Drexel University ACE Program - Fall 2011 - Acceptance Letters & Information

soraji · Nov 22, 2010

I've also been accepted, but I haven't received my packet yet. Hopefully today in the mail! :) I'll be sure to respond to this thread when I get my info.

Ardneth · Nov 23, 2010

The "packet" is pretty much worthless unfortunately. It is a general admissions packet that contains a couple of brochures (a couple of pages each, one on academics and student life, one on philly, one on co-op), and the form to fill out for your deposit, and a checklist (things like fill out your fasfa, etc). Nothing on the ACE program.

soraji · Nov 24, 2010

Ugh wow, that's pretty useless. Where's our info on the financial obligations, financial aid, etc? That's what I'm concerned about.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2010

I haven't been able to find too much about it in terms of former students, difficulties, likes/dislikes, expectations, etc.. Has anyone else heard anything??

Really? There are a TON of threads on AN about the ACE program, criticisms, advice, experiences, etc. You can check out my post history, and also augustrain has some great details on the program.

soraji · Nov 29, 2010

Some more info for you guys:

According to the acceptance packet we have 60 days from the time we receive it to send in our $500 deposit to hold our spot.

I'm starting to think I might pass on Drexel in favor of La Salle due to costs. We didn't receive a full cost breakdown, but I'm guessing tuition alone will be $40k. Each semester it seems the cost goes up by a couple thousand dollars.

And I know Drexel does not give any grants/scholarships. The entirity of the financial burden is on you and loans. How are you guys paying for this?

Ardneth · Nov 29, 2010

Mine will be paid with mostly by loans. Drexel does not offer scholarships for the ACE program and because it is a second undergraduate degree, it is not eligible for most of the federal grants like the Pell. The nice thing is that that because the 11 months is broken up over 2 years (fall of 2011 and spring of 2012), it will actually be 2 FASFAs.

What I'm most curious about and will be inquiring about is the whole FASFA situation. The reason is that aid is based on your previous year's income tax return since they use that to approximate your current year's projected income. Does Drexel do a reevaluation of financial need once they get the federal package. My income is very high this year since I have a well paying job. However, come next summer my income will be exactly zero since I will not be working during the ACE program.

soraji · Nov 29, 2010

^ Ardneth I have the exact same situation. I have a very high income currently and I'm worried that will massively affect the package I'm offered in terms of what I can take from loans.

XLFord · Nov 30, 2010

Um...as far as I can remember...there is no financial aid from Drexel. The only thing you will get with FAFSA is the Stafford loans, and that is it. Unless, you were lucky enough to obtain a scholarship from somewhere...

And there is a wealth of information on this site from past ACErs, though...the more I read, the more I wonder if I had attended the same program as some of them. Don't believe everything you read, and go in with an open mind. Ultimately, their goal is the same as yours, to get you to pass the HESI and sit for that NCLEX.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2010

Um...as far as I can remember...there is no financial aid from Drexel. The only thing you will get with FAFSA is the Stafford loans, and that is it. Unless, you were lucky enough to obtain a scholarship from somewhere...

Yeah- I was a Fall start so had one FAFSA but from what I've heard from the Spring starts, you still only get the stafford loans, same total amount as the Fall start. I had private loans for the rest, minus what I was able to save over a year towards tuition.

soraji · Nov 30, 2010

Do you think the costs of the tuition were worth it in the end? Honestly 40-50k for 11 months is pretty intense. I just want to make sure you feel it was worth it.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2010

Do you think the costs of the tuition were worth it in the end? Honestly 40-50k for 11 months is pretty intense. I just want to make sure you feel it was worth it.

It is a lot of money, but I've seen accelerated programs cost much, much more.

As to whether it's worth it...I don't think that's a decision anyone can make for you. I'm married and my husband works, so for me, going to Drexel meant only taking out money for tuition, not living expenses. For many of my classmates, it meant taking out money to live on as well. I am still carrying loans from my first degree- some of my classmates came in to the program with their previous degree paid off. Heck, some of my classmates had rich parents who were willing to pay for the program!

For me personally, I am glad I decided to go to Drexel and get the BSN in one year rather than spending two years and 10% of the same tuition to get an associates degree. It definitely made me uneasy to make that financial commitment, but I think I got a good education.