BSN vs. ADN costs

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I intended to end up as an NP but when comparing costs to just get my RN, my local community college is about 4 grand for a one to two year associates degree where a Second degree bsn or MSN (not for NP) is probably 25 to 30 grand for the year and a half. Knowing I will go on, is it better to get the associate RN and then go back to school for a year or so while I work to get the bsn which is much cheaper. Then apply for MSN programs for NP? Or should I just suck up the 30 k BSN cost and do it quicker. I am 41 and want to get on with my life lol. But I also fear NP school might be a lot more too if I cannot find a hospital to sponsor me.

Thoughts? Thanks.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I'm in a similiar situation as you. I'm a career changer and want to be an NP. The 2 year community college where I'm taking my last prerequisite is significantly lower in price. The Accelerated BSN program I'm applying to is 30k for 15 months. I've decided to go that route, because I want to be an NP sooner than later.

Ultimately your decision will also be based on how quickly you'll find a job after graduation so that 25-30k won't feel so bad on your finances. As for me, I stepping out on faith.

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Specializes in Near Future: ED, Future Future: ACNP!.

I'm in similar situation. I chose to go the ABSN route because when you work it all out, the cost will be the same in the long run. Why not just get it done sooner.

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Something to consider is that they dont hire ADNs as much as BSNs all things being equal when you are a fresh grad.

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Be sure to take a look at ABSN programs at public institutions too. There is one here in Virginia (George Mason University) that is 12 months long, and tuition is about $11,000 for the degree (in-state rate).

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That seemed awfully cheap to me - so you'll forgive me for checking. GMU states their tuition rate is $356 per credit hour before all fees are accounted for (and the fees are $1339 for the fall semester and $859 for the spring, with some fees being charged per credit hour). 47 credits are required for the accelerated BSN degree per their catalog. Before fees the tuition would be $16,732. It's a lot more than $11K - it's going to be closer to $20K.

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If you can afford it, slam right through school and get the BSN. It's a lot harder to work as a nurse and go to school at the same time.

If your budget's squeaky tight, then you go to a community college for your 2-year degree and tough your way through working and going to school at the same time for the rest (as an added selling point to this plan, many hospitals will help you out with your tuition).

Some folks go through it in three steps: LPN, RN, BSN. All depends on how tight cash is.

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