Columbia University ETP 2008

whatshesaid · May 15, 2008

Wow, way to be a debbie downer columbiaetp04!

PsychMaven · May 15, 2008

Um, thanks for your honesty negative nancy...I guess. A message board of people two weeks away from beginning the program is not exactly the appropriate place to be whining about your financial constraints though; perhaps you should impart your wisdom on the '09 program. Everyone here is well aware of how much the program costs and the fact that there are other alternatives. Someone looking to find Psych. NP programs however, can not go just anywhere, most programs do not offer this specialty. Keep in mind that people have many choices in healthcare today and, unfortunately, not everyone knows much about NP's and will often seek out the more familiar MD instead. Besides the obvious cost disadvantages, Ivy League credentials definitely ease people's concerns when choosing clinicians. I could go on, but who cares really...

fnp4me · May 15, 2008

Virtually anyone who wants to get into any nursing school can get into any nursing school they want..

*muted trumpet* womm wommmmmm

columbiaetp04 · May 17, 2008

Hey Alexandria8:

Interesting, I am a psych NP, just what you aspire to be. Let go through your assertions:

"Having Ivy League credentials definitely ease people's concerns when choosing clinicians" I don't go around telling everyone I meet I went to Columbia. You're not going to Columbia, you're going to Columbia Nursing. Trust me, getting into The Medical College of Wisconsin is a lot harder and more prestigous than getting into Columbia nursing. You only need about a 3.0 to get accepted, unless of course you try for the CRNA program. I mean when I started they accepted online courses for pre-requisites. Like I said before, your $115,000 Columbia degree won't open any more doors than a degree from SUNY Downstate.

"Everyone here is well aware of how much the program costs" Really? GOD I HOPE SO. Did anyone explain that it would cost $115,000, and that you would end up with variable rate loans, and that you will pay ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS A MONTH in student loan payments? By the way interest rates are quite low right now, and that payment could rise to as much as THIRTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS A MONTH, with just a 2.5% increase in the Prime Rate? DID ANYONE EXPLAIN TO YOU THAT YOUR STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT EACH MONTH WILL EQUAL ABOUT 30% OF YOUR TAKE HOME PAY OR THAT ABOUT 1 AND 1/4 WEEKS PAY A MONTH WILL BE SPENT ON YOUR STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS FOR ABOUT 15 YEARS OF YOUR WORKING LIFE?

If this is what you want, go ahead and do it. But do it with your eyes wide open. "IT DON"T MATTER TO ME."

IGiveTheShots · May 17, 2008

I won't be attending Columbia, and this is really none of my business, but I can't help but mention that wow, your comments are completely inappropriate for this thread.

Asherah, BSN, RN · May 17, 2008

I won't be attending Columbia, and this is really none of my business, but I can't help but mention that wow, your comments are completely inappropriate for this thread.

That's a big second from my perspective as well. If the poster was trying to make a point and raise awareness of their experience there was surely a more professional way to do so without becoming inflammatory.

columbiaetp04 · May 17, 2008

It just amazes me.

What you don't understand is that I am an ETP graduate. I am paying these loans now. I know what it's like to barely make ends meet and not be able to put money away in a 401k, and to not be able to afford a plane ticket to not see my family.

What would shut me up, is if some of you guys wrote about the financial cosiderations you have made. Have you really thought about what it takes to come of up $1000 - $1300 a month for 15 years? Did you know it would be $1000 - $1300 a month?

When I started ETP, no one made these things clear to me. Oscar is of no help in estimating what your monthly payments will be, and how long it will take to pay these loans off.

I wish someone had warned me.

Everybody loves ETP until the bills come.

Asherah, BSN, RN · May 17, 2008

What would shut me up, is if some of you guys wrote about the financial cosiderations you have made.

What would make you think current and future ETP students need to explain their personal financial planning to you? You've made your choice, you've voiced your opinion, now be done with it. If this is the only reason you've come to AllNurses, to post your rather abrasive and ineffective comments, consider your point made and you can bow out of this discussion.

columbiaetp04 · May 17, 2008

Now all I asked is simply this: did anyone who is going to start ETP this month know that their payment will be $1000 - $1300 a month until I told them? I'll consider a lack of a direct response as a "NO."

I know I'm tearing people's dreams apart here, but you should be mad at Columbia not me. Hey, I am living the Columbia ETP nightmare, I'll see you in the nightmare 2-3 years from now! Excuse me for trying to let people know the facts.

In the meantime, enjoy that warm feeling you get knowing "you got into Columbia." In 2 years it will be the only thing you own.

Asherah, BSN, RN · May 17, 2008

You have no idea how financially prepared (or unprepared) people are to handle their loan balances, or how long they will choose to repay their loans. BTW, I applied to Columbia, but I am not attending the ETP program. I know full well how much I will be repaying upon graduating from JHU and will already have begun paying on my loans while in school.

I would give future EPTers a bit more credit, don't force your anger and regret on everyone here. I'm sure most people won't even reply to your posts due to your downright mean and righteous tone. Again, I'll say, you've made your past choice, you've voiced your opinion. What exactly do you hope to pursue past this point? I believe many people will believe the same thing that I do, you seem angry and full of regret. Had you worded your original post in a more composed manner, perhaps you would have had a more productive response.

columbiaetp04 · May 17, 2008

Hey Asherah:

You didn't even go to Columbia? Then why do you post here? Why do you care?

But actually, I'm glad for you that you didn't go to Columbia. Great Choice!

(And I mean that with all sincerity!)

Why don't you stick to topics you know about, like Hopkins! You probably have a lot more insight about that school. Perhaps you should write about what's great about Hopkins. That way people will go there and not Columbia.

I have to disagree with you though. I keep in touch with over 15 etp '04 grads, and everyone's breath was taken away when they started paying back their loans.

I am not saying that the students are stupid, maybe I didn't make myself clear. Columbia intentionally confuses the financial aid process to make it impossible to know what your payment will be.

Oscar, the financial aid guy is a weasal, and he will not answer questions directly. I was lied to point blank about finances.

Why shouldn't I be mad? I have a ******* master's degree, and I know nurses with nothing more than an associates degree who are much much richer than me.

Asherah, BSN, RN · May 17, 2008

I'm posting here for two reasons...I know a few folks who will be starting the ETP program and two, I will also be entering the workplace with a large amount of student loans, so I don't see my situation as differing that much.

Warnings have been made aplenty about Oscar and the financial aid office. Previous ETPers have already posted here and previous ETP threads regarding how careful student should be to cover all of their bases.

The post you just made was much more clear regarding your intent to relay the primary fact (that I feel you are trying to make), which is that the value of a Columbia nursing education is not what most equate it to be.

I truly do think its beneficial to speak to alumni of a school/program to gain insight into the value of the program and a true appraisal of how the program is administered. However, I just think there is a better way to approach getting your message across, that's all. :twocents: