Choosing Between Emory and Georgia State

Atlanta6789 · Apr 7, 2005

Congratulations!!!

Just my humble opinion, but if money is not an issue...by all means...go to Emory. No question about it. Emory is a highly prestigious school, and if you agree to work for them at one of their hospitals or medical facilities (i.e. Crawford Long Hospital), you can get at least half of your tuition covered. (I'm not sure of the exact amount, but you can check into it.) Georgia State is much more affordable, but GSU has had problems in the past of passing rates on NCLEX -- that is the main reason I haven't applied there, myself, for a second bachelor's degree. (I received my BBA from Georgia State, years ago.) If you are interested in a BSN program at a public university, I think the general consensus is that KSU has a much better reputation for passing rates than GSU. I'm sure there are some very good aspects to GSU's BSN program, but I just haven't heard much.

Emory is notoriously a fantastic school, and I don't think you could wrong -- employment-wise. I would think that any employer would think highly of you for having a degree from Emory -- though with the nursing shortage we are currently in, it might not necessarily make a whole lot of difference when you are job-hunting.

If you have the money (or financial aid available), I'd say -- go for Emory.

RN 2005 · Apr 7, 2005

Congratulations!! I have a co-worker graduating from Emory this spring and she has really enjoyed her program. Only you can decide but I just wanted to pass this on........

blee1 · Apr 12, 2005

I too have been accepted to Emory starting this fall. I have heard nothing but good things about their program as I have talked to many who are currently there or have gone through their training. To me, the most important thing they seem to agree on is that the professors are very good and there seems to be a good support system from your fellow peers to the instructors and counselors.

Hope this helps, pm me if you have any questions or decide to go there, I would like to get to know as many of my future classmates as I can...

dmrnurse · Apr 12, 2005

Thank you for your responses. I have heard only praises about the program and faculty at Emory from past students. And, so far, I have had only positive experience with the admissions staff. My only real reservation is the cost. I am taking the prerequisite science classes at Georgia State and many of my GSU friends think I am crazy for thinking about investing so much $$ for a BSN. Their logic is as long as you pass the NCLEX, it doesn't matter from where you get your degree. I am trying to get a read on how much it matters where you go to school especially since I am not sure how much financial aid I will be getting. Thanks for the input!

SharonH, RN · Apr 13, 2005

Their logic is as long as you pass the NCLEX, it doesn't matter from where you get your degree.

And they are quite right. If GA State's pass rate bugs you, you might consider Kennesaw, Clayton State or the University of West Georgia in Carrollton. I think Clayton State has some problems in the recent past but they may have resolved that recently.

mtnmom · Apr 18, 2005

as an Emory BSN alum myself of course I am going to urge you to go to Emory. Yes, it is very expensive, but there is plenty of financial aid available in the form of grants, etc. I got most of mine covered with grants but did end up taking out some loans as well. I was able to do it with two kids and a husband who was initially non-supportive of my decision, so if I could do it anyone could!!!

When I initially applied to finish my nursing degree I applied to every program in the metro Atlanta area (except Clayton St. because I lived on the northside) , and got accepted to all. In the end I chose Emory because I could get the best possible degree in the least amt. of time, and I loved everyone I was in contact with there. Plus it just felt right.

At Emory you will be offered unparalleled clinical experiences - and get to work with faculty that really care about you.

By the way, the program someone mentioned is called NEAT - I dont remember what the acronym stands for exactly. It offers 60% tuition in return for 2-yr commitment to work at either Emory or Crawford Long. If you are wanting a peds career it may not work for you because neither one does pedi and unless things have since changed, Childrens Healthcare does not count for the program. (Crawford Long does have a NICU though). The program does have some later tax implications....they can come back and later count the tuition paid as income for IRS purposes, so that is why I chose not to participate - just did not work for our family situation. But speak with someone knowledgeable - the rules may have changed or that rule may not be as much a biggie for you.

I won't lie about it though...the program is rigorous!!!!

:)

porterwoman · Apr 18, 2005

Congratulations!!

Also, when I went to an grad school info session this past fall at Emory, the program director told us that employees of Emory and the affiliate hospitals (Emory, Crawford Long, Egleston, Northside? I think?) can receive up to 80% tuition reimbursement as part of the employee benefit package. It's a little different than NEAT in that, as long as you're employed there, you receive the tuition benefit with no committment to work afterward. I think employees are eligible after 6 mos FT employment. Something to look into!

Way to go, dmrnurse!!!

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2005

I got my BSN from Emory in 1993 and loved every minute of the program.....really. I got my ADN in 1973, worked at Emory for 13 years and have little but praise for the hospital and the program.

At the time, as an employee, you, your spouse and your children could go to school there or the Oxford campus on a courtesy scholorship and it was 100% free! Now, that was the way to go. My daughter went one semester(not in nursing), hated it and transferred to UGA where she was a honor's graduate....go figure!

bbcewalters, NP · May 5, 2005

I am very fortunate to have been accepted to Emory University and Georgia State University for Fall, 2005. I am waiting to hear back from Emory about financial aid. Does anyone have any insights they'd be willing to share about either school to help me make my final decision, if $$ does not end up being the deciding factor. Thank you for any caveats you'd be willing to share!

I will be graduating from Emory in 16 Days :balloons: Anyway there is also a peds scholarship program called (I think) CHOICE. If you go to the emory nursing website and then go to the fin. aid section, you will see all of your choices. Plus don't forget to SPECIFICALLY ask for the nursing loan. If I understand it correctly it is forgivable later if you work in GA. Ask your loan officer SPECIFICALLY. I say this because they will not offer the info if you don't ask:rolleyes:

hope this helps...Also if you plan on working outside of GA The EMORY name will definately carry you. I am moving to Kentucky after I graduate and even they know the name

bbcwalters

blee1 · May 6, 2005

Plus don't forget to SPECIFICALLY ask for the nursing loan. If I understand it correctly it is forgivable later if you work in GA. Ask your loan officer SPECIFICALLY. I say this because they will not offer the info if you don't ask:rolleyes:

I just got my fin aid package letter, and I was wondering why the nursing loan wasnt in there, Ill def give em a call tomorrow, thanks...