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Nurses are in demand. From 2020-2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an average of 194,500 openings for registered nurses. Many of those openings come about due to nurses who switch occupations or exit the labor force, including those who retire.

Because nurses are in demand, you may want to attend nursing school. Let’s walk through 10 ways to help you figure out how to pay for nursing school.

1. Start With FAFSA

The Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA®) is a federal form that students can fill out every year that gives you access to federal and institutional aid to pay for college. Your college or educational institution will use the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and federal loans to attend college or career school. There is no cost associated with the FAFSA.

You can file the FAFSA starting on October 1 for the subsequent academic year that you plan to attend college. For example, if you plan to attend nursing school in the fall of 2024, you can file the FAFSA starting on October 1 in the fall of 2023.

You’ll need a FSA ID, a username and password that confirms your identity when you’re looking at or signing official financial aid documents. You’ll need two separate FSA IDs — one for you and one for your parents, if you’re a dependent student.

You can list up to 10 colleges and universities on the FAFSA using the Federal School Code search to identify each of the schools where you’d like it sent.

The FAFSA’s data retrieval tool (IRS DRT) takes most of the work out of filing the FAFSA. It pulls information directly from the IRS. After you follow the FAFSA directions, you sign with your FSA ID.

2. Nursing School Scholarships

Some colleges may offer scholarships specific to nursing students. You can also look beyond your nursing major. Do you have talents in art, music, or leadership that could qualify you for a merit-based scholarship? (Merit-based scholarships are those that are not based on financial need.) Ask the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend for more information about merit-based scholarships.

You can also take to the web to look for more scholarships. Here are a few examples:

•  The Healthline Stronger Scholarship awards four $5,000 scholarships to students who, based on their education, extracurricular activities, and career goals, are focused on both health and climate change.

•  The National Black Nurses Association, Inc (NBNA) offers several scholarships each year ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. To apply, you must be a member of the NBNA, currently enrolled in a nursing program and in good scholastic standing at the time of application with at least one full year of school remaining.

•  The FNSNA Undergraduate Scholarship awards scholarship funds based on a set of criteria established by the sponsor of the scholarship, which often outline a specific area of specialization within the nursing profession. Successful candidates can earn up to $10,000 per academic year.

In addition to looking into what your college or university can offer and searching online, take a look at local connections for specific educational or vocational programs in a particular field, such as nursing scholarships through local hospitals and privately owned doctor’s offices.

You can also look into community groups like 4-H, Kiwanis Club, and other organizations for available scholarships. Many foundations, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, also offer scholarships.

3. Grants for Nursing School

Grants are primarily need-based awards, though some grants are awarded based on merit. Like scholarships, grants do not need to be repaid once you complete your program. Filling the FAFSA will give you access to grants through programs like the Federal Pell Grant. The FAFSA automatically considers your eligibility for federal grants based on need.

You may also become eligible for state grants based on the grants available to you in your state.

Recommended: Grants For College – Find Free Money for Students

4. Federal Student Loans

Unlike scholarships and grants, you must pay back college loans. As a nursing student, you may tap into several types of federal student loans or private loans — both graduate or undergraduate loans.

Federal student loans are given to nursing students through the Department of Education, which, as mentioned, means that you must file the FAFSA in order to receive them.

Federal student loans offer flexibility in that you do not need to undergo a credit check, with the exception of the Direct PLUS Loan, which does require a credit check. Federal student loans also offer low-interest rates, various repayment plans, and forgiveness options. You could also use federal student loans to cover living expenses. For example, if you need to pay rent for an apartment while you’re attending nursing school, a federal student loan can help cover those expenses.

Types of Federal Loans

There are three main types of federal student loans: Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.

Direct Subsidized Loans

Direct Subsidized Loans are low, fixed-rate federal loans for eligible undergraduate students to help cover the costs of college or career school. The government pays the interest while you are in school or during qualifying periods of deferment. Subsidized loans are awarded based on financial need.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Direct Unsubsidized Loans have a low, fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. Undergraduate, graduate and professional students can qualify for these loans. In contrast to the Direct Subsidized Loan, the government does not pay the interest while you’re in school. Students do not need to demonstrate financial need in order to qualify for an unsubsidized loan.

