I don't know what to do....

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

I got accepted to Drexel's ACE program, and just got my acceptance letter to CCP.

I *want* to go to Drexel, but am wondering if I should go to CCP instead.

I think getting a BSN (and being done in a year versus 2) poses some distinct advantages, especially in the current economy. I am thinking that there will a lot of new grad competition for fewer jobs than there have been in the past; in addition to being able to apply to more facilities in Philly (the UPenn hospitals only hire BSNs), I think having a BSN would make me more competitive. I'm also interested in doing one of the new nursing residency programs that are developing (it's a year long program that includes orientation, continuing education, mentoring, etc) and the hospitals I've found that offer it require a BSN. I know I want to go in to advanced practice eventually, so not only would this put me in the workforce sooner (which would mean earning a nursing salary 1 year sooner), but I'd be set to go to grad school degree-wise. Plus, I'm getting ready to be done with school.

We're saving money towards tuition, and between savings, help from my mother, and student loans, I should be able to afford to go, but it's still a huge stretch, more debt (I have student loans from previous degree, car loan, and some credit card debt). But I'm married so even though I don't anticipate working at all during the program, we'd be able to get by on DH's income alone so I wouldn't be taking out loans for living expenses. DH is very supportive of me going to Drexel.

And did I mention I really, really want to go to Drexel? I've worked so hard during my prerequisites to make up for past mistakes as a student, that I feel a little like I've earned going to the school I want to.

BUT the amount of money we'd save between now and September would pay in full for two years of nursing school at CCP. I might be stuck having to take English 102 (I have a BA in English, but none of my credits transferred as ENG 102 and I'm not sure how successful I'd be challenging this). But there ARE still places that hire ASNs, and even though it means an additional year in school, because I'm done with all the corequisites (that were prerequisites for Drexel), I'd be able to work PT during the program. I have, however, become increasingly frustrated with my classmates at CCP during the prerequisites. There's a bit of whininess and unrealistic expectations of how much the professors should be doing so that students get good grades. I worry about encountering this in their nursing program as well, even though I imagine a lot of these people are weeded out by the prerequisites.

I don't know. The only reason I am considering CCP is because it's much, much cheaper than Drexel, and because maybe I don't just get to go to the school I want because I want to. Does that make sense?

Sorry this is so long. But I could use some outside input.

[AugustRain]

First, congrats on getting accepted to both schools! You and your DH know your financial situation best in terms of whether or not Drexel is feasible, but it sounds like you have a good plan in place. When I was deciding where to go to school, my personal feeling was that if I'm going to quit my job and jump into a program, then I should make it the best experience possible and go for my top choice. Yes, I have student loans, and yes, I had to make some sacrifices in other areas, but for me, it's been worth it. I thought it was interesting that you said that you were reconsidering your 1st choice "because maybe I don't just get to go to the school I want because I want to." True, things don't always work out the way we want them to, but if we realistically have the opportunity, then why not go for it?

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

One thing to keep in mind is the "time before you really work". While CCP may be "cheaper" than Drexel, the extra income you'll potentially have a year sooner would probably be significant (despite a part time job).

I don't know what the tuition is, but think of it as +40,000 (2 years at 20k part time), -Tuition (not sure what their tuition will be for your program). Then, consider Drexel's 2-year cost, including 1 year working as a nurse (dunno a real salary, could be up to +65k), then the tuition -33k. The tuition is a lot. It's 4 quarters, each being 8k. The difference in costs may not be as striking. But, you will (probably) need loans for Drexel.

I think CCP's college has a very good reputation, but, I've also been less than thrilled with some of my pre-req classmates. I don't know what Drexel's reputation is. The ones (6) I've met for the ACE program (doing the CPR/First Aid thing this weekend) seemed competent and nice.

The ASN vs BSN is really up to you. I'd want a BSN eventually, getting it first just saves me the hassle of doing it later.

other important issues:

Drexel's program is very challenging. I think taking half of the courseload at CCP could be a lot easier. Perhaps easier to get better grades, albeit a bit more slowly. You'll have more vacation time at CCP, including a summer off and longer breaks between semesters (vs drexel's 1-2 weeks between quarters).

You can always go to Drexel later for an RN-BSN.

You know I'm gunna start Drexel NEXT MONTH!!!! I sort of feel that I'm jumping off a cliff into a fog. It is one year, and it will probably be the hardest thing I've ever done.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Thanks to both of you. It seems silly to be so worked up over this decision, when it's clear where I *want* to go.