Help! Can't decide which school to go to!

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Hi Everyone,

I'm facing a huge dilemma and am hoping I can get some insight here. I have been accepted into an accelerated master's program to become a nurse practitioner at a state public school and Columbia University in NYC. The price difference is staggering (State is 45k for whole program, Columbia will be 100k - both between 2.5/3yrs long). I'd like to get some advice from practitioners about what difference would it make to go to Columbia vs. state? Salary increase, better job opportunities? I'd really like to go to Columbia but I'm having a hard time justifying the price. Thanks for any wisdom!

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

The school you choose won't make any difference in salary at all. I think going to a school with a good reputation might make a tiny(if any) difference in job opportunities. Class size might be smaller in the pricier school, but that's not definite either. I couldn't justify paying 100K to myself when there are less pricy options

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In the end, you will be a NP and end up with the same license. If you go to Columbia you will be $55,000 poorer. The job opportunities difference will be nil...99.9% of employers look for certifications, and RN experience...

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LDiddy82,

I'm having the same sort of dilemma. I got into a state school which has an entering class size of about 40-50 and I also got into Columbia. I also am thinking about Massachusetts General Hospital but I'm waiting for the weekend to attend Visiting Day to really get the skinny on that school. I also got into Vanderbilt, but as I live in NYC now, I don't want to move that far away since I've done the whole move to other countries and do the whole life change thing. I don't know if I am up to doing a while life-change (as far as location) right now.

So I am currently thinking about how Columbia's program would enable me to work as an RN between the BSN and MSN portions. Also, Columbia's program would allow you to do the master's part time. I don't like the size of Columbia, but I think the size also assists in providing you with more options like that in the end. Massachusetts General Hospital has a very small incoming class size but I think it would feel limiting because I wouldn't feel able to work in between or even part time during the program.

Are you gign to visitng day?!

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Tanguera,

Thanks for the response, I totally feel your pain. Yes, I'll be there Friday and I'm hoping I'll find some clarity there. I want to go so bad but the cost is just obscene! Especially when these state schools are so affordable. If I knew I'd make a lot more money, I'd justify it - but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Also, how are you doing with applying for loans? My parents aren't thrilled about being co-signers so I'm trying to find decent loans that don't need a co-signer. What are you doing?

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I haven't even thought about loans really. My parents will probably be co-signers but I am hoping I'll be able to pay for everything on my own. In the end, Nurse Practitioners can make 100K+, so I know that it is doable to pay these off... but it will just take some time!

I don't know if you found the other thread with all these ETP ppl who have already committed to Columbia. There you might find more info on loans.

I jsut haven't decided on a school yet so I haven't really thought about the loans part. I did fill out the Financial Aid forms and turned them in on time just to be on the safe side if in case I decided to choose Columbia in the end.

I live in NYC so it would be easier for me to go to Columbia than do a complete life-change in Boston although MGH would also be great... I just don't know if thats' what I want to do.

The State school I got into was SUNY Downstate and although it's cheap, I feel like I don't know enough about the program to really make a decision about it. It's not in a great neighborhood so I think I'm steering away from that.

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I am in the same boat. I got into a state program (U. Texas), Columbia, MGH and USD and even though I'm out of state, Texas is significantly cheaper than Columbia (and the other 3)... partially due to tuition and a LOT to do with cost of living in NYC/SD/Boston vs Austin...

I have heard that an RN is an RN is an RN when it comes to out of school RN jobs since we all pass the same test and once you are an NP, you are an NP - after all, everyone takes the same tests. I am sure having the name behind you will help open some doors, but I am having a hard time justifying the extra cost...

basically - I'm in the same predicament - so everyone's input would be helping me as well!

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