Duke ABSN 2012

U.S.A. North Carolina

Published

Hey everyone!

I was wondering if there was anyone out there applying to Duke's ABSN program for the spring or fall class in 2012. I'm going to apply, but can't decide if I should apply for the spring or the fall. If I apply for the Spring class- I will still have 3 prereqs to finish (micro, soc, and stat) which I can finish before the program starts. Is it crazy to apply to Duke with 3 outstanding prereqs? Should I wait until December and apply for Fall 2012 instead? At that time I will be currently taking the last of the prereqs. Any advice would be helpful! Especially if there's anyone who has gotten into Duke with 3 prereqs to go...

got financial aid... this is really hard :( seeing how much I need to borrow from a private lender is scary. what are everyone's thoughts? its not that I don't think it's worth it--because it is--it's just scary!

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The cost is daunting. Over ten years of repayment, for example, a private loan at current rates for $80k will end up costing you $110k, or $920 per month, in addition to repayment on any federal loans. I have great faith in Duke's program and was impressed by both the school and everyone I met there, but it is hard to justify paying so much for a degree when the premium paid for the "brand" of that degree is highly unlikely to pay off financially. And although the loan repayment program through DUMC is a nice option, the amount decreases substantially after it is taxed.

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is it really 920 a month? i mean that's not even practical or possible on an RNs salary. where did you get that information?

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Hi, KCbaby57. I used the loan calculator on this site: http://www.finaid.org/calculators/loanpayments.phtml. It is really quite overwhelming. I'm sure it is doable, but the question is really, "How much are you willing to sacrifice to make it happen?".

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wow, that's really depressing.

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Sorry to be a drag. Wish I could buy you a drink! ;)

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Yeah, after getting the fin aid news yesterday, I was pretty down. I spent the evening wondering what i'm getting into. There is no doubt that Duke is where I want to go, but for a BSN is seems beyond expensive! The problem with the instate schools is all the waitlisting!! I don't feel like graduating in debt up to my eyeballs!

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So sad to say it... but with my debt from my first degree... I can't do it. I just can't justify putting my family in such a precarious position. Dang it. Time for plan B. :crying2:

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if anyone else on here is local, has applied to unc as well, and is scared about the financial aid package, and is trying to decide what to do, please let me know so that we can get lunch and talk through everything! i really want to talk to someone who's in the same position.

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looks like i'm going to have to decline. i was approved for my loan but my mom was denied as a cosigner. can't think of anyone else who could do it. unless i win the lottery before the 16th, looks like i am going to have to give up my spot. this is one of the saddest days of my life. :(

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sad to hear kcbaby57. did you hear back from unc? maybe there is still hope!

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haven't heard yet. they are saying mid-november.

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