Commute to school?

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How much of a commute is too much of a commute for nursing school? I'm looking at Accelerated BSN programs, and my options are within 15-20 minutes via public transportation but massively expensive and possibly totally unaffordable, or 45 minutes or so one way in the car, which would mean we'd need to buy a second form of transportation for my fiance who needs to drive to his job (we're looking in to a scooter- they're not too expensive, get great mileage, and would be ok for in-city driving).

Would a 45 minute drive for an accelerated program be too much, or does it just sound like a long time?

I would definitely keep in mind the price of gas as well, as it is steadily increasing....

I'm also one that doesn't like to spend too much time in the car, so if I had a stressful day at school, followed by a stressful long ride home, it would probably be hard for me to stay motivated to get homework and studying accomplished!

Good luck in whatever you decide! :)

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Specializes in none yet!.

The school I have applied to is around 45 minutes drive away, and I am also concerned about gas prices and cost. To the extent that my partner and I have discussed buying a small apartment near the uni for me to use during the week. Might sound crazy, but costs for car repairs and gas, compared to an apartment in the current market (with the theory when I finish in 5 years time the market will be better and the apartment infinitely more saleable) actually make it a serious consideration. My main concern is in the winter snow actually making it to school, but we shall see!!

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Specializes in Senior homecare.

I think the government should give students in the medical field a break! There should be a discounted gasoline cost based on the distance to/from school and/or clinical locations. After furnishing verification of your home and school address (or other related destination to do clinicals), the mileage can be determined and students can be given a coupon/s for a sufficient gas allowance at a discounted or subsidized rate. There should be an income and other guidelines to qualify.

I know we get an opportunity to claim this as an educational expense on our tax returns, but that doesn't help the student that has a tank on "E" and little or no money to absorb the absorbent, rising, fuel costs. (Pun intended.)

Often we can't choose the school we want due to intake availability etc., and are forced to go to schools much further away. Anyone in the medical field is doing this country a great service, as do teachers.

Time to write our congressmen? We represent a very large body of students. (Maybe all students should be included), so we have a voice.

Maybe it is time to.

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My school is 45 minutes away. It will take longer in the morning to drive there because of bad traffic (the school is near Boston)....and I know that it's going to SUCK when winter gets here!! But it will all be worth it. I am a little worried about paying for gas since it's getting so it's expensive lately....but luckily my work is barely 5 minutes away from my house, so I have that going for me at least.

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"There should be a discounted gasoline cost based on the distance to/from school and/or clinical locations."

I'd just be happy if my school reinstated their loan forgiveness program- it just got canceled this summer, so no state funds for loan forgiveness.

As far as taxes go, you can up your deductions in anticipation of your educational expenses and forgo the huge refund in exchange for more cash during the year. Tax refunds, as exciting as they are, are just an interest free loan to the government.

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How much of a commute is too much of a commute for nursing school? I'm looking at accelerated BSN programs, and my options are within 15-20 minutes via public transportation but massively expensive and possibly totally unaffordable, or 45 minutes or so one way in the car, which would mean we'd need to buy a second form of transportation for my fiance who needs to drive to his job (we're looking in to a scooter- they're not too expensive, get great mileage, and would be ok for in-city driving).

Would a 45 minute drive for an accelerated program be too much, or does it just sound like a long time?

Where I live now I make it to my campus in 15 minutes. From my other house, it was 45. I debated a 4-year school where I would have only had to go one day a week but it was a 2 hour drive. It all depends on how many days a week your clsses are I wouldn't consider an hour 4-5 days a week excessive, but the 2 hour drive, I certainly wouldn't want to do every day.

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

My school is about 45 miles away, takes me an hour to get there. As the semesters have gone on, however, I am actually on campus less and less so it's not really an issue anymore. Plus there are quite a few students that live in my general area, so if I wanted to carpool that would be an option to help save on gas, wear and tear, etc. Clinicals have been anywhere between 5 and 55 miles away.

Of course, I guess it's all relative. I used to commute to work in a congested area and my commute could take anywhere between 45 minutes and three hours depending on the day. A predictable one-hour drive to campus is no big deal in comparison to that!

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My school is about 45 miles away, takes me an hour to get there. As the semesters have gone on, however, I am actually on campus less and less so it's not really an issue anymore. Plus there are quite a few students that live in my general area, so if I wanted to carpool that would be an option to help save on gas, wear and tear, etc. Clinicals have been anywhere between 5 and 55 miles away.

Of course, I guess it's all relative. I used to commute to work in a congested area and my commute could take anywhere between 45 minutes and three hours depending on the day. A predictable one-hour drive to campus is no big deal in comparison to that!

That's very true. That's why I decided against that once-a-week drive to the 4-year school. Rush hour traffic around a major city is a killer!! I'll have to eal with it for clinicals, but that's not going to be every day,nd I'll e looking to carpool as well.

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

My first time going to university for a un nursing related field I travelled 1.5 hours each way. Just make sure you never drive tired I drove into a tree that way.

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Its a relief to hear others like me debating about which school to attend due to comute.

My case: I live close (20min) to a hospital diploma 3year program that cost about $17,000.00 for the entire program.

ON the other hand, there is a 2 year ADN program about 1hr 20min away that only cost about $8,000.00

:uhoh21:

We have thought about moving a bit closer to the ADN school but still close enough for my husband to drive to his job.

Any advice is more than welcome:wink2:

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Take the closer more expensive school. You'll save the 9 grand over 2 years if not directly in gas and maintance on your car but in time saved. I unfortunately will have to commute a minimum of 1 hour one way ( its 20 minutes if no traffic) and still pay alot but I've done it before and I can do it again.

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Wow, you guys are troopers. I feel very fortunate to live 1 mile from school. That's about 5 min. I would however make a 45 min drive if I had to. It would just be hard considering the gas $$$ but a second car would be a good option (with good gas miles of course)

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