NYU, SUNY Downstate

[kdrose01]

Hi!

I'm just starting my pre-reqs for nursing and am overwhelmed by the varying course requirements per program. My first choice is NYU (easy commute from my apt, fantastic location), but it's also my most expensive choice. Since I can't afford to be out of work forever, I'd have to attend their accelerated program. I've spoken with admissions, and they said I had an excellent chance at acceptance given my prior performance in college. So, this is a program I can really consider. My biggest concern, though, is the sheer cost.

Any graduates of this program out there? Is it worth the price tag? And how generous are they with their scholarships?

Also, I'm considering SUNY Downstate, but heard it's more difficult to get into, since it's cheaper. This isn't high on my list, since I'd have to move and the location doesn't thrill me. But I'm still keeping it on my list, since I've read great things about the program.

Any NYC nursing graduates care to weigh in?

[Lena202]

Yep, NYU's tuition is a killer. When I considered applying there I calculated that NYU's accelerated programs' TWO semesters tuition costs as much as Downstate's WHOLE program!

Insane! I did not even bother applying.

I applied and got accepted into SUNY's Downstate program for Summer 2009 and I am pretty sure I made the right choice. I am still paying loans for my first Bachelor's and I am not about to get $65,000 more in debt, not in this economy!

[kdrose01]

Congratulations, Lena! You must be excited!

Would you mind telling me about your GPA and whatever else helped you gain acceptance to Downstate? I've heard it's very difficult to get in, since there are only 50 spots.

Good luck!!

[Lena202]

Thank you so much! I am very excited!

Before joining Allnurses I did not even know that it was difficult to get in, I would be freaking out the whole time! I sent my application materials on the last day possible so I was worried enough already.

I have B.S. in Biology from Pace, 3.8 GPA, I also volunteered in NY Presbyterian emergency rooms (both adult and pediatrics).

Now I am taking my last prerequisite, A&P II but they accepted me anyway, I just have to submit the grade before June 30th. Yay!

[kdrose01]

Good for you! You definitely did the right thing in volunteering. I've heard they look for people with volunteer experience.

Again, congratulations! And thanks for sharing your info!

[Tanguera, BSN, MSN, RN, NP]

Lena202,

I also got accepted to Downstate for this coming Summer but I've been on the fence since I also got into some other great programs. I have kept Downstate on my list because of the price but I haven't heard very much about the program other than the price. I met another student (at the Columbia accepted students day) who is considering Downstate also who is also trying to learn more about the program.

How did you decide on Downstate? What other things have you heard about it?

Any help would be appreciated!

[Lena202]

Tanguera,

I was deciding between NYU, Pace, Stony Brook, and Downstate. My choice was very easy to make: NYU seemed too expensive ($65,000?!...)

Stony Brook is pretty far, I live in Brooklyn and driving 1.5 hours to Long Island every morning and night seems a bit too much for me (although I have a friend nurse who completed their accelerated program and she liked it).

I rejected Pace too, I got my B.S. in Biology from Pace, and even though it's a good school I did not hear good things about their accelerated nursing program.

Downstate--great SUNY school, small class size, hospital right across the street, cheap compared to all the others.

The bottom line is, it does not really matter where you got your Nursing degree, once you pass the NCLEX and get your 1 year experience, no one will look what university you graduated from.

I think that everyone's situation is different. To me--convenience and not getting too much in debt were the priorities. But if you live in Manhattan, not willing to move and want to go to one of the top schools in New York, then choose NYU! There are hospitals and other debt forgiveness programs that will help you pay your loans for Nursing degree once you're employed.

Keep us posted, tell us which one you end up choosing!

[kdrose01]

Are any hospitals actually helping to repay student loans with this recession? I'd absolutely love to go to NYU (won't have to uproot my life), but the cost is keeping me from attending.

Best of luck to you all!

[takingtheplunge]

Hi! I too am looking at all these accelerated programs in NY...for Fall 2010. The Pace open house was helpful and they seem to have one of the oldest accelerated programs in the country. There is also Columbia (in addition to NYU and SUNY, which you mentioned.)

I would love people's opinions or insights into whether where one gets their degree greatly impacts the jobs they can get? Also, for those just starting to look into programs like myself, where are you starting to complete your pre-reqs?

[ucdavistudent]

Hi everyone,

I was accepted into the aBSN program for Fall 2009. I am still trying to decide between NYU and another private school in California (which is 1/2 the cost of NYU). If I choose NYU, I want to eventually get my MS degree...so I guess I'm looking at over $107,000 (tuition)+fees/books/etc?

Are there any NYU Masters degree graduates who can provide some feedback about repaying these big loans? If you can give some info on loan forgiveness programs (how much they offer, how competitive it is go get into those programs, etc) and other ways to help pay off the loans, I'd appreciate it very much!

Also, from what I understand, MS students will be working full time as an RN? I'm curious how much they would make? And does anyone have any estimate on how long it would take to pay off their 100K+ loans??

Thanks in advance everyone!!

[kdrose01]

If you paid $500 per month for a little over 16 years, you could pay the $100,000 in tuition off. However, this does not take into account the interest you would accrue. Not only would it take longer than 16 years, but the payments would be higher and you will paid far more than $100,000 for tuition. Also keep in mind that the cost of living in NYC is extraordinarily high. Rent is higher, electricity is higher, food is higher. However, in California, you will need a car which is not the case with NYC.

I'm considering NYU, but will go if I get a huge scholarship. You can go to state school and still attend NYU for grad school. That will cost you far less.

[lclarke05]

Yep, NYU's tuition is a killer. When I considered applying there I calculated that NYU's accelerated programs' TWO semesters tuition costs as much as Downstate's WHOLE program!

Insane! I did not even bother applying.

I applied and got accepted into SUNY's Downstate program for Summer 2009 and I am pretty sure I made the right choice. I am still paying loans for my first Bachelor's and I am not about to get $65,000 more in debt, not in this economy!

Speaking of anxious, now I am frozen, I applied to downstate. I have yet to receive a letter from them. My other two friends who applied got denied. I am soo nervous. If I dont Get in I will have to settle for adelphi or

i will try applying next year. It is about Downstate is 10mins walk from my home plus it cost a fraction of what these other schools cost so. God knows how excited i'd be to get in! But am surprised you got accepted soo soon having applied last minute, you application must have been flawless. lol. Any way, congrats!

[lclarke05]

Wow, thanks, never did the calculations on that!