I called financial aid and they told me what they can offer. I will be two years short on tuition as there is a cap on the amount in federal loans you can take out for a bachelor's. I already have a prior bachelor's, which is why I would hit that cap after one year. You do not qualify for grants when you have a prior bachelor degree. Scholarship awards won't be sent out until the very earliest mid-late June, and that's long after I need to let other cc college programs know whether or not I am accepting/declining. I don't think you can take out more than 10500 in federal loans per year, and the rest they say to pull out private loans. If I were to finance OHSU through loans alone, it would be like making a mortgage payment at the end of nursing school. And don't forget, loans are now at 6.8%. When I got my first degree, I financed my loans at 2%. That's a big difference. In the end, I don't see the that the pros outweigh the cons in taking on that kind of debt. I'm probably going to rescind my acceptance tomorrow or Friday, and try to move on. It's really a shame I won't be able to go, but I am trying to put my emotions aside and make the most logical decision for my future.
Valerie, the OHSU BSN program is now three years, not two, so whether or not I go to an OCNE cc or OHSU, it would be three years. I won't graduate with an ADN, I would definitely go to OHSU the third year for the BSN. In the end, I will have the same degree and make the same wage as the person who signed up for OHSU.
Valerie, the OHSU BSN program is now three years, not two, so whether or not I go to an OCNE cc or OHSU, it would be three years. I won't graduate with an ADN, I would definitely go to OHSU the third year for the BSN. In the end, I will have the same degree and make the same wage as the person who signed up for OHSU.
Sorry for my useless opinion then. Crimony, three years?? Why would anyone go straight to OHSU under those circumstances? I assumed the choice was between slow and cheap or fast and expensive. I applied for the accelerated BSNs @ OHSU and Linfield, because being done in 15 months made the tuition seem worthwhile (I am just glad I didn't know when I began what I know now, that it would take me two full schoolyears at PCC to do all the prereqs, or I doubt I'd have started the whole process--four full years just to get the second half of a 4-year degree is BS), and for U.P. because it's right down the street, plus the hope of the Providence scholarship.
I'm sorry that the OHSU tuition seems prohibitive for you. I hope that you decide on OHSU so that we can be classmates! I also have prior student loan debt so I can see your dilemma. Personally, I am choosing to go to OHSU because of it's reputation, faculty, research, facility and ranking (#7 nationally). Having said that, I didn't apply anywhere else. I've heard that they do a lot of hiring from their own programs once they get to know you well through clinicals. I figure if I do well in classes/clinicals for three years then I may have a chance of a great job by the time I'm done. I've heard that getting a job as a new grad in the PDX area can be tough. This is a huge decision to make. Weigh your pros and con and then go with whatever you decide! Good luck!
Hey guys, I was accepted to PCC, CCC, MHCC, and OHSU. Since I have a choice, MHCC and PCC are out. I've heard such great things about CCC. Having said that, I accepted OHSU already and sent in a non-refundable deposit. After finding out what OHSU can offer me as far as funding for a program, I don't think I can justify taking out 40K+ in student and private loan debt. I would be swimming in student loan payments at the end. I have a prior degree and already have student loan debt. OHSU is 17K a year. I found out this morning that CCC is approximately 11K for TWO years. I would assume the third year at OHSU would still be around 17K. When you consider in the end you have the same degree, 28K vs. 51+K. I'm wringing my hands over this. I feel so honored to be accepted to OHSU, but I have to do what's right for me financially, and maybe if I decline, it will give someone on the wait list an opportunity to go that has the means to do so.
I went from walking on air for a week to feeling really sad the past few days. If anyone else made this decision in the past or relates to me, I would appreciate any advice or sharing of a similar decision you once made.
Thank-you, k1977
I'm so glad you made this post - I'm in a very similar situation. Accepted to the same schools decided on OHSU but the money issue is now very real and I am now vacillating a bit between OHSU and CCC (will decline PCC and MHCC). In addition to the money issue I would add that my experience at CCC has just been awesome - a plus in their column. To go to OHSU I will likely borrow about a third 15-20k to make it happen the rest will come from savings. But regardless it will still cost the same 51k. (So cost a plus for CCC). Clinical experience has to go to OHSU (plus for OHSU.) Unless we see a big change in the job market in the next three years I believe a BSN is the path so in either case its three years. (My gut is the 3rd year at OHSU will be a better experience - The OCNE 3rd year as I understand it is mostly an online experience where the third year at OHSU is primarily a clinical experience - correct me if I'm wrong-so plus to OHSU). So its two to two - any additional scoring thoughts are really appreciated.
four full years just to get the second half of a 4-year degree is BS.
The above should be the quote for the class of 2011. I will be perfectly candid. Though I got in to PCC, I don't think I want to do four years for an Associates Degree. I could go to PSU with what I have now and walk out with a BA/BS in two years or less. I'm on the fence at the moment.
M.Grasshopper--I have given it a lot of thought & talked to many people who have weighed in & I think this morning I am going to make the phone call to OHSU SON and tell them I cannot accept after all. It won't be an easy phone call for me to make, but I would need 15K in scholarships per year for the cost to be on par w/ CCC.
Like you, I have heard nothing but awesome reports about CCC. Plus, I'm still co-admitted to OHSU, so it's like I'm doing the first two years for a lot cheaper, but graduating from OHSU in the end. I have heard from nurses who have graduated from OHSU that the program is more theory based and graduates from the cc programs end up coming out stronger with clinical skills. I also do not know how true it is that because you attend OHSU's program you will have a better chance at getting a job at OHSU in the end. There were many, many in last year's graduating class who did not find employment there, and several went to Salem to find employment.
