[RedSox33RN]

Just a thought..........would she be agreeable to getting her RN from the CC, then transferring to and getting her BSN from the 4yr school (paying for it herself?)? I know the 4yr college I attend has reciprocal agreements with all of the tech colleges in this area.

I must say though, that I love my 4yr school. Yes, it's expensive at $635/credit hour, but I like the program infinitely more than that amount, so it's worth it to me. I did many of my pre-req's at a tech school, and while good, and I learned a lot, the instructors I had did not show nearly the passion for their subjects as the instructors I have now. I'm NOT saying all are that way, and it's probably just how my school is now with whom they hire to teach. Actually, I did have one English teacher at my tech school that I loved - she pushed me and pushed me, knowing I could write, and MADE me a better writer. I'm grateful for that, and told her so.

Some of the 4yr colleges, like mine, award even the BSN students an AD so they can sit for the NCLEX after 2 years. I forget what it's called though. But those in the BSN program just continue on, and don't have to sit for the NCLEX again after graduation. Those like myself, can continue on with a BSN at our own pace.

[anc33]

Have you checked out financial aid at the 4-year institution? There's always work-study options as well and loans for the rest. I had to talk out huge loans for my nursing education and I don't regret it one bit. Talk to an advisor before you say it is out of the question.

[manna]

Going to the 4-year university has actually wound up to be LESS expensive for me, even though tuition is higher. Thankfully, they're very generous with scholarship money!

[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by anc33

Have you checked out financial aid at the 4-year institution? There's always work-study options as well and loans for the rest. I had to talk out huge loans for my nursing education and I don't regret it one bit. Talk to an advisor before you say it is out of the question.

This is good advice. There are many scholarships available every year that go unused because they weren't applied for. We certainly needed to look because my son's school costs $26,000 a year

In California, you fill out the FASFA form to see if you qualify for grants too.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

If BSN is the goal, I just don't see why she should go the ADN to BSN route. It only takes another year or so to get her Bachelors.

steph

[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by manna

Going to the 4-year university has actually wound up to be LESS expensive for me, even though tuition is higher. Thankfully, they're very generous with scholarship money!

Private Universities are the same way . ..more financial help is available.

By the way, Azusa Pacific has a fine nursing program and has the only PhD program at a Christian university west of the Mississippi. Just a little bragging - I love the school my son attends.

steph

[Tweety]

Gee, I thought the 235.00/hr I'm paying for my BSN was expensive. Yikes!

[UTRN2005]

If you're willing to pay for an ADN why not just give her the money that that program would cost and tell her she can use it for either program but that if she chose the BSN she would be responsible for making up the tuition difference? That's what may parents did regarding in-state publc vs. out-of-state or private universities. Ultimately if the BSN is her goal I feel that it would be better to just go ahead and get the BSN. A lot of people always plan on returning to school but never actually do it. There are also a lot of scholarships, grants, and loans available. I actually got $4500 for this year alone. Even if she needs to get loans interest rates are low and college loans are considered "good debt" in that going into debt now will increase your earning potential in the future. On a personal note, and I know this is going to draw heat, I can't imagine what my reaction would have been if my parents had told me to go for an associate's degree when a BSN was my goal. I probably would have felt like they didn't believe I could do it. But whatever, just my speculation.

[rnmi2004]

If this truly is the major issue between you & your daughter right now, do you realize how fortunate you are? I hope you give her a big hug & thank her for being such a great kid.

[mitchsmom]

I'm in the camp that says do BSN if possible... get the highest level of education.... keep the most doors open. Plus, the BSN money issue will seem like nothing compared to the med school money issue if she continues on with that route.

[Thunderwolf]

I can only speak for myself. If I hadn't gone for my BSN first and gotten it over with, I would have never considered later going back for further college. I did it. I'm glad I did, especially at the age I am now. I really think not having it would have been a psychological barrier for me entertaining further college later in my life. Now, after going to grad school twice (MSEd, MSN), I'm beginning to consider going back for a Doctorate. Again, however, looking back, I may have never considered it if I hadn't gotten the BSN. But, I can only speak for myself. In this sense, I can relate to your daughter. If you are young, unmarried, and without kids...go for it if you can while the motivation and energy are there. Nursing has changed so much since I began 19 years ago. Your and her needs as students may be totally different because the amount of time you two will have left to offer your careers. Something to think about.