Direct PLUS Loans

Direct PLUS Loans are another option available to graduate or professional students, and parents of undergraduate students. Unlike other federal loans, PLUS loans do require a credit check. Borrowers are able to borrow up to the full cost of attendance.

Student Loan Forgiveness for Nurses

Student loan forgiveness for nurses means you don’t have to pay for your federal student loans in full. The federal government runs a few loan forgiveness programs that generally offer loan forgiveness after borrowers have fulfilled certain requirements. For example, the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program pays up to 85% of unpaid nursing education debt for registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners, and nurse faculty members. You must qualify by working in a critical shortage facility or an eligible nursing school as a nurse faculty member.

Student Loan Payment Deferrals

Federal student loans do not have to be repaid until October 1, 2022, at the earliest. In March 2020, Congress passed a bill that automatically suspended student loan payments and waived interest. The benefit was originally set to expire but has been reinstituted several times.

Current nursing students who will graduate soon will not have to make student loan payments. Depending on what the federal government does next, they may also experience another extension.

5. Private Student Loans

Private student loans come from a local bank, credit union, or another type of private student loan lender, not the federal government. Like a federal student loan, you can use private student loans to cover living expenses, tuition, and other related school costs.

Lenders evaluate an applicant’s credit history, among other factors. Students who do not have a strong credit history or score may need to add a cosigner in order to qualify or potentially qualify for a lower interest rate. If you can’t pay back the loan, your co-signer is on the hook for paying back the loan.

Private Student Loans vs Federal Student Loans

As you likely know, there are some differences between private and federal student loans, which leads many financial experts to suggest taking out federal student loans over private student loans. Here are some features of private student loans that make them less advantageous over federal student loans:

•  May need a cosigner: Private student loans often require you to have a cosigner. However, if you make a certain number of on-time payments, you can apply to have your cosigner removed from the loan.

•  No federal protections: You can’t tap into income-driven repayment programs, loan forgiveness and deferment protections with private student loans like you can with federal student loans.

Due to these differences, private student loans are typically considered an option only after all other funding sources have been depleted.

Recommended: Private Students Loans vs Federal Student Loans

6. Tuition Reimbursement Programs

Through a tuition reimbursement program, a company covers some or all of the costs of an employee’s education as long as you follow the company’s tuition reimbursement requirements. This is a major benefit because you can work at another company, possibly through a part-time job. For example, the following companies offer tuition reimbursement: Target , Starbucks , and UPS .

7. Hospitals/Employers That Pay for Nursing School

Another option may be to work at a hospital or other health care employer through a tuition reimbursement program. For example, you could get a job in the billing office of the hospital and go to nursing school during your off hours, or you may be able to work with your employer to put together the best schedule for both of your needs.

Hospitals and health care employers want to retain good workers, particularly in nursing, which has such a shortage of employees.

Learn more about the health care employer’s requirements for tuition reimbursement, including the amount they will reimburse. Note that it may not equal 100% — it might be 75% or 50% instead.

8. Getting a Nursing Degree Abroad

Completing a nursing degree abroad can take about two to three years. However, you can find short-term study abroad programs (a fall semester, summer, or a few weeks between terms) in many different countries.

You can often find free programs, scholarships or grants that will help cover the cost of your study abroad program — some countries offer various options for students. Consider looking into countries that have reputable health care programs, such as Denmark, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, or Sweden.

9. Military Service

You may have a large range of education benefits if you complete military service. For example, you can access the Post-9/11 GI Bill if you served at least 90 days on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service) on or after September 11, 2001, or received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001 and were honorably discharged (after any amount of time), or served for at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break in service) on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged with a service-connected disability, or are a dependent child using benefits transferred by a qualifying veteran or service member.

