Is $49,000.00 too much for ADN program?

VioletKaliLPN, LPN · May 25, 2012

Way too much. I know it can take a few years to gain acceptance into a CC program, and I am sure you are in a hurry, but it is not worth it. That 500$ a month payment is half of a mortgage in my area, it is a lot of money IMHO.

abqfavorite · May 25, 2012

Thank you all for your opinions,I am really unsure about this decision because it does look like there is a three year wait for the community college nursing program,but on the other hand price tag is so expensive and I am not sure if getting an ADN will be worth it or not.I would become an RN much faster and have a working experience upon completion of this school,just not sure if I should start it or not at that cost..

IndyElmer · May 25, 2012

If you can find a job after graduation you night start out at $24.00/hr will you be able to afford that $552.39/month payment for 10 YEARS???

And that's assuming that you can get get loans with that low of a rate. A lot of banks list a "best" rate but they aren't giving it to most students because too many students are trying to default on their loans (which actually stay with you for forever and can not be discharged via personal bankruptcy).

Stephalump · May 25, 2012

These for profit, accept anyone, churn out the grads......are charlatans.

Judging by past threads, they stopped churning out the grads. They accept anyone, take their loan money, and then they're so inept or poorly prepared, they fail the exit HESI and can't graduate.

Gotta keep those NCLEX pass rates up without compromising the school's income!

AZMOMO2 · May 25, 2012

In this market that is... unless you expect to or already have an RN job lined up. Around here first dibs to new grads goes to those with a BSN. Which I have been seeing it like that in other states as well. My LPN to RN/ADN is only like another $1500 plus books to complete and my LPN was only $1700. Over all with pre/co reqs I will have paid a total of $$8500 - 9500 for my ADN.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 25, 2012

I would become an RN much faster and have a working experience upon completion of this school.

You are not guaranteed a job upon completion of a nursing program, especially in this slumping economy. These forums are filled with new grad RNs who cannot find employment, even after looking for more than one year. No job equals no work experience.

Student loan debt is not discharged in bankruptcy, so this $49,000 price tag will remain with you until you pay it off. I personally would be frightened to have a $500+ monthly repayment for the next 10+ years of my life.

NikkiNicole1488 · May 25, 2012

Dont do it, I went to a private school before my community college and I owe 10 grand for a few courses, worst mistake. I am now at my community college and didnt even have to take out a loan yet, I done all pre reqs. I didnt know much about college so I just went for the first one I saw and they took my money and ran with it! They trick people its wrong! and YES almost 50Grand is CRAZY for a ADN, go to your local community college and do ur 2 year RN there. Please take my advice! Dont become a slave to DEBT.

NikkiNicole1488 · May 25, 2012

by the way my RN program I want to attend total $ with books and uniform is about 8000. Dont believe them when they say you will get out faster, get a better job, blah blah , they are just trying to get you in the bag.

april320 · May 25, 2012

That is really high!

Annachu512, BSN, RN · May 25, 2012

My school is ten grand a semester so mine's pretty close to it. And I'll be attending there for 6 more semesters for my BSN. On the other hand, the school I attend is very giving with scholarships and grants so I only pay half of the total cost. And no, this does NOT include books, uniforms, etc. It's just for tuition.

brillohead, ADN, RN · May 25, 2012

No way would I spend $50K on an ADN! Now, if that includes your living expenses for two years AND tuition, I could understand the cost. But that much just for school, with living expenses on top? No way! Like others have pointed out, what if you don't have a job right out of school -- how would you pay back what is essentially a mortgage payment???

How about taking a CNA course and working as a CNA while taking pre-reqs and waiting to get into your community college program? You might even find someplace that offers tuition reimbursement for you to go to school while you're still working -- several of my classmates are working full-time as CNAs while going to school part-time. Our part-time ADN program is seven semesters long, year-round, rather than four semesters long with summers off. So it only really takes you an extra four months to get your degree, because you're going year-round.

Also, look at community colleges that are within a 50-mile radius. I'm going to school one county over from mine, which means I pay a higher out-of-district tuition rate, but the list of pre-reqs was shorter and the waiting list was shorter. I'm going to spend an extra $3K for tuition and gasoline, but I'll be in the job market at least five years sooner than if I stayed with my local school. Some of my classmates drive from three counties away.

There are ways to get your RN license without mortgaging your soul!

prettymica, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN, APRN, NP · May 25, 2012

At that price are they throwing in a complimentary masters degree ?