MN or ABSN

[ellebelle99]

I have recently been accepted to a top ABSN program that is local, but I also am applying for a top MN (pre-licensure) program that is local as well! The problem is, the MN program is at a private university which means it is expensive (100k or more) :( and the absn is at a public uni, and I believe it is reasonably fair (no more than 40k I believe)

How does financial aid affect me between a MN and an ABSN, isn't ABSN fin aid only on private loans, would that mean my credit would have to be great to get the loans to cover my tuition, would I be better off financially paying for loans for graduate school rather than a 2nd bachelors degree? I personally would rather get a masters then a bachelors but IDK if the price is worth it? It is a great school and I have dreamed of attending it.

 

Sorry for all these questions! ANY help would be awesome.

[MD married to RN]

I hope this is help...There are many, many factors that weigh into this decision, just one of those is money.

In what state do you plan to practice?

How much debt have you already accumulated?

How old are you, or more specifically how long to you intend to practice?

What type of nursing do you intend to practice (hospital, clinic, SNF, school, concierge, etc)?

Do you have admin/leadership aspirations?

If you are 22 (you mentioned you already have a bachelors), have some debt, and want to do hospital based, acute care nursing, get your BSN, quick. In a year you can work and if really lucky start in an acute care hospital. Get some bedside experience and then possibly have your hospital pay for some or all of your MSN. Then, a number of possibilities open up to you.

Since the questions are a bit detailed for a public forum, feel free to PM me and am happy to work a plan with you.

Smiles

[Brewingbiker, BSN, RN]

Ellebelle, I have no advice to offer. Still, I read your post with interest because I am going through a similar debate (RN BSN CMCC), trying to determine if it is even financially feasible (or wise) to reach for a master's (I had originally wished to achieve my doctorate).

If I were a couple of decades younger, this would not be a question. I'd do it. But I'm turning 60 in a few weeks and have (not insurmountable) debt (not school-related) as it is. 

I was (and remain) simply curious to see how you resolve this dilemma.

[Heather Strand]

That's such a real place to be, and I just want to say how much I respect the thought you're putting into this. 

It makes complete sense to feel pulled between something you've dreamed of and a path that feels more financially steady. Both of those values are important, and neither makes you wrong.

Others here have shared some really helpful practical perspectives — and I love that for you. I'll just add this: What parts of the MN program feel most exciting or meaningful to you? When you picture yourself a few years from now, what version of you feels the most at peace? Is there someone you could ask to help you with the financial support? Sometimes getting clear on that can help the practical pieces settle a little more clearly.

Hope this helps!

-Heather

[Hello World]

I appreciate you laying out both the MN and the ABSN options so honestly. I agree with a previous commenter who said it depends a lot on your long-term goals and finances. If you're planning to do hospital-based, acute-care work and don't want to linger too long in school, the faster ABSN program at a public university seems like a solid, practical choice. But if you're thinking long-term — maybe leadership, specialty nursing, or a master's later on — and you can handle the cost, the private MN path might give you more flexibility. Either way, sounds like you're making a well-informed decision.