Not sure if I should have posted this in the pre-nursing student thread, but was hoping to get the thoughts of current students and working nurses.
I have been accepted to my dream nursing school's Accelerated BSN program. A prestigious program (one of the top), but I'm not even drawn entirely to it because of that. I felt like I belonged on the campus and that the school would be investing in me as a future leader in nursing, nurturing and developing my skills. I would also have incredible research opportunities with great faculty. Every student and alum of this program I have spoken to has nothing bad to say about it--except the price tag. If I go, I will have to take out $100-115K in loans (federal and private). I am not eligible for any grants because it is a second degree for me. I know that a starting salary for a new nurse is not that great, especially in the area I plan to live in for 2 years after graduation (it's about $45-50K here, although I plan to move to NYC after that where pay is better). I have so many dreams and goals within nursing. I love research, as well as diagnosing and educating patients, and therefore would like the opportunities to work as an RN, learn more about what I love within nursing, and potentially further my education as an NP or PhD/nurse educator. Because of all that, does it matter where I end up going to school for my BSN? Will my BSN affect where I can get my MSN? This is the only school I applied to, so if I reject the admissions offer and apply to a cheaper school (yet still not that cheap--maybe 3/4 to half the price) that 1. is not ranked as highly; 2. is 12 months vs. 16; 3. is not enjoyed by its students (a past student I spoke to told me to go to the prestigious university b/c she feels like the program was too short/she didn't learn enough and feels unprepared); and 4. hasn't given me any warm feelings about the program/seems very disorganized and clueless when I attended an info session, I am still not guaranteed an "in" and could end up with nothing and have to apply to more programs!
I guess I am just feeling lost because I am SO fearful of not being able to repay my debts for this school on a nurse's salary. Yes, I have the goal of becoming an NP now, but what if I love being an RN and decide to continue down that path? Would I even be able to afford NP school? (I would also want to attend a prestigious program for that.) I also have the dream of being a mother and hope to have children within the next 5 years--however, that may be irresponsible with all the debt my husband and I combined will have (he will have $400-500K of med school debt but be working in a much more lucrative career). An option I have still is to take a few more prerequisites and apply to PA school, which would be the same cost of the BSN program but I won't have to pay for my master's later and will be making a higher entry-level salary. I have never identified with the PA profession as much as I do with nursing though (even if I do want to be an NP).
I feel so fortunate to have these options that could potentially lead to a wonderful lifelong career of many opportunities; but I hate that I feel so lost, unsure and scared about it due to finances.
Has anyone else here gotten their BSN at an expensive, prestigious university and have you been able to make your monthly student loan payments as an RN? Would you go to a different school now looking back to avoid all the debt?
Thank you if you got through this incredibly long message!
Thank you so much everyone for your thoughtful replies.
oldandintheway, what large faith-based organizations are you talking about? I don't think I'm familiar. Unfortunately, I do think you're right about the perception of nursing. Sadly, I know too many physicians who have told me not to go into nursing because of this, but I truly feel called to the profession, identify with the education model and have met many amazing nurses who have had very impressive careers and are loved by their patients.
I am thinking about applying to my state school's program instead because I will save about $45-50K on tuition and can possibly even live at home (with a bit of a commute) saving a lot more. I need to take a few more prerequisites, which will delay me a few months, but I think it's worth it. I am in my mid-20s with plans of being a mother and a career-woman. I have my life ahead of me and don't want to start having to work jobs that don't get me to where I want to be because I have all this debt. Maybe I have an idealistic view of how I want to "make a difference" in the world, but I do believe that what many of you have said is right--if I can dream it, I can do it. I'm very driven and am involved right now in a research study of the patient population I would like to serve someday. I didn't need a fancy nursing degree to get involved with that. Like oldintheway mentioned, I was thinking that by going to the private university I would be introduced to more faculty and alumni, be able to participate in their research and network to get jobs... I think that's still the only thing holding me back. I am a good networker, however, and can hopefully meet other people in real life who are able to point me in the right direction when the time comes. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and words of wisdom!
Thank you so much everyone for your thoughtful replies.
oldandintheway, what large faith-based organizations are you talking about? I don't think I'm familiar. Unfortunately, I do think you're right about the perception of nursing. Sadly, I know too many physicians who have told me not to go into nursing because of this, but I truly feel called to the profession, identify with the education model and have met many amazing nurses who have had very impressive careers and are loved by their patients.
