excelsior college what's the real scoop?

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Nov 24, 2003

It appears to refer to the portion that says "unless you live in NJ" or words to that effect.

Are there special programs for LVN's in NJ? Or does NJ not accept EC? (Hadn't heard that--California has apparently has a problem, but then, that's California......)

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2003

I don't think NJ has any problem with EC grads. I actually called the BON several months ago and asked them about EC, they said EC was acceptable. I am confused about the reference for NJ students. Can you elaborate?

mona

New Castle Ken · Nov 24, 2003

Thomas Edison State College, which is similar to Excelsior also has a RN/BSN program. In their literature they state they only accept RNS who live or work in NJ into their BSN program. This does not apply to their other degrees only the BSN.

Originally posted by mona b
I don't think NJ has any problem with EC grads. I actually called the BON several months ago and asked them about EC, they said EC was acceptable. I am confused about the reference for NJ students. Can you elaborate?

mona

heatherbless · Nov 30, 2003

good luck when you get to the cpne/make sure you know your stuff/cause it is really hard I hear....several of my friends flunked and had to go back a second time--and pay another 2500.00. I opted out after that--it was just too much not knowing til the end//the stress, that is.

best, hty/

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Nov 30, 2003

Most people pass the CPNE--otherwise, EC's enrollment would go right down the tubes!

And it's not $2500, it's more like $1325.

Don't quit because your friends couldn't do it--learn from their mistakes, and learn with them when they get it right, and then you can make it through on the first pass.

Anything worth doing is worth doing to excess.....?

heatherbless · Dec 1, 2003

true statement/but-for me, it just worked out better to get my BSN all in one school. I do not want to have to take any more courses than necessary....and where I am going--accepted many, many credits. Excelsior is best for some--but everyone makes their own decision based on what works for them. Good luck to you...and I actually meant 2500.00 for 2 CPNE's.

best/hty.

Law of Fives · Mar 18, 2004

Originally posted by Chris at Lucas
the transcript review was completed and I was allowed to enroll (and pay the $825).

The catalogue also mentions a $400 student service fee. Is this fee included in the $825 student enrollment fee, or is it a different charge all together?

I'm aware of the $60 application fee and the $825 enrollment fee, but I'm not sure where the $400 student service fee fits in. Is this the fee that is charged if you don't finish the program within a year?

What exactly is the price of each exam? The CPNE is clear, but I cannot find the NC exam prices.

Then there are the texts/study guides. When you go to the website and research the study material, they have them listed by exam, and for each exam there are several texts listed. Pricey books too, I might add. Whic books come highly recommended? Surely we don't have to buy them all?

I'm trying to figure out the exact costs before I make any desicions. I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but can't seem to find this info anywhere. Feel free to chime in if you have any helpful info. I've searched the website for info on this, but after 6pages and about a hundred threads my eyes are beginning to cross.

Kir · Mar 18, 2004

The catalogue also mentions a $400 student service fee. Is this fee included in the $825 student enrollment fee, or is it a different charge all together?
I'm aware of the $60 application fee and the $825 enrollment fee, but I'm not sure where the $400 student service fee fits in. Is this the fee that is charged if you don't finish the program within a year?
What exactly is the price of each exam? The CPNE is clear, but I cannot find the NC exam prices.
Then there are the texts/study guides. When you go to the website and research the study material, they have them listed by exam, and for each exam there are several texts listed. Pricey books too, I might add. Whic books come highly recommended? Surely we don't have to buy them all?
I'm trying to figure out the exact costs before I make any desicions. I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but can't seem to find this info anywhere. Feel free to chime in if you have any helpful info. I've searched the website for info on this, but after 6pages and about a hundred threads my eyes are beginning to cross.

Here is my understanding of everything. (I enrolled in January).

Tuition is $825, the student fee is appilcable after the anniversary date of enrollment and the exams vary, but $150 sticks in my mind as an average. I haven't taken a test yet so I don't know if there is a fee for the Sylvan learning center. I have not purchased any books as I am using friends books, and have found reference to several on this board who are doing the same (search books+excelsior on the board). The study guides are free and I have seen some mention on the EC enrolled students area there are more indepth guides that you purchase. I am going to try and do this with the least out of pocket, and there are payment options for the $825 so you don't have to do it all at once.

Hope this information was of some use to you. Good luck!

Kir

Law of Fives · Mar 19, 2004

Originally posted by Kir
Hope this information was of some use to you

That's alot of help, thanks. I was thinking about an August start date. That will give me most of next summer to finish up, as that is our 'down' time where I work and not as busy as the winter. I'm sure there are alot that can relate.

Applying simple math (very simple math), and assuming I have all the pre-req stuff requiring only the nursing classes (8 according to preliminary results), then we get: (these are approximates)

1. $60

2. $825

3. 8 X ~$150 = $1200

4. study guides (going to try to keep this less than $500 if possible)

5. CPNE ~$1300

6. Did I hear something about a pretest/preview for the CPNE that runs about $500?

About $3885?...roughly. Does anyone see anything I'm missing? I realize this is best case scenario, but I have to have a starting point for budgeting purposes. tia

Law of Fives · Mar 19, 2004