**Samuel Merritt ABSN Summer 2011**

[thebread]

So, who applied?

[ilnurse15]

Hmm, That's rough. I remember from the fall that San Mateo ran a few weeks behind the Sacramento cohort. I'm not sure if that might have something to do with it.

[bubbles313]

ohh man- taramtoms hang in there! i'm not sure if anyone asked yet, but when did you apply? I applied in July-ish, maybe early August (but it was a while before the deadline) and i got my email on 02/14. so timing might be a big factor too! They are known to take a while, i actually forgot i applied there for the longest time! lol. but we're all rooting for you! good luck

[pterodactyl.RN]

Thanks! I have a feeling that today might just be the day... but who knows. I have been in contact with ----, and she has been very delightful and helpful in figuring this all out. I applied about a week before the Sep 1 deadline, and received confirmation emails from SM that they have my application and such. I have a feeling that something fell through the cracks seeing as I turned in 3 supplemental transcripts (from fall 2010 classes) and 1 cert of completion, although I have been assured that my app. is complete. Soooo we will see! Again, thanks you guys for the support. Not many people understand the competitive nature of nursing school, so I super appreciate it!

[hopingandwishing]

taramtoms,

Not sure if you are aware, but those that were given notice that they are accepted have until tomorrow, 3/4/11, to accept or decline the offer and to give their deposit. As soon as thats all squared away, I'm sure you will hear something. Good luck.

[annalynn.victoria]

I also worry about the debt we will be in, especially with the scarcity of jobs out there for fresh grads! Do you guys know of SMU grads that have found jobs within 6 months of graduating?

I graduated from SMU San Mateo in December 2010, 1/3 of our class has gotten jobs- 4 at UCSF and 4 at Stanford even! The jobs are out there, just have to be patient! And it will probaby be even better by the time you guys graduate!

[Kt21]

If there is anyone on the waitlist for SF there will be a spot opening up. I will be withdrawing my accpetance for the SF campus. I applied for the alternative loans and the cost is outrageous. In this job market (regardless of the previous poster) I cannot justify spending $80k+ on another degree when I am paying off my first. Good luck to all of you who will start soon.

[tiss]

Now am really worried about the cost.

[ilnurse15]

Here is the cost of tuition direct from the website: http://www.samuelmerritt.edu/tuition

It seems to only be $55,000 for the program. How people are getting 34,000+ more than that is beyond me. If you do not need to move or change your current budget then that is your cost of attendance.

If you are worried, I think there are several good ways to pay for this program. You can look into grants, scholarships, loans etc. Do not pass up an opportunity because you are scared of the cost of attending. If this is your dream, your passion then you can find a way to make it work.

Good luck to everyone, remember where there is a will, there is a way!

[Kt21]

The cost of the program itself is over $58k (the website is last years tuition). This does not include books, lab fees etc... Call financial aid and get the new figures. The edt cost of attendance is over $100k (this includes living expenses,transportation...) I do not qualify for any grants or other low cost loans, just a small subsidized and private) so for me it is not financially feasible. Yes I want to be a nurse, but not at the expense of my family and to have a large amount of money each month allocated for student loans.

[ilnurse15]

That is a lot more than I expected. I was given some bad information. I could see it being $75K including housing and fees, books and so on, but over $100K is a lot. I really really hope that you are mistaken, but it seems that you did your homework on this. So thank you for the updated information.

[Kt21]

The info I got came straight from smu financial aid. I have tried to think of any way possible to pay for this, it kills me to turn it down. It stinks that the rates on private loans is adjustable. The unpredictability is too great. If anyone has any other ideas please let me know.

[ilnurse15]

Wells Fargo has a pretty good loooking loan plan with low interest that seems like it won't go up. It is for undergrads or Grads for up to 250,000 in tuuiton and expenses. I have been looking into it.