So I dont want to count my eggs before they hatch, but most likely I will be accepted into Loma Lindas School of Nursing for fall 2016. Their tuition will be approximately 75,000 - 80,000 dollars for a BSN (private 7th day adventist research hospital in socal). Although this education would be near the top tier I am VERY concerned about finding a loan of that magnitude. I have some money saved away, but it is saved for when im not working while attending nursing school. I have applied for federal financial aid and have received only 12,500 dollars for 2016-2017... this isnt gonna cut it....
Can anyone shed some light on grants and or private loans which they applied for? (my credit score is 660 or so) most likely a cosigner is out of the equation too (I dont have family)
The reason is I would technically be wasting time. To my knowledge ADN programs at CC do not allow cold applications. They give priority to current students from my understanding. So I wouldn't have be able to start for another 2-3 (if i get picked from their lottery).
I am hoping I get accepted into UCI or UCLA for fall 2016, because what I will most likely do is finish up my bachelors degree and apply to a CSU program or PA school. I did the math and a 80,000 student loan would be a $800-1,000 monthly loan. I'm sorry but that's outrageous for a BSN.
You are absolutely correct. That is outrageous - and certainly not in line with nursing salaries. FYI - it doesn't really matter how "prestigious" the school because everyone takes the same NCLEX. It's a level playing field for all new nurses.
I realize that it would not be wonderful to have to relocate for school, but is this a possibility for you? There are states (such as NM) that are not very far away - where you'd have a much better chance for acceptance and much lower tuition.
I would seriously consider relocation if at all possible. Where I'm from, community colleges admit students based on their GPA for their science courses. Those with the highest grades get in. That being said, if you are an A student, you've got a good chance of getting in. Even out of state tuition would cost less.
If you're grades aren't perfect there are other programs available for a two year degree-just verify the credentials to make sure the credits will transfer later. I went to one because of the old credits 'expiring' crap (although now they have the 5 year rule also). Private school but accredited (an only a few months wait list) $21k student federal loans (I transferred maximum general ed credits) am graduating next week and will be enrolling with a state university for $7.5k for an online RN to BSN program. Even this route is a heck of a lot cheaper than $80k-no BSN is worth that price tag.
To my knowledge ADN programs at CC do not allow cold applications. They give priority to current students from my understanding. So I wouldn't have be able to start for another 2-3 (if i get picked from their lottery).
Not true of a lot of the so cal cc, everyone is different. Are you in LA county? LA county nursing you MUST take your general ed classes elsewhere. Trade Tech it doesn't matter where you take. If you are willing to commute or move to another part of the area I know there are places to get in.
Socal EMT, I hope that you will accept advice from someone who has been in your shoes. I was accepted to a number of top-notch schools several years ago and struggled with the same question. Even with their generous grant program I was still looking at about $80,000 in debt (out of an upwards of $120,000 price tag). I was devastated, because I thought my only choice was to shell out the money, or not attend school at all.
Well, I found a third option--I worked a year in direct patient care through an AmeriCorps program. It was valuable experience, even though I was already in my late twenties with a background in healthcare. It was a "gap" year, but one that I spent working towards my goal of nursing school. Not only did I get to put it on my resume, but I also was able to get residency in a state with a number of good nursing programs. I chose the location carefully, because it meant in-state tuition when I got accepted. This shouldn't be an issue for you if you already live in California--you have access to a lot of good schools, plus may qualify for the WICHE program where you can get discounted tuition in Western states.
I chose a two-year BSN program (instead of the accelerated programs I had previously been accepted to) because it would allow me to work during school. It also permitted me to apply to two cycles of the HRSA NURSE Corps scholarship program. With my AmeriCorps background, I was able to get HRSA on the second try. It's tough to get, so I wouldn't rely on it, but if you don't get it during school you may be able to get into the loan repayment program once you graduate.
With the HRSA stipend plus a small amount of money from my part-time job, I have been able to significantly pay down my student loans DURING school. Rather than rack up $80,000, I have paid down the loans from my first bachelor's degree and paid off the loans from the first year of nursing school.
PLEASE do not take out that much in loans. You will regret it. There is no education (not even the top three nursing schools--trust me) that are worth that. Choose a program that is reputable, but affordable. You will get the same education but won't be forced to take jobs based on salary alone. You will be happier for it. And, lastly, your education is what you make of it, no matter where you go.
So I ended up taking a year off and deferring from Loma Linda School of Nursing. I will be applying this cycle for the 2017 Fall semester at Cal-State Los Angeles; School of Nursing, and to UC-Irvine; School of Nursing. Wish me luck!
Good luck bud! I'm applying for Saddleback spring 2017. I'm an emt too I personally refuse to take out loans that's why I'm doing the cc route. I'm not paying a dime at the moment for school and plan on having money in the bank when I graduate. Both of those schools you mentioned are stupid expensive. Do you have a general idea of how much you will owe when you finish?
Also why not go with a cc? There are no wait lated cc programs in so call at the moment.
HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD
9,051 Posts
You are absolutely correct. That is outrageous - and certainly not in line with nursing salaries. FYI - it doesn't really matter how "prestigious" the school because everyone takes the same NCLEX. It's a level playing field for all new nurses.
I realize that it would not be wonderful to have to relocate for school, but is this a possibility for you? There are states (such as NM) that are not very far away - where you'd have a much better chance for acceptance and much lower tuition.