Is anybody else reconsidering or having a hard time deciding to accept because of the cost? I finally got my financial aid package, and it barely helps at all. This program seems so awesome, but it also seems a horrible idea to accrue $100,000 of loans in 1.5 years.
I have...extremely difficult time trying to justify it. This isn't even for your masters, so I'm almost under the impression if you did well at a decent school you would still have pretty good chances of getting into a masters program with no problem.
I was also hoping to get a little bit more in terms of financial aid. It really is a hefty price to pay. I am currently trying to decide if the Duke name is worth the cost or if I should go to a smaller/lesser known school, get good grades, and apply to a better known MSN program. Any thoughts???
Also, did anyone else apply for the Merit Scholarship? I remeber submitting an essay but haven't heard anything else about it.
I'm also really struggling with the cost of the program. After sitting down and talking about loan options with a couple companies and banks it seems as though I'd be paying off loans for a good portion of my life which is really scary! I can't quite wrap my brain around how I'd ever pay off that kind of money, considering I haven't been too encouraged by scholarship opportunities thus far.
@GoldenMoose- I also applied for the merit scholarship and got an email on Aug 4 that I did not get it. I'm also thinking about going back to the drawing board and applying to smaller/cheaper schools with the goal of getting an MSN eventually. I feel like that's what a lot of the advice on these boards says as well.
@aea5hs- I've just been using online predictor tools, but it does look like paying off $100,000 in debt, even on an optimistic $70,000 salary will take a long time! My friend who is a Physical Therapist accrued about that much debt getting her doctorate, and she shared that her plan is to be on an income-based repayment program for 20 years, after which (according to current legislation) the remainder would be forgiven. However, since that program is always up in the air based on politics, it's scary to count on.
Thanks y'all for sharing, by the way. Trying to make the best decision is tough!
Hi there! I have also been accepted to the Duke ABSN Spring 2018 cohort but with no financial aid other than the ability to take out massive loans. I am so impressed with the Duke program, but I can't justify going into so much debt. I am strongly considering an Associates > RN at Durham Tech, and then looking at RN to BSN or MSN programs. If only this route didn't take so long.
lrtyson
48 Posts
It came a few days after I paid my deposit