Cost of Accelerated BSN: UMass Boston, Curry, MGH, Simmons

drmorton2b · Mar 22, 2010

UMass State school= Possibly better financial aid.

Keep in mind accelerated bachelor programs are extremely intense.

I would go with UMass. Plus you probably could utilize the community college (cheaper and in some cases better schedules) system to take generic prereqs if you need any. Just be sure those prereqs will transfer over to UMass or to the program you decide on.

alissadancer · Apr 14, 2010

Yes, Umass is the only place with reasonable tuition. There are no other state schools in Eastern Mass that offer an Accel BSN. They might have some out west or on the North Shore though.

I think sometimes the number of credits assigned to a particular course is kind of arbitrarily decided by the school itself. They might have their own systems

Nancy44 · May 1, 2010

Hi, I too am looking into these programs. I am 46 years old, my youngest goes back to school next year and I hope to as well. Does anyone know if someone my age might not have as good of a chance getting in? I am young at heart for sure and I've always wanted to be a nurse! I just registered at Massasoit College for my pre-reqs. Does anyone know if any programs object to the pre-reqs being done at a community college?

l gardens · May 2, 2010

A state school doesn't mean better financial aid, just cheaper tuition (much cheaper!).

Also, if you look at the curricula of, say, MGH versus Umass Boston, there's the same number of courses required but the credits they award for each class is different. Adult nursing is 6 credits at MGH and 9 credits at UMB. This most likely reflects a difference in the way the schools assign credits, not the quality of the program. My undergraduate program required 128 credits and I've seen other schools require anywhere from 115 to 145 for a similar program Basically, all the programs mentioned are quality programs that will get you where you want to be, they just design their curricula differently on paper. The price difference is rather astounding though...

Sveiz · May 2, 2010

Hi all, Like Nancy I am a 40 year old going back to get my 2nd degree at Simmons. I start the Dix 18 month program in July. I was excited that you understood it to be a $51,000 program because my math has given me a $68,000 toatal. $8400 summers and $17,000 for each fall and spring. How did you calculate?

I did apply to the UMBoston 4 yr program and did not get in. When I inquired, the explained that it is a formula of high school and undergrad GPA. The fact that I have a masters did not factor in, nor did experience or age. They did suggest that I apply for the accel program because that has more flexibility. I missed the 2010 deadline though.

I am thrilled to be going to Simmons. A little nervous about paying for it though. Has anyone gotten their financial aid package back? Did it reflect other loans?

j772 · May 8, 2010

Hi, I am in an accelerated program & will say the cost is more than just the tuition. I was told my program (UMass) would be around $30,000 & only will receive $25,000 in federal aid. That doesn't take into account the cost of books, lab supplies, uniform, stethoscope, insurance & additional money for living expenses. That said, it is worth it. I just wish I would have saved more going into to it and had to rely less on financial aid. Good luck!

malenkiyb · May 12, 2010

Accelerated program is very intense. You have to know your strengths and witnesses. Nursing in college required a l good writing skills, in depth knowleadge of A&P, medical terminology, biology, psychology. Psychology majors are doing the best in nursing. Even so your school might not require, I will suggest to take psychology course.

MGH is online learning school and not all courses are lectures. If you good in teaching yourself, than go.

Online learning is ok for transition from AS nurse to BSN while you are working in nursing. Or you have to do reading ahead of the time and practice mutliple choice questions.

Cost should not be your consideration. I personally think that 2nd degree two years programs are the best choice.

dsr01 · Sep 3, 2010

Glad I came across this posting! The Curry ACCEL program is my first choice and right now I am working on the pre-reqs and application packet. I expect to be able to send in my application at the end of this semester (when I will have completed 2/4 science courses). My question to all of you who were accepted is can you make any suggestions or recommendations before applying? Such as tips/hints on essay and application? Did you all finish the pre-reqs PRIOR to applying? Where did you take your pre-reqs? Community college?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

lecca · Sep 3, 2010

You probably can't go wrong with any of the schools mentioned at the top of this thread. Curry is an excellent choice, though. The accelerated program class that just graduated achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate.

As with any of the Boston accelerated programs, figure on a 10-15% acceptance rate. Curry developed the first accelerated program in the area (maybe New England?), so they've worked out many of the kinks that the newer programs are still encountering. They also offer excellent clinical placements in pretty much all of the top Boston teaching hospitals. Given the acceptance rate--lower than most graduate degree programs in any field--figure that, once accepted, you are not going to be the smartest student in the class.

I'm not sure whether the number of pre-reqs completed prior to application is a big factor, but grades ARE a big factor. Get as many A's as you can in the pre-reqs. They say they especially look at science grades, and feel that they are a good indicator of success in the program. Good luck!

Sitch321 · Sep 10, 2010

Glad I came across this posting! The Curry ACCEL program is my first choice and right now I am working on the pre-reqs and application packet. I expect to be able to send in my application at the end of this semester (when I will have completed 2/4 science courses). My question to all of you who were accepted is can you make any suggestions or recommendations before applying? Such as tips/hints on essay and application? Did you all finish the pre-reqs PRIOR to applying? Where did you take your pre-reqs? Community college?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

I was accepted to the Curry program beginning this January. I did have all the pre-reqs done, with all A's and A-'s. I took nearly all the courses at Umass Amherst where I did my undergrad, with the exception of Growth and Development, which I took at Quincy College. I also had to re-take the A&P lab components at Quincy College because I didn't get at least a B- in them, which I figured would look bad on my app. My undergraduate degree was in Biology, with a minor in Psych, and my GPA was 3.25.

hope this helps

PequeSD · Sep 17, 2010

does anyone know how much UMASS ABSN cost for out-of-state people?