Follow the rules regarding military service requirements, depending on your branch of the military. The college and university you plan to attend will have more information about your education benefits and so will your military branch.

10. Nurse Corps Program

The Nurse Corps Program is a scholarship available to eligible nursing students. In exchange for the scholarships, recipients work in critical shortage areas after graduating with their nursing credentials.

Deciding Which Route to Pursue

When you need help paying for nursing school, which option makes sense for you? Your preferences might offer you the most insight into the best option to pay for school. For example, it might make sense to avoid the military programs offered because you have no interest in joining the military. You may also not have the resources to study overseas or have a family who depends on you for financial support. Your goal may also be to learn how to pay for nursing school without loans.

Whatever your goals, one thing you can do is to meet with the financial aid office of the school you plan to attend. A financial aid professional can lay out all your options and help you choose the right option for you.

Private Student Loans From SoFi

When you’re readying yourself for nursing school, it’s good to have options. SoFi offers low fixed rates and variable interest rates to help you access the right private student loans for you and your future needs.

Our private educational loans are designed to make paying for undergraduate or graduate education easier. These loans for students can cover up to 100% of school-certified costs, which includes tuition and food, books, supplies, room and board, and other education expenses.

Learn more about your private student loan options with SoFi and through our private student loans guide.

FAQ

Can FAFSA be used for nursing school financial aid?

Yes, you can use the FAFSA in order to qualify for financial aid for nursing school. The amount of financial aid you receive depends on your level of need, year in school, dependency status, and other factors. For example, you can access Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans between $5,500 to $12,500 per year in undergraduate. In graduate or professional school, you can borrow up to $20,500 each year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Can an employer pay for you to attend nursing school?

Yes, an employer may pay for you to attend nursing school. Your current employer may help you pay for nursing school. Talk to the human resources office to learn more about tuition assistance, the amount you can receive for attendance, and the details about your employer’s tuition reimbursement regulations.

If you aren’t currently aware of jobs that pay for nursing school, you may want to contact the college or university you plan to attend and learn more about your employment options, including work-study opportunities.

Can you use private student loans for nursing school?

You can access private student loans to pay for nursing school. SoFi can offer private loans that cover nursing school and even living expenses. Learn more about your private student loan options with SoFi.

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Photo credit: iStock/FatCamera

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A central bank digital currency (CBDC) is virtual money issued as legal tender by the central bank of a country. No major bank has issued a CBDC yet. However, it would be similar to blockchain-based cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin that have increased in popularity, only backed in a sovereign nation’s fiat currency: paper and coin currencies like the U.S. dollar and British pound. In other words, a CBDC would be a government-issued virtual store of value.

Fertile Ground For CBDCs

The year 2021 posted strong growth in digital assets in general and stablecoins in particular. According to the Bank of International Settlements’ (BIS) May 2022 publication — Gaining momentum: Results of the 2021 BIS survey on central bank digital currencies — crypto’s market capitalization grew by 3.5 times, swelling to $2.6 trillion in market cap. The BIS survey also found that, in 2021, nine out of ten central banks were exploring the pros and cons of digital currencies. And that approximately two-thirds of the world’s population could see their country issue a CBDC in the next three years. Further, BIS reported that developing economies are more apt than major economies to issue digital money.

Could CBDCs and Stablecoins Hurt Fiat?

The push toward digital currencies comes amid the greater possibility that private virtual currencies like Bitcoin could see even wider adoption in the near term. Some central banks and regulators view this possibility as threatening. They’re concerned that, if and when crypto gains traction as a common form of payment, it might erode the stability of legacy financial services. How could this happen?

If, for example, a director of a crypto project does not understand cryptocurrencies well enough to manage them — along with the high risk profile that most cryptocurrencies carry — then a financial disaster could ensue. Moreover, for an individual to be a leader in the crypto sector, it might behoove them to be a master strategist on the trading floor, too. The ability to execute complex trading strategies quickly and wisely can be critical for navigating the crypto market.

