Greetings, I posted a thread regarding the cost of school and everyone on here has been so helpful! I have a question regarding a guaranteed seat program I have been accepted to.
I am a high school senior who plans to earn a BSN and then a DNP. I have been accepted to all the colleges I have applied at and now the harder part of determining how much to spend on my education has come in to play as a role in my decision.
I have been accepted to Palm Beach Atlantic, a university in southern Florida that has a wonderful program and their NCLEX pass rate is around 96% and some years even %100! I also applied to and was accepted to their guaranteed seat program, so as long as I have satisfactory grades, I will continue in the program without having to take the TEAS, apply for upper lever, etc. I visited the school and absolutely loved it and really the only thing that may be a factor for me not attending the university would be its cost.
The degree will (with calculated loan rates) cost me approximately $40,000 (after scholarships, savings, work during the summer and school year). This appears to be a lot of money I really don't want to spend especially because I want to get a DNP. BUT is having a guaranteed seat worth the cost?
My other top school is Austin Peay State University, the nursing program appears to be good, the NCLEX pass rate is good (I don't recall the numbers at the moment), and my cousin attends and she has enjoyed her time there. It is a state school and I will have to be a pre-nursing student first. If I go to APSU, I will, with scholarships, savings, and work, be able to attend the college debt free.
SO, is going to a private school on the beach in Florida and having a guaranteed seat worth $40,000? Or should I attend a state school, with the risk of being wait-listed, etc. and not have any debt? I keep hearing about it being hard to get into nursing programs but I feel I am a strong student (3.95 high school GPA and a 26 ACT score) so I am confident that with good work I will do good in college wherever I go but I don't want to put my career on hold just to save money. If you guys could give me your input I would appreciate it. Thanks! :)
Heathermaizey, I'm glad to hear that you think Austin Peay is an excellent college! I know I want to be a mid-level provider so I will at least get an MSN but I was thinking of getting a DNP while I'm still younger and have less responsibilities. And yes! That's absolutely what I was thinking of doing, just being patient, enjoying my first 4 years in TN, and then eventually going to grad school in Florida. :) Absolutely, good luck on moving down south! Florida is a beautiful state and I'd love to work in my own personal paradise! Thanks for your input!
elkpark, thanks for your input! Yes, that's very true! Honestly, I think Ill be happy wherever I go to college, as long as the education is a quality one. But I'd love to move to Florida one day, maybe when I'm older. Thanks again for your input!
teapiglets, Thanks so much for your kind comment! I am glad to hear you think I am considering this wisely :) It's always great to hear advice from people with experience! I have only been in a hospital a few times in my life (thankfully, never have had to be a patient myself, and have only been to a clinic a few times when I was younger) but I have always admired healthcare professionals since I was very young! Thanks so much! Hopefully you're right and I will be :) Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
oldandintheway, haha absolutely! My dad attended MTSU as an engineering major and said that when Austin Peay would come to play sports against MTSU, the MTSU students had a chant that went "If you can't go to college, go to peay" (pronouncing it just as you said) and would repeat it haha I'm sure he will give me a hard time for attending school there!
Apple2020
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Heathermaizey, I'm glad to hear that you think Austin Peay is an excellent college! I know I want to be a mid-level provider so I will at least get an MSN but I was thinking of getting a DNP while I'm still younger and have less responsibilities. And yes! That's absolutely what I was thinking of doing, just being patient, enjoying my first 4 years in TN, and then eventually going to grad school in Florida. :) Absolutely, good luck on moving down south! Florida is a beautiful state and I'd love to work in my own personal paradise! Thanks for your input!