Should I get my Traditional BSN while I'm in undergrad or aim for an Accelerated program?

Trauma Columnist · Dec 11, 2014

Hi and welcome to AN, the largest peer to peer nursing community.

While I can't answer your specific question, I'm sure someone will be along soon to help you.

ThatBigGuy · Dec 11, 2014

I understand the emotional thrill of getting to graduate with all your friends. However, you need to look at the math of this, really put the numbers on paper. Accelerated BSN programs tend to be expensive, but also competitive. You may not get in right away when you apply.

Not only do you need to consider how much money you will be spending on schooling, but also the amount of RN salary you will not be earning as you wait to get into and complete an accelerated BSN program.

Scenario 1: Graduate late with your BSN in Dec '17

You'll spend one extra semester worth of tuition (say $5000). Then you take and pass the NCLEX, interview for jobs, and have a job by March of '18, making an RN salary (say $50,000/yr).

Scenario 2: Graduate with Bio degree, then Accelerated BSN

So you'll graduate in May of '17 with your bio degree. Then you will apply to accelerated programs all over. There are usually wait lists, so let's say it takes a year to get in for the August '18 fall semester. Add the cost of the accelerated program (say $25,000). You'll be done in Dec '19. Then the NCLEX, interviews, and a job in March '20.

The difference in tuition is $20,000, but when you add in the two years of missed RN salary ($100,000), you're behind by a total of $120,000. That's the ultimate cost of graduating with your friends, or the cost of a small house in most of the country.

Do a little research and plug in the correct numbers above. Then make an informed decision.

Slowaski · Dec 11, 2014

That was a very good analysis.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Dec 11, 2014

@ThatBigguy Thanks for the break down...are you sure you don't want to be an accountant? lol jk

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Dec 11, 2014

If I were you, I would sacrifice graduating early and switch to pre-nursing. As an above poster says, ABSN programs are very competitive and pricey, not worth the money if you can get your degree the traditional route.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 11, 2014

Also, if you finish a first degree ... you will become ineligible for certain types of undergraduate financial aid for the BSN degree. So, unless you are wealthy, you will be stuck with forms of financial aid that are less attractive -- such as private student loans -- that will have higher interest rates and perhaps restrictions on consolidation, etc.

Finally, if you are getting financial aid for these programs ... and taking out loans ... you will end up with bigger loans if you get both degrees. Big loans can cripple you financially for decades. Don't do that to yourself. Education isn't free. Don't waste your money on a degree you are not going to use. (And if your parents are paying for all of your education, don't waste their money. They worked hard for it and you shouldn't be spending so much of it just so you can graduate with your friends.)

dorkypanda · Dec 11, 2014

I agree with what is being said. if you were to continue bio and graduate on time and do accelerated BSN it would be costly and not efficient either. when I hear people doing bio I'm thinking they want to do med school, pharm school, grad school, optometry school, dental school, etc. I think it's kind of a waste to do bio and then not pursue those similar paths.

try to do good in your prereqs and get into a BSN program if you really want to do nursing. Sophomore year isn't too late, in fact you're early for changing your mind. It's good that you're aware of it now rather than later.

The other alternative if BSN program is too competitive is to do 2 years at an adn/ ASN program and then do RN to BSN afterwards.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 11, 2014

It's one semester. In the grand scheme of things, that time is a drop in the bucket. If you finish your bio degree, you'll have to go through an accelerated BSN (if you get accepted, not a guarantee). This will take even longer to complete. As mentioned above, you will be ineligible for federal aid since you'll already have a prior degree. It makes no financial sense whatsoever to complete the bio degree just because you want to graduate with friends. You need to keep the big picture in mind.

bostonnrshpfl · Dec 12, 2014

I agree with everyone else- definitely do the traditional BSN. When I was in college I realized I wanted to go into nursing but my school didn't offer it so I had to major in Psychology and now I'm in the process of applying to Accelerated BSN programs. I've been out of school for a year and a half now and I haven't started yet. I also agree about the tuition- I'm looking down the barrel at a large amount in student loans!

Bottom line- traditional BSN is your best option to save time and money.

greenerpastures · Dec 12, 2014

I would just like to throw in - if you go for a second degree accelerated BSN, you still have to get accepted to that program. My understanding is they can be MORE competitive than a traditional BSN as well.

Polo goalie · Dec 12, 2014

If you have the option to graduate with a BSN as your undergrad degree and you want to be a nurse I say do it now. I'm currently applying to second degree programs and it's very competitive and they tend to be expensive. Also, I've read here on AN that employers prefer traditional BSNs.

Just a couple things to think about. Good luck!