programs available, enabling you to work while studying
towards a higher degree and having part or all of your
education paid for.
If you choose to maintain an extended course of study
prior to securing employment you may find more scholarships,
grants and work-study programs open. Federal student
loans can supplement or complete your financial aid
package. Researching each avenue in student aid is the
key!
Evaluate
Once you have identified financial aid opportunities,
carefully evaluate the requirements, advantages and
disadvantages of each. Discuss the options with your
family, school counselor, nursing educators –
and friends. As a nurse who will be in high demand,
you have the flexibility to choose and apply for the
most beneficial financial aid options.
Plan
Set reasonable goals for your education, financially
and scholastically. Write them down and set on a steady
course for achieving them, but remain somewhat flexible.
As you gain career experience or as you move through
your academic program, your goals may change. Reevaluate
your ideas frequently to ensure your plan will help
you achieve success.