Congratulations! You’re officially taking the first steps on your path to becoming a nurse. You’ve applied, been accepted, and enrolled in a nursing school, and you’re on your way to a rewarding career in the noble profession of nursing. The latter part of that statement is not hype. Nurses ranked as the most honest and ethical professionals in a 2023 Gallup poll.
As a future nurse, you may be wondering what difficulties you may encounter on your career path. Getting accepted into nursing school was the first big hurdle. Keeping up with your coursework and maintaining good grades undoubtedly will be another. But for many students, figuring out how to pay for nursing school is an even greater challenge.
Tips for Paying for Nursing School
Individuals who are preparing for nursing school will be pleased to discover that there are multiple potential ways to get help with tuition costs. Students wondering how to pay for nursing school should explore the many federal aid programs, residency programs, scholarships, grants, and other options available to them.
First and Foremost, the FAFSA Form
The first step for nursing students is to go online and fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA form is a tool used to calculate your level of financial need and confirm your eligibility for financial assistance. It takes a little time, planning, and patience to fill out this form, but the potential rewards are well worth it.
The FAFSA form opens the door to federal scholarships, grants, work-study funds, and other programs. Additionally, many private and state-sponsored scholarship and grant programs use it. Students are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA form regardless of whatever funding options they may pursue. There is no point in leaving potential money on the table if it is available.
Fellowships and Residency Programs
Scholarships and grants are not the only way to save money on tuition. Fellowship and residency programs for nursing students may provide stipends or even salaries. Qualifications and requirements for these programs vary. Some target students seeking to continue their education in a particular specialty, such as obstetrics, anesthesiology, or gerontology, while others require working in a particular region of the country.
Many employers have resources on training opportunities. Mayo Clinic, for example, has a page that is dedicated to nurse residency and training programs.
Loan Forgiveness
Individuals who are exploring how to pay for nursing school usually expect to take out student loans. Of course, significant loan debt combined with high interest rates can make paying back these loans a challenge, which is why it’s advised to look into loan forgiveness programs.
Some loan forgiveness programs are federally sponsored. Forgiveness, cancellation, or discharge of an existing loan may be granted under certain circumstances. For example, nurses who work a certain number of years in a high-need area may qualify for loan forgiveness. Committing to work as a nurse in the military also may open up opportunities for scholarships, grants, or military-sponsored loan forgiveness programs.
Grants, Scholarships, and Financial Aid
Numerous private institutions, such as charities, industry associations, employers, and even individual schools, offer grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to nursing students. Johnson & Johnson Nursing has a section of its website devoted to helping students find available nursing scholarships. Students should also explore the scholarships and financial aid section of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) website.
There are many financial options for nursing students who are committed to continuing their education. Your admissions advisor and financial aid counselor can help you find the solutions that are available to you.
Can I Get Paid to Go to Nursing School?
Some students opt to become registered nurses (RNs) first, then continue their education. Registered nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may work toward earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) by enrolling in an RN to BSN program to enhance their value in the job market.
Nurses with a bachelor’s degree or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can often command higher salaries than those with an ADN and may have more employment opportunities. For working nurses earning a degree, there are some options for getting paid to go to nursing school.
BSN Employer Assistance Programs
Registered nurses without a bachelor’s degree may find work at an institution with a career ladder program. These programs are predicated on the understanding that you will be hired with the intention of working toward obtaining your BSN. Many employers offer tuition assistance to help nurses along this path.
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities understand the value of fostering a culture in which dedicated, competent nurses maintain a sense of loyalty to their institution. According to 2022 data from the AACN, 71.7% of nurses have a BSN degree or higher. Having at least a BSN ensures you remain competitive in the job market.
MSN Employer Assistance Programs
Registered nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree may be interested in enhancing their nursing skills and their career opportunities by earning an MSN degree. An advanced degree such as an MSN can help RNs pursue an advanced practice nursing career as a nurse educator, nurse leader, or nurse practitioner.
If this appeals to you, check with your employer to see if it offers a tuition reimbursement program or other type of support. Many employers provide ways for nurses to get paid to go to nursing school to build their skills and qualifications by earning an advanced degree.
Time to Explore Your Nursing Education Resources
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be approximately 177,000 new registered nurse jobs created between 2022 and 2032, making it a stable healthcare job in terms of long-term security. Once you determine how to pay for nursing school, you can become part of the next wave of talented nurses ready to make their mark in healthcare.
The work you put in ahead of time to identify all your available financial resources can make all the difference. There are many grants, scholarships, financial aid programs, and other forms of assistance available for qualifying applicants. By following our tips, you may be able to significantly cut your tuition costs and even get paid to go to nursing school.
Individuals who have not yet chosen a nursing school should explore one of the Denver College of Nursing degree programs; we offer ADN, BSN, online RN to BSN, and online MSN programs. After you gain a better understanding of how we can support your nursing journey, you can officially begin the process of applying for financial assistance.
Recommended Readings
What Is a BSN Completion Program and How Does It Work?
Find Your Nursing Niche
Tips for Applying to Nursing School