Need Help Choosing Nursing School-Already Accepted

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Hello,

I am looking for some advice, suggestions, personal experiences, etc.

I am currently trying to decide which BSN program I should go to (the deadline is quickly approaching, so the decision must be made soon!). Here are the programs, broken down:

Program 1: An accelerated BSN program, 3 semesters in duration, all classes are "on-line" with a seminar meeting once a week for discussion, this program is through the University of Texas. If I choose this program, I will graduate from it loan-free.

Program 2: An accelerated BSN program, 4 semesters in duration, all classes are "lecture classes", although this program is one semester longer, I would graduate with 15 hours towards a master's degree, this program is through an Ivy league university. If I choose this program, I will graduate with $35,000 in student loans.

Now, first off, I want to say that I feel very fortunate to be accepted into both of these programs. I am extremely grateful.

That being said, this is a tough decision. The student loans are the hugest thing for me. However, I want to go on to pursue my Nurse Practioner in the future, and I am wondering if going to an Ivy league school will make a difference when it comes time to apply. Also, I think I would learn a lot more with a 4 semester lecture-based BSN than a 3 semester on-line BSN. I would also like to add that I have a fiance in Texas that I would be living away from for 4 semester, although he is very supportive, and our relationship could survive me being away.

What would you do? Any comments are welcome and appreciated!

Thank you!

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Specializes in ICU.

Despite the money, I would just suck it up and go with the lecture based classes because I cannot imagine doing nursing school online--I know some people do, but I don't see if that can be a worthwhile experience. That is just me. Good luck with your decision.

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Specializes in Neuro.

I agree with doing the longer program. Plus having those credits toward your master's will only help you with your goal of being a NP!

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i like the idea of having some of he graduate credits under your belt, but 35,000 is a lot to pay back on top of what grad school is going to cost you. Look at the pass rates of both universities and also think about how motivated you are during a more self paced work load. Will you procrastinate? (as i am currently doing by fooling around on allnurses when i need to be nose deep in neurophysiology lol!) Only you know what is right for your family or future family or just you so think carefully and way the cost. Good luck and congrats on the acceptance letters!

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Specializes in Adult ER.

hum i responded to this thread earlier but it disappeared :(

anyways me being a new grad and all everything is pretty fresh in my head. that being said and done i can say that having a large amount of debt to student loans is crazy. the good news is that your young and it wouldn't take long to pay it off. now i have never heard of doing a nursing program all on line so i may be a little biased here in my thoughts. but to me nursing school is hard and to me it may be more difficult through this route. in my program there were many time where we helped out those that were having difficulties. with an on line program i'm not sure what kind of support it may offer.

ok now that my rant is done :) i will say that you have probably already made up your mind and know the school you want to go to soooooooo

take a deep breath...... make the choice....... freak out....... tell your family and of course finally........ kiss your life good bye for the next 3+ years and welcome to nursing school

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Specializes in OR Internship starting in Jan!!.

Personally, if I had the choice, I'd go with program 1. Finishing with no loans and being able to work a semester sooner sounds great to me! The 15 hours of Master's classes are nice, but basically, you are paying $35k for those 15 hours if you compare the credits between the two programs.

Well, and having that Ivy school on your diploma. How important is that name to you? Is that name worth $35k?

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