i would just like to get a general idea of how much nursing school debt average rns bsn- or apn-prepared are carrying in educational debt? i studied nursing as a second career having left journalism. the entire bsn cost me about $13,000 (books and uniforms included), not having to take any general education credits only nursing courses. worth every penny of it!i was never so marketable as a journalist. i can quit a job one morning and be working another by 3:00pm the same day.
however, i am now interested in a msn np psych program that is $18,000 per year and am leery about this debt. just hoping to get some feedback on justifiable debt. any insight and information will be greatly appreciated. thank you.
My two cents (and this is just my perception mind you):
Unless you're planning on going to get your masters/NP 'soon' (my definition of 'soon' is
In fact, if you can get your ADN from a reputable community college, it's even better.
I know some institutions pay "better" for BSNs over ADNs but I've heard of few and far between (and I've never come across one personally). In any case, I sincerely doubt that the "bonus pay" is worth the extra tuition fee.
There is however an argument to be made that "as a BSN, atleast you have a Bachelor's Degree behind your name. Which will help you if you were to ever find yourself looking for a job outside of nursing".
cheers,
This route worked out nicely for me, but it really depends on your location. There are some locations where you could have a BSN, 4.0, years of volunteering under your belt, and still ​not get a job offer right off the bat. Choose your schooling route based on location.
$1500 out of pocket for ADN, $8K out of pocket for BSN, and two MSNs courtesy of Uncle Sam — Army tuition assistance for one (Nursing Informatics) and my GI Bill for the other (Nurse Educator). Worth every penny!
martymoose, BSN, RN
1,946 Posts
3 colleges in my town charge that. Sorry, I'll go to the state college, thanks