MSMU vs CSULB

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Hello everyone!

So I really need some help. This year I applied to three BSN programs in California as a transfer. They were CSULA, CSULB, and Mount Saint Mary's University. Somehow I Was accepted into ALL three. As you can imagine, I am so so very happy and grateful. However, having options has made it difficult me to decide which program would be best for me. I'm making this post to get some opinions. I need to make the decision soon so any advice is very appreciated.

The BSN program at CSULB is considered one of the best in California. They had 100% passing rate on the NCLEX last year. They also offer a trimester program which means I would be finished in less than 3 years. They do clinical in one single site, The Long Beach Memorial Hospital. The downside: I live in Santa Monica so the drive there would be a hassle and it would be away from home. I'm the single parent to a 4 year old so I want to be as close to home as possible. I also don't have reliable transportation. My car is hanging on for dear life.

Mount Saint Mary's University is located in Brentwood, California. They are a Catholic, all women college.Their program would cost me around 20,000 a year with financial aid. It is a 3 year program. Their NCLEX passing rates aren't great. (81.56 last year). The BSN program has clinicals in many hospitals in the Los Angeles area. UCLA, St. Johns, Cedars Sinai just to name a few. Ultimately, I want to become a nurse at UCLA, which is why this university got my attention. It's a 20 minute ride from my home and their class sizes are small.

Which program would you choose ? Keep in mind, I am a single working mother. Can anyone give me some advice on which they think would be best?

Thank you.

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Biased opinion: I just graduated from CSULB with my BSN. The trimester program is about 1.5 years and is significantly cheaper. You would be going against traffic in the mornings which is a plus. Either school, you would have to make a sacrifice. The preceptorship could be done in various places. A peer of mine landed a job in the PICU at UCLA. I would HIGHLY recommend getting a new(er) car as it is crucial to be on time and you will be going to campus or the hospital at least 4 days out of the week.

Best of luck!

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Specializes in School Nursing, Ambulatory Care, etc..

Admin, please move this post! :)

Thanks!

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What school did you end up deciding on?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Moved to Schools/Programs forum

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