The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission reviews undergraduate and graduate programs. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing also has begun to review programs. Education is one of the best financial investments you can make, but it's still crucial to evaluate schools based on their cost and the amount of financial aid offered. Calculate a payback plan that includes expenses plus lost income vs. increased earning power over the long term. Meet with the school's financial aid counselor and apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible.
Bookstores carry references books that include lists of funding sources.
Remember, many scholarships are not awarded because people don't apply. Make the effort and take the time to apply for as many grants and scholarships as possible. Federal nursing traineeships are available for graduate education, but keep in mind that the deadline for the federal application for assessing financial need is months before classes begin. Students can be eligible for subsidized or unsubsidized loans, some of which have deferred payback plans. As the number of nurse practitioner programs has grown, so has the number of physician assistant and family practice programs.