University of Maryland or Johns Hopkins?

U.S.A. Maryland

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I already have a degree from UNC-CH in something other than nursing, but I decided a year or two ago that I wanted to be a nurse. I did my pre-requisites and applied, and I have been accepted to two schools. YAY! But now I need to decide which one to go to.

First I was accepted to the University of Maryland's Clinical Nurse Leader program and was waitlisted at Johns Hopkins for their Accelerated second-degree BSN. So I sent in my deposit to UMD and planned to start there this fall. But JHU called me last week and said they have a spot for me and did I want it (I had like 5 minutes to decide!). I said yes and they sent me a letter, and I now need to send them my deposit. If I went there I would start at the end of May (which would be great because I hate my job and want to leave it ASAP).

I would be an out of state student for half the time at UMD, making it only about 12k cheaper than JH (46k vs 58k, both seem like huge numbers to me, but my dad the accountant says I should go for the cheaper option).

Also, starting at JH earlier in the year I would have little money for moving expenses, etc (moving in with my bf :redbeathewho just bought a house, in a month). But it would save me the 2 hour commute to northern virginia for my job for a few months. But leaving my job earlier to go to JH would force me to repay my company 2k that they gave me for my prerequisite classes (i don't owe it back a year after completing the courses).

The financial aid office at JH said since I was waitlisted and my acceptance just came in now, I might not get as much financial aid from them. But the lady claimed that private loan rates are actually lower than federal right now. And I could get a job where they agree to pay some of my loans off in return for a few years working for them.

JH is so competitive, I feel like I should go there just because I got in, and because it is so prestigious. Although UMD has a really good nursing school too. Both seem to have great technology and hospitals, yet JH seems smaller and a better faculty student ratio. I'M SO CONFUSED! :no: Any guidance would be appreciated! Anyone out there go to either of these schools?

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

I would say that if you:

1) Can afford it,

2) Can stop working and devote all your time to the program, and

3) Want to be an RN ASAP

then go to JHU. Otherwise I would suggest UMD, but I would also strongly recommend asking around about the Clinical Nurse Leader program... e.g. call up hospitals and ask if they even have Clinical Nurse Leader positions, and if they don't do they hire Clinical Nurse Leader graduates as RNs.

I'm not an expert on this, but personally I wouldn't worry too much about the prestige. Yes, JHU is prestigious, but UMD's nursing program is pretty well-respected too. There are plenty of RN positions open pretty much everywhere, so it's not like it would make a difference in getting a job... and by the time you have enough experience to apply for a higher up, non-bedside position (assuming that's you're goal--if not, you could be getting your RN much, much, MUCH cheaper with an ADN at BCCC or CCBC!), your performance at work and communication skills will probably matter much more than the school on your transcript.

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I would agree with all the above poster said. I have already been through college once and paid of 20k in loans. That was diffficult enough and I was single with no responsibilities but myself at the time. This time, I looked at UMD and JHU, and quite honestly there is no way I could see putting myself in 60-80k of debt for the same degree..especially undergrad. Maybe when I decide to go back for the Master's, the percieved JHU prestige and connections will be worthwhile but....I just couldn't justify it.

If finances were not an issue, I can imagine I might change my mind...but I am not even certain of that. Botton line, I think both are excellent schools and you will be well prepared with either one. Congrat's!

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Specializes in L&D.

It sounds to me that JHU was your 1st choice and your dream school. I'm currently in the BSN program at UMB and I can't imagine being any place else. UMB was my 1st choice, but I got accepted into 2 other nursing programs that were a lot cheaper. I made my decision by asking myself where would I want to go, if money were not an issue. I don't regret my decision. Because I'm in the program, I've met & been taught by some amazing nurses; the type I aspire to be.

I know a couple of people who have graduated from the program and they all have CNL positions. As a matter of fact, one of them works at Sinai Hospital and got $10,000 towards their student loans. There's always a way.

Even though I'm always recruiting for UMB, I'd say go with where you really want to go. I think you already know where that is! :twocents::twocents:

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