How do I pay for it all?

[vmc303]

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I'm going to start doing my postbac work this fall at a public university in my home state. The problem is, after shelling out $150k for my undergrad education, I doubt my parents are going to be willing to foot the bill for this one too, so I'm going to have to figure out a way to pay for it all. Tuition at a few thousand per semester isn't a big deal, but I'm also going to have to pay for housing, food, and a car. I'm not work-averse or anything, but I don't see how I'm going to be able to work enough to support myself, and also take a full load of pre-med courses and have time for studying, volunteering, research, etc. I could take fewer than four courses, but I'd really rather not drag the whole pastbac thing out past three or four semesters. What's the most I could work during the week and also have enough time for classes and the other stuff I'll need for med school? Could I find a decent paying job in a hospital or research setting, killing two birds with one stone? Or should I just take out loans and focus on school?

 

[PineappleGirl]

I'd recommend trying to find a job at one of your local univerisities or hospitals that offers tuition remission. You may need to work full-time, however, in order for the tuition remission to kick in, so this could mean either a very stressful life doing full-time work and a heavy class load, or spending a longer time finishing your post-bac. I am doing full-time work and 2 post-bac classes in the evening and find it leaves time for little else. Science classes are especially hard because in addition to the lecture, there's also the time spent in lab. However, it is all free, and my job gives me an income that much preferable to the student life.

 

[jeepgirl]

I second Pineapple girl's recommendation. I'm doing the same thing. I'm working in a lab at my alma mater getting ready to start taking some post-bac classes to boost my GPA. The school's tuition remission will cover up to 8 hours a semester and my bosses are nice enough to let me move my lunch break around during the day to accomodate taking a day class. Its a pretty sweet set-up, actually.

 

[msting22]

Loans might be you best bet because many hospital research jobs might require you to work full time. Just my 2 cents