HI,

Here is my situation please help I want to know what would you do?

Ok,

I have been planing to apply for the nursing program at my community college for the Fall 11 or Spring 12 school year. If I am accepted it will not be my choice to start for the Fall or Sring semseter. So that means I will not finish school until June 2013 or January 2014 the cost for this program is about 15,000 (for the actual nursing classes). It will also depend on if I am able to get into the program at all. As we all know community college program competitive. Although I was told that only 6 students did not get in by the director of the nursing program.

There is also an option of going to a private college which would cost 35,000 for an RN ASN degree. This cost would not inclued any room or broad to move out of state to attended or any grants or scholarships that I might get. So it might be a little less. Any way I could be finish with this program as early as Oct 2012. Then there is also a big part in me that does not want to leave my family behind. They have been by my side since my husband died of cancer January of this year. I just turn 28 year old widow with no children so I am not tied to anything or anyone.

I honestly just do not know what to do.

Thanks

First I want to say that I am very sorry for your loss, I can't imagine how hard this has been on you. I think that it all depends on your situation. Nursing school is hard (so I've heard lol) and it might be a good idea to have family support while you're in school. Being close to home has its advantages, but then again getting away for a while and making a fresh start might be good for you as well. It's really a personal decision. I would suggest that you sit down with your family and see what their thoughts are. It might help you with your decision. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!!

If you're looking at purely dollar terms it's $20,000 versus about two years of work. But then that doesn't take into acct. your current living situation. For example if you don't have a mortgage now or have low rent vs. the area the private school is in being quite expensive to live, etc. If you are thinking you are ready to start something NOW and believe that would be good for you then again the private school wins.

Obviously there are many ways to look at this so if I were in your shoes I'd make a list of pros and cons.