Need Some Advice (2nd degree student, asn vs. bsn related)

[ejf88]

Right now, I'm a pre nursing student at a community college. I have a waiting list number, I'm about to finish all my pre-req's next year, and am on track to start nursing classes in the fall of 2012 for an ASN. Only problem is, I already have an associate's degree in liberal arts, so due to the fact that I have exceeded the maximum amount of credit hours for an associate's, my financial aid is being denied. I appealed their decision, and they reinstated my aid for this year. But, I have two more years of clincials to go and who's to say they will give me two more chances?

I started thinking, and even though I really didn't want to have to go this direction, it might make more sense to go for the BSN. It'll be like starting this upcoming school year as a brand new freshman in college. I will have to finish up pre-req's for the college's BSN requirements, apply for their BSN program, then go to school full time for 3 years. I have a job, I pay my own bills, the college is much farther away. It will cost A LOT more then I originally planned on and take more time, but If I get the fin. aid for it and the benefits of having a BSN outweigh the strain this will put on me, I might just have no choice.

I have a relative who is willing to help me out if push comes to shove, but I don't want to have to rely on anyone else for this and I REALLY do not want to have to take out any private loans. I know I've read about people being put on payment plans at CC, but 400/ month plus all my other expenses? That's a little much.

Anyway, any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read.

[Thujone]

I would say stick with your ASN program, you are already very close to getting in, and like you said, your relative will help you if financial aide decides to cut you off. Also, there are a lot of on line ASN to BSN programs out there, so you can always work at that later on.