Published Nov 12, 2010
wishing2BAnurse
10 Posts
So either I wait 3 years to get into nursing school or I sign up now for 79K BSN program Isn't that extremely expensive??? Has anyone else paid that much?? I am thinking of just taking pre-reqs until I can transfer in as many as possible. I am just discouraged by the timeline I am already 28 years old and not happy in corporate america. So over rated. This has always been a passion of mine but I just can't justify that paying that much. Not to mention I can't work full time while attending. I'd have to quit my job....and find part time work. Advice really needed
Thanks
eharper
62 Posts
ME! (raises hand) I've just been accepted into a four year private BSN program and it is 27k a year. I'm hoping to start as a sophomore if I can get the needed classes down between now and next fall (should be able to). I'm counting on some financial aid, grants, and a few scholarships to help with it a little bit but I won't know anything for a few months until I get my financial aid packet from school. But I'm honestly not too worried about the cost because I know I will get grants, scholarships, and financial aid. And there is a loan forgiveness program in my area to apply for once I am a junior/senior. Which basically states that as long as I work in a hospital within the state for one year following graduation that they will pay partially for my loans or in some cases fully forgive my loans (not too sure what it is based on, I've only mildly looked into this one). So I've got that going for me too. I've also heard of area hospitals paying for new grad's loans too so that could be an option to look more into as well.
My reasons for justifying it regardless of cost are that first and foremost I simply cannot wait years on a list to get into the local cc. I am married with two children, and we currently live with my father (not my ideal situation). I want my career as soon as possible (this is my first degree), I cannot wait that long to just get into an ADN program. The amount of time spent waiting to get in and then completing the program is equivalent to the time it will take to get my BSN! Plus, I would much rather have a BSN than an ADN personally.
So I guess it really depends on your situation and what your willing to shell out for your education. Maybe you could talk to the school and see what kind of scholarships and grants you qualify for. Also, you mentioned that you would have to quit your full time job but that might be a blessing in disguise because then you could get more financial help towards your education.
Also, I don't know if your program is private or not but there are advantages to going private v public as well depending on the learning experience your looking for and what works well for you.
Good luck in your decision!
Erica
Oh wow our situations are pretty similar. Quitting greally might be a blessing since I am just not fulfilled here anymore....well I never really was. I also want a BSN and do NOT want to wait years to get accepted. I like that the class sizes will be relatively small as well. I am so excited to start. The school I am referring to is Chamberlain college of nursing. What school are you going to? I am a single mom with a long term boyfriend. He has been very supportive but he was a little discouraged when I told him the cost. Did you have to take the HESI exam? I have to next week and I am so nervous :uhoh21:.
I am going to Norwich University, I live in Vermont. Omg, I cannot even tell you how excited I am!! lol I feel honored to be able to have this opportunity! All I look at online is a) the schools website (never know if they're gonna put up new info) lol b)allnurses.com c) scrubs and stethoscopes (already have my stethoscope picked out for clinicals) and d) I've been youtubing nursing student videos lately (confessions of a nursing student is pretty good btw). I guess you could say I am a little obsessed, lol. It's going to be so hard to now just wait to actually start the program next fall, it seems like forever away. But it sure does feel great to officially be a nursing student! I also like the idea of a small class size, that way if I really need help on something the professor will have the time to help me out. Plus less distraction from other students (hopefully anyway, lol).
I fortunately did not have to take the hesi, nor do I have to so I can't offer any advice on that subject. I do know that if you search it there are a lot of good posts on it though :). Good luck taking it! Keep me posted on how you do!
ChristineN, BSN, RN
3,465 Posts
I would think long and hard about spending that much money on a BSN. Remember that the 79k probably does not include your cost of living expenses either.
Have you looked to see what the new grad nurses starting salary is in your area?
Have you considered applying to schools in other areas? I relocated because I found a school that I was able to attend for free thanks to a hospital tuition forgiveness program.
PacoUSA, BSN, RN
3,445 Posts
My answer is NO ... particularly if you're already thinking of graduate school. Think about how $79K for a BSN will set you back and then another $X for grad school which will undoubtedly be more expensive than it is now when you're ready to go. Just food for thought.
iPink, BSN, RN
1,414 Posts
I have a B.A. already and will be getting my BSN in 15 months and both those degrees are around 80k combined. My first degree was out of state at a top college. So my answer to your question is NO. I would keep my options open.
K nurse-one-day
693 Posts
I vote no too.
I'd look into as many other options as possible before I spent that much on a degree. Even if you do get Financial aid or grants, quite a bit of your income is going to be going to loan repayments. And Ive never heard of a hospital forgiving THAT much debt (of course, thats only in my area. Your local hospitals may be different)
I was looking into a transfer BSN program here in my city. It would have totaled out to about 48k. My loan repayments would have been about $650 a month. With what nurses get paid in my city, thats about a weeks worth of pay being taken away just for loans:eek: It was just too big of a sacrifice for me
But in the end, it was to be your decision, and you have to do the best thing for you, so best of luck with your choice
stefanyjoy
252 Posts
Ugh! no! Work on your pre-reqs at a community college, apply to the ADN there and keep looking around for other programs in which you may be able to start sooner.. or at least a cheaper BSN program! sheesh! that is too much!
BSNMomOf6
209 Posts
NO way. That is WAY too much to spend on a degree. The school I am applying to is only $9,000 for the ENTIRE two years! Look around, even relocate temporarily if need be, it will be cheaper in the long run. Good luck!
HeartsOpenWide, RN
1 Article; 2,889 Posts
It is not even that much for a Masters through UCSF.....
mangopeach
916 Posts
Have you considered public colleges? A private college would be my very last resort if I had been rejected by all public colleges. Even then its iffy that I would spend that much in this day and age. Not when there are plenty of fine public institutions that I can get an outstanding education for a fraction of that price.