Is $47,000 too much for an ABSN???

[ifyouwereme]

I've been browsing for awhile, but this is my first post. I was recently accepted to Samuel Merritt College's accelerated BSN program and am having second thoughts about the high tuition. I would love to hear from graduates of the program. Did you feel you graduated clinically prepared? Was it worth the money, or do you now wish you had matriculated elsewhere? The thought of borrowing that much money (even more to live off of) frightens me.:uhoh21: I am in my mid 30s, no kids.

I am seriously considering declining the offer and applying elsewhere, even though I know that might mean 1-2 year waitlists in California. I am ok with an ASN for the time being and would happily enroll in an ASN-MSN program when the time was right. Any advice?

[Ambition13, MSN, RN]

How long is the accelerated BSN program?? Besides, is that about the cost of a traditional 4yr. college degree these days? I think you should do it. It's worth it - it's a BSN. Living here in the Bay with our pay rate, you can pay that back in a few years. Good luck to you and congrats!

[amzyRN]

If you do a search for Samuel Merritt College in the allnurses engine, you can check out some old threads that relate to that school in particular. I asked the same question before and I got mixed reviews. One person told me (who did the SF ABSN program) that she loved it and that it was well worth it, that the professors were good, good clinical experiences, and that SMC students are well regarded in the communities in which they work. She said that it took time to find work and that it was a good idea to apply to new grad training programs before graduating. I don't think she mentioned if SMC will automatically give you a job just through clinicals and being associate with the program. I wouldn't count on it. On the bad side, I heard some bad things from other students in the regular BSN program, that professors were unfair and discriminated against students, etc. But the professors are different for each program, I think. I believe that the faculty is different for the accelerated program than from the regular BSN program. Also, from what I read, it seems like SMCs masters program is excellent and probably better than the accelerated BSN program. Hope that helps for now.