HELP please!!! admissions decsion!

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I will try to make this as succinct as possible, but basically I need some help with my admissions decision...and QUICKLY!!!

I was admitted to University A for their direct entry program to start this summer, and have sent in a non-refundable deposit. I will be moving out of state to attend, but have previously lived in the city and have friends, connections, etc. Cost of attendance is significantly cheaper and I anticipate living expenses will be low. The catch is that University A doesn't offer the FNP specialty that I want and I will have to chose a different N.P. specialty. I would probably choose adult or pediatric NP specialty.

Today, I received notice that I have been admitted to University B and they are requiring a non-refundable deposit by tomorrow. Attending University B means I will be moving out of state to a city I have never before lived in/visited. Cost of attendance is significantly higher (approx. $60K) and I have no idea about cost of living although I expect it to be higher. University B offers the FNP specialty I want and I will receive a BSN and an MSN upon graduation (University A offers only MSN).

University B is attractive because I would receive a BSN, and I would be able to specialize as a FNP. I guess I am torn as to whether that is really worth the huge difference in tuition. I also know that I could probably do a post-cert in family if I go to University A, but that will be an extra year of schooling.

Any insights are greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Psych.

I think I would do University B because it will have the FNP that you want. I wouldn't want to spend the time and money that it takes to become an NP only to compromise and not go in the exact direction that I wanted to go in. IMO it is worth the extra $$ to get EXACTLY what you want.

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I would go with A. In this economy saving money is very attractive. You don't want to get out of school and have a huge debt on your hands. You would have a MSN and a NP. If you have a MSN, not having a BSN isn't a big deal. Like you said, you can do a certificate program easily. Also the fact that you are familiar with this city and have family around is another big plus. Good luck.

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I would go with University A. Yes, University B would save you a year of schooling, but is also going to cost you an extra $60,000 in debt. You've got 40+ years of professional life ahead of you. That extra year is not that important in the big picture. 60K in debt is a much bigger factor

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Thanks for your insights, I really appreciate them. I still haven't made a choice (I've been wavering all night). Although both schools are excellent, University B is ranked substantially higher and is associated with nationally recognized hospitals. I am not sure how much this will matter, seeing as though I don't really see my self building my career in either city. I think University B is more recognized nationally, and will have better networking opportunities. My friends in graduate programs in other fields keep on stressing the importance of internship/clinical placements and networking. How important do you think this is in nursing?

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