In dire need of advice =\

[jazmin87]

Today I found out that I have been accepted to Texas Woman's University for Spring 2010. I was really happy (and a little shocked) to receive this news. I had already kind of made up my mind that even if I did get accepted, I would decline and just apply to a community college program for Fall 2010. Now, that I actually did get accepted I'm just so confused. TWU is such a great school and I have been working for this for a couple of years now. I just don't want to graduate $25,000+ in debt. (I don't qualify for any aid but loans). From what I understand, the ADN program at Tomball College will be under $10,000 all together, which is something I could pay myself without loans. My mom is really pressing my going to TWU and she says that they will take care of the cost. Just the thought of that makes me feel guilty because I don't want them to be further in debt. I was thinking that I could just get my ADN and then once I start working have the hospital help me with getting a more advanced degree. None of my family or friends have nursing backgrounds, so I don't really have anyone who gets any of this. I would really appreciate any input from folks who have been here.

[essence49]

Today I found out that I have been accepted to Texas Woman's University for Spring 2010. I was really happy (and a little shocked) to receive this news. I had already kind of made up my mind that even if I did get accepted, I would decline and just apply to a community college program for Fall 2010. Now, that I actually did get accepted I'm just so confused. TWU is such a great school and I have been working for this for a couple of years now. I just don't want to graduate $25,000+ in debt. (I don't qualify for any aid but loans). From what I understand, the ADN program at Tomball College will be under $10,000 all together, which is something I could pay myself without loans. My mom is really pressing my going to TWU and she says that they will take care of the cost. Just the thought of that makes me feel guilty because I don't want them to be further in debt. I was thinking that I could just get my ADN and then once I start working have the hospital help me with getting a more advanced degree. None of my family or friends have nursing backgrounds, so I don't really have anyone who gets any of this. I would really appreciate any input from folks who have been here.

Since you have an issue with the cost and you do not want your parents carrying the burden, there is nothing wrong with getting your ADN and then further your education once you get a job. That is the route I took,I started as a nurse assistant, then LPN, ADN, BSN and I will graduate with my MSN in 6 weeks. So go for it.

[cingle]

There is nothing wrong with going for the ADN if that's what you choose. However, do a little research into the likelihood of going back to school to complete the BSN later since that sounds like your eventual goal. I recently did a paper and read that only a very small percentage of those who originally intended to do so actually follow through. That makes sense since, once you're done with ADN and are working, paying back loans, etc., it can be harder than ever to justify going back to school.

[JenniferSews]

Do you know what the ADN programs in your area are like? Is there a waiting list, what is the pass rate for the program and for NCLEX, how many of the new grad are hired after graduation compared to TWU? I am graduating in a few weeks from a community college. If I knew then what I know now I would get a BSN from a good school instead of and ADN at a community college. IME the community college programs are less likely to answer questions, work with you when you aren't doing well or help you in any way.

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

Take the loans - you'll be making enough to pay them back after you graduate, as long as you don't have five kids right after you get out of school.