help me! i need to make a decision: "college or University$$$"??

Jenny_87 · May 22, 2011

Oh I forgot to say CONGRATS On getting into TCU and El Centro!

ajb96278 · May 23, 2011

To be honest, I went to a private 4-year university and would never, ever give back those years. It was my dream school where I received an amazing education, and it was exactly where I was supposed to be. Yes, I'm in debt up to my eyeballs (graduated with about $50,000), but they're not going to ask for all that money the day you graduate :). I was able to live on campus, and experience the college life which was the best 4 years of my life! You can pay back loans on an income based payment plan (which is what I'm doing).

Don't not go somewhere you really want to go to because of money. You can always contact their financial aid department and beg...it worked well for me! I don't know about other places, but here the name of your school means a lot.

Rob72, ASN, RN · May 23, 2011

i just rally want to attend this college..

So, of course, the question is, "Why?" I heard this from peers, when I was in high school. I heard it from students when I was working as an EMT. I've heard it from my own kids, by now. :cool: For most, it is an issue of personal identity. If you really aren't sure of who/what you are or will be, being able to say, "I'm going to U of X," is comforting. Of course, there is also the arousal motivator- we make "excessive" decisions when what we reallyreallyreally want is within sight.

In practical terms, and having worked at 3 teaching hospitals and 2 Universities, I will say it is very unlikely you'll recieve $65,000 more "value" in attending TCU. In some rare instances, the social contacts may be worth it (i.,e., your parents/grandparents are alumni of TCU, and are friends with the CEO of a local hospital, or something similar). Otherwise, you're paying $80K to support your instructors in the style to which they have become accustomed, and it will be (on average) another 10-15 years before you will be able to approach that level for yourself.

Conversely, if you begin with a small investment (ADN), and gain experience while working as an RN towards the BSN/APRN, generally you will step out at a much higher standard of living. The BSN from a Big Name U is an attempt to buy SES that only works if you're fairly well off to begin with.

Good luck!

MrSpock · May 23, 2011

What thats way to much for a nursing degree! My ABSN for the entire program is only $16,000. If i was you i would wait and atted the ADN program then a RN-BSN program, becuz if you later decided that you do want to go to a CRNA program you'll be paying big bucks plus the loans youve already pulled out! In the end the choice is yours

BellsRNBSN · May 23, 2011

A tuition of $80,000 to get your BSN is definitely ridiculous, but also keep in mind that many hospitals across the country are trying to obtain magnet status, if they haven't already, which means that they will be hiring BSN nurses over ADN nurses. I'm not sure how the job market is in Texas, but this could make it a lot harder to get hired, if you end up getting your ADN, which could equal time wasted when you may have been able to start working sooner with your BSN and able to start paying off those loans.

I have taken out about $45,000 in student loans for my 12 month ABSN program. That's A LOT of debt, but I'm not picky about where I end up working, and I plan to have a job within 3 months after graduating (and do whatever it takes to get hired!) so I can start paying those loans off.

This is a decision that requires a lot of research and pondering. I suggest making a list of pros and cons of attending each school and see what you end up with. Whatever you decide, I hope it works out for you! :nurse:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 23, 2011

TCU and El Centro are located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex of Texas.

A major hospital system in the Dallas/Fort Worth area has stopped hiring new ADNs into their new grad internships. The HCA hospitals (Medical City of Dallas, Medical Center of Arlington, Plaza Medical Center, North Hills Hospital, Denton Regional, Medical Center of McKinney, Children's Medical, and Medical Center of Lewisville) will only consider new grads with BSN degrees for their internships due to the surplus of too many RNs in the area coupled with the slumping economy. However, an ADN with plenty of acute care experience from another hospital can possibly get hired into this health system.

Just some local food for thought. I am in Fort Worth and would not pay $80,000 for a BSN. I would attempt to earn a BSN from a school with cheaper tuition such as Tarleton, TWU, UTA, Midwestern State, or some other public university in North Texas.

Rach85 · May 23, 2011

I say go for your ADN, and work while getting your BSN. Save the big loans for your Master's/Advanced Degree. It'll be tough but a job nowadays is not guaranteed right out of school. I'm getting my ADN and BSN at the same time...from what I'm looking at I'll be debt free when I graduate and its good to know that I'll focus more on getting a nursing job after graduation rather than a quick 9-5 job to pay off those loans before they start gaining interest.

I agree though, find out all the facts first. Make a plan for yourself and try to stick to it. If you really want it you'll find a way. :) and congrats on getting into nursing school!

mirc88sl · May 24, 2011

well I understand and you're totally right, but vie been doing my research and have found that a lot of hospitals don't want to hire brand new grads, and many of these hospitals are going into a magnet , which as far as i can understand, they will hire a nurse that has a BSN over one that has a ADN, and from what i have read, in couple more years these will lead to ADN nurses to have a hard time finding a job?!

prospectivepville · May 24, 2011

You're in the same boat as I was! I got into a technical college program, and also a private university (they just obtained university status this year). Both only offer ADN, so I was absolutely terrified when I discovered how much the tuition was going to cost, about 16,000 a year. Financial aid really worked with me, but of course they work with anyone that shows up to their office before they do.

I've decided I'm either really annoying or really determined.

mazy · May 24, 2011

What are the monthly payments on that loan? Do you have any other debt? The job market is pretty bad right now for nurses at every level of education, so no matter what happens, you will still be dealing with that "new grad" stigma. What happens if you can't find a job? What happens if you hate your job?

With that kind of debt you will never have any kind of flexibility with your personal or professional life. You will always have to work full time or overtime to stay on top of those payments. If anything happens in your personal life (marriage, illness, pregnancy, death of a loved one, burnout) you will not be able to take time off.

You will most likely not be able to take on or pay off more debt, you will probably not even be eligible. You will not be able to buy a house or a car, and most importantly, you will not be able to finance your future education.

JMHO, facing the future with a lot of freedom in terms of what you can do professionally and personally is a lot better than that "dream" college experience.

Shiner50 · Jun 15, 2011

If you want to go to TCU for CRNA school, go to TCU for your BSN. TCU is very expensive, but it will be worth every penny when the CRNA admissions committee is looking at a group of equally qualified applicants, and they pick the TCU alumni.

Shiner50 · Jun 15, 2011

Also, in your BSN classes you will be right down the hall from current CRNA students. And, the CRNA department is on the 3rd floor of the nursing building, so will be able to stop by so they can get to know you before you even apply.