I am thinking about applying to my state school's program instead because I will save about $45-50K on tuition and can possibly even live at home (with a bit of a commute) saving a lot more. I need to take a few more prerequisites, which will delay me a few months, but I think it's worth it. I am in my mid-20s with plans of being a mother and a career-woman. I have my life ahead of me and don't want to start having to work jobs that don't get me to where I want to be because I have all this debt. Maybe I have an idealistic view of how I want to "make a difference" in the world, but I do believe that what many of you have said is right--if I can dream it, I can do it. I'm very driven and am involved right now in a research study of the patient population I would like to serve someday. I didn't need a fancy nursing degree to get involved with that. Like oldintheway mentioned, I was thinking that by going to the private university I would be introduced to more faculty and alumni, be able to participate in their research and network to get jobs... I think that's still the only thing holding me back. I am a good networker, however, and can hopefully meet other people in real life who are able to point me in the right direction when the time comes. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and words of wisdom!
Congratulations on being accepted into such an prestigious school! The hard work alone to get into school is impressive.
My opinion on participating in such an expensive school is that you are only participating in such an expensive school and impresses people...it will make you more knowledgable in your career, but so do a few years of experience... And having the years of experience is what will make you more money and a better nurse. You will not get paid more for the school you attend. But hey, to each their own. If you want that debt then go for it.
If you search online for largest nonprofit hospitals and hospital systems you may find a significant number of them are church affiliated. Some of these facilities have a well entrenched network that favors alumni/alumnae of schools that are also affiliated with the same church. When advancing into management or other plum positions this could be an advantage.
If you search online for largest nonprofit hospitals and hospital systems you may find a significant number of them are church affiliated. Some of these facilities have a well entrenched network that favors alumni/alumnae of schools that are also affiliated with the same church. When advancing into management or other plum positions this could be an advantage.
I really don't think a prestigious university matters for getting a job even at a Christian hospital. Leave the Ivy Leagues to Dr's and lawyers & business people who are going to get a six figure plus salary at the end of the line!
Most nurses get paid the same regardless if they even have their BSN vs ADN, yet alone if they graduated from a fancy university. The only difference is they will be carrying a lot more debt to pay off! How will you be able to go back for an NP if you are already drowning in debt from your BSN? Most Accelerated BSN programs tend to be pricy. Another option albeit pricy as well is a direct entry MSN NP program where you become an RN the first year and an NP at the end. It may be quicker, but not many universities offer it and it tends to be expensive. You would be paying grad school tuition from the beginning, but it may allow you to use more govt loans than the other option. Stay away from private loans if you can, but, regardless, keep your loans to a minimum. Be aware govt grad loans carry a higher interest rate and the interest capitalizes from day one, unlike some undergrad loans that have a grace period while in school where the govt actually subsizes the loan by paying the interest for you until you have graduated.
When it all boils down it, the prestigious school offers the same education as the local community college graduating ADN's. The main objective is to pass the NCLEX and become licensed from a regionally accredited and nationally accredited nursing program. This will allow you to be licensed anywhere you choose. I assure you that at most all hospitals, BSNs and ADNs make the same wage (especially starting out), and I don't know many managers that even look at the name of the school on your resume, only that you have a current, unrestricted license to be a nurse. There's no way I would pay 100K for my nursing education, Bachelor's or Masters. There are plenty of other affordable and reputable programs out there that wont leave you swimming in debt until you're 60.
seekinghappy
35 Posts
Thank you so much everyone for your thoughtful replies.
oldandintheway, what large faith-based organizations are you talking about? I don't think I'm familiar. Unfortunately, I do think you're right about the perception of nursing. Sadly, I know too many physicians who have told me not to go into nursing because of this, but I truly feel called to the profession, identify with the education model and have met many amazing nurses who have had very impressive careers and are loved by their patients.
I am thinking about applying to my state school's program instead because I will save about $45-50K on tuition and can possibly even live at home (with a bit of a commute) saving a lot more. I need to take a few more prerequisites, which will delay me a few months, but I think it's worth it. I am in my mid-20s with plans of being a mother and a career-woman. I have my life ahead of me and don't want to start having to work jobs that don't get me to where I want to be because I have all this debt. Maybe I have an idealistic view of how I want to "make a difference" in the world, but I do believe that what many of you have said is right--if I can dream it, I can do it. I'm very driven and am involved right now in a research study of the patient population I would like to serve someday. I didn't need a fancy nursing degree to get involved with that. Like oldintheway mentioned, I was thinking that by going to the private university I would be introduced to more faculty and alumni, be able to participate in their research and network to get jobs... I think that's still the only thing holding me back. I am a good networker, however, and can hopefully meet other people in real life who are able to point me in the right direction when the time comes. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and words of wisdom!