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Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

I got my acceptance letter today for the Catholic college I hoped to get into! It came in a big tube, with a banner for the college. I can't believe I have my choice of nursing schools.

Now comes the deciding. Do I go with the more expensive, further-away (by 15 minutes travel-time) college, that also offers BSN and MSN programs, or with the Community Tech college, which is much, much less expensive, a little bit closer (though clinicals could be just as far away, in fact, I know the LTC one will be), but only has graduated one nursing class so far (it's a very new program for them). The other college was founded by nursing nuns, and has been around for almost a century, so couldn't be any more well established.

Money is sort of, but not really an issue. My mother passed away unexpectedly in September, and my brother and sister want my education paid for out of her estate. The only trouble with that is the estate may not be settled for many more months. I know financial aid would cover most of my tuition at the Tech college, but no where near the full amount at the Catholic college.

I guess all-in-all, this is not a bad problem to have though! I'm not complaining one bit. I know I've worked hard to get here, prayed quite a bit that this would finally happen this year, and really believe my mother and God had a hand in it. I feel truly blessed. :)

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Specializes in Urgent Care.

Congratulations to you!! I'm sure you'll make the right decision. It's up to you how far you want to go. Best of luck! :)

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Boy, that's a tough one. If you're talking about saving a lot of money, that would be great. But if the other program is so new, that could be a gamble.

Maybe you could check the NCLEX pass rate of the class they just graduated, and compare that with the established school. That might help you decide.

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i totally love that you have all those options, especially siblings that are so supportive. congratulations! in my opinion, i'd go with the community college for the adn. i would check with the local hospitals first, and ask the nursing recruiter, how she felt about the grads, and the programs success in particular. that's how i chose my school. then when you've got that, i'd switch over to the catholic college for the bsn/msn. i'm never short on opinion! :D

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Cograts. I know you are excited. !!!

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If I were you I'd go to the Community College. I went to one and it took me 2 years to finish RN. My Community college also has a high passing rate. I know you said the money is not a problem but going to a Community College is way cheaper than going to a University. And plus you can take your NCLEX right away and while working you can go back to school and finish your BSN or Masters. The hospitals usually pay for 75% of the tuition. I hope this helps

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First of all congrats!!! I hope to be in your shoes in about 6 months!

In my opinion if you are going to go for your BSN anyways why not just go for it now? Like someone already said hospitals in your area might pick up some or most of the tab for school if you agree to work for them for a bit. Just make sure how long that commitment is for and the pay is right. 15 mins more travel time doesn't seem alot for a more established school with probably more experienced teachers. Good luck!

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

How quickly do you want to get that RN behind your name? Sure you want to get that BSN but why not get paid RN wages while you go to school? If the credits transfer to your RN to BSN program of choice, I'd go with the Catholic college. I like that it's well established and probably has an identity and traditions that set it apart from the others. But that's only if everything transfers nicely. If not, then I might do the BSN program right off.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

I still haven't made up my mind, but a letter I just got from the Catholic college may help it along:

I didn't even apply, but was awarded their Transfer Scholarship, which is awarded to transfer students with very successful academic college records, and have at least 15 college credits, with high GPA's. I was thrilled to get this letter! The amount is pretty decent too - a $20,000 paid over eight semesters ($2,500 each semester), for a BSN, or $10,000 for an ADN.

I get nervous though, thinking I may not be able to keep up my GPA, especially after reading everything here about how hard the actual nursing courses are. Taking a 3 or 4 credit course is one thing. A 9 or 10 credit course is quite another!

I still don't know yet, but want to decide soon, so whatever spot I don't take can go to a derserving student who was playing the waiting game like I was.

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Congratulations!!!! Wow that is certainly an awesome acheivement!

Hugs!

MaryRose :balloons:

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Specializes in Peds ER.

Congrats Whitney! What an accomplishment that is. I also attend a private, Catholic college and I think it is wonderful. Obviously it has taken a little longer but the past 3 years have gone by so fast. Good luck in your decision!

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