5 ways to make Nursing School affordable as a US Military Veteran

    This week, and every other week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our nation with unwavering courage and dedication. Veteran’s day is for celebrating and thanking all who have served and are serving our great nation. Your sacrifices and commitment have protected our freedoms and secured our future.

Embarking on a journey to become a nurse is a noble and fulfilling endeavor, and if you’re a U.S. military veteran, you’ve already demonstrated immense dedication and resilience! Because of your sacrifice, the United States provides several tuition benefits and financial assistance programs for military veterans who wish to pursue a career in nursing. In this blog post, we’ll explore five invaluable strategies to help you save money and make the most of the resources available to you as a veteran in nursing school. From leveraging GI Bill benefits to seeking out scholarships and grants, these tips will not only ease the financial strain, but also ensure a smoother path to achieving your nursing aspirations. So, let’s dive into these practical ways to make your journey through nursing school more affordable and accessible.

1. GI Bill: The Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill offer financial support for education to eligible veterans. These benefits can be used for tuition, fees, books, and housing. To learn how to apply for benefits, click here. Once you have received your approval letter from the VA, the financial aid office at Bolivar Technical College can assist you with the next steps.
2. Veteran Affairs (VA) Education Benefits: The VA offers various educational assistance programs, including the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, which may cover the costs of nursing education and related expenses for service-disabled veterans.
3. Missouri Veterans Education Benefits:
   • Effective August 2008, some veterans may be eligible for reduced tuition through the Missouri Returning Heroes Act at a Missouri public higher education institution.
   • The state of Missouri offers a grant program for survivors of veterans: Wartime Veteran’s Survivors Grant.
   • Special student loan provisions and resources are available to veterans. Visit the National Council of Higher Education Resources and click on the Servicemembers Info tab to learn more. You can find information on interest caps for loans obtained prior to your military service during periods of active duty. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website. If your student loan is in default, contact your collection agency if you believe you qualify for benefits under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act.
4. Service Commitment Programs: Some programs, like the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program and the National Health Service Corps, offer scholarships or loan repayment in exchange for a commitment to work in underserved or high-need areas upon graduation.
5. Scholarships and Grants: Bolivar Technical College is dedicated to helping our students navigate scholarship and grant applications to make college more affordable. Our Financial Aid Options page has several scholarship and grant opportunities listed with links that take you directly to the application. Our team is always willing to walk you through the FAFSA and assist in helping you plan your budget for your program.

View your veteran benefits tuition calculator for Bolivar Technical College.

To access these benefits and understand the specific eligibility requirements, veterans should contact their local VA office or the education office at their chosen nursing school. Additionally, organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) often provide support and guidance on accessing educational benefits for veterans. It’s crucial to research and explore all available options to maximize financial assistance while pursuing a nursing education.