help me! i need to make a decision: "college or University$$$"??

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hi, I just got accepted into TCU's nursing program for the Fall of 2011. At the same time I have also been accepted into El centro College of Nursing , At El centro college in downtown dallas. I am in a situation where I don't know where to attend, I am really happy to have been accepted to TCU because it was my number one choice, the only thing that I am worried about id the high tuition, but i love the fact that I will graduate with a Bachelor's in Nursing which is great for me because i want to attend Anesthesia school for nurses later on. On the other side, El centro's Program averages about $14,000 for the entire program ( which is not even the tuition for the first semester at TCU) I like the fact that is only 15-20 mins from my house, but here I only get an associates in nursing. Doing so, i could work at a hospital and obtain my bachelors later on in a year, and potentially it could be paid by the hospital I work for. Honestly, I would really love to go to TCU, but i am scared of debt, I want to get your impute in what you think about this, is it really worth it to take out about 65,000 in loans for 5 semesters,? i mean, in the long run, at the end will there be any differences as far as having an associates in nursing or a Bachelors'? Thank you all!!

Martha.

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I've never heard of TCU so I looked it up. $16k per semester? 5 semesters? You are looking at $80k. That is probably the highest cost for a BSN I've seen and I've looked at a lot of schools, private and public.

I'd say either go for a different BSN or go for the ASN.

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Yea, that is what i was thinking too, i just rally want to attend this college.. We will see i i am able to obtain a loan with a los interest rate, I will go ahead! Otherwise I will just have to go my other route. Thanks for your reply!!

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thats stupid expensive for an RN. You're looking at Doctor debt on a nurses pay.

Do what Im doing-2 years ADN, work and get BSN.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I can't recommend taking out a loan that big. A huge loan will cripple you financially and have a significant impact on the quality of your life for many, many years.

But ... before you make a final decision, make sure you have ALL the facts. Now that you have been officially accepted, what financial aid package are they offering you? Be sure that you have that official information before deciding. A lot of schools don't tell you their final financial aid package offers until after you have been officially accepted. You may be eligible for some grants, etc. that will bring the cost down.

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TCU is a fine school but, unless you can score some major scholarships or have someone willing to pay your tuition I wouldn't touch it, not for the money you'll earn as a nurse. Take the ASN route, than once you're working as a nurse you can pursue your BSN.

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I too eventually want to do the CRNA route. I am doing my ADN at community college. Then I will transfer to university...the way I look at it....spend BIG BUCKS only when you HAVE to.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

If you have your heart set on TCU, will you be satisfied with going elsewhere? Or will you always regret your choice?

Do check into scholarships and grants. Your first choice may be more affordable than you think. If it isn't, then consider the alternative.

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Yea you're right! I need to get as much help financially as I can ,before I can make a decision like this. Thank you all!!

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You got your admissions letter from el centro....already?

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Well i turned 19 out of 20 points , so im sure ill get in although the letters were mailed out on Friday. I also applied for the spring 2011 term but couldn't go for personal issues, and got accepted.

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How do you have 19 out of 20? Im just wondering because I wanted to know how they give out points for experience.

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