Deciding between OHSU and BMCC

[mclong2287]

I have been accepted into OHSU-La Grande and BMCC in Pendleton, Oregon (Bachelor's degree through OCNE). Having learned the cost differences my original choice of OHSU is starting to fade. I would be 60,000 or more in debt after attending OHSU and less than 30,000 at BMCC + a year at OHSU. I am having a hard time deciding and am hoping someone else that may have been in my position could help me out with some advice.

[ToughingItOut]

I know nothing about either program, lol, but I will say that a BSN is a BSN, and cost defitely played into my decision. Unless the cheaper school is really no good or has a poor reputation, you'll do most of your learning on the floor. Are they both BSN programs? Honestly, I know that I will get a lot flack for this, but I personally think that most of the "BSN" is the "BS" in you know that I mean...and it's mostly about those three letters after your name and that piece of paper. Others are welcome to disagree, but that's just my opinion. $30,000 is A LOT of money. Trust me...I'm still paying off my loans.

[yolandaoz]

I must agree with the above comment. In the end you need that BSN, get it now. See which of the school will give you more financial aid, go to the school and speak with current students. Good luck.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I echo the BSN support. Get that now while you can.

[Stephalump]

Sixty thousand? Heck no. I'd rather spend three years in school for half the money, rather than double for two years of school. People can think whatever about my choice to get an ADN...the extra year is worth it to be debt-free in my book!

[mclong2287]

They are both BSN options. With the community college I would do 2 years and then my last at OHSU to get a BSN through the OCNE program.

[Stephalump]

They are both BSN options. With the community college I would do 2 years and then my last at OHSU to get a BSN through the OCNE program.

That's they way my program is...first two years at the CC and then you go right into your final year at the 4 year college if you have at least a 3.0 in nursing courses. The benefit is lower cost, but you can still sit for the NCLEX after your first two years...you just don't have to wait to become an RN before you can apply and do the whole shebang like a typical RN-BSN transition.

I guess my sticking point would be your areas job market. If you can sit for the NCLEX after the first two years and your area still hires ADNs, I don't think the extra money for the other program would be worth it. If you have to wait the full three years to work but want to/need to work sooner, it may be worth it.

Good luck with your decision!

[tigerlogic]

Are they both full time? Can you work while doing either? Is your cost of living going to be different in different places? If you want to eventually pursue advanced practice, the cc may not look as good-- but I don't know. Im doing OHSUs ABSN and it's also much cheaper than the three year BSN. One of the many deciding factors, for me.

[mclong2287]

Both are full time and both I would end up an OHSU BSN graduate. Cost of living is a lot cheaper with the community college because it is my hometown. The CC would not end up on any diplomas because I would be transferring my last year to OHSU before getting my RN license.

[Loloberry]

I say CC first. I am in an OCNE program right now and it is way cheaper and seems to be actually favored by local nursing managers over OHSU students. I heard some talk about them making you finish at your CC before transferring, so I would look into that if I were you. But you still have guaranteed acceptance to OHSU. MHCC lost most of their second year students to OHSU before finishing their ADN and it is causing both programs major problems.

[DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN]

My financial aid department told me that a good guideline for school debt is that you should never take out more loans than you expect to make in your first year of working