So I thought I had this all figured out but I met with an admissions rep at South College today and now I'm not so sure. I know that this has been discussed in the past but I was hoping for some updated opinions.
My goal is to eventually end up with and MSN and I'm not sure which path I need to take to get there. Last night I had finally decided I was going to do a two year program and then an RN to BSN work a few years and go back for my MSN. A couple of factors in this decision were it would be the least expensive way to go and I would be able to work sooner.
After my tour at South College I'm interested in just going straight for the BSN. The program seemed great but that is their job - making the program sound great.
So I came up with a list of the pros and cons of each of the schools I'm considering and I would love some imput from you all. I would definitely love to hear from students or graduates of the three programs I am interested in.
University of TN - Knoxville {Pros}
- Great repuation (as far as I can tell)
- Clinicals will be at UT Medical Center (I'm highly interested in working at UT Medical Center)
- Reasonable price (around $24,000 for the entire program w/o taking into account tuition increases and books, etc.)
- More spaces available in the program (unless they cut the program)
- 96% NCLEX pass rate last year and consisent across the board
University of TN - Knoxville {Cons}
- High number of applicants
- Only starts in the fall
- The parking is terrible
- Freshman are now admitted to the program (taking away spots that would have been up for grabs before)
- Huge classes (one class I was looking at taking had 450 seats available!)
South College {Pros}
- Small classes
- Fall and Spring starts
- Good parking
- I can start taking classes in three weeks (quarter system - I'm ready to go!)
- 94% NCLEX pass rate
South College {Cons}
- The cost - $60,000 w/o tuition increases or books, etc.
- Newer program (heard it once had a less than awesome rep?)
- Low NCLEX pass rates in previous two years 69% and 75%
Roane State {Pros}
- Start working sooner
- Tuition reimbursement to pursue my BSN
- The cost - $6000 for the entire program - Less than a year at UT, Less than a quarter at South!
- Well established program
- 98% NCLEX pass rate
Roane State {Cons}
If you made it this far thanks for sticking with me!

I would love to hear any and all advice you all have. Thank you in advance!
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