Student loans worth the debt?

[NolaP]

From what I know about my area, good nurses are very much in demand, and I think the university here, UVI in the USVI, even has a placement program that will help you with tuition costs if you agree to work for a certain amount of time at the local hospital. Nursing is a fantastic profession, and you have a lot of options with your degree. I say go for it, and apply for as many scholarships as possible, and talk to a guidance counselor in the field to see what is available to you. Good luck!

[snafu]

Whoa, I suggest you get as much information as possible and make sure this is your passion before taking on as much as 15 yrs of student loan payments. That is like taking on a mortgage on your life! I wonder if DH has every had a career assessment done that examines his aptitude, interests, skills, work values, and personality measurements. Perhaps if he could identify his passion, his attitude towards work would 'man-up.'

[asmom]

You've already received some good advice. Franky, I would seriously rethink the relationship. I think that would be my first priority. If you really want to pursue nursing here are a few considerations:

1. For-profit schools: Don't do it. Because so many nursing programs are difficult to get into, lots of people have been lured into expensive for-profit schools. I would rather wait than pay the exhorbitant tuition they charge.

2. Job market: many, many new nursing grads are having difficulty finding positions. Because of the economy, nursing residency programs have dried up. Check your area.

3. I agree with Joan frequently but I do not advocate the associate's degree. Your opportunities are limited and you might as well go for your four-year in one shot instead of the piecemeal approach which in my opinion is more expensive in the long run.

[Demeron]

I got a second batchelor's in nursing 10 years ago which cost me $20K for tuition/books only. My advice:

1. If you have no college at all, an associate's makes sense. Community college is a cheap way to do this-- about $12K in tuition for the 3 years it takes (including prereqs) in my area. A nursing license should easily pay you back for that kind of financial outlay.

2. Get to know a recent grad who will be able to tell you about the job market and what recent grads make. Jobs have slowed down around here, nursing schools are packed, but experienced nurses are still getting recruited so I think long-term there is still a decent job market.

3. Explore other health related careers like respiratory therapist, ultrasound tech, etc. There's more than one viable career in health care.

4. Good luck!

[couchrobt]

"I do not believe my husband will ever make much more than minimum wage, he simply is not ambitious enough to develop skills or pursue a career (which is NOT what the post is focusing on)."

I think this probably should be what the post is focusing on. I cannot imagine this is a very satisfying situation for you. Can you be happy with a man who is content to let you work 70 hour weeks while he does little to nothing to improve the situation?

Only you can decide whether the student loans are worth it. I personally am working full-time and attending night school (becoming an accountant) so I can graduate with no loans.

I have to agree with her. On our modern days, the modern ways may seem that equality between the genders are totally equal but when it comes to a relationship/marriage, it is not. The men should still give a little bit something more as expected. I am a man and I understand. So should your husband if you want things to get better, fast.

[dbstylee]

they are good for education but too many people default on them....and keep in mind, it's a debt that cannot be eliminated through BK