ADN vs BSN Dilema

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Alright so I need your advice...

I'm currently doing my pre-req's for an ADN program and in speaking to my adviser I found out that in the same amount of time it will take me to get into the program and complete it I could go ahead and get in a four year program this fall and have my BSN in the same amount of time. Sounds great right?!? Well I talked to the school with the BSN program and was accepted immediately. When we started talking finances I just about jumped out of my chair. Apparently my EFC is too high and I will have to pay over 7K a year and do not qualify for any type of assistance. (I find that hard to believe given that I work in an entry level position and make just enough money to live month to month.) Anyways, my option is to continue with my pre-req's and get into the ADN program in the Fall of 2011 and not graduate until 2013, or go this fall to the BSN program and possibly not know how to pay my tuition and my bills.

So the question is...is a Bachelor's worth the financial headache? Or should I just do the ADN and see where I'm at when I'm done with that and THEN decide if I want to continue with the BSN?

I'm leaning towards the later, but I wanted to hear some feedback.

TIA

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Specializes in ICU hopeful!.

You should be able to get student loans to help pay for your schooling, unless you are in default on a previous student loan thru the govt. I would go the student loan route. Or, if you are married, see if your family can cut back on some costs, therefore allowing you to cut back on hours worked. It will not help you for this year's fin aid (but you could still do student loans) but it would help you for next year.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
So the question is...is a Bachelor's worth the financial headache?
In a word... No.
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but it is not for certain that you will get into the ADN. Get the loans, finish school, get to work and the saved time will pay for the loans in no time.

Look at this way, if you dont get into the ADN the first time around you will miss out on one year of work, that alone will cost you up to 50,000. Better to take out the 14k in debt and get a job then to drag your feet and not. Just based on that one year you will be saving yourself 36,000.

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Thank you for your responses.

I'm not scared of the student loans which I do qualify for but my max is 9,500 per year. That only leaves approx 1,250 per semester for books and living expenses. I have cut back on my discretionary expenses like cell phone, tv, etc. I'm just a worrier when it comes to money and get nervous if I don't think I'll have enough.

If I do the bachelor's program I will have to cut my hours down at work and even cutting back only 6 hours a week means I loose over 2,500 per semester. All in all it means I'm still short. But if I do the ADN program I can still work the same hours I'm working now until my last two semesters and take out enough in student loans to cover school, books, and any living expenses I need. But like one of the PP's mentioned it would be like taking the long road and would probably end up costing me more in the end.

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Specializes in ICU hopeful!.

Your allotted amount for student loans increases YOY. As a freshman independent, you're allowed a max of 9.5k. Your sophomore year, it is 10.5k, and then your junior and senior years it is 12.5k.

Have you considered a private student loan for maybe your first year or two?

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I guess I didn't realize that the maximum increased that way. That is something to consider.

I have thought about private loans, and although they are and option I would like to avoid using them.

Besides Sally Mae, who are some good private lenders? I already checked with my bank and they do not do any type of student loan or personal-unsecured loan like that.

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Specializes in ICU hopeful!.

Wells Fargo offers them. Also, search for government nursing scholarships. I know there is a big one that pays full tuition as well as a housing stipend. It was posted, I think, in the pre-nurisng or nursing student forum, just about a week or two ago.

Also, try googling WIA for your state, they can help sometimes with paying for nursing school.

Yes, debt is no fun, but student loan debt is one of the most inexpensive and worthy, if you have no other resources. Remember, a degree is an investment in yourself :)

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Candice-- thank you for your help and optimistic attitude towards the situation. I definitely agree that my education is a worth while investment. I'll look into some of the options you have listed and hopefully something will work out.

I would really like to do the BSN program if I can financially find a way to do it. I may also go back to the Financial Aid office at the school and see if they have any other advice for me as well.

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Specializes in PCU, LTAC, Corrections.

It really depends on on where you live. I live in Metro NY and some hospitals won't give you the time of day as a new grad if you do not have a BSN. On the other hand there are other hospitals that hire ADNs and BSNs.

If you still have to take prereqs before you can take actual nursing courses I would just take the prereqs at a community college. Then go and get the BSN.

I would just go for the BSN. I am applying to begin clincals in fall 2010 and that is what I did. The school I am transferring to is pricey but me becoming a nurse is an investment and I know I will reap the returns.

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I would go for the BSN. As the economy tightens and experienced nurses are delaying retirement, you might have a bit of a leg up over an ADN new grad. Also consider that hospitals with or striving for Magnet status are biased toward nurses with a BSN.

Whatever you do, good luck!

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Specializes in Psych, General OR, CVOR.

I'm getting my ADN. It's much cheaper. If I like nursing as much as I hope to, then I'll invest in going back to school later, in a year or two.

I hear there are some programs to take you straight from ADN to a Master's degree, which is what Id want to do, since I hear the BSN doesn't offer much of an increase in pay from the ADN.

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