In 2020 and 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic further expedited a shift away from physical cash and coins. But that had been happening well before the pandemic with the advent of payment platforms like PayPal and Venmo. If the pace of adopting digital currencies continues, then that alone could pose a potential threat to fiat currency.

How Could CBDCs Work?

The details of exactly how CBDCs would function remain unclear. However, some outcomes of using CBDCs are already apparent.

As mode of Payment/ Store of Value/ Easier Digital Pay

As with physical cash, CBDCs could be stored or used for payment. They will also likely carry a unique serial number, similar to how paper notes and coins in a fiat-currency system do. Many CBDCs won’t be designed to replace cash anytime soon; instead, they’ll be used to complement physical money.

Could Expedite New Central Bank Monetary Policy

Currently, central banks already issue a form of digital money but only to other banks, which then lend that money to consumers and businesses. When people currently make payments or move money between multiple bank accounts, it usually goes through a patchwork of systems, often incurring fees for the parties involved and taking a couple of days for transfers to be completed.

Possible Democratizing Effect on Central Bank Money

Central bank digital currencies could potentially cut out the middlemen, lowering or eliminating fees and making transfers faster. For instance, a Bitcoin transaction typically takes less than 10 minutes. Instead of purchasing their CBDCs from an exchange, for example, consumers could hold accounts directly with the central bank, which would make these transactions faster. Having the option to purchase CBDCs also could democratize central-bank money by making it more accessible to all.

Potential to Minimize Role of US Commercial Banks

That means CBDCs could become a tool for monetary policy, giving central banks more control over currency supply and allowing them to better track the movement of money within the economy. Central banks also could possibly bypass financial markets and change interest rates directly on consumer accounts.

Exploring the Risks of CBDCs

Of course, CBDCs would be a disappointment to those who buy cryptocurrencies with the hope that a private decentralized form of digital cash, like Bitcoin, Ethereum or Litecoin, will one day displace traditional fiat. Some argue that CBDCs would mean an expansion of governmental oversight; that the anonymity that the most private cryptocurrencies (in particular) offer will continue to fuel their appeal.

Potential to Destabilize Existing Financial System

The emergence of CBDCs could also be a destabilizing force for the existing financial system. If consumers can hold direct accounts with a central bank, commercial banks could become drained of retail deposits. One potential solution to this problem has been to put a cap on how much you can hold in CBDCs, or not have central banks pay interest on retail deposits.

Possible War Against the Dollar

Another potential repercussion could be the start of a new kind of currency war. The U.S. dollar has been the world’s reserve currency since the 1920s. The rise of multiple sovereign digital currencies could challenge the current dollar-dominant system, making it less important for international trade and foreign-exchange transactions to be pegged to the dollar.

Central Bank Digital Currencies Worldwide

A CBDC-based financial system likely would pose unique advantages and challenges for each country that issues a digital currency.

But despite the challenges, most of the world has rushed to adopt central bank digital currencies. In its most recent survey, the BIS reported that the majority of the 81 record countries that responded to its 2021 survey either had developed a CBDC, are in some stage of piloting a central bank digital coin; and more than two-thirds of these countries likely would issue a CBDC in the near term. These countries cited the Covid-19 pandemic and escalating use of cryptocurrencies as among their reasons for embracing a CBDC.

Not every country has issued central bank digital currencies, including the United States. However, the U.S. does have numerous stablecoins that are pegged one-to-one to the U.S. dollar.

Why Has the US Not Issued a CBDC?

It will, if it needs one. Some in the United States have embraced the cryptocurrency sector and are trying to integrate it into its existing financial system. One key step in that direction would be for the U.S. to step up regulations for crypto to make it safer for investors and for cryptocurrency platforms to operate.

How About a US e-Dollar? Or, a Fedcoin?

At this time, the U.S. is actively researching the viability of incorporating a CBCD into its financial structure. But its approach is thorough and methodical. Along with being supportive of digital currencies in general, the U.S. is trying to ascertain its own need for a digital dollar. The U.S. Federal Reserve System (the Fed) — which is the central bank of the U.S. — has said it’s looking into different options involving digital currencies.