I would love to be able to hold out for scholarships, but by the time they are awarded, it will be long past deadlines for letting the other programs know if I will accept/decline. To me, a nightmare situation would be to be declined for scholarships or qualify for very little at OHSU and to have already declined the other programs. Right now, I have a choice, and I'm lucky to have one. Waiting in hope scholarships will come through to me is like playing the lottery w/ my financial and professional future.
I want to mention that scholarships are available at CCC, too, and how awesome to bring down the estimated $5500.00 per year in total program cost down even further.
I have also heard from onsite nurses at OHSU that they love CCC students! I think the school in general has a very good reputation at clinicals.
I weighed all my options, and I think I'm making the right decision, though it was very difficult for me to reach. I had to set all emotions aside and think about it logically.
M.Grasshopper--I have given it a lot of thought & talked to many people who have weighed in & I think this morning I am going to make the phone call to OHSU SON and tell them I cannot accept after all. It won't be an easy phone call for me to make, but I would need 15K in scholarships per year for the cost to be on par w/ CCC.
Like you, I have heard nothing but awesome reports about CCC. Plus, I'm still co-admitted to OHSU, so it's like I'm doing the first two years for a lot cheaper, but graduating from OHSU in the end. I have heard from nurses who have graduated from OHSU that the program is more theory based and graduates from the cc programs end up coming out stronger with clinical skills. I also do not know how true it is that because you attend OHSU's program you will have a better chance at getting a job at OHSU in the end. There were many, many in last year's graduating class who did not find employment there, and several went to Salem to find employment.
I would love to be able to hold out for scholarships, but by the time they are awarded, it will be long past deadlines for letting the other programs know if I will accept/decline. To me, a nightmare situation would be to be declined for scholarships or qualify for very little at OHSU and to have already declined the other programs. Right now, I have a choice, and I'm lucky to have one. Waiting in hope scholarships will come through to me is like playing the lottery w/ my financial and professional future.
I want to mention that scholarships are available at CCC, too, and how awesome to bring down the estimated $5500.00 per year in total program cost down even further.
I have also heard from onsite nurses at OHSU that they love CCC students! I think the school in general has a very good reputation at clinicals.
I weighed all my options, and I think I'm making the right decision, though it was very difficult for me to reach. I had to set all emotions aside and think about it logically.
Let me know what you decide!
Hi k1977,
I am so glad you chose what is best for yourself.:redpinkhe I have narrowed down my choices between OHSU & CCC as well. Like you, I am so torn! I have talked to so many nurses and even the hiring manager from a hospital and they too don't think the schools where you came from matter. As long as an applicant has a BS degree, that's what's important for them (plus experience). I am calling another nurse hiring manager this Monday from a hospital where I volunteered at and what she has to say regarding school preference upon hiring a nurse may contribute to my overall decision.
I too have to take out a loan if I do end up choosing OHSU.Also, having to pay an extra $100-150/mnth for parking all adds up. Similarly, an hour or so bus ride is an inconvenience for me. While parking/commute should be a minor issue, these are small things that I'd like to take into a little consideration.
I am so sad that I may have to let go of a prestigious school and cannot even focus with my studying right now. I really hope I can make the right decision.
P.S: I will schedule an appointment to go to OHSU this Monday/Tuesday to look at the Son campus & hopefully meet the staff/ students. That way, I can get a feel of what the school atmosphere is like.
I've cried some tears this morning, but I've officially declined OHSU now.
I will mail an acceptance letter to Clackamas Community College today, and decline acceptance to PCC and MHCC.
It's time now to focus on the path to nursing via CCC and look forward, not back.
I will always be proud of myself for being one of the few accepted to OHSU. I'll never forget how it felt the day I received that acceptance letter. It was the best feeling. It's a sad day for me to decline that opportunity, but I know deep down that I made the wisest decision for me and my family's financial future, since my need for scholarship was so great, and I had no way of knowing if those would come through until long after I would have had to decline other programs, which are significantly cheaper.
Kiwiapple, I was trying to be optimistic about things like parking or the idea of busing up the hill daily. In so many ways, CCC will be less stressful for me. Getting accepted to OHSU was such a great feeling that I hope I can somehow feel as happy with CCC. I think I'll feel a lot more excited once I attend orientation on the 10th and am registered for classes.
I keep telling myself that I'm still co-admitted to OHSU! I will be transferring there in the spring of my 2nd year at CCC to complete my third year. So, it's like what I did when I got my B.A.--first two years at MHCC to save money, then finished last two years @ PSU. This is the same thing--first two years at CCC to finish with an OHSU BS degree. Pretty awesome when you think about it that I get to have that financial opportunity with the same results . . .
For those of you still deciding, talk to as many people as you can who can weigh in w/ objective & rational advice. Do what you need to do to feel good about the decision you ultimately make . . . and be happy you have choices between programs! I would be very stressed out right now if OHSU was my only option.
k1977
69 Posts
I called financial aid and they told me what they can offer. I will be two years short on tuition as there is a cap on the amount in federal loans you can take out for a bachelor's. I already have a prior bachelor's, which is why I would hit that cap after one year. You do not qualify for grants when you have a prior bachelor degree. Scholarship awards won't be sent out until the very earliest mid-late June, and that's long after I need to let other cc college programs know whether or not I am accepting/declining. I don't think you can take out more than 10500 in federal loans per year, and the rest they say to pull out private loans. If I were to finance OHSU through loans alone, it would be like making a mortgage payment at the end of nursing school. And don't forget, loans are now at 6.8%. When I got my first degree, I financed my loans at 2%. That's a big difference. In the end, I don't see the that the pros outweigh the cons in taking on that kind of debt. I'm probably going to rescind my acceptance tomorrow or Friday, and try to move on. It's really a shame I won't be able to go, but I am trying to put my emotions aside and make the most logical decision for my future.