Advice needed. ADN vs BSN vs MSN

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  1. ADN vs BSN vs MSN?

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I have been reading a lot on here for quite a while now. Finally, I have summoned the courage to post today :) I been goggling between which direction to go.

First, I'm graduating Spring of 2018 with a degree in psych. I believe my prereq GPA is about a 3.0 (not to sure how the maths being done. I've had a few A and B's only) I have an accumulative GPA of 3.2 as of now.

Here's the problem. Initially I was planning on applying to ABSN programs near by (I live in MA). But schools here are very very expensive. I don't mind relocating to a cheaper state if I really really have to due to finances. Sometimes, I'm also confused about applying to the entry MSN but my finances is the problem. I already have undergrad loans of about 40k. I may not be able to afford both ABSN and MSN if it comes down to getting a cosigner, because I do not have one. I felt liek my dreams are just being crushed. I was told by a friend that its possible for me pay through school by taking federal loans only to cover the entire program as expensive as these two. How much of this is true?

So with all that been said, I have been thinking of applying into ADN. Which I got into a few years ago , but flunked it due to some crisis happening in my life at the time. Now I found myself giving it another shot after I vowed to dream higher and plan on finished completely with school by the time my son is 5. He's two now. I've spend to much time in school switching majors, but here I am confused again. Am 25 but I can't wait to be really done done with school.

With, ADN I'll just have to take the TEAS. When it comes to the prerequisites, I have it all and even more! For crying out loud and this close to getting a BA! I have also worked at a nursing home for almost a year like 3 years back when i got into an ADN. I work now as a residential counselor and HHA. I haven't volunteered anywhere, but plan on doing so during this summer (maybe). Ill appreciate recommendations as well :)

People of allnurses lol, Am so confused what do I do? Please advice :( I'll gladly appreciate it.

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If I were in your shoes, I would probably go for either the ADN or ABSN. I am in the same boat and applying to both ADN and ABSN programs. ADN programs are a fraction of the cost, however, it would take more time to get a BSN if that is your end goal. ABSN programs are very expensive, but you graduate with a BSN in the time it takes to complete an ADN. I would suggest applying to both and see where the pieces fall. Good luck with your studies!

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Thank you your reply. I'd definitely love to do the ABSN, but am worried about the cost. I read on another thread that there's a cap for federal loans of about 52k. Am already about 40k deep. So I was wondering how others in my situation afford it without a cosigner to sign of private loans? :(

This whole thing is driving me crazy.

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Thank you your reply. I'd definitely love to do the ABSN, but am worried about the cost. I read on another thread that there's a cap for federal loans of about 52k. Am already about 40k deep. So I was wondering how others in my situation afford it without a cosigner to sign of private loans? :(

This whole thing is driving me crazy.

You can always try applying for scholarships once you reach that phase. They may not be a lot, but at least its SOMETHING. Also, some hospitals can pay off a certain amount of your loans.

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Then the ADN option would be your best bet. There are some universities that have dual enrollment programs where you can be in an ADN program at a community college and take BSN courses at the university during the summer. This way getting your BSN would be quicker than doing it all after the ADN. If you want an example of those programs, CSULA and CSUDH have them.

I am leaning towards the ADN because the entire two years would cost only $4,500 in tuition and there are scholarships that can cover a lot of it. I have loans from my previous degree, so I definitely know how you feel. I hope it works out for you.

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I have a BA in I/O psych (from '04), and 4 kids. I decided to go back for nursing and was also debating between those 3 options.

I ultimately decided on a ADN.

For a few reasons.... one is that both years of the ADN will cost me around $12,000 total and we can pay for that out of pocket, without loans. Most programs are around $20,000-25,000 per year near me for a BSN. I would need loans and I'm not willing to do that (again! I had loans from my BA that are thankfully paid off now).

Another reason is that I honestly don't think I could handle an ABSN program or AMSN program with 4 kids. It's A LOT to get through without kids, lol.

And finally, a lot of the potential employers in my area will pay for RNS to return to school for a BSN, so I am hoping to land a job where I can return for the BSN with tuition assistance. Since I already have a BA... it won't take me the full 2 additional years to bridge between ADN and BSN, but it will still be pricey on my own.

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Thank you for your response. I'd look more into it. When I see the time taken to complete the ABSN vs the ADN, I tend to look more towards the ABSN route. But itll comes down to the money at the end of the day.

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How much of this lifetime financial aid cap thing is true? Do you know?

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