Key issues that the Fed needs to understand include protection from cyberattacks, counterfeiting and fraud; how a CBDC would affect monetary policy and financial stability; and how it could prevent illicit activity.

Fed Urges Prudence Amid Tenuous Financial Stability

In May 2022, the Fed released its annual Financial Stability Report . The Fed’s last such report was in November 2021, and since that time the United States’ economic uncertainty has risen. A number of factors are responsible for this unease, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, human and economic hardship, the pandemic’s improving though unclear trajectory, and persistent higher levels of inflation.

The Fed specifically cited concerns about stablecoins in the 2022 report. U.S. traders are using stablecoins a tool in leveraged transactions of other cryptocurrencies, which according to the Fed “may amplify volatility in demand for stablecoins and heighten redemption risks.” Therefore, the Fed is not ready to turn to central bank digital currencies, and had has continued to focus on regulating stablecoins. Also at issue is whether a country really needs both types of digital assets — stablecoins and CBDCs.

Snapshots of Other Countries’ CBDCs

In the rest of the world, adoption of central bank digital currencies seems to be thriving. The Atlantic Council is a nonprofit, which in 2021 launched its database, CBDC Tracker , which first only the Fed, now everyone can use to get the latest news about digital currencies globally.

As of May 2022, nine countries have issued CBDCs, and approximately 100 countries are at some stage of exploring them, be it researching, developing, testing, or launching. (Note: We chose the countries below randomly and cited them in alphabetical order.)

The Bahamas

In October 2020, the Central Bank of the Bahamas issued the world’s first CBDC, called the Sand Dollar. The Bahamas was the first country to issue a central bank digital currency that covered an entire country.

China

China first began exploring a digital yuan in 2014. In 2022, China launched a pilot of its current CBDC, called e-CNY, during the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. China’s approach is to run tests of e-CNY in smaller sections of the country before initiating it for the entire country. China’s program is designed to replace cash in circulation, not money held in long-term bank accounts.

But e-CNY won’t use blockchain technology for the central database. Instead, both commercial bank distributors and the central bank will keep their own databases that track the flows of digital yuan from user to user.

India

India’s government, Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India will introduce a digital rupee during its fiscal year 2022–2023, beginning April 1, 2022. The Reserve Bank of India will back this CBDC, which is now in development.

According to the Sitharaman, the CBDC would strengthen India’s economy, increase efficiency and lower expenses for the country’s currency-management system, and provide a stable, regulated digital currency that would compete with private cryptocurrencies.

Sweden

Sweden is another country at the forefront of moving toward digital currency. Unlike in China however, distributed ledger technology or blockchain was always the inspiration for the country’s electronic krona (e-krona), so it will be the e-krona’s foundation. Sweden’s central bank, Riksbank, is focused on securing new solutions that are scalable, and which would offer the same level of convenience and security that banks offer today.

The BIS estimated in 2018 that Sweden is the world’s most cashless society — and that was before the global pandemic. While many countries have witnessed a downturn in cash use, Sweden’s cash usage in the last decade has been more striking than most.

Even more remarkable is the year-over-year percentage change in Sweden’s cash usage during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, according to Riksbank, cash comprised 40% of the country’s point-of-sale payments; in 2021, that amount dropped to less than 10% — affirming BIS’ estimation.

The Takeaway

As of May 2022, nine countries have issued central bank digital currencies, and approximately 100 more countries are researching and exploring CBDCs.

Proponents of the CBDC argue that blockchain-based fiat currency could solve inefficiencies in the existing central bank infrastructure. Those more cautious warn that CBDCs could be vulnerable to hacks or outages. Meanwhile, enthusiasts of decentralized finance (DeFi) argue for a financial system that moves away from centralized authority, rather than one that expands its influence.

It’s yet to be seen whether CBDCs will usher in a new era of stable digital currency usage. So far, cryptocurrencies have been popular for trading in markets, rather than as a mode of payment.

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