Is it worth it? My tuition is high.

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Hi everyone!

I got accepted an Accelerated nursing program to University of Rochester for September 2014 and feel a little stuck. I cant get over the fact that the tuition cost is 60k (60,000). When I first applied, I thought it was 30,000, I read it wrong! :grumpy:

Even though I can "afford" it but I also dont want to throw all my money away. It bothers me that theres cheaper accelerated programs out there, but all the other schools require different things. All schools require different prerequsite classes. I do not want to take those prerequsite classes because 1) I dont want to spend more money on classes 2) I dont even know I'll get accepted to the school even if I took those classes! University of Rochester were flexible with their Application requirements and didnt require too much classes to apply.

I am fortunate to get accepted to this school because it is known to have a really good nursing program and is a reputable school. However,is it worth 30,000 more? Would I be stupid if I spent that much on a BSN? I dont want to miss my chance because I know how hard it is to get accepted to a nursing program now in days.

Can someone PLEASE give me some advice? How did you pay for your tuition and what route did you take to become a RN? Am I making the wrong choice? Am I wasting so much money? Is me going to a good reputable school worth it? Did you get any scholarships/grants? How can I get them? Every answer will be greatly apprecited!! thanks! :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

That is a lot of money but from what I have seen, there are many accelerated programs that are in that general range. These programs just cost more to provide, and this is reflected in the tuition. It seems as though you have already done a good job of analyzing the cost-benefit, so if you're absolutely sure of your educational goal, I'd say go for it.

As you have already discovered, there is basically no financial aid for anyone who has already earned a bachelor's degree. Although it may seem harsh, I do agree that it is only fair for public funds to be allocated to those seeking an initial degree rather than those of us who change our minds and want to go in another direction afterward. My first degree was in journalism. My strongest advice? Do NOT take out any private tuition loans - the interest rates are dreadful & they are completely exempt from any type of deferment in case you need some temporary financial relief in the future.

I think you will discover that - when it comes to finding a new grad job - it really doesn't matter what school you attend. NCLEX is the same for everyone. However, you can maximize employment chances by intensively networking during your clinical rotations. If so, you'll have the advantage of early knowledge of any student or new grad opportunities & (hopefully) support from the nurse managers who were favorably impressed by your student performance on their units.

Good luck

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

Yikes, that is a lot of money. Is it a good decision? This is something that you will need to figure out for yourself. Where I am there was a local Community College/Junior College that afforded my the ability to get my ADN rather cheaply with my financial aid. The ADN cost me around $4000.00 out of pocket and am now going for the ADN/BSN Bridge which will cost me somewhere between 12,000 to 16,000 depending on how much financial aid I have left. The cool thing is I am earning a paycheck while I get my BSN.

For 60,000 I would look into the 6 month job placement rate. Do graduates usually get jobs right after graduation/NCLEX passage? That is also something to look into. Not everyone will pass nursing school the first time, so the cost might increase if you have problems. Look into the pass rates for the school as well.

Either way I think that getting your BSN is a wise choice. Do your best and make good decisions. Watch the costs but understand that there is always other costs during nursing school. (Room and board at clinicals, supplies, shoes, uniforms, etc...)

Good luck and learn a lot!

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my program is not accelerated. its a 2 year program, and by the end of it, im looking at 60k too.

i cant get any financial aid, i already have a bachelors degree and with the lack of financial aid,

the price tag DEFINITELY scares me, but i look at it as a trade off.

1. close to home

2. gives me the option to be part time or full time, if i need to switch to a lighter/heavier schedule as my other responsibilities rise up,

3. the school has great reviews for nclex rate,

4. and i read that most of its students have jobs by the time they graduate or soon after

5. its BSN, i wont have to come back later to bridge into a rn-bsn program, because they are phasing out associates, or so ive heard.

and with it being my second degree, i dont want to wait a year to start an associates degree, and spend two years on that, and then a year working for experience (i think you need that before you can start the bridge program) and then a year later doing the RN-BSN option.

my time is limited. and if i go another option, im basically putting a lot of other things on my life on hold.

at least this is what i keep telling myself in my weaker moments, because it is a crazy amount of loans to take on.

in the meanwhile, every scholarship i see and i qualify for, i am applying and cutting costs where ever i can.

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I am most likely nowhere near advising what you will hear from others. I'm going to say it anyway: It doesn't matter if others "think" you are nuts for choosing this path. Its simple math: What do you earn NOW? For me, it was $0.00. What will your BSN - no- matter-its-length cost you? Which one makes the most sense mathematically? BINGO, we have an answer!

My point? It has to make sense to you. No one else matters. I swear!

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Specializes in ER.

How much debt do you have now? It's only 60,000 but if you have 40,000 still from another degree and then another 100,000 in a house loan, then is it really worth it?

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Me: I will pay off my debt in 2 years. I have 20 years of earning potential, unless I become 100% incapacitated prior to retirement. Thus, I have the earning potential for ($ underpaid-nurse-edit)/ year for 20 years? Bingo! Profit! I am better off than the general public!

Yikes! I got away with myself. Hope I was helpful despite that slip.

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

woe, I'd put that money aside for a DNP degree. My BSN was about 18 months non accelerated and I racked up about $20,000. Remember your $60,000 will have interest. Your pursuit depends on how much a BSN in your state will earn after graduation and account for time to take and pass NCLEX and finally get hired which may be about 2 to 6 months after graduating. Lots to consider.

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A large majority of ABSN programs are that cost, and even with the interest I'd say go for it. You'll be fine as long as you don't have prior student debt or any other major debts already, if you do, then I might not advise it.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

If you don't have any other debts, I'd say "go for it" -- with stipulations that you:

1. Do NOT take out private loans to pay for it. Stick with government programs only.

2. Be prepared to live like a pauper until you pay off your loans. The longer you take to pay off the loans, the more expensive they are. Pay them off ASAP -- even if that requires a considerable sacrifice in your standard of living. Be prepared to delay buying a home, having children, etc. as need to get the job done. Getting a house and having babies won't make it easier to pay off your debts, it will make it whole lot harder.

If you have debt from previous degrees, etc. -- pay it off before acquiring more debt -- or at least pay it down to almost nothing. Financial experts recommend that your amount of student loan debt should not be more than the amount you will earn in your first year after graduation. At $60K, you will be pushing that guideline to the max. If you already have significant debt, it might be worth it for you to take an extra year and get your education "slower but cheaper."

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

That's way too much. JMO, of course. There is no way I would get into that much debt for a BSN. No way.

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