Does an ivy league education make a difference?

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First off, thanks for taking the time to read this post.

I am a senior nursing student at Boston College (BC) looking to go right into an FNP program following graduation. I've been accepted into the Fifth Year program at BC, which would allow me to graduate with an MSN as an FNP in May 2013. (I've taken 4 graduate courses during my senior year and have to do a summer session, as well.)

However, I just got accepted into Yale's FNP program. The Yale program starts in the fall and is 2 years long, with a graduation date of May 2014. Being that I'm from CT, I could save some money by living at home if I were to go to Yale. Renting an apartment in Boston, even for those 12 months-- would probably tack on at least 12K. I am waiting to hear back from yale about their financial aid, so that will probably be my deciding factor.

My real question is whether or not the additional year of studies and possibly higher expenses are worth it, just because Yale is an ivy league institution? Any advice would help!

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I've never seen nurse employers ask, although it's on my resume, and probably lawyers and business people are the ones more likely to be "school snobs."

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I would go to Yale for 3 reasons:

1. To save money (rent $)

2. I don't know how the NP job market looks up North. I am in the South and jobs are not readily available, especially for new grads. By postponing graduation till 2014 may give the job market time to recuperate.

3. Although employers do not ask where you attend for NP school, I would gain self-satisfaction to be graduated from Yale.

Good luck with your decision.

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When determining how much money you will save, don't forget to calculate the additional year that you won't be working because you're still in school.

In my own case, a very expensive education worked out to be a better deal once I compared how much money I would be making versus remaining a student for a longer period of time. Your mileage may vary.

As for the future of the nurse practitioner job market, you may want to read this article: Healthcare Industry Offers Jobs at Every Level - US News and World Report

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Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

It sounds like Yale is the way to go.People spread disease, stay away from people, especially sick ones. :)

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@lina620,

Did you end up going to Yale? I've applied there for this upcoming year (RN to MSN) and should hear back within a few days. If you are there, I'm curious how many RNs are in your class vs. GEPNs? How is the program?

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Once I get done with my NP, my goal is to apply to Yale for my DNP or PhD. For me it's just a personal thing. Not something I would advertise to the world.

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Specializes in Mental Health.
I've never seen nurse employers ask although it's on my resume, and probably lawyers and business people are the ones more likely to be "school snobs."[/quote']

But doesnt the general public see it as a plus? If you had a private practice, would it help to draw in clients?

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

My two cents.

Really depends on where you want to work. If you are thinking about working in CT, then Yale would likely be best for you. They have a great program.

If you want to work metro-Boston, you may be better off with an established Boston program. This is likely true of any major academic area.

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Agree w/BostonFNP. Depending on where you want to practice, I would go with the school that has the strongest reputation for that area. I turned down a few ivy league programs to attend a top school on the West coast, because I plan on practicing around here.

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Specializes in Mental Health.

I plan on working in the Colorado area but unfortunately the only schools I could find in that general vicinity are Seattle U and UCSF. There are not too many psych NP direct entry programs :/ Anyone know how the reputation of Seattle University is? Their ranking on US News nursing programs is quite abysmal (like #121 or something really bad)

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Specializes in Mental Health.

Myelin,

If you read this, please clear out your PMs. I tried to send you one but it says your inbox is full!

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