While not nearly as expensive as medical school, attending nursing school still isn’t cheap. The costs associated with the education leaves many looking for financial aid for nursing students. Luckily, there are a variety of options available for all types of students. In fact, financial aid for nursing students may just be a few clicks away!
Financial Aid for Nursing Students: Grants
A popular option when it comes to financial aid for nursing students is grants. Essentially free money handed out by the federal government, grants are financial aid for nursing students that doesn’t have to be paid back. There are more than 1,000 different federal grant programs in America and over $400-billion available. The first step in applying for a gran is filling out the FAFSA form.
Financial Aid for Nursing Students: Scholarships
Another way to receive financial aid for nursing students is through scholarships. Though the market for them is extremely competitive, nursing scholarships do not have to be paid back. You can get nursing scholarships from a variety of sources, including religious organizations, small businesses, big corporations, community groups, philanthropists and philanthropic organizations. As part of these financial aid for nursing students scholarship programs, there may be specific rules and restrictions.
Financial Aid for Nursing Students: Loans
When other avenues have been unsuccessful, another way to receive financial aid for nursing students is through student loans. There are three primary types of loans available:
- Private Loans
- Stafford Loans
- PLUS/Graduate PLUS Loans
Private loans typically offer higher limits and more interest than Stafford Loans, which are loans offered through the federal government. PLUS loans are typically geared toward parents. It’s best to speak with a financial advisor before considering any financial aid for nursing students loan options.
Financial aid for nursing students can also come in the form of work study programs, which help students pay for their education by working in on-campus or community-related jobs.