Currently ABSN, should I drop out for ADN?

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This post has nothing to do with my academic competency, but it is a question of whether or not I made the right choice. It's constantly on my mind and I feel like I don't know any person who has a good understanding of this stuff to actually have a meaningful conversation about it. I was accepted into a few ADN schools this past application cycle but ultimately chose to attend an ABSN program because I would graduate sooner so I would start my career sooner.

The ADN program was literally 5 miles away from home, clinicals were within a 30 mile range, and I qualified for the BOGFW so all unit fees would've been waived. I would've enrolled into the ADN-BSN collaboration and it would've taken me 3.25 years to finish a BSN.

I'm currently in my first semester of an ABSN program and having serious doubts about it. I have done fairly well in my classes up to this point so I'm not worried about that. What I am worried about is the cost and having to move away from home. Even though the ABSN program is only 15 months, it costs about $30k more than the cheapest option to a BSN. About half of the extra cost comes from needing to relocate. I think I'm getting anxiety from the thought of having to leave home...but a part of me knows it will be beneficial for me to move out of my comfort zone to seek better opportunities in life.

What should I do? If I continue with the ABSN program I would need to leave my home for 15 months plus an extra cost of $30k, but I can recoup the costs easily by working 1.5 years earlier. Or should I drop out, find a job, and apply to community colleges around my home again? I'm located in the heart of Los Angeles.

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Well, it can be said that it is better to cut your losses early in the game. Since you were accepted to several ASN programs previously, there is no reason not to believe that you can be accepted again. Might want to approach the nursing advisors at those programs to get a feel for your chances before you make the final decision.

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I'm not familiar with ABSN costs, but $30k more than the cheapest BSN program would probably be enough for me not to even consider attending an ABSN program. I'm going to a pretty cheap community college for my ADN. It's costing me right around $10k for the program, and that includes all the prerequisite courses as well. I'm planning on spending another $10k-$15k for my RN to BSN, so the overall costs seem much cheaper than an ABSN program.

Like the previous poster stated, it's better to cut your losses early. Since you literally just started nursing school a few weeks ago, you wouldn't be out much time, effort, or money if you chose a different route.

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I'm not familiar with ABSN costs, but $30k more than the cheapest BSN program would probably be enough for me not to even consider attending an ABSN program. I'm going to a pretty cheap community college for my ADN. It's costing me right around $10k for the program, and that includes all the prerequisite courses as well. I'm planning on spending another $10k-$15k for my RN to BSN, so the overall costs seem much cheaper than an ABSN program.

Like the previous poster stated, it's better to cut your losses early. Since you literally just started nursing school a few weeks ago, you wouldn't be out much time, effort, or money if you chose a different route.

But what about the opportunity cost? I feel like everyone focuses on the extra $30k but ignore the fact that I'll be done 15 months earlier. I've been told that BSN opens up more opportunities especially in a saturated state such as California. That's a big reason I went straight for the BSN too. I'm just trying to figure out if prolonging my graduation in spite of less job opportunities is worth it to be closer to home.
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But what about the opportunity cost? I feel like everyone focuses on the extra $30k but ignore the fact that I'll be done 15 months earlier. I've been told that BSN opens up more opportunities especially in a saturated state such as California. That's a big reason I went straight for the BSN too. I'm just trying to figure out if prolonging my graduation in spite of less job opportunities is worth it to be closer to home.

You may be able to start earning a decent living wage quicker, but there are additional costs to consider as well. Will you be paying additional money for rent living so far away? Depending on how often you drive home, gas costs would add up quickly, not to mention paying more interest on a larger loan.

In the end, no one here will be able to tell you what decision is best for you. That's something only you can decide.

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But what about the opportunity cost? I feel like everyone focuses on the extra $30k but ignore the fact that I'll be done 15 months earlier. I've been told that BSN opens up more opportunities especially in a saturated state such as California. That's a big reason I went straight for the BSN too. I'm just trying to figure out if prolonging my graduation in spite of less job opportunities is worth it to be closer to home.

Finish the ABSN! I did an ABSN and have no regrets. In 3.5 years I finished both my ABSN and MSN and am now an NP. You have said you will make up the $30 K by going to work sooner. It will also be easier to get your first job with a BSN. Nursing school is hard, but you can do it! And it is time for you to learn to be independent. 15 months will fly by. You can also just rent a room, not an entire apartment, and that will reduce costs. You can also apply for HRSA and Nurse Corps full ride scholarships. The state of Calif has similar programs for state residents. And these agencies at the fed and state level also have loan repayment and forgiveness programs for nurses. There are also a plethora of scholarships out there you can apply for. Some employers also have loan repayment programs for new grads - VA, military, etc. Good luck.

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Finish the ABSN! I did an ABSN and have no regrets. In 3.5 years I finished both my ABSN and MSN and am now an NP. You have said you will make up the $30 K by going to work sooner. It will also be easier to get your first job with a BSN. Nursing school is hard, but you can do it! And it is time for you to learn to be independent. 15 months will fly by. You can also just rent a room, not an entire apartment, and that will reduce costs. You can also apply for HRSA and Nurse Corps full ride scholarships. The state of Calif has similar programs for state residents. And these agencies at the fed and state level also have loan repayment and forgiveness programs for nurses. There are also a plethora of scholarships out there you can apply for. Some employers also have loan repayment programs for new grads - VA, military, etc. Good luck.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I guess I just needed someone to tell me that things will be okay :)
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