ADVICE PLEASE - Very Important

[guest_57352]

Hello all,

I really need advice. I'm trying to decide between two nursing programs (if I get in) and I'm really really at a loss. So here's the info:

I'm a second degree seeking student. I will have my BS in Biology from a very good school in about 2 weeks, with about 20K in loan debt. Thankfully, these are mostly subsidized loans, so no interest here. I have decided I want to be an NP (formerly went back and forth between NP, PA, and MD), and so I need a BSN. I looked into accelerated programs and found only 1 that is feasible for me to attend (I can't leave the area due to obligations, but I was willing to commute up to an hour). I also found one traditional program that would allow me to transfer in and start as a junior, so two years total for my BSN. The accelerated option is 1 year.

Accelerated: U Rochester - One year program, will require approx 63K in loans for everything. So in one year I will be a nurse with 83K in loans.

Traditional: St John Fisher - Two year program, Approximately 30K in loans, so I will be a nurse in TWO years with 50K in loans.

Now, U Rochester has a better overall program, and graduates get preference at the major hospital in the area, Strong Memorial (Rochester's hospital). In addition, I will be able to start working a year earlier and begin paying off the loans, meaning one year less of them sitting there accruing interest...but also I will have more loans to begin with. Also, since I want to be an NP, I will be able to apply one year sooner than with St. John Fisher as I will have that extra year of work experience. I'm in a relationship with someone who is VERY supportive and committed, and has said that I can use the majority of my nursing paycheck (if not all of it) to pay down loans until they're gone, and everything else will be taken care of.

So which one sounds better? I feel Rochester will give me better job opportunities and one extra year of work, while the other will give me less debt but still a substantial amount. I wish there were good state schools near me - the only one is SUNY Brockport, and they aren't interested in me (I talked to them). Advice??

[skulskcc01]

How will you being getting all these student loans? From what I understand, NY state will not give anymore than $31,000 of loans to an undergrad student. I wanted to get my BSN at D'Youville college ($20,000 per yr. tuition) but would fall short my last year in a half, when it comes to getting loans. Any how, to answer your question.. Have you looked into SUNY Buffalo? If you are an in state resident the tuition is about $8,000 a year and they have an accelerated BSN program for those with a previous bachelors degree.

[mariposabella]

Well if you can afford it totally go with U Rochester their program sounds really good even though its super expensive. Its good that you have someone that is so supportive so you have time to pay off a chunk of your loans.

[Bob_N_VA]

Can't really comment on which school is better, in general I would say that as long as you complete a program and pass the nclex, that is what is important.

The other issue I see is that anybody that is going for NP is going to have to have a few years experience under their belt before they get into a program. And once you get away from the academic environment into the working world, you start to become less focused on degrees and such and more on the daily slog of working. So from my perspective, becoming a NP is probably going to happen 5-10 after you get your RN. In the meantime you will be spending money on all the necessities and luxuries of life, so having less debt over your head will help you to sleep better at night. Just trying to help you keep it all in perspective.

[guest_57352]

Skulskcc01 - Private loans. Also, U Buffalo is a 2 hour commute for me. I wish I could, but I can't drive 4 hours every day.

Bob - If they were the same length, I'd automatically choose the cheapest. My question is essentially is it worth the extra loan for one year less in school and a better school over a less known school for two years. Also, I don't think I need to be an RN for 10 years before becoming an NP.

[OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN]

Hi! I think it also depends on what you like more. If you are paying the extra money for the good school and will finish one year faster then the other assuming you will find work you would more then make up for it. So my question would be would you rather work for that year or attend school, personally I would rather work. It also gives you a head start to completeing your ultimate goal, grad school. No you do not have to work for ten years to apply to grad school, each school has their own stipulations but in my area some require 1-3 years experience ina particular area while some do not require any experience and you can go straight from BSN to MSN or DNP. Good Luck, either way I think it sounds like it sould work out.