Understanding the undergraduate college financial aid application process is daunting enough, but entering the unknown nuances of graduate nursing financial aid, which encompasses need- and merit-based grants, scholarships, stipends, “tuition free” work requirements, loan options, loan repayments, and loan forgiveness, can be overwhelming. The good news is that this book offers constructive guidance, substantive information on financial strategies, and how to let Uncle Sam not only support your grad college costs with free money but also assist with using tax initiatives for help with mortgages and retirement. The authors tried to take into account that there are many profiles of a graduate nursing student: a single student in his or her twenties going from undergrad to a master’s in nursing education (MSN) program, a nurse who decides to return to grad school after working for several years, or a nurse who has a family with kids in college or who are about to enter college. Regardless of the student’s profile, the authors have provided case studies that the reader can identify with and consider real-life funding solutions. The book offers advice on how, when, and why to appeal a grad nursing financial aid offer—and how to interact and develop a “partnership” with the financial aid office. This comprehensive guide gives nursing students a road map to paying for their advanced nursing degrees. It offers much-needed direction for navigating the complex problem of paying for an advanced nursing degree. The book is meant to be the reader’s financial aid advocate. It provides insight into three key areas: how to overcome unintentional college financial aid barriers and how to manage change; new financial planning strategies to ensure future financial success; and the latest tax planning innovations for your greatest financial return.