Are private schools worth it? Or should I just wait...

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Hello,

I live in California, and getting into nursing school is tough, because everybody's stats consist of a 4.0 GPA, and over a 90% on the TEAS. Also, even if you have these stats, you still could possibly get on the waitlist, as its impacted everywhere.

I applied and got accepted into the Accelerated BSN program at Roseman University in Utah. You become a RN in 16months, but comes at the whopping price of 60K. I already have my bachelors in biology, and currently have no loans from undergrad. It is a great school, and students have jobs lined up after they graduate... but 60K will be a quarter of student loans and the rest are private loans. Is this worth it? There's also living cost, but I've been working since I've graduated and have enough for rent and such.

PLEASE OFFER ANY ADVICE! I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT!! Thank you! (:

I would look to see if the school had any scholarships or grants they don't advertise. Search places like Nurse Corps. In Georgia they pay for your tuition but you have to agree to work in an underprivileged development needing nurses when you graduate. I'd apply to as many local scholarships you can to cut costs down

Specializes in Pschiatry.
The OP is looking at a different kind of school. They are looking at a private university, not a diploma or degree mill. Those places should not even exist. Nobody hires people from those places because 95% of then are not nationally accreditated.

OP, if you think you can handle the cost and want to go to Utah for a bit, I say go for it. It will take you a while to get in anywhere in CA. Are you looking to go back? If you are think of the unemployment rate for new grads in CA. I think it's over 40%. Many of those hospitals will be hiring from people at local colleges that made connections. You are going to lose any chance at making connections. If you want to stay in Utah for a bit after graduation and get some experience under your belt before heading back, that's going to be your best bet.

If you are young and have nothing tying you down right now and can afford the price, go for it. Otherwise, wait and see in CA.

I do not go to a diploma or degree mill. I go to a college. A private, for-profit one. When I graduate I will have my ADN. Why would you assume that it is a diploma mill? There are very few RN diploma programs left in the country.

Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Define "worth it". You also have to add living expenses.

Figure out BEFORE HAND what your monthly bill will be and for how long. I am guessing it will be close to 800 a month for what 10 years? However don't "guess". Figure it out and then decide.

Ok I I were you I didn't waste any time! Go for you RN degree!! Then you will make the money to pay back! Life is about risk and success is for those who trust in themselves !! So don't waste any time and take the snake by the head!! Good luck

Well unfortunately here in Florida there are many nursing schools that are private, for profit, and leave you in tens of thousands of dollars in debt and give you nothing more than an extremely expensive piece of paper! The degree means nothing, and no hospital will hire you. Now that being said, not EVERY private school is like that. There are some that are great! You just have to know what you want out of a school.

Specializes in Neuroscience.

OP, I would accept and then wait to see what other colleges offer you a position. You can always decline later if a more affordable school offers you a position in their program.

I have to pay back 12000 in loans and that terrifies me. I couldn't imagine 60000 in loans.

OP, I would accept and then wait to see what other colleges offer you a position. You can always decline later if a more affordable school offers you a position in their program.

I have to pay back 12000 in loans and that terrifies me. I couldn't imagine 60000 in loans.

$12,000 is not bad at all. Was that for an ADN or BSN program? If BSN, how'd you only have to take out that amount?

Hey There!

Im actually looking into the SAME PROGRAM at the SAME SCHOOl in FEB

60K is not too bad......you might find one for 50K but cost of living would be more.

On a side note....are you at all concerned about the 90% exam requirement?

I also saw online that about 50% of the cohort didnt make it... :(

These things are kind of making me reconsider Roseman

Hey There!

Im actually looking into the SAME PROGRAM at the SAME SCHOOl in FEB

60K is not too bad......you might find one for 50K but cost of living would be more.

On a side note....are you at all concerned about the 90% exam requirement?

I also saw online that about 50% of the cohort didnt make it... :(

These things are kind of making me reconsider Roseman

Hey there DameonL!

Nice, are you in the process of applying or have already gotten into the program? And you're right, I was looking at a ABSN school in Connecticut, but it would cost a lot more to fly home when needed, and living costs are more expensive there than in Utah...and I'm sure their winters are more brutal, making life more difficult.

I am not concerned about the 90% requirement, as they give you a lot of chances to meet the 90% requirement. I believe there are three different ways to meet the 90% requirement, they'll explain it more in the interview process. I am more scared of how quick the program goes, but the fact that the courses are online, I believe it gives you more time to adjust and determine your schedule so you allocate more study time based on your need. I did receive work study, so I am trying to decide if I want to work a few hours a week to keep myself sane, as I am not someone who can just do school 24/7. (if that makes sense)

Where did you see that online??? You also want to think of the reasons behind 50% of the cohort not making it; during my interview, there were a lot of parents, whether it be a baby on the way or already with 2 kids. I believe that becomes difficult, because of how fast the program goes, so that could be a factor behind it.

Do you already have an admissions advisor for Roseman? I speak/email to my advisor weekly, and she can definitely answer or ease any of your concerns. Their staff is awesome, and extremely helpful!

OP, I would accept and then wait to see what other colleges offer you a position. You can always decline later if a more affordable school offers you a position in their program.

I have to pay back 12000 in loans and that terrifies me. I couldn't imagine 60000 in loans.

Hey missmollie!

This becomes difficult to wait, as most of the schools I am applying to...their applications are due end of January 2016, and the private school starts February 2016. But I still will apply to some schools early, hoping to hear back at an earlier time.

60K is terrifying, very terrifying. I'm praying with all the scholarships I will be applying to will help in any way!

Well unfortunately here in Florida there are many nursing schools that are private, for profit, and leave you in tens of thousands of dollars in debt and give you nothing more than an extremely expensive piece of paper! The degree means nothing, and no hospital will hire you. Now that being said, not EVERY private school is like that. There are some that are great! You just have to know what you want out of a school.

Hey paramedic90,

I definitely agree. Some private schools will only give you an expensive piece of paper, and some will give you opportunities. With Roseman, a lot of neighboring cities in Utah want to hire these graduates, so I just have to determine if I want to stay in Utah after, or go back to California. Leaning towards to staying in Utah, as California likes hiring California graduates unless they have a lot of experience.

Also, I am trying to apply to some loan forgiveness scholarships, where they will place you after you graduate in a low-income or rural area. This is not for all graduates, but I definitely think it's for me, as I want to spend a few years helping the community in need as I believe it will strengthen my experience, and just make me a better nurse overall.

Ok I I were you I didn't waste any time! Go for you RN degree!! Then you will make the money to pay back! Life is about risk and success is for those who trust in themselves !! So don't waste any time and take the snake by the head!! Good luck

Thank you yohanes9! :up::smug:

You're the best, and offered such great, direct advice! Something I needed/wanted to hear!

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