Concorde

Benedina · Dec 4, 2009

I'm speaking only to the question of which school is considered better. The University of Colorado nursing program is generally considered the best in Colorado. Furthermore, it's ranked as one of the best nursing schools in the nation. (For example, in the US News & World Report's ranking of graduate nursing programs, several of CU's programs rank in the top ten.) Students from CU who have posted to the forums have almost always praised the school, its professors and their experience there.

This is not a criticism of Regis, by the way. But CU is the cheaper, more highly regarded choice. On the other hand, you may well feel you get more attention from Regis. One way to test that would be to take your financial concerns to Regis and see if they can help you figure out a way--perhaps they have some financial aid available that would make them a more affordable option?

Congratulations on your acceptance!

Dina

You might take your financial concerns to Regis and

One1, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2009

I believe that both schools are great. UCD is highly ranked in the US and (ironically) one of the cheapest programs here in CO. From talking to nurses, hospital staff, and students I have heard nothing but positive things about Regis. Regis seems to have an excellent reputation for quality and organization of program, so in the end, I believe that either school is going to be a great choice. However, I can understand your financial concerns plus the loss of income while you finish your remaining prerequisites. Will you take all remaining prerequisistes during a traditional 3 month semester (starting January)? Maybe you want to look into schools that offer shorter semesters (e.g. 8 week blocks) or even online courses. That way, you would still be able to work, you could spread your workload out more, and you would not be committed to all courses at the time you receive your notification from UCD.

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2009

I'd take Regis in your situation. You prefer Regis and you'll make the extra cost back working months before you'd even be done at UCD.

PS, it's not UCD and Regis grads that are having the hiring problems. It's the new ADN grads that are having trouble.

cabanaboy · Dec 4, 2009

Unless you are willing to wait another year if you don't get accepted to CU, I would make plans to go to Regis and change those plans if needed.

tinybabynurse · Dec 4, 2009

I just completed the ABSN at Regis, so of course I am biased. However, I didn't even apply to CU because 11 months (Regis) vs. 19 months (CU) pretty much decided it for me. The money you will make as a nurse for the 8 months you won't be in school will far exceed the $15,000 in tuition...and additional $$ incurred from just being in school such as books.

As far as reputation, the floor I did snr. practicum is in the specialty of my choice and they pretty much only hire Regis and CU grads. The ratio of Regis nurses to CU seemed to be about 5:1. The nurses say they really like Regis grads, particularly Accelerated. I have also heard that Denver Health considers Regis Accelerated new grads at the top of their list.

I have several friends who graduated from CU and were happy with the education. One thing they all say is that everyone is extremely competitive with each other. Our class was very collaborative and supportive...although we were told by our instructors that we were exceptional in that way.

I did Americorps and got paid for my clinical hours...it was only $1450 but hey, every little bit helps. All I had to do was keep track of my hours and have my instructors sign them off.

I completely recommend Regis, but I'm sure you'd get a great education at CU too. From a financial perspective you would still come out ahead going to Regis. Good luck with whatever you decide and congrats on being accepted!

roxyr82 · Dec 5, 2009

Thank you, thank you everyone. I so appreciate the variety of angles these responses have given me. I think I can really set my mind to paying off the loan as quickly as possible and just remember the things that drew me to nursing. The service learning aspect of Regis is very attractive to me, and I think the extra attention I might get there is worth it. I also looked into taking the short pre-reqs and this is a good option for me.

Thanks again!

Xtina2010 · Dec 8, 2009

Hey Roxy!

I am pretty much in your same boat! I was accepted to Regis, and I really loved the program when I went out to visit. CU was way more intimidating and HUGE. It made me a little nervous about how competitive the classes would be. That said, it is one of the best in the nation, so if I do get in, I don't know if I could turn it down! It was nice to hear everyone's positive comments about Regis...good to know that we both have the option of going to a good program! :) congrats!

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Dec 8, 2009

Xtina2010 - can you tell me what you saw at CU? I only saw one lecture room where the info session was and what I could find online, it wasn't a real 'visit' for me. I would love to know more about what you saw.

Congrats on your Regis acceptance too! Please keep us informed about your final decision.

~SD :)

Xtina2010 · Dec 8, 2009

SD~

I honestly only got a peek at CU. I walked around the nursing building, saw some lecture halls (huge) and then some smaller study rooms. I didn't look at the SIM lab because I had just seen Regis' and I figured they would be pretty much the same. I spoke with a current student who said that classes are in large lectures and then you break off into groups and meet in the smaller rooms for other parts of class. The vibe the place gives off is large and hard core, but the student I spoke with said only good things, and that professors really go out of their way to help you. Hope that helps!

roxyr82 · Dec 9, 2009

How did you set up the tour and visit with a current student? I went to the info session so I saw that lecture hall but that was all. Congrats on your acceptance to Regis...we may be classmates!

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Dec 9, 2009

Thanks Xtina2010! Every little big of new information helps! I got the impression from the speaker during the info session they want you to succeed and will work with you to do just that. You reinforced that for me here, thanks.

Hope you're keeping warm in this darn cold weather!

~SD :)

Xtina2010 · Dec 9, 2009

Roxy~

I didn't actually set up a visit. I just went over to the nursing department and a student was working at the front desk. She was really nice, so I asked her where I should walk around and some info about the school. Congrats to you too! Both schools are so good I think it will be a tough decision (if I have the option)! Keep me posted on your decision! :)