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

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hi, I just got accepted into TCU's nursing program for the Fall of 2011. At the same time I have also been accepted into El centro College of Nursing , At El centro college in downtown dallas. I am in a situation where I don't know where to attend, I am really happy to have been accepted to TCU because it was my number one choice, the only thing that I am worried about id the high tuition, but i love the fact that I will graduate with a Bachelor's in Nursing which is great for me because i want to attend Anesthesia school for nurses later on. On the other side, El centro's Program averages about $14,000 for the entire program ( which is not even the tuition for the first semester at TCU) I like the fact that is only 15-20 mins from my house, but here I only get an associates in nursing. Doing so, i could work at a hospital and obtain my bachelors later on in a year, and potentially it could be paid by the hospital I work for. Honestly, I would really love to go to TCU, but i am scared of debt, I want to get your impute in what you think about this, is it really worth it to take out about 65,000 in loans for 5 semesters,? i mean, in the long run, at the end will there be any differences as far as having an associates in nursing or a Bachelors'? Thank you all!!

Martha.

That is so true! I hadn't even thought about that. I just always thought thy they were pretty partial about giving preference to people. Like I don't know how much they will actually consider giving the spot to a student rather than another applicant

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Specializes in Critical Care.

If you meet all the requirements for TCU's CRNA program and you are a TCU grad, they give you preference. I know that for a fact. That is the only reason I am spending soooo much money to go through TCU's BSN program. Also, if you are a TCU grad, you get to do any of their Masters programs (including CRNA) at half price. If you are not 100% sure that you will become an advanced practice nurse, I would not recommend TCU for your BSN. It would take forever to pay off those loans while working in a hospital as a BSN RN. I am planning on doing the combined DNP/CRNA program so that I can practice anesthesia and teach anesthesia (part-time). If all of that works out, I will have my loans paid back fast!

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Wow.. I seriously did Not know that! And yes of course I wantto proceed to be a CRNA. Let me ask you: are you very satisfied with your BSN training for the amount of money your paying? also how much are you spending on tuition per semester? I was awarded a transfer student scholarship and it's about 3750 per semester, I'm still waiting on how much financial aid will give me, so I am just wondering around how much I'll be needing. I really am very inclined towards TCU despite the cost, as long as I get the most out of my education. And knowing that getting into CRNA school will be easier by being a graduate makes it even more apealing! Also how much are you really able to work?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I am in the Accelerated BSN program, and I just started a month ago, but everything has been great so far. Most of the faculty are TCU grads, so it has a family feel. I feel proud to wear my purple scrubs around the hospital. I have talked to several of the Accelerated students who are graduating this year, and they have loved the program. Some of the clinical opportunities that they have had are amazing to hear about. The Accelerated program costs more than the Traditional program (by how much, I'm not sure), but for the entire 15 month program (summer, fall, spring summer), the tuition is just over $58,000. That's not including books and other supplies, of course. It does seem like a lot of money, but if you become a CRNA, you could technically pay that off in one year :) You also might be able to get grants through your FAFSA. As a second bachelor student, I did not qualify for grants. I have heard that the faculty at TCU is really great about letting nursing students know about any upcoming nursing scholarship opportunities.

Most of my classmates quit their jobs before starting the program, but I am still working. I work from home, which makes it easier. I'm able to get in about 15-18 hours/week. If you are applying to the Traditional program, you could probably work more. The Traditional students do not have as tight of a schedule as the Accelerated students.

Just to be clear, being a TCU grad doesn't make you a "shoe in" for the CRNA program. It just gives you an advantage over your competition if you are already a competitive applicant. But, that advantage is very valuable when you are mixed in with hundreds of qualified applicants. I'm sure you figured that, but I just wanted to be clear.

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Wow. That is a Loy of money. But I'm sure that you'll have a great letter of representation infront of you. I am planing to work 3 days in the morning. Do you live in fort worth or are you a commuter as well?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I live in the Arlington area. It takes me about 30 min to get there during rush hour. Several of my classmates commute from Dallas, Denton, Grapevine, etc. Most of us have one day, some times two days off of school during the week, which helps. And, some people will have clinical sites closer to where they live.

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If you meet all the requirements for TCU's CRNA program and you are a TCU grad, they give you preference. I know that for a fact. That is the only reason I am spending soooo much money to go through TCU's BSN program. Also, if you are a TCU grad, you get to do any of their Masters programs (including CRNA) at half price. If you are not 100% sure that you will become an advanced practice nurse, I would not recommend TCU for your BSN. It would take forever to pay off those loans while working in a hospital as a BSN RN. I am planning on doing the combined DNP/CRNA program so that I can practice anesthesia and teach anesthesia (part-time). If all of that works out, I will have my loans paid back fast!

hello!!! i know its been a while but just wanted to ask how you were doing at TCU nursing.. you replied a couple of months ago something that just caught my eye.. where did you exactly hear that TCU's grads get 50% off their masters program including CRNA? i mean in have never heard of it.. but would love to get some more info about that!!! thanks!

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@mirc88sl...what did you decide to do? college or university? i was completely riveted by this thread. i went to a university for my first degree and it was the best time of my life. i'm not working in that field but i would not give those years back for anything. if the university is your dream school, then i think you should go for it.

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I am going to TCU!! And I'm very excited about it!!!

I think I will be very happy with my desicion! Thanks for asking!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

TCU nursing has been great so far! Just finished my first semester of the Accelerated BSN program about a week ago. This fall will be really awesome with our rotations through ER, OR, Psych, & Maternity. I have also been able to talk with some anesthesia students when we run across each other in the computer lab. And, I made my first stop by the anesthesia office just to say "hi" and that I would be seeing them again soon :) It's really motivating to see the anesthesia students walking around the halls in their black scrubs and purple TCU scrub caps!

Someone at TCU told me about the tuition discount. There are a handful of TCU alumni in my Accelerated BSN class that are using the discount. I was under the impression that it was just for alumni going to graduate school, but they are alumni doing another undergraduate program, so I'm not really sure what is up with it. I also heard someone say that TCU might be doing away with the alumni discount. Who knows! You would just have to call the Financial Aid Office to find out for sure.

Good luck at TCU!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Oh, also, one of the anesthesia students told me that some of the people in their class are doing a CRNA tuition reimbursement program through Parkland in Dallas if you commit to work as a CRNA there after you graduate. I haven't looked into it yet, though.

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