Is paying back loads of money worth it for a BSN?

[teresab_2000]

Hi, I am currently in a bind because I have chosen to transfer from my college to another closer to home. I have the choice between an ASN or BSN program. The problem is that I would like to go for the BSN but it will wind up costing me so much money.

First of all, to be able to enter on time, I would need to take A&P2 and a modern college math course over the summer. The problem is that this math class is only offered at this institution which is $325 a credit. Since I cannot afford to pay that out of pocket I was going to get a loan, but to be eligible I must take at least 6 credits. This means that I have to take both classes there and the grand total of everything is around a $2500 loan. Not only that, but my financial aid is less so for next year I am looking at borrowing around $14,000!!! I mean, is it really worth it for me to be in debt for over $40,000 for a BSN? I am asking those of you who are nurses for your imput. I really need to make this decision soon, so any advice would be appreciated!!

P.S. I really like the ASN program also. It is hospital based and the starting wage after graduation (if I chose to work there) is $40,000-42,000. I just don't want to feel that if I go for an ASN that I will be stuck. The hospital also offers 100% tuition reimbursement.

Teresa

[Q.]

All I can say is the BSN is a 4 year college degree and that to me is worth it in and of itself.

I look at the tuition as an investment in yourself with a bigger opportunity for higher returns. What better place to put that money than into yourself and your education.

[This message has been edited by Susy K (edited March 28, 2001).]

[brooklynn]

I think BSN is the way to go. It is expensive, but you do have a college degree. Get in contact with your local hospital and see if they will "sponser you." They will help pay your tuiton and you promise to work for them after you graduate. Here in Kansas, some hospitals will pay up to $5,000!

[mustangsheba]

An options might be to get your ASN and then work on your BSN as you can afford it.

[JennieBSN]

Most financial gurus will say that going into debt for education is considered 'positive debt' because it will help you advance yourself further in the long run. I personally have my BSN, however, my parents paid for my college tuition. If I had to do it on my own, I'd probably have done the ADN then get my BSN later thing. Just my 2 cents.

[Q.]

I've heard the same thing as Kday - when we applied for a loan for our house, although my husband and I both had college loans out exceeding $40,000 for both of us - they didn't really take that into account. They also described it as "positive debt"

Our loans were high for college because I had transferred to a private college - but at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, tuition can be pretty managable at around $4,000/year. My husband and I worked our way through school, we didn't have a dime given to us , but our graduation day was one of the proudest days of our lives!

Do whatever works for you - everyone is different. But a BSN is attainable, even at the most drastic of times. We ate Mac and cheese for 4 years, but we did it!!!

[rjcpdc01]

When I started my ADN, I already had most of my prereqs out of the way. I would have gone BSN had I known I could have had the higher degree in the same 2 years. It has taken me 7 years to get back into a BSN program and I am doing it with 3 kids and a husband with a chronic debilitating disease. Why am I doing it?? Yes ADN and BSN both deliver quality care and I don't believe either is superior over the other. However, the BSN is going to open up advancement opportunities to make more money that I would not have without it. Make the most of your time now. If you can get the BSN within about the same amount of time as the ADN, then get the BSN and you won't find yourself years down the road going back for the BSN before you can advance, should you no longer want to do patient care.