Accepted to multiple ABSN programs...how do I decide which one to attend?

[tacotaco19]

I am very lucky to have been accepted to two good ABSN programs, one at Regis University in Denver, CO, and one at the Loyola University of Chicago. If anyone has attended either of these programs, could you please give me some feedback on what you liked/did not like about the program? Or, does anyone have any advice on how to decide on which program to attend?

Some background: I have toured both programs and have been impressed with both. I live in Denver, CO, and I attended Regis for my first Bachelor's Degree. The programs cost roughly the same amount, only about a $1,000 difference, and I plan to pay for them the same way so tuition is not a factor in my decision. I am a good student and have 3 years of experience as an MA and surgical assistant, so I really want to select the program that will challenge me the most and give me the best chance to kick-start my nursing career. I would like to work in surgery, the ICU, or infectious disease after graduation and plan on going back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[EmDash]

You can use search on the upper right to see if there are previous threads about either programs.

Otherwise, look for each program's NCLEX pass rates and attrition or retention rate. You can usually find that information on the state's BON site. That will give you a good idea if they prepare students properly for the NCLEX and if they also do so appropriately (showed by having a good retention rate). Some programs have a good NCLEX pass rate but terrible retention because the program is so poor but also difficult that only a select few actually pass. The ones that actually pass then are good for passing the NCLEX, but it's then not really an accurate reflection of overall quality.

Edited to add:

Also, I'd also consider the cost of living in each of those cities because while the tuition may be the same, idk if the cost for an apartment, food, etc will be.

[tacotaco19]

Those are all great things to consider, thank you for the advice!