Affordable ABSN

Silverdragon102, BSN · Apr 29, 2015

Moved to the general student discussion forum

oldsockventriloquist · Apr 29, 2015

Anyone have any comments on a ABSN program that fits the description?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 29, 2015

ABSN - or any "A" (accelerated) program is going to be more costly than programs that proceed at a regular pace because they require more academic resources. It is usually a double-whammy for students because in addition to being more costly, students are unable to work and maintain their GPA because the program is fast-paced and intensive.

I think you may be searching for a unicorn.

oldsockventriloquist · Apr 29, 2015

Well, I believe that Michigan State (OOS) and University of New England run around $35k for the total program. Is this pretty good for cost if I can afford cheap housing? Are there any ABSN specific scholarships? I'm trying to gauge these costs, but wanted to know what people typically spent this year or last year.

daisygirl5 · Apr 29, 2015

My program was $50k so $35k sounds like a deal!

oldsockventriloquist · Apr 29, 2015

And did you work beforehand to pay for some of it, or did you take out loans for everything?

_zoubisoubisou_ · Apr 29, 2015

FSU's ABSN is around 20k for the 12 month program, and after you factor in breaks, it's actually about 10 months. It's impossible to work during the ABSN program, though. I went there and paid for it with loans.

Haven't found any ABSN scholarships. I got a few regular ones here and there, but my life has consisted around the insane rigor of my program and student loan debt. I'll be about 30k in the hole when I factor in the non-federal loan I had to use to pay my rent. Others in my program, who have roommates and live closer to campus, had fairly cheap living arrangements (around less than $500/mo). Some even in the $300 range.

oldsockventriloquist · Apr 30, 2015

So FSU definitely seems like a good program. I live out of state, so I am guessing I will have to pay quite a bit more. If I do get a loan, are there any communities (i.e. rural) that would help pay the loans? Also, for those that applied to programs outside your state, how many programs did you apply to and why did you apply to those programs?

_zoubisoubisou_ · Apr 30, 2015

FSU's programs has its issues as with any nursing school, but tuition wise, it's excellent compared to others I considered. Florida does have a nurse repayment program for student loans in some rural areas. I can't remember the details off the top of my head, but it was something along the lines of committing to work in one of these areas for a number of years for a PORTION of repayment. This is all after you've graduated and obtain a job in one of these areas. No idea what the out of state tuition is.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · May 1, 2015

You also need to consider cost of living WHERE you attend. I went to school in the DC area and the cost of tuition was high,PLUS rent to live in northern VA was insane. Because in an ABSN program it is intense..I was doing 21 hours a semester working is pretty much not going to happen. Look for schools in places like Nebraska, Wyoming, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri...Also look at the rent in the towns where you will be living. There is way more to it than just tuition. Like if tuition is high, but you can live at your folks for free..then that may be a better way to go.

oldsockventriloquist · May 3, 2015

I definitely will take that advice into consideration. Looking at the other side of the equation, let's say I found a very inexpensive program, but it's reputation was not that great. At what point, does that reputation outweigh the cost? Also, any more ABSN specific program stories appreciated.