I’m in a tough spot after the pandemic slowed down my career plans and I had to change careers. I recently transferred to a competitive nursing program at USFCA, but I’m struggling to figure out how to manage the costs. I’ve got a 3.7 GPA, two associate degrees, and I’m part of Phi Theta Kappa. I was in foster care until I was 12, but now that I’m 26, a lot of programs I could’ve used aren’t available anymore.
Does anyone know of scholarships or grants that could help? I’m also an EMT and have been working for five years, in case there are options related to that. Really appreciate any advice you can share. Thanks in advance!
You should check out the VA HPSP program. They cover tuition, give a monthly stipend, and offer an annual book stipend. Just keep in mind that you’ll owe them time after graduation. Also, USFCA Sac doesn’t automatically provide scholarships, but you can apply for some through the main campus.
Graydon said: @Han
Does the VA program apply to the Sacramento campus? Where can I find the application—through USFCA or directly on the VA site?
You can apply here: https://va-ams-info.intelliworxit.com/hpsp/hpsp-programs/. Apply as soon as possible! But if you don’t get it, make sure you have co-signers ready with good credit. A few people in my cohort had their loans approved early on but then declined later, so it’s better to be prepared.
@Han
Thanks! I’ll apply tonight. I really need help with tuition and books. I’m planning to work a day or two a week to cover other costs, but I can’t count on my family for co-signing. Hopefully, my good credit will help.
@Graydon
One of my classmates had an 800+ credit score and a steady job but still got declined for loans after the third semester. Make sure you save up and try to find at least one co-signer just in case. It’s better to be prepared than to face financial trouble halfway through the program.
Graydon said: @Han
That’s crazy! I can’t imagine being declined that far into the program. What did they do after that?
Another classmate was initially approved for $130k, but the school only let them take out what was needed per semester. They got declined in their third semester too. I sold my car to cover tuition, and if it weren’t for the VA HPSP program, I would’ve had to drop out with $50k in debt. Trust me, it’s rough. Also, don’t expect much help from USFCA—Sacramento students don’t get access to the scholarships offered at the main campus.
Graydon said: @Han
Wow, that’s awful. Why would they decline someone after approving them earlier? Did you apply for the PTK transfer scholarship or the $42k one?
Unfortunately, Sacramento students aren’t eligible for the transfer scholarship, and nursing students don’t qualify for the good-grade scholarships either. You’ll need to confirm with financial aid, but from my experience, it’s all on you to figure out funding. Good luck, and make sure you check with financial aid for the exact details.
@Han
Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll apply for the VA program and see what happens. It’s frustrating that they give so little time to decide, especially with the Thanksgiving weekend closing everything down.