EXTREMELY CONFUSED !!! institute or communtiy college for LPN ?

[Jeannie89]

i need some help making a decison and fast ! im 22 yrs old and i desperately want to be a nurse. i have been a cna for 3 years, i have a one year old child and im ready for a change. now im suppose to be starting school in lincoln tech paramus, nj in nov. the tuition is 27,000$ which is alot, but i would become an lpn in 16 months. its just that i'm going to have soooooo much debt and i will be paying off loans for 10 years. now in community college its way cheaper and i would qualify for the pell and tap grant which would make my education close to free or minimal debt. my only issue is its 2 or more years to become an lpn, i just really dont know what to do. im currently living with my grandmother and i really want my own apartment. im making 19$ now as a cna so i can pretty much afford my own place. it just that if i decide to go to lt i'm going to have to stay at home for a little while longer. i'm extremely confused. its like do i stay at home, knock the 16 months out & get it over with? or go to community college, it will take longer but you'll have your own space and privacy (and your still young) and have minimal debt? i honestly dont know. then again i do know college is very competitive an in an insitute theres no competition. i do beleive im very capable of getting into a nursing program in college, im just so scared of rejection that im second guessing myself sigh ! any advice would be appreciated !! thanks in advance :)

[Streamline2010]

In western PA, CNA earns $8-$12 might be average and $15 is tops. Starting RNs only get $22-$25 at best, lol. But some places, you can rent a 3BR townhouse for $700/month or buy a small house for $56,000, too. Maybe move is an option?

Don't they have vo-techs where you are? Here in NW PA every county runs a LPN program that's full time 12 months, some run theirs days shift but one runs 3PM - 10PM. They also run 2-yr part time, days, but 2-yr has a higher dropout rate b/c it ties up 2 years and people need to move on before then. And over in NE OH, there's a fulltime days 18 months.

Average total cost of any of those vo-tech programs ranged $11,000 to $12,000 in 2008-2009. That was school, books, uniforms, bp cuff, stethoscope, scissors shoes, and fees for all of those background checks, as well.

[mermcm83]

I personally went the votech route here in VA, it was $8000 including books, and fees, the only thing I purchased was my scrub and shoes. It is an 18 month program which allowed me some extra time compared to the eccelerated 12 month at the $30,000 school. I am able to work prn, even part-time if I wanted, but I rather study :) I would say do what your heart desires, but if it were me, I would definately do the longer, cheaper route, it sounds like you are doing well for yourself and a few extra months wont hurt....good luck!