Financial Aid For Online Students

The Department (ED) will provide more than $83 billion this year, about 60 percent of all student aid, to help millions of students and families pay for post secondary education.

This section of our site will provide you with in-depth information to help guide you through the process of funding your nursing education. We`ll start with a brief look at the major types of financial aid available for online students, and then provide more detailed information throughout the section. These major forms of financial assistance generally consist of:

1. Scholarships
2. Fellowships & Grants
3. Federal Student Aid Programs
4. Employer Tuition Assistance
5. Student Loans

Scholarships

Scholarships are financial gifts that are presented to the student for any variety of reasons and do not have to be repaid. Thousands of private foundations and endowments offer scholarships each year that help graduate students afford to continue their studies regardless of income level or employment status. Most scholarships are typically awarded on the basis of financial need, athletic abilities, or academic merit, but many are also awarded on a wide variety of factors which may include criteria such as organizational affiliations, ethnicity, hair color, or which hand you use.

Thousands of local, state, national, and school-specific scholarships are available and we`ll provide you with more detailed information about how to find them in the scholarships section of this site. The best way to find out what scholarships are available at the college of your choice is to start by filling out the Department of Education`s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and then work closely with your university admissions adviser to learn what other applications are required, and when. Find College Scholarships

Fellowships & Grants

Fellowships and grants are awards offered by institutions, foundations, government agencies, or other organizations to support post-graduate study or professional training, and they do not have to be repaid. While each fellowship has basic guidelines for eligibility, specific guidelines and qualifications vary between sponsoring organizations. Your academic adviser and financial aid officer can assist you with identifying and applying for specific fellowships. We will explore fellowships and grants in more details in the sections to follow, but to give you an idea about what`s available, here are the most common types:

• Fellowships offered by colleges and universities
• Fellowships offered by foundations, institutions or organizations
• National Competitive Fellowships (Rhodes, Fulbright etc...)
• Fellowships and grants offered by federal agencies
• Professional Internships

Federal Student Aid Programs

The Department of Education`s Federal student aid programs are the largest source of student aid in America. Federal Student Aid programs to assist online nursing students include:

Pell Grant

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded usually only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor`s or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Pell Grant.) Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added.

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2008-09 award year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009) is $4,731. For the 2009-10 award year (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010), the maximum award is $5,350. The maximum amount can change each award year and depends on program funding. The amount you get, though, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Just like Pell Grants, the FSEOG does not have to be repaid. You can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on when you apply, your financial need, the funding at the school you`re attending, and the policies of the financial aid office at your school.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

The Academic Competitiveness Grant was made available for the first time for the 2006-2007 school year for first-year college students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006, and for second-year college students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. An Academic Competitiveness Grant provides $750 for the first year of study and $1,300 for the second year.

Campus-Based Aid

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), and Federal Perkins Loan programs are called campus-based programs because they`re administered directly by the financial aid office at each participating school. Not all schools participate in all three programs. Check with your school`s financial aid office to find out which programs they participate in. How much aid you receive from each of these programs depends on your financial need, on the amount of other aid you receive, and on the availability of funds at your college or career school. Federal Perkins Loans are low interest loans made through a school`s financial aid office that allow students with exceptional financial need to borrow up to certain limits while in school with repayment beginning nine months after you cease to be enrolled at least half-time. Student loans, unlike grants and work-study, are borrowed money that must be repaid, with interest, just like car loans and mortgages. You cannot have these loans canceled because you didn`t like the education you received, didn`t get a job in your field of study or because you`re having financial difficulty.

Stafford Loans (FFELs and Direct Loans)

Both the FFEL and Direct Loan programs consist of what are generally known as Stafford Loans (for students) and PLUS Loans for parents and graduate and professional degree students. Loans are available as subsidized or unsubsidized loans. A Stafford Loan is one of the most affordable ways to pay for school. Stafford Loan rates are lower than other forms of consumer financing, and repayment is postponed until you are out of school.

• Subsidized: The government will pay the interest loan while you are in school and during grace and deferment periods. Students must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for a subsidized Stafford Loan.
   
• Unsubsidized: Students are responsible for all interest, although payment is deferred until after graduation. All students, regardless of need, are eligible for the unsubsidized Stafford Loan.

Refer to Stafford Loans (FFELs and Direct Loans) for further information about loan limits, rates, and new interest rate cap for military members.

PLUS Loans for Graduate and Professional Degree Students

Graduate and professional degree students are now eligible to borrow under the PLUS Loan Program up to their cost of attendance minus other estimated financial assistance in both the FFEL and Direct Loan Program. Graduate PLUS loans are federally sponsored, so they offer many of the perks of traditional PLUS loans, including eligibility for federal student loan consolidation, tax-deductible interest and a variety of repayment options. Further information is available from the Dept. of Education here.

Educational Assistance Programs For Active Duty Military, Reservists, and Veterans

If you are active duty military, you may be eligible for 100% tuition assistance. There is a new education benefit called the "Reserve Educational Assistance Program" available to certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001, and most veterans of the armed forces are eligible for Montgomery GI Bill benefits. You may be even be eligible for more than one VA education benefit. *See Military Education Assistance Programs for more details.

