How Federal Programs Help You Afford Nursing School
What effect is this recession having on nursing school applications? When everyone from new grads to experienced workers is digging deep to pay their bills, nursing schools typically see an upswing in the number of applicants. As of December 2007, when the recession was said to officially begin, thousands of adults are applying to nursing schools.
Some applicants are high school graduates who realize that their LPN license is limiting their career options. They're looking at programs like the LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN. Others are experienced RNs who know that a BSN will increase their earning potential. Still others are aiming for an MSN or PhD to secure an advanced nursing clinical position or university teaching job.
Whatever their desired degree, most nursing school students have one thing in common: lack of funds. Nursing school tuition can vary in cost, depending on location, program and facilities. Especially if you're already juggling work and family commitments, it can be a stretch to come up with the extra cash for tuition, not to mention the cost of books and supplies. If the cost of nursing school has kept you from advancing your nursing career, you're not alone.
President Barack Obama's 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act specifically addressed the concerns of financially-strapped students. If you, like many others, have been delaying your application to nursing school because of economic woes, the stimulus bill may solve your problems--at least partially. The stimulus bill is a complex document with hundreds of topics, and it affects education in a number of ways. Here are just two of the ways it helps nursing school students:
More Generous Federal Grants and Loans
The federal Pell Grants program is geared towards needy undergraduate students. In earlier years, the maximum amount you were allowed to receive each year was just over $4,700. The stimulus bill reserves $15.6 billion for Pell Grants, which means you can now receive up to $5,350 from the federal government to help pay for tuition, housing and living expenses. For the 2010-11 school year, you will be able to receive up to $5,550. The qualifying requirements have also been changed, so that across the country 800,000 more students than before will be able to benefit from Pell Grants.
Many students rely on loans as well as grants to pay for nursing school. If you are one of these, you'll be glad to know that Federal Perkins Loan funding has been upped to $6 billion a year. Do you qualify for a Pell Grant or Perkins Loan? It's easy to find out. You'll just need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be done online at fafsa.ed.gov.
Upgraded Educational Technology
The U.S. Department of Education's Enhancing Education Through Technology (Ed-Tech) program is responsible for portioning out federal money to states, who then divide funds among school districts. Although there is some controversy over the way that the money is apportioned, everybody would agree that the budget for learning technology in the past has simply not met the needs of schools. Thanks to the stimulus bills, Ed-Tech's federal budget has been doubled to $650 million.
How does this boosted educational technology budget help you? As a nursing student, you might be more inclined to take advantage of high-quality online nursing programs, with improved videoconferencing technology, more reliable 24-hour access, and enhanced virtual discussion tools. Online nursing programs are touted as more affordable choices, since the cost per academic credit is typically lower than traditional brick-and-mortar programs. Plus, you'll eliminate the cost of commuting and enjoy a flexible schedule. As the educational technology for online nursing programs continues to improve, the quality of your education will give you more bang for the buck.
Go Back to Nursing School
Have you been putting your nursing education on hold because of financial concerns? If so, now is the time to send in your application to the nursing school of your choice. With billions of dollars slated for federal programs, you can afford your next nursing degree--whether it's a BSN, an MSN, or a PhD. And when you graduate, you'll enjoy the edge that an advanced degree gives you when it comes to finding a nursing job in a recession. So do your research to find out what funds you qualify for, polish up that application, and go back to nursing school!
Earn Your Advanced Nursing Degree Online
Today's nurses are able to advance from LPN all the way through Master's in Nursing degrees entirely online. Reshape your nursing career while you work with no classes to attend, no traffic or parking to worry about. Earn your degree when and where you want, 24/7 from the nation's leading colleges and universities:
Explore Online Nursing Programs
Find Nursing Schools By State
|
Top Nursing Schools
|
Related Articles:
Why Earn a Nursing Degree Online?
Juggling Work and Nursing School
LPN to RN: Why Take an Online LPN to RN Program?
Pursuing an Online Nursing Education: An Overview
Find More Articles About: Online Education, Financial Aid, Nursing Careers, Allied Health Careers, Healthcare Management Careers
It's always important to be aware of all of your options for financing your education. The government has done a great job of making money available to students - they just need to make sure to take advantage of what's available to them. Great article!