ADN program in urban area costs more than BSN program in rural area. Which one to choose?

[Ptntcrgvr]

I am at a point where I don't know anymore what program type I should pick, and how much money should play a factor.

Some important factors-

1. I already have a previous bachelors degree, but no student debt. I am trying to be conscientious since I owe my parents a small amount of money back for helping me with my first degree.

2. I have a job lined up (year around or in the summers depending upon what school I choose/how far away it is) as a CNA/eventually nurse tech.

3. I want to work during nursing school at least one 8 or one 12 a week.

With that said, I have applied for a nursing school that is an ADN program. Their total program estimate online is $19000. This is not accounting for food, gas and living expenses. Being that is in the city with extremely high rent (greater northern Seattle area), my calculations put me at about spending $37k for two years (bare minimum). But then tack on another $10k for an RN-BSN and it doesn't seem worth it.

Also, commuting from where I live to there isn't an option with how bad traffic is.

The special thing about this program is it starts this April which will get me in about 6 months sooner than any other program in the state. They also sometimes offer summer classes. Also, I would be able to stay at the hospital I'm at and work year around.

Now, a lot of the other ADN programs aren't taking applications yet for fall so I'm holding off on those, but they will be a lot cheaper. If I can find one closer to home I would only have to pay for gas and tuition which will be around $10,000. The only problem with them is they are mostly lottery based.

The only other program I've applied to is a BSN program in the rural part of the state. However, with calculations of how much it will cost to go there with the very low rent, gas and food is about $31k (bare minimum)

This program will start in August. From now until then, I will be able to work full time and probably will pick up a per diem job at another hospital as a CNA to save more money. I will also have my BSN and not an ADN.

The downside is I will be away from family(parents and significant other) for two years.

So, what would be the best thing to do? Should I not go through this ADN program since it is very expensive, or should I wait until the fall until I have a greater selection of schools to choose from?

This is a really important decision to me! Any advice, thoughts, recommendations would be awesome.

[inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

1. I already have a previous bachelors degree, but no student debt. I am trying to be conscientious since I owe my parents a small amount of money back for helping me with my first degree.

BSN in a rural area costs you less and provides you with something most employers want, a BSN. Is the program a ABSN?

3. I want to work during nursing school at least one 8 or one 12 a week.

Most programs are going to allow some opportunity to work this type of schedule.

my calculations put me at about spending $37k for two years (bare minimum). But then tack on another $10k for an RN-BSN and it doesn't seem worth it.

Are you planning on enrolling in a MSN program after completing your BSN? If so, this option may be very costly down the line.

If I can find one closer to home I would only have to pay for gas and tuition which will be around $10,000. The only problem with them is they are mostly lottery based.

Do they not having ranking systems based on grades and other criteria? Most around where I live do, which can give you a better chance of getting into.

The only other program I've applied to is a BSN program in the rural part of the state. However, with calculations of how much it will cost to go there with the very low rent, gas and food is about $31k (bare minimum)

Is this for the entire program?

So, what would be the best thing to do? Should I not go through this ADN program since it is very expensive, or should I wait until the fall until I have a greater selection of schools to choose from?

Honestly, it may be best to wait. Both programs are a bit expensive and if you make the decision now, in an attempt to get through the program already, you may end up regretting your decision.

I hope you figure it out!!

[Gentleman_nurse, MSN]

The cost of education is definitely something to consider but also think about the value of that education. A cheap school you don't graduate from or get anything out of is no bargain. Which school is a better fit for your learning needs? Which school has the resources for you to succeed. Visit both. Talk to students, faculty and alumni. It seems working is important so a school with strong career placement is something to investigate.

[Thanksforthedonuts, MSN, APRN]

Considering your in the Seattle area I highly reccomend you get your BSN from the get go. I wouldn't waste my time. Make sure you are aware of the school's reputation. There are many hospitals that won't take grads from certain community colleges in our area. That's a fact.

Please don't go to lake Washington Tech.

[Ptntcrgvr]

Thank you so much for your comment. It's highly ironic (and I think a blessing in disguise) that I didn't get accepted into LW Tech. I have applied to WSU already. I find out in a few weeks if I have an interview. And then I was planning to apply to many ADN programs once applications open up as backup. But the more I talk to my supervisors/other nurses at the hospital I work at in Seattle, everyone says the same as you.

Can you tell me what you have heard about LW Tech? And do you know of any reputable ADN programs in the area? I have heard from many people that Highline has a good program.

[caliotter3]

Obtain the BSN from the get go. Six months is not long in the grand scheme of things. Paying more money for that six months is not necessarily a wise decision.