NYU or Stony Brook Accelerated Nursing?

[foodie3921]

Hi all,

I recently graduated from a liberal arts college with a Bachelor of Arts degree and have about $10K in student loans. Currently, I am interested in applying to accelerated nursing programs in New York. I am particularly interested in NYU's accelerated nursing program because it is ranked as being one of the best nursing schools out there with great faculty. NYU also offers a dual BS/MSN program for qualified accelerated nursing students during their third semester. Because my dream job is to become a nurse practitioner, I feel like NYU's program offers a faster/direct path to this career. Although there are a lot of great things about NYU's nursing program, I am (like many others) turned off by its tuition. It is extremely expensive...about $90K for the 15-month accelerated program! That seems ridiculously overpriced to me. I attended one of their information sessions and heard from the admissions representative that despite the huge tuition, students do pay for what it's worth. NYU nursing graduates also receive great job opportunities from excellent hospitals (some with tuition reimbursement) and receive one of the best salaries. However, when I did some research online, I read some mixed things. Some have said that NYU is not worth the price and that where one goes to school does not matter in getting hired. However, these forums were from 2008-2009 and I would like some updated information/opinions.

*If I were to attend NYU, I would have to commute from Long Island. I live about an hour away. Is this too much?

I am also looking into cheaper alternatives, such as SUNY Stony Brook. I heard Stony Brook also has a great accelerated program for its price. However, it does not have a dual BSN/MSN program...thus, would take me longer to pursue my dream career. If I were to attend Stony Brook, I would also have to dorm there since it is about 2 hours away from home.

QUESTIONS:

• Is NYU worth the price or is it smarter to just attend a cheaper, accredited nursing school?
  
• Does it matter where students attend nursing school for their second bachelor's degree?
  
• What about those who wish to pursue their MSN?
  
• Should I go to a cheaper school to get my BSN and then a more prestigious school to get my MSN?
  

What are your guys' opinions?

Thanks so much!

[soydelmonte]

Hey foodie!

I know I'm very late in all of the commotion, but I was curious to know what route did you end up going?

I'm currently in a similar position as you (and even location for that matter, haha!)

I was accepted into Columbia's Accelerated Nursing Program and Stony Brook's BSN program.

Both are great schools. However it's pretty much a $110k vs. $18k battle. Which on paper is no brainer, but I'm all about quality education and making the right decision.

I am leaning more towards Stony Brook as it's a much smaller program than both Columbia and NYU. I will be away form the city (which would be a nice change) and actually looking forward to a less intense commute (1.5 hours by train to get into the city as oppose to living close to Stony and commuting there).

I know what it's like to have a dream in front of you but not being able to catch it due to extrinsic barriers. My friend told me this, which really helped me to decide my next step and it's that: sometimes what our heart wants doesn't always align with our reality. And with that I chose reality, as I cannot afford a school that is that expensive that will require all of my time and money with me being to contribute at all income wise for fifteen months.

Curious to know what you decided on doing! Hope all it well with you :)