Does going to a "top-rated" nursing school really make a difference?

Published

I have been set on the nursing field for quite some time now. I am a senior in high school trying to decide what school to choose. I am torn between a public 4-year university, and a top-rated rated school; University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and Emory University. Both universities have a phenomenal nursing program, but the price is a big difference. UCA's cost of attendance is around 12,000 per year, while Emory is around 63,000. I live in Arkansas and Emory is located in Atlanta. Emory is a private institution that is well recognized in the nation. I am extremely determined to get into Emory for their masters program in Nurse Midwifery or Emergency Nurse Practitioner, but I know it would be easier to get accepted if I went to Emory for undergrad. My question to any experienced nurse out there is, does going to Yale, Columbia, Emory, or any other top rated school truly make a difference in the nursing field? Also, another consideration is that I will be graduating with almost 24 college credit hours which places me as a Sophomore in college. UCA accepts all of them, Emory accepts none. I have gone through UCA's suggested 4 year plan, and there are a couple of semesters where I will be taking up to 18 hours. With the high number of hours I'm going in with, I will be able to knock all of the hours down to around 12 with a couple of 15 hours semesters. Any opinions will be appreciated!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Moved to our Pre-Nursing Student forum for member advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Unless you plan on going into academics or have other serious career aspirations, no, it will not matter much. I would not be concerned about the "good name" of the school until it comes time for graduate studies. At the beginner staff nurse level, school A, school B, and school C all give one the opportunity to take and pass the licensing exam. Potential employers want someone with a valid license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Coronary Care.

I really dont think going to Emory for undergrad will make it any easier to get into graduate level there...unless they accept a certain number it usually doesnt matter. Price wise in state makes more sense and sounds like youll be ahead. Make the grades at UCA, save on tuition and youll stand just as good a chance as anyone to get accepted, plus less debt!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you guys for the prompt response! It really helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

I'd say go to the more affordable school -- it really doesn't make a difference unless you have aspirations to teach at the graduate level.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with the previous posts. This is no offense towards you at all, but some people believe that the better school looks good at a job interview. All they care about is if you graduated from an accredited college and some prefer a BSN. My friend got her MSN and was ****** when she started off making the same as everyone else...she also racked up $170 grand in loans because she thought going to a top school would matter. It doesn't.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am torn between a public 4-year university, and a top-rated rated school; University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and Emory University.
Top rated by whom?
Emory is a private institution that is well recognized in the nation.
Really? Here in California I think you'll find few people who 'recognize' Emory.
My question to any experienced nurse out there is, does going to Yale, Columbia, Emory, or any other top rated school truly make a difference in the nursing field?
Well, this whole notion of "top-rated schools" is a little silly because it begets the obvious question of who is doing the rating and what they're basing their ratings upon.

Nursing is nursing is nursing... you can learn to be a fine nurse just as well at a local community college as you can at Yale.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
she also racked up $170 grand in loans
To become a nurse?

Holy cow...

I'd be torqued off, too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

My path to nursing was like this.

Online bachelor's (non-nursing) degree while taking pre-reqs at a community college --> accelerated BSN at a highly regarded state school --> Master's in a top ranked Ivy League program. I had stellar grades throughout and had no problem getting accepted at the master's program of my choice. I had no luck getting an RN job after finishing my BSN. After I finished my master's I landed an NP job within 3 months. I don't know if the name of the school helped, or there was just more demand for NP's than for new grad RN's in my area. But that was my experience and I am happy with my choice to go with the more expensive private option for my master's. For undergrad I don't think it would have made a difference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

I went to a nationally recognized school. Ppl were usually impressed when I told them where I graduated from, but frankly, my school's program could have used a serious curriculum overhaul during senior year. Just because it has the name and reputation doesn't mean it will be the best program. I would firstly talk to graduates from both programs, but if I were you I'm sure I would pick the more affordable school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
To become a nurse? Holy cow... I'd be torqued off too.[/quote']

Yes, because she went to Case Western where their tuition is like 30 grand a year

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion