Duke ABSN Fall 2017

CSmontana · Apr 14, 2017

I got mine also. I fell below the poverty line also and got less than what I need. I will wait for the answer on the merit scholarship and if I don't get it, I will probably end up at the State school I applied to. It's like 40k cheaper. Duke is just so much money, it's so hard to justify the price. I honestly thought I would have gotten more, I really wonder to what it takes to get that 60k.

Don't lose hope guys. There are a bunch of external scholarships available as well. Have you checked out HRSA? They not only after a handsome scholarship, with a preference for financial need but include a living stipend as well in exchange for two years of work service, at which time you would still be getting paid. Applications are open until the second week of May: NURSE Corps Scholarship Program | Bureau of Health Workforce. I believe Duke Hospital also offers a loan forgiveness program that I hear is significant. I hope this helps.

jdictson · Apr 14, 2017

Duke's loan forgiveness is NOTHING like it used to be. Now they only offer a maximum of 25,000 after working for them for a few years; it used to be over 80%. Not to mention NC does not pay nurses the greatest, so it's a wash. Next, everyone needs to look into HRSA and do their research. The money that is given to you as reimbursement is taxed at roughly 35%. So, do not expect to receive but half of what you think you will get.

msB27 · Apr 15, 2017

jdictson, I thought HRSA had a reimbursement program and a scholarship program. I was under the impression that the scholarship program paid your tuition and gave a stipend, but you have to work a minimum of 2 years in critical shortage facility, and it is need-based. Even then, they only give around 230 scholarships and have 2k+ applicants.

jdictson · Apr 15, 2017

You're right, I was unaware of the HRSA scholarship, something I will look into. Thanks CSmontana and msB27! Best of luck to everyone and their final choices! We're almost there!

CSmontana · Apr 15, 2017

You're right, I was unaware of the HRSA scholarship, something I will look into. Thanks CSmontana and msB27! Best of luck to everyone and their final choices! We're almost there!

Yes, home stretch! I am looking forward to meeting many of you soon! I'll send links to anything else I find.

peggy0819 · Apr 15, 2017

Hello! Does anyone have any advice regarding UNC vs. Duke's Nursing programs? I was accepted to UNC's 2-year program and Duke's ABSN, and would love to hear thoughts on the pros and cons of the programs (price aside).

Thanks!

msB27 · Apr 15, 2017

Honestly, if you are saying price aside, I would bet there isn't too much of a difference besides 16 vs 24 months. I went to UNC for undergrad and for the longest time they've have the #1 nursing school in NC, and usually lingered around #5 in the nation. Apparently at Duke Days they announced that they are now #1. If I remember correctly Duke has 1000 clinical hours vs UNC's 500? But as far as quality education...I don't think it matters.

lolis · Apr 15, 2017

I'll have to look up the clinical hours, but the 1000 you mention was from back in 2004 when Duke introduced the ABSN degree. Since that time they've dialed it back some, but I'll bet it is around 650-700 ... will check. The #1 ranking was released in mid March by USNews and World Report, which ranked both the Masters and dnp programs as #1 overall in the country.

OK, looked it up.

"How many clinical hours will I have during the ABSN program?Students completing the ABSN program complete over 700 hours of clinical practice in a variety of specialty areas. The program concludes with a 168-hour clinical synthesis experience where the student works with a preceptor to increase knowledge application, prioritization and decision-making skills as well as help facilitate a smooth transition to professional practice."

lolis · Apr 15, 2017

Honestly, if you are saying price aside, I would bet there isn't too much of a difference besides 16 vs 24 months.

Aside from price, the BIG difference is 8 months of actually earning money vs. still being in school. What is 8 months worth? In NC, probably $14,000 gross earnings PLUS BENEFITS, while in CA that would be worth $20,000.

msB27 · Apr 15, 2017

That's true lolis, but it depends on the person. UNC has an ABSN program. A lot of people apply to the undergrad program because they want the extra time. It's still stressful, but a slower pace. Some people might find 16 months a challenge.

lexylynn · Apr 17, 2017

Hey everyone! To the people who found they didn't get enough financial aid, I was just wondering where your heads are at? I got accepted to a state school, which is like 40k cheaper, and Duke. Duke was what I really wanted, so while I know what I SHOULD do, its different from what I WANT to do lol. I just don't want to be kicking myself after Duke is finished when I'm sitting there with like tens of thousands in debt.

Hollymc75 · Apr 17, 2017

Aside from price, the BIG difference is 8 months of actually earning money vs. still being in school. What is 8 months worth? In NC, probably $14,000 gross earnings PLUS BENEFITS, while in CA that would be worth $20,000.

Hi Lolis-not sure where your numbers are coming from but I know RN's make $23 and some change per hour at Duke Hospitals without shift differential. So 8 months gross would be $28,704. Maybe you meant net? But it would be more than $14k. (Still not a lot with a tuition of $83k at Duke)

Lexylynn-I am in the same boat as you...my head is ALL OVER THE PLACE...I WANT to go to Duke but I have a family and a mortgage. I'm deciding between Duke or applying to the community college here for fall of 2018, an Associate's degree. But RN's get paid the same here in NC with an ADN or RN BSN, and Duke will pay for the online BSN program for ADNs after you work for them for 2 yrs. I'm looking at $83k vs. $5k.....I'm still waiting on the Merit Scholarship decision but I doubt I received it. You had mentioned 60k above in one of your posts...do people actually receive that much from Duke? I'd be surprised if so.