Is it worth it going to a private school for BSN?

[coolinbysound]

Hi guys, I recently got accepted to Seattle University for their BSN program this fall 2013 but I am having second thoughts about going. I haven't received much financial aid from the school especially since I'm only 21 and can't claim independent on the fafsa. The tuition per year is 35K and I really don't want to take out 25K in loans per year. About half of these loans would be private loans. I could probably avoid taking out that much loans by working about 30-35 hrs per quarter. That just seems like alot to do while in school. I've already paid my acceptance fee 3 months ago.

The other option (my plan B) would be to go to the cheaper public school UW but not in nursing (I didn't get accepted into their program). I could major in biochemistry/chemistry since I have all the prereqs done for that. I could also probably apply again for the UW nursing program or do the accelerated BSN program after I graduate. I just think that wasting 2 years on this plan seems kind of counterproductive. I also don't really want to go into biochem.

The other plan would be just wait another year and try to get into a two year program.

Should I just take the risk and attend Seattle U for the next 2 years or go on a different path? Thanks.

[green34]

What other options do you have? I would avoid private school loans in my opinion, it can be too much. Having seen my sister bury herself up with debt, I suggest people avoid it.

One thing that I am planning on doing is joining the reserves in one of the branches after I graduate to help with the burden. I may either do enlisted or officer depending on the student loan repayment options. My friend was offered 50,000 bonus to repay his loans to join to enlist but he instead decided to become an officer without that bonus. His major was accounting though.

If you have a degree, will you be able to use your financial aid to get a similar degree? I'd look into it because I know one of the guys who had a degree was unable to get any financial aid for his fire degree because he graduated with another degree a few years earlier.

Don't count on theoretical money. Count on the money you are receiving now.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Not worth it, not worth it, not worth it. I understand your reasoning, but I have been paying home mortgages for 20 years and there is no way I could have ever done that and also had to pay off those kinds of loans. You also have to consider the kind of unrelenting pressure that debt will put on you every time you have to be off for any length of time. I know you think it will be worth it, but you have no idea how that kind of debt can eat away at you and how much it will affect your ability to get loans etc in the future.

Good luck to you whatever you decide, but I think you will really, really regret it if you do it.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I'm gonna buck the trend and recommend the courses at the UW and reapply for their nursing school. Speaking from personal experience, I can tell you it's one of the best in the country and will open doors for you.

SU is good too, not knocking it, but waaaay too expensive. Perhaps by the time you apply for nursing at UW you'll be able to qualify as independent for FAFSA purposes, too. The SON has scholarship and grant money available, too.

[coolinbysound]

I don't have a previous degree. I checked in with the financial aid office and they adjusted my award a bit so instead of taking out 50K for the whole program it will be about 32-35K after some help from my parents. Still very expensive but seems around the amount lots of people going for BSNs are taking out in this forum.

Yeah, my original plan was to re-apply to UW. I haven't been able to improve my application from last year since I was set on going to SU until this September. But what if I don't get in again? I really don't want to take out all those loans.

The other option would be to try to apply again to some programs at the CCs. It kind of sucks when there's only 2 public universities in WA that offer nursing BSNs in two years. My family can only afford public schools.

I'll think of something.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Seattle Central CC used to have a really excellent program, and perhaps the U would accept those credits for transfer. But don't give up on the U in the first place. Reapply there, and fingers crossed for ya!

Go Huskies!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

If you can do it for 30k in loans/debt that is a whole lot more reasonable over the long term than what you had previously. My advice would be to figure out exactly what your payments will be when you graduate and really look that over and then decide.

You are already ahead of the game because you are thinking and figuring before taking on all this debt. Many people do not bother.

[green34]

Yes, but you are considering going to the other school and then doing an accelerated BSN. You may not get financial aid for the accelerated BSN.

[kp1987]

It will take you 7 years just to pay the 75k off not including interest or cost of living just straight up student loan. You will be only making like 25 bucks am hour. To me the waiting would be worth the lower tuition and ability to live a life in not as much debt

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

saw this comment recently: After graduation from IVY league school, grads do better financially the first 1-5 years than those who went to state or community colleges. However, in 10 years they leveled out and by 20-25 years the NON-Ivy Leaguers were making MORE money. This was for all types of graduates. I think it means it comes down to the individual's application of what they learn.

[Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN]

I'm currently attending a private school for an accelerated program. I was accepted to the public schools in my city, but I absolutely love the curriculum where I am.

[Everline]

My opinion? 35k a year? No, it's not worth it. Sorry, but that is outrageous!

Once upon a time, I had student loan debt (no where near what you may end up with, though). I somehow managed to pay it off and I would have to think long and hard and have NO other options before getting into that bind again. I always advise people to go the least expensive route possible to achieve their goals. JMO, of course. Too many people drowning in student loan debt. Sometimes we don't realize the impact it could have in the future. Please think hard about this.

[Melonie26]

This is why you apply to more than 2 two schools. I go to a private Christian university with 36k expenses and I only go because 95% of it is covered with scholarship. 25k in loans a year is not worth it in my opinion. You could wait a year and reapply for other schools. That would likely be your best option. Apply everywhere.