Columbia University-ETP

jnd1213 · Feb 10, 2009

the tuition is 100k per yr. that is absurd. at first i thought the 100k figure was for the whole program...wow. even with aid and some scholarships my total debt is looking to be 150k (or more).

jcarranz5 · Feb 10, 2009

I didn't get into Columbia, but so far some good things are happening. One of my poems is being published and I get to read it at a poetry festival. I also have a job interview. Things are okay.

suga70 · Feb 10, 2009

after the estimated amount for the first year and alot of the negative comments, I am most likely not headed to Columbia next year. BC is almost half the price and will give me more of what I want. Good luck to you all, I'm sure you will all be fabulous advanced practice nurses. You all seem extremely passionate about the field and alot of you seem like you wont let anything stand in your way. If for some reason it doesn't work out (because of the ridiculous costs or something else) I tend to think that things will all fall in to place and that everything is meant for a reason - good luck everyone

doggiedad · Feb 10, 2009

jcarranz5--Sorry to hear about that. Keep trying. See if they'll give you an idea of how to make your app better. I've tried this with different schools with varying success. I don't know if you have worked in a hospital setting, but getting some direct patient care experience either as a volunteer, or a CNA or LVN, is great both for your app and just to get a sense of work-life in different hospital departments.

But don't give up. This is probably not what you want to hear right now, but consider it an opportunity to be an even better candidate next time.

steffiemac751 · Feb 10, 2009

so I have been trolling craigslist and there are so many great housing options- once we have all committed we should get an email chain going about housing- compare notes on what we want- check out this one I found today! http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/abo/1027818328.html

freyalisa · Feb 10, 2009

I hope that I can work at least 20-30 hours a week in the masters portion. I had no idea how much new RNs make! With that income and my honey joining me, I should only need to borrow tuition, and even start paying back on those loans.

Does anyone know what type of work is feasible? I read somewhere that at least in FNP (I'm ANP), they have clinicals two days a week, so a lot of people pick up three 12 hour shifts a week as an RN. Considering the responsibility we're going to have when we're done, i can only imagine the more RN experience you get, the better you'll be.

Steffie - i've been on craigslist for days now! hehe. I have read that Inwood isn't too bad, and the housing is way cheaper than upper west side.

Any natives care to comment on whether Inwood is decent?

freyalisa · Feb 10, 2009

Also it's not 100,000 a year. The first year is a whopping 60 credits, which is why it's so much for tuition, then you need to borrow living expenses. The masters portion is only 45-50 credits for most disciplines spread out over two years, and you can work to offset costs.

steffiemac751 · Feb 10, 2009

hey hey- I live and work in Brooklyn and one of my co-workers lives in Inwood and loves it and it is definitely a little cheaper- the only thing is that at least right now and for the past few months they are working on trains and you have to take a shuttle bus on weekends to get from Inwood to 168th (it's not every weekend but it is happening). Still I am open to looking at Inwood. Also my co-worker is a psych NP and graduated from Columbia two years ago and she worked throughout the Master's portion- it is totally possible to do.

jcarranz5 · Feb 10, 2009

jcarranz5--Sorry to hear about that. Keep trying. See if they'll give you an idea of how to make your app better. I've tried this with different schools with varying success. I don't know if you have worked in a hospital setting, but getting some direct patient care experience either as a volunteer, or a CNA or LVN, is great both for your app and just to get a sense of work-life in different hospital departments.
But don't give up. This is probably not what you want to hear right now, but consider it an opportunity to be an even better candidate next time.

Thanks for the advice. I haven't had a whole bunch of hospital experience, but this year I am celebrating my 6th year working with people with mental retardation. I thought that would be some good experience but apparently not. I think I am going to apply to some schools here in my hometown. It's competitive all over the place.

freyalisa · Feb 10, 2009

Steffie - awesome! I'm glad to hear it's not so bad. All that means nothing to me - country girl, not familiar at all with public transportation! =D

I'm glad she could work... i am still stressing about this loan payment. I am carrying over 30k from undergrad... $150,000 over 10 years is like 1700 a month!

Tempest621 · Feb 11, 2009

Does anyone know what the interest rate is on the private loan? I know Columbia will set it up for you, but I thought it would be good to do some looking to see what I can get for myself.

The loans the school and gov are giving out avg around 6 and 5%. I hope the private loans are similar, 40-50k borrowed from a private loan could be costly interest wise.

I am in sunny mexico near the island of cozumel. My family was taking a trip and i convinced them to take me with, then I got to break the news to them during dinner! Then I showed them my financial aid package and everyone started yelling. My dad refuses to believe that the 100k is for the first year and not the entire program. *shrugs* I'll be paying it on my own anyway so it doesn't really concern them.

Speaking of packages, you need to fill out a FAFSA before they can give you a deal, I assume it's similar to all the rest of us.

How much do RN's make in NYC anyway?

Also do people think it will be cheaper sharing an apt on their own vs campus housing?

I know I can get all these questions answered at the open house (just got my invite today) but I want to show up already knowing.

See you all soon.

caffreak · Feb 11, 2009

So basically its 60 credits in the first year at about $1100 a pop. so figure $66,000 plus a few extra for various costs plus cost of living/eating/transit/supplies & books. it's easily $100,000 for the RN portion. (most ppl get about $35,000 of it seems). The masters is a bit easier to swallow considering you can work and there are many places that will pay for you if you agree to work for them for a few years.