So confused GCU or WGU??? someone please help!

Nursing Students Western Governors

Updated:   Published

So I was all set to start Monday GCU but I decided to hold on because I started. I looked into and it seemed impressive. Downfall is that I can't start it I was told till February and I didn't want to wait that long.

At GCU it looks like I will need less classes than I will with WGU. With WGU, from what I can tell, I will need more.(although official transcript has not been evaluated yet)I like the that at WGU you don't have to do discussion questions and have to rely on others for your grade or post a certain amount of times and what not. They also have proctored webcam for

test which might be a pain. The great thing is that I can advance at a faster pace then I could with GCU. Not sure if I would be able to or not but it's an option.

GCU have been great with communication without a doubt. Then of course there is the money to it. GCU is almost double the cost. Once minute I cant to do GCU then the next I want WGU. Has anyone struggled with the same? How did you make your final decision.

I also know a couple of people who went through GCU and absolutely loved it. (mother and daughter took it at different time) From what I was told is that the program is better now than it was a couple of years ago when the mom took it. She thinks that her daughter got lucky and finds it much easier

I'd really appreciate any advice.

Thanks

Your books are included at GCU as well. They are all ebooks, of course, but included! And if you are a member of the ANA you get a 10% discount!

Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.

My guess, completely anecdotal based on facebook posts, is that most people finish by the end of two semesters (so about $6500). states the usual time to completion is three semesters, putting it at around 10K. I don't know anyone who has done four semesters, but I am sure they are out there. I think the one termers like me are at one end of the curve and the four terms are on the other. 8-12 months is probably the most common, but again, that's just me guessing. :) Don't get me wrong, GCU sounds like a good school as well.

I busted my butt to do WGU quickly since I needed to to be able to afford it - didn't want those loans! :)

To OP, I think most importantly you should study the different types of education and which will work better for you. Did you look at Lafayette also? it was my second choice, has traditional classes, but seems less costly than a lot of the others.

Thanks for the info.....I'm sure that will help many. I would be 1 of the slackers,lol I'm out of the USA until 2016, so no rush.

Lafayette was slightly less than GCU----They state $8500...but thats only if you require the Nursing classes, I think I required a few more so brought the cost close to GCU. I was actually accepted into their program, but after taking over a month (and it still was not completed) to look at my school transcripts, I jumped ship,lol But it too is probably a fine school

http://degree.louisiana.edu/online-degree-tuition.aspx

Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.

The model is 'all you can eat' so even the non nursing classes are for the same fee. And most of those go by pretty quickly. The only reasons I see not to go to WGU is if the education model doesn't suit your needs and/or your choice of future school will not accept you with the 3.0 pass/fail model. Or yes, if you aren't working as an RN, which they require.

So far I haven't heard of anyone being turned down for graduate school, but it's possible that the students who wished to go to a very competitive graduate school did not pick WGU. :)

Lafayette looked good to me but I didn't choose them because I couldn't find enough information at the time from anyone who had attended. I think the students there now are enjoying it so far, but the program may be too new to judge yet.

My manager went to excelsior for her BSN and I believe she liked her experience. Options, so many options! :)

yes, there are too many options and it can be confusing at times! What I do suggest, is keeping good notes on each school that you contact!!

I am really considering this summer. But, I have one problem. I have zero Chemistry and Biochemistry background. Algebra is also another sensitive area of mine.

I managed to get a B in statistics last summer, which heavily boosted my confidence and gives me hope.

I do consider my self to be a task oriented person, and motivated, but I worry about my lack of chemistry and math background.

Will my disadvantage in math and chemistry make this an unsuccessful path for me? Those of you who have completed this program, your opinion is valued.

Those of you with little to no math and chemistry background who have successfully passed, YOUR OPINION IS REALLY VALUED.

Zara

Why not submit a transcript eval and see what the requirements will be. I know at GCU it is free and you get the unofficial results back fast, probbaly the same for . I just had the basic sciences that was required for the ADN, and all was fine for GCU

Why not submit a transcript eval and see what the requirements will be. I know at GCU it is free and you get the unofficial results back fast, probbaly the same for WGU. I just had the basic sciences that was required for the ADN, and all was fine for GCU

Thank you for the reply. I will definitely send transcripts over. I am just looking for encouragement. Is it in fact do-able with my previously mentioned struggles?

I have no desire to attend GCU. I know I can afford . My LPN program cost me 18k. I paid through my RN and did not accumulate any loans, thankfully. Annd.. I plan to continue on this path. I hate borrowing money that I know I can't afford to give back.

Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.
I am really considering WGU this summer. But, I have one problem. I have zero Chemistry and Biochemistry background. Algebra is also another sensitive area of mine.

I managed to get a B in statistics last summer, which heavily boosted my confidence and gives me hope.

I do consider my self to be a task oriented person, and motivated, but I worry about my lack of chemistry and math background.

Will my disadvantage in math and chemistry make this an unsuccessful path for me? Those of you who have completed this program, your opinion is valued.

Those of you with little to no math and chemistry background who have successfully passed, YOUR OPINION IS REALLY VALUED.

Zara

Sounds like you'll need biochemistry at (that's all that's required, not regular chemistry). The Biochem class at WGU is one of the better classes with good support and is actually pretty fun. I did the class in 5 days, but there is a 20-day plan that lays all the projects out for you that makes it pretty foolproof (the projects are a set of 5 powerpoints). There is no final exam, just the powerpoints - which involve making models out of household items. :p I can't comment on the math - I know there is some level of math required, but I pretty much got out of math forever after I took two semesters of calculus for my AA. :p

I think if you can pass statistics you can pass the required math class, if there is one.

Specializes in Pediatrics.

I went to . I liked it, I should have been done in 2 terms. I only had 22 credits to do, but I procrastinated and stretched it out to 4 terms. When I went I was burnt out with school, the advisor I had was great and encouraged me to break through my wall and finish my degree.

I am glad I finally did as my hospital just gave out 2% pay increase to BSN nurses.

And like another poster said a BSN is a BSN no matter where it is from.

Thank you very much for your response featherzRN

+ Add a Comment