The NIGHTMARE...

that is financial aid.

First, let me warn you that this may come off as a rant to some of you, but to others, it will make you shake your head in agreement and shout AMEN.

The basics:

COST of ATTENDANCE for year 1: $56,000
year 2: $42,000
year 3: $42,000
TOTAL for 3 years of graduate education: $140,000. Absolutely ridiculous. A down-right shame. And folks, this aint medical school. It's nursing school. Unless you're a CRNA, there is no six-figure starting salary.

Q: What could possibly be worse?

A: The school not providing an adequate amount of aid to cover the cost of attending. That's right, there aren't enough federal loans to cover this amount. In fact, here's the breakdown...

(FOR THE FIRST YEAR)

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan: maximum $8,500Federal UNSubsidized Stafford Loan: maximum $10,000
Federal Perkins: maximum $6,000
Federal Nursing Student Loans: maximum $4,000Federal Workstudy: maximum $1000

Scholarship from the school: maximum $8,500
TOTAL ------------------------------>$38,000

So, what's left? ----------------------->$18,000

Where is it supposed to come from?

ME.

Yep, that's right, this is the portion that I am responsible for. Me, whose EFC is an absolute ZERO. (0). Nothing. Yet, I am responsible for $18,000 worth of my FIRST year of nursing school. What's the problem with this?

It eliminates people. A lot of people. Certain people. People like me. This is why *almost* everyone looks alike and comes from the same background. Of course I had to be the person to raise my hand and ask "Where do students get this $18,000 from?" (because I'm thinking it may as well be 18 million for all it matters to me) What was her response?

"Friends, family, & private loans."

OK. Friends and family are out of the question...but private loans, that might work.
Think again. Private loans are bank loans that require one to actually qualify for the loan. (think new car or mortgage) I don't qualify for these. 1. My credit isn't good enough. 2. I don't make enough money. But don't worry, the financial aid office is well aware that not all students qualify for these loans. What do they suggest? Get your parents to cosign. Hmmmmm. That would require my parents to be doing better than I am at the present moment...and as a first generation college student, that's not likely.

This is why there are very few low-income students in nursing school. And, because of how closely race and class are related in our society, this is also why there are so few minorities in nursing. Simply put, we can't pay for it. And neither can our families. But it's not only this, there isn't enough financial aid out there. Yep, I know how to turn over rocks, and I know there is usually stuff out there, if only we would look...but folks, I assure you I am a PRO at finding the money for school, but this has been impossible. Where are the grant programs for graduate nursing students? Where are the fellowships? The assisstanceships? You know the ones that exist for people in the "hard" sciences? A million opportunities for minorities who want to go into medicine, where are these programs for graduate nursing hopefuls? Yes, I know about the National Health Services Corps, but people in the first year of bridge/graduate entry programs do NOT qualify for this program...

Why doesn't the school have scholarships to increase the diversity of the student body? Why aren't there any merit scholarships? How can an institution say they "value diversity" when they do not have any financial programs in place to promote that diversity?
No, I dont have to go Ivy league. But answer me this, if I can go Ivy for the same price as public, why not get the name,prestige, and research benefits for my money? I am applying to a public school too, but out of state tuition at that school is the same as it is for Ivy 1!

In-state tuition is not an option as there are NO midwifery education opportunities in my state.

I am ranting, but this is also informational. If you are thinking about going to graduate school through one of these programs, know the cost. Figure out how you plan to get there, and figure it out early.

I will keep you updated as to whether or not I get in, and if i get in, how I plan to pay for it...