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??
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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??