Paying for education is a challenge for many people, but if you don't know where the money will come from, it can be even more daunting.
That's the dilemma one local nursing student faces.
In just a few weeks, Stefani Heaton will finish her summer break and start her final semester at Methodist College of Nursing -- and she's looking forward to it.
"I've always wanted to do nursing, I've just never been able to complete the scheduled hours,” said Heaton.
Despite the rigors of the program, she has no regrets.
"It's a very difficult program. Challenging, but at the same time, it's rewarding,” she said.
But things will be different when school starts up again.
The school is a candidate for accreditation, meaning it meets certain national standards.
That could mean a lot for the students.
"They're now eligible for financial aid and it makes it much easier for them to go to graduate schools,” said Dr. Kimberly Johnston, President of Methodist College of Nursing.
Before becoming a candidate for accreditation, students were able to get help with their tuition through Methodist Medical Center.
"They've been supporting the students financially through the program,” said Dr. Johnston.
"The grants would cover our school tuition and then we would have leftover for rent and the necessities we would need for our families,” said Heaton.
But some senior students, like Stefani, worry that aid will no longer be available -- since they now have to apply for federal aid -- and the federal aid may not be enough.
"Not even coming close to cover the tuition it will take to cover the tuition for this next semester."
But the nursing school president wants to set minds at ease.
"The hospital is going to supplement the difference that financial aid doesn't cover for the students. They're going to continue the programs they have in place,” she said.
We told Stefani what Dr. Johnston told us, and she seems relieved.
"I hope that is true, I hope that is the situation. That would be definitely bricks off our shoulders,” said Heaton.
She wants to continue her education exactly where she started it.
"I'm glad I picked Methodist -- I couldn't have picked a better school."
We spoke to a member of the nursing school's board on Tuesday.
She says current students do not have to worry.
Any financial aid that's already in place through Methodist Medical center will remain, and students will also be eligible for federal grant money.Labels: financial aid, free education, high school, scholarship, student loans, study abroad |
