Money for School -

If you look up mistress in the dictionary, it is actually "a man's wife".  So I guess my title is "Mark's Mistress" slightly for shock value, but mostly because I am super proud of my hubby and our little family.

If anyone reading this is able to help me, I would greatly appreciate it.  Here is our situation:

I am a 30 (argh!!!) year old step-mother of 2, who is looking to return to school to get my nursing license.  We have contemplated my return to school for years, and have finally decided to do it.  As my husband said, if we wait until we are able to afford it, I'll never go back.  Basically, there are not an awful lot of scholarships and grants out there for returning or "non-traditional" students.  I make "ok" money at my job, but won't be working while I am in school (as anyone who has gone through nursing school knows).  The biggest problem is that FAFSA and various other grant programs do not take this into consideration when you are filing (before school, ergo before I quit my job).

Does anyone have any suggestions of where to find grants?  Scholarships?  Or any generalized ideas on how to live on a tight budget, save money, etc.?

We have just opened a small ($100) savings account, but I just don't think that'll cover it...lol... Hopefully we can add to it over time.  Any government programs that can help us through tight spots when we get down to one income would be greatly appreciated, too.

Thank you all so much!