ABSN cost?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello!

I am applying (maybe) to an ABSN program in Indiana. I have some questions before I submit my application (literally almost done).

1. Anybody who is also looking at an ABSN/did an ABSN, how did you handle the cost?

2. I have a large amount of student loan debt from my BA and am seriously concerned about taking out another 60k to cover the tuition and living expenses since the director said I pretty much can't work to help offset any costs. Is 60k (give or take, there are some additional living expenses I'll have this year) an average cost for an ABSN?

3. Is Marian University a good program? lol

I'm just worried I'm getting into something I can't handle after graduation. Thanks for any replies!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Marian is a fine program. We get their clinical students at my place of practice. HOWEVER, you cannot afford it. $120,000 in student loan debt for a job that will almost certainly pay

IvyTech is a much more affordable solution- you will still be an RN, you can work and afford it out of pocket AND with your previous BA, a an RN-to-BSN through or somewhere else will be a breeze.

Edit: Mis-read the OP, but anything over $60k in debt is waaaay too much IMHO.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

How much is a "large amount" of debt from first degree. Are you saying it is 60K? So your total will be 120K? You need to sit down and figure out your monthly repayment bills and for how long. You will be paying interest and that total is not the "actual" total. More than likely over a thousand a month will be your bill. For YEARS. I am not saying not to to it..Only you can decide that. Just be prepared for reality. Get REAL numbers not just "I think I can afford it". Sit down with the bank..figure out your interest rates and what your monthly bill will be and for how long. That is the only way you can make an educated decision.

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Marian is a fine program. We get their clinical students at my place of practice. HOWEVER, you cannot afford it. $120,000 in student loan debt for a job that will almost certainly pay

IvyTech is a much more affordable solution- you will still be an RN, you can work and afford it out of pocket AND with your previous BA, a an RN-to-BSN through WGU or somewhere else will be a breeze.

Edit: Mis-read the OP, but anything over $60k in debt is waaaay too much IMHO.

This is what I figured. :( My BA was more than 60k unfortunately. Thank you for your response!

I am waitlisted for an RN program, but looked into other options and this seemed so good til I looked into the cost. :(

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How much is a "large amount" of debt from first degree. Are you saying it is 60K? So your total will be 120K? You need to sit down and figure out your monthly repayment bills and for how long. You will be paying interest and that total is not the "actual" total. More than likely over a thousand a month will be your bill. For YEARS. I am not saying not to to it..Only you can decide that. Just be prepared for reality. Get REAL numbers not just "I think I can afford it". Sit down with the bank..figure out your interest rates and what your monthly bill will be and for how long. That is the only way you can make an educated decision.

My total student loan debt from both programs would be about $140k. My parents did not/will not help with my education costs. I looked into the repayment plans (I'm already on the 25yr plan) and at 6% interest, my payment would go up to near 1k a month.

I ultimately want to become an NP or forensic nurse and am really thinking I'd be close to 200k in debt after it's all said and done. Back to the drawing board, thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I'm so sorry you are finding yourself in such a financial bind. But you are not alone. It's much better to take a gradual 'pay as you go' route to becoming a nurse. Everyone takes the same NCLEX.... go with the most affordable option. There may even be part-time, nights, or weekend options for students who must work while completing their nursing education. It's not easy, but it is doable... many of us can attest to that.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

That much debt I would check out an ADN at a community college. You could get your RN and hopefully start working to pay off your debt and then see what you want to do next. 140K in debt and all you have is a BSN...sounds literally like verging on insanity. Ultimately it is up to you, but that much debt...if one thing went wrong you would be in financial ruin.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I'm curious - and you don't have to answer -what is your BA in?

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Specializes in NICU.

I did the Indiana State University 15 month ABSN program which was $5k (last semester was less) per semester (4 semesters- Summer, Fall, Spring Summer), so less than $20k and I worked 2 nights per week (12 hr shifts). It starts in May every year. Half of my cohort (14/28, including me) passed NCLEX at 75 questions.

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I'm curious - and you don't have to answer -what is your BA in?

I have a BA in Psychology with a minor in Business. I realized in senior year I wasn't interested in becoming a counselor or social worker, and research/teaching isn't what I want to do, either. I'd like to do Psychiatric nursing as an NP I think.

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I'm in the same financial position as you, lots of debt from previous schooling with potentially lots more for an ABSN. After lots of consideration I decided the right thing for me is to do an ADN then bridge to the BSN. It will take me an extra semester, but I will be able to work at least part time and pay less in tuition. Honestly, after paying on my current student loans for a decade and seeing the amount just get higher because of interest, I would never recommend anyone go into debt like this. However, you do have to look at all the options to figure out what is best for you.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

I wouldn't even think about NP as you haven't even started nursing school. I would work and pay off debt and try to take time to make a LOGICAL decision about what you "want" to do. Nursing is very difficult and as a new grad jobs are not guaranteed. Do not make an impulsive decision which could lead to more and more debt. Get a job and start paying on loans. Then take sometime to look at your options. Sometimes you have to do what you "don't want" to do..this leads you to getting to what you "want" to do.

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