Confused about choosing grad schools

[HealthyRN]

I am having a dilemma about choosing the right grad school. I have been accepted to two top universities for an MSN/FNP program. At one university, I have been offered a full university fellowship that would cover tuition and pay a monthly stipend. This is great news, but this school is not my top choice. It is the school that I am attending for my undergraduate education and I really want a change of scenery. Also, I have been living apart from my boyfriend for the past year. We are planning on getting married and if I choose to go to this university, it will be at least another two years before we can be together.

If I choose the other university, I will be able to be with my boyfriend and we can finally begin our life together. The university also has a slightly better program. However, it is very, very expensive and I am not being offered much of a financial aid package. I am sure that I would qualify for loans, but I don't know if it is worth the debt I would be in when I graduate.

So, what do you think? What program sounds like the better deal? Thanks in advance for any opinions!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

IMHO I would continue at the university where you are now because then you can start your marriage out debt-free. If you don't want to be separated, maybe getting some experience as an RN first would be better, than going back to school later? Good luck...

[lovingpecola]

:yeahthat:

i totally agree with this. i am married and have been for 6 years (not a long time really, but a *really* long time when you're only 26! ) and my hubby and i have lived apart several times and i *know* it sucks, but really, honestly, truly, *debt* hurts us more in the long run!!!

jmo,

lp