Linfield ABSN 2019-2020

YSO_nurseinthemaking · Apr 8, 2019

On 4/6/2019 at 7:46 PM, TraciLB said:
I am also in the top 10 for the wait list for class starting June 1. I am concerned about the short time frame. I have also been accepted to Concordia. Their program starts the end of August. Has anyone else done a comparison of the 2 programs? I am interested to hear the perspective of another student. I am a bit concerned because a bulk of the Concordia program is online. Thanks for any input.

I haven't spoken to students who have attended Concordia, but as far as their NCLEX pass rates go, they actually have a 100% for their ABSN. Linfield doesn't get the same breakdown of accelerated vs non-accelerated, but has historically had a lower pass rate compared to Concordia. https://www.oregon.gov/OSBN/Documents/Resource_passrates.pdf

They definitely do have a sales-pitchy admission process, which can be annoying, but I found that they were super helpful at answering questions about the program and had numerous people who were available to do this.

As far as clinicals, I can't speak for the chain that was highlighted earlier, but I do know a few nurses in PDX who are preceptors, one of them is a really close friend who said she was really impressed with a Concordia ABSN student during their clinicals as was her entire unit and they had her apply to a position and she was hired.

Cost:

Concordia is about 64k tuition without fees.

Linfield is about 91k with fees.

But Linfield gives all ABSN transfer student $17,400 in scholarships making it closer to $73k total (2019 numbers) So cost-wise Linfield is more, but once Concordia fees are added in(which I can't speak to) I am sure this is a nominal increase.

If you'd like to learn more, what I would suggest is ask if there is a current or past student that you can speak to in regards to the program.

Gists2008 · Apr 19, 2019

Hello everyone and thank you for all of your helpful thread comments. Has anyone on the Waitlist program at Linfield Summer Cohort heard anything yet? I am also on the waitlist so I am anxiously waiting and debating whether or not to apply to the Concordia ABSN. YSO_nurseinthemaking, since you have been accepted into Concordia, do you mind if I ask if they were able to offer you enough student loan or will you have to take out Private Loan? Those that have already been accepted to Linfield, would you be able to shed some light about your financial packet?

I am dreading whether or not I should take spend more $$ to take a couple more classes and the CNA to qualify for Concordia interview, do you guys have any advise for me, fellow pre-nursing students? Please help. Thanks!

YSO_nurseinthemaking · Apr 19, 2019

11 hours ago, Gists2008 said:
Hello everyone and thank you for all of your helpful thread comments. Has anyone on the Waitlist program at Linfield Summer Cohort heard anything yet? I am also on the waitlist so I am anxiously waiting and debating whether or not to apply to the Concordia ABSN. YSO_nurseinthemaking, since you have been accepted into Concordia, do you mind if I ask if they were able to offer you enough student loan or will you have to take out Private Loan? Those that have already been accepted to Linfield, would you be able to shed some light about your financial packet?
I am dreading whether or not I should take spend more $$ to take a couple more classes and the CNA to qualify for Concordia interview, do you guys have any advise for me, fellow pre-nursing students? Please help. Thanks!

Sorry in advance for this being long!

To clarify, I was accepted into Linfield and but did not apply to Concordia. I did get A LOT of very helpful info from Concordia because I called and asked a ton of questions. Since felt like I had nothing to lose, every question that was important to me I asked.

But some helpful info for anyone to know is that the Federal Undergraduate Aggregate Loan limit is $57,500. If you took any out for your first degree that you have not paid, you essentially subtract that from this number and that is what you can max borrow for an undergraduate degree from the Federal Gov. Again, if you took some out, but have repaid it, then you have the $57,500 to use.

For ABSN programs in Oregon, the only one two that have tuition under $57,550 (if you have the full amount left to use) are OHSU-PDX and OHSU- Ashland. I can't speak to any Scholarships or financial aid packages for these programs.

Most ABSN students in Oregon either take out private loans or fund it through savings, or some other method.

When I recently spoke to Concordia (about a two weeks ago) they let me know that they DO NOT offer any internal scholarships to bring down the costs, and that even if I had all prereqs completed at this point, that the likely earliest I could start is Jan 2020. This is because they do rolling admissions and a lot of their Fall 2019 spots are already filled or already have students in the pipeline for it.

Linfield ABSN stated that they offered all ABSN students this year a $17,500 scholarship. So after fees, tuition comes out to about $73k. My understanding is that after fees for this year, Concordia is about $68k. Which means the difference is pretty small. Linfield also offered me $5,200 nurse loan through the school.

At the end of the day, everyone has to weigh the income you leave on the table by not starting a program sooner vs the costs of tuition and their own personal situation. I am weighing this heavily, and even though my heart was set on making Linfield work, I decided recently to give up my spot and try for a 2 year BSN program elsewhere. This will allow me to work during summers, save a lot of money on tuition, and just give me better life balance once my degree is completed.

While I know nurses in our state can make a very decent salary and have plenty of opportunities for OT, I don't want to spend the first few years with the weight of this debt hanging over me and cause burnout.

Again, this is just my personal take, and what I've decided is best for me.

I wish everyone the best of luck, 1 more waitlist spot at Linfield should be opening up.

If anyone else has questions, feel free to reach out to me. I spent so much time scouring these boards and reviews elsewhere trying to get this info that the least I feel I can do is be helpful with sharing that.

Gists2008 · Apr 20, 2019

Wow, thank you so much YSO_nurseinthemaking for the detailed reply! It is extremely helpful and you are definitely a great resource to the forum! I am so glad I found this forum! Wish, I found it sooner.

You price break down makes a lot of sense though, I'm thinking of reconsidering my options with these outrageous tuition and fees cost. Good luck with everything!

Gists2008 · Apr 28, 2019

Just out curiosity, has anyone on the Linfield Wait List heard anything yet? Please share. Thanks

bhosk · Apr 29, 2019

On 4/27/2019 at 9:23 PM, Gists2008 said:
Just out curiosity, has anyone on the Linfield Wait List heard anything yet? Please share. Thanks

Not yet, Mindy said after on the 2nd (This Thursday) she will have more answers for those on the wait list.

propofoldreams_ · May 4, 2019

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster.

Wondering if anyone on the wait list has received their admission letter in the mail yet? If so, please respond.

Gists2008 · May 4, 2019

Yes, they emailed me on 5/2. You should check in with Mindy if you haven't heard yet.

propofoldreams_ · May 4, 2019

I emailed her on 5/2 and she said I should be receiving a letter of admission that day or on Friday but I haven't received anything in the mail yet. Although unreasonable, I keep thinking maybe she said I got in by mistake.

Gists2008 · May 4, 2019

I haven't receive anything via mail. The notification was sent via email, so check all of your spam/junk boxes? I am assuming the next mail we would receive is the financial aid offer. Hope you'll find it in your inbox soon.

propofoldreams_ · May 4, 2019

THANK YOU! It got sent to my spam.

bhosk · May 9, 2019

I got into Linfield but turned it down due to the cost! I wish it wasn't so expensive.