Nursing is expected to one of the occupations with the best growth rates for the foreseeable future. Right now, there is a shortage of over 150,000 nurses, and that's expected to rise to 400,000 unfilled nursing jobs in 15 years. That's good news for nursing students, and for those thinking of enrolling in nursing school. Our country recognizes that something must be done about this shortfall of nurses, and to encourage people to become nurse, there are a wide variety of nursing student loans available. The Federal Nursing Loan is one program-it provides up to $2500 per academic year for freshman and sophomore nursing students, and up to $4000 for junior, seniors, and grad students. While these are strictly nursing student loans, there are other federal programs available to everyone, including nursing students.

The Perkins loan program is based on financial need, and allows students to borrow up to $4000 a year for college, $6000 a year for graduate school. The Stafford loan program is not based on need, but is open to everyone, and it allows students to borrow up to $23,000 for a college education, and up to $46,000 for a graduate degree. There are plenty of federal nursing student loans available, whether restricted to nursing students only, or open to all majors. In addition to any loans, those attending nursing school should definitely apply for a federal Pell Grant. Pell Grants don't have to be repaid, and provide up to $4000 a year toward a college education.

On top of federal programs, many state governments also provide nursing student loans to those seeking either an RN or LPN degree. The states realize that with the worsening nurse shortage, they've got to be pro-active and encourage as many people as possible to get a nursing degree. You'll want to check with your state Department of Education, or your local college offering a nursing degree, to see what's available in your state. Another great program is nursing student loan forgiveness. The federal government, many state governments, and more and more local communities are offering to forgive or repay the student loans of nursing school graduates who agree to work for a number of years in communities facing dire nurse shortages. The future is wide open for anyone looking to earn a nursing degree, and nursing student loans and many other forms of financial aid make it possible for just about everyone who wants to go to nursing school to do so.

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