Published
I had the same ? as you, and ended up at a private college - once I submitted my FAFSA there, I was really surprised to find out the scholarships they offered, combined with state and federal grants, made it rather affordable. I really didn't take out any more loans that I would have anyway - I just wish I hadn't waited and finished my AA before going on to my BSN - it would have been cheaper for me to go through the whole program, considering that I lost state grants this year because I'd been in school for too long! Honestly, though - with the pre-reqs, the LPN (same as LVN) program, then the RN program - it took me less time to go for the 4 year after considering the wait list, the time for the pre-reqs, then the wait time for the LPN, the 9 mo or so for the LPN program... then the year to wait to get into the RN, then the year of the RN... I'm very glad I opted to go this route! Talk to a financial aid officer to see what your options are - good luck!
I had this same problem. My job was coming to an end & I didn't have the skills to be hired for anything other than WalMart or fast food. The community college has a 1-1.5 year waiting list but costs about $6,000. The private college with a new program has no waiting list, costs over $14,000.
I asked around, since the CC program is established, will their grads be more likely to get hired than the new program grads? I was told that the hospitals don't care where you graduate. If you can pass the boards, they are happy to hire you.
Is it worth it to pay more & start sooner? I think so because during that 12-18 months that I'd have to wait I'd be working at $7-8 an hour. I'll make up the difference in no time.
It's just a piece of paper.
I'm starting class in 23 days at the private college.
Dixie
iluvmynavyman
103 Posts
:sofahider
im thinking of getting my lvn and than going back for my r.n later but i was wondering which is better a pricey private college ( bryman, maric etc ) or should i just stick it out at a community college
city college: wait list, pre reqs, takes about 2 years to finish but very cheap
private college: small classes,takes 9 months to a 1 year and no wait list but very expensive