Eligibility Requirements For Federal Financial Aid

1. Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution pursuing a degree or certificate.
2. U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid U.S. Social Security number
3. Not currently be in default on any prior federal student loans, nor owe a refund on a federal grant program.
4. Registered for Selective Service (males only).

If you haven`t already done so, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online - (completing and submitting it online brings results more quickly than mailing it in). The FAFSA will help your financial aid advisor determine your expected family contribution (EFC). The difference between your cost of attendance and your EFC is the amount of funding you will need to obtain to pay your education expenses.

State Financial Assistance Programs

Each state has it own programs, requirements, and application deadlines. Your university financial aid officer will assist you with this process.

Employer Tuition Assistance Programs

A majority of US employers offer some form of tuition assistance programs to full or part-time employees who wish to advance their degree or obtain professional certification. Employer tuition assistance benefits help make earning your nursing degree very affordable for working adults. Read about Tuition Assistance Plans to learn more about how these plans work.

Private Student Loans

Try to minimize your borrowing needs by using as many non-loan resources as you can such as scholarships, student aid, and tuition assistance. If these forms of student aid fail to cover the total cost of your education, you can still get the money you need for college. Lenders make thousands of private student loans each year to online or campus based graduate students for tuition and fees, room and board, supplies, computers and other every day education related expenses. In fact, many lenders are now offering education loans specifically designed to meet the needs of adult learners and online nursing students. Most private lenders use the same criteria needed for Federal Student Loan Programs and require a good credit score as well.

Tax Credits for Continuing Your Nursing Education

There are two tax credits available to help you offset the costs of higher education by reducing the amount of your income tax. They are the Hope credit and the lifetime learning credit, also referred to as education credits. A tax credit reduces the amount of income tax you may have to pay. Unlike a deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax, a credit directly reduces the tax itself. The lifetime learning credit is a nonrefundable credit. This means that it can reduce your tax to zero, but if the credit is more than your tax the excess will not be refunded to you. Detailed information for each respective type of tax credit is available: Lifetime Learning Credit Details and Hope Credit Details

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN

Kaplan University

Campus

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:

• MS in Nursing
• RN to MS in Nursing
• RN to BS in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)

Campus Locations:

Elk Grove
Costa Mesa
Fairfield
Lathrop
Roseville
San Francisco
Diamond Bar
Los Angeles
Gardena
Fresno
Sacramento
Lancaster
Oakland
Rancho Cordova
Livermore
Ontario
Woodland Hills
Bakersfield
Murrieta
Online
Salida
San Jose
Pasadena
Palm Desert

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

San Diego
Vista
Riverside
Chula Vista
Stockton
Bakersfield

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles
Anaheim
Ontario

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration

Campus Locations:

National City
San Marcos
San Diego

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Registered Nursing
• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Sacramento
San Leandro
San Jose
Antioch
Pomona
Pleasant Hill
Stockton
Citrus Heights
Emeryville

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Ontario

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Campus Locations:

Addison

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

San Bernardino
Los Angeles
Gardena
South Gate

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Medical Assisting Associate

Campus Locations:

Rancho Mirage
Santa Maria
Santa Barbara
Ventura

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Fairfield
Orange
Elk Grove
Carson
West Covina

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
• Professional Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Redding
Clovis
Modesto
Citrus Heights
Stockton

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Medical Assistant - Administrative & Clinical

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

Keiser University Graduate School

Campus

Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS (Online)
• Health Services Management, Graduate Business Certificate

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Saint Xavier University

Campus

“Success with Purpose” is the hallmark of a Saint Xavier University education that is grounded in the tradition of liberal arts. SXU offers graduate and post-graduate programs that are recognized and respected by employers and delivered by professional faculty who are experts in their fields. Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, SXU is Chicago's oldest Catholic University, and it is recognized as one of the top 40 comprehensive master's universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2010.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• MSN in Executive Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Medical Office Assistant

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Medical General
• Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant

Campus Locations:

Torrance
LA Puente
Anaheim
Hayward
Los Angeles
San Bernardino
San Jose
Alhambra
Santa Ana
San Francisco
Gardena
Ontario
Reseda

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science
• Medical Administrative Specialist

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Alhambra
Riverside

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Hayward
Concord
Salinas
Milpitas
Rancho Cordova
Roseville
Salida
Stockton
San Francisco
Fresno

UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Stockton
Gardena
Fresno
Bakersfield
Riverside

Milan Institute

Campus

Successful careers begin at the Milan Institute. We offer quality hands-on training, experienced faculty and a staff committed to helping you realize your goals.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Administrative Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Clovis
Bakersfield
Visalia
Indio

Western Governors University

Campus

At Western Governors University, your competence - the knowledge and skills you possess - is the ultimate focus of every degree program.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing
• M.S. in Nursing - Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option)
• M.S. in Nursing - Education (RN to MSN Option)

Campus Locations:

San Francisco

Empire College

Campus

Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Santa Rosa

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical General

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

Mayfield College

Campus

Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Cathedral City