Help Me Find a Low Cost Accelerated BSN program!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Nov 20, 2016

It's not likely as these are second degree programs with minimal aid available and the industry standard is to charge graduate tuition rates & fees for post bacc students.

If it's cheap I'd question the program. There are many affordable RN to BSN programs. Many go for ASN due to affordability and then do a rapid RN to BSN for less cost thsn

a ABSN

beekee · Nov 20, 2016

I did a 3 semester ADN program and then did WGU for my BSN. I finished my BSN in 4 months. Total cost? Less than $15k, including tuition, books and supplies. Same end point, same amount of time, way less money. (I have a prior BS degree).

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2016

I need help finding a quality ABSN program that won't break the bank! What programs do you know of? It's discouraging looking at all these programs that cost over $40,000.

I do not believe that ABSN programs with tuition/fees of less than $40,000 exist.

MierKat · Nov 20, 2016

They're expensive - BUT expedient. Take a look at the opportunity costs:

For example - say a two year regular BSN at $10,000 a year. Total cost $10,000 x 2 plus two years missing salary - perhaps $40,000 for pre-RN and $60,000 for the RN first year out of nursing school. Total implicit and explicit cost is 10+10+40+60= $120

For the ASBN the costs are $40,000 for one year of school plus one year of missing non-RN salary of $40,000. Total Cost = 40+40= $80 So this is a better option by $40 in this scenario. You are $40,000 RICHER.

Yes, it is scary paying $40,000 for one year of education. Yes, it is a risk of putting all your eggs in one basket. That's why I don't recommend an ABSN for anyone who doesn't have a strong background as a CNA or medical assistant or paramedic or something like that - because you want to be sure you know what you're getting into. Also, I think you need to be a determined student but as these programs are very competitive that is probably a given. If you have kids, an ASBN will get you done with school quicker but in that year, they may get less attention from you. Also, it's very hard to work in an ASBN program (and some forbid it) so that may mean that you have to take out loans to live. That would need to be calculated into the equation above.

Eino · Nov 21, 2016

If you don't mind me asking, what school did you attend for your ADN? Most of the programs I have found are 4 semesters. Thank you for your input :)

ps3114 · Nov 21, 2016

I'm not sure where you're located, but I'm looking at doing a 12-month ABSN that should cost about $20k for me as New York State resident. To be a NY state resident, you have to live in-state for 12 months and have other proofs of residency, like your driver's license, voters registration, etc. For non-NYS residents, the program costs a little over $40k.

More info here:

Binghamton University BAT Program

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Nov 21, 2016

If you don't mind me asking, what school did you attend for your ADN? Most of the programs I have found are 4 semesters. Thank you for your input :)

Any pre-licensure ADN program is going to be at least 4 semesters -- more with summer classes and if you have prerequisties

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Nov 21, 2016

If you don't mind me asking, what school did you attend for your ADN? Most of the programs I have found are 4 semesters. Thank you for your input :)

I am curious...do you already have a Bachelors degree?

Accelerated BSN programs are for students that already have a Bachelors degree. While the actual nursing is about 12-15 months it excludes the necessary pre-reqs that are required which typically take 2 semesters. These hybrid programs are fast paced and demanding which equals expensive.

ADN programs are usually 4 semesters and exclude the pre-req as well. Many areas are only hiring RN's with a Bachelors degree. There are state programs in some states that are 4 years for approx $40,000.00 that are financial aid applicable.

VerticalHorizon · Nov 22, 2016

I am curious...do you already have a Bachelors degree?
Accelerated BSN programs are for students that already have a Bachelors degree. While the actual nursing is about 12-15 months it excludes the necessary pre-reqs that are required which typically take 2 semesters. These hybrid programs are fast paced and demanding which equals expensive.
ADN programs are usually 4 semesters and exclude the pre-req as well. Many areas are only hiring RN's with a Bachelors degree. There are state programs in some states that are 4 years for approx $40,000.00 that are financial aid applicable.

They are not necessarily only for student who already have a Bachelors degree. Some of them just require certain prereqs, usually 4-6 full time semesters for all your core classes. The nursing schools in my area (the one ABSN included) have the curriculum worked out with the local mega CC. They all give the CC what classes they require to be eligible to apply for their program. I attended the CC to do all my prereqs and then attended the ABSN program, about 1/3 of the class already had a Bachelors degree but the rest, myself included did not. I highly recommend the accelerated route because if you work hard and take 16+ hours of prereqs for 4 semesters and do summers then transfer in to an accelerated program it is possible to graduate with your BSN in 3-3.5 years depending on the length of the program. It was miserable at times but if you succeed then you will be out in the workforce faster and making money sooner.

Eino · Nov 22, 2016

I am graduating in June from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I'll already have a BS, so I'm hoping to find a good ABSN program.

lhallewell · Nov 22, 2016

Check out Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. It would be a big move for you, but they have a really affordable out of state tuition rate, a reasonable amount of prerequisites and it's short, just 3 semesters (with a summer off). If you have any questions about it feel free to message me! Good luck!