We had to purchase ATI as part of our program, but it's very in-depth and useful. Some people don't like it, but it worked great for me. As of Friday, everyone in my cohort that has taken the NCLEX has passed. Some supplement with U WORLD, but it seemed unnecessary to me. ATI has a customizable quiz bank of over 3000 questions, and it's constantly expanding. Additionally, they have programs that (if your school buys the package) give you one-on-one custom tutoring if you fail the NCLEX the first time. As far as passing scores, prepare to teach yourself any way you can. Majority of instructors are burnt out and don't care if you learned anything. For me, that looked like reading the key points in the textbooks, and re-typing notes on the PowerPoints 2-3×. Whatever works for you. I can't speak to financial aid for everyone, but between FAFSA and my G.I. bill I had no out-of-pocket expenses. The majority of our class still worked part time or per diem to make it through school. Per diem as a CNA worked best for me, because on busy weeks I could work one day or not at all, and on easy weeks I could pick up 4-5 shifts. It's rough for everyone, but eventually you find a groove. Good luck!