Should I go for the cheaper program or more "prestigious"?

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I'm going to apply to 2nd entry programs for my BScN/BN.

Humber/UNB tuition costs about ~$10,000 for the whole degree. U of T costs ~$22,000 +$3,000 for pre-reqs to apply. Big difference.

I have ~$12,000 in student debt.

I'd like to work downtown after nursing school and I'll probably go for an NP degree later. U of T sounds more "ideal" (more research-focused and its downtown) but Humber is so much more cost-efficient and I heard its more hands-on(?).

Do you guys think there's a big enough difference between the schools to pick one or the other? thanks ❤️

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Personally I don't think it really matters which school you go to as long as you have a high GPA for NP school later.

UofT is affiliated with a lot of hospitals downtown so you will get placements downtown. In terms of job prospect, I think your experiences and resume writing skills are more relevant in getting an interviewed/hired.

I don't think there is a right answer or wrong answer in which school to go to. I would place more importance on cost, living location and commute time.

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This is just hear-say, but from what I've heard UofT gets first kick at the can when it comes to placements. If you plan to go for the NP program it might be easier for you to go from one UofT program to another. I've never been asked in a nursing interview which school I got my degree from but in the end you might, and this is a big might, end up with more interesting placements.

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I’ve wrestled with this exact question! I live in BC and have been accepted into several schools. UBC would probably be the most “prestigious” one offering me admission, but there are some other more cost-effective Universities and Colleges offering me spots too.

I don’t have a definite answer, but here it goes.

This how I’m currently thinking about it. I’m trying to predict and define my long term career goals.

-If my ultimate end-goal is to work as a registered nurse long term, then the school I attend only needs to prepare me for the profession and set me up to succeed on the NCLEX.
-If my goal includes going back to school to be an NP, then, again, I don’t think the school I graduate from matters as much as the grades I earned and the experience I’ve obtained as an RN.

-If I want to pursue further education outside of “nursing” such as in a related health or business field, or pursue a Masters at an international school, then maybe the name recognition of my BSN matters a bit more, possibly.

I don’t know where I come out on the issue yet, but I am toying with the idea of a Masters in Germany at some point, so maybe I should go with the most “prestigious” school currently offering me a spot and accept the offer to UBC.

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17 hours ago, Chippy812 said:

I’ve wrestled with this exact question! I live in BC and have been accepted into several schools. UBC would probably be the most “prestigious” one offering me admission, but there are some other more cost-effective Universities and Colleges offering me spots too.

I don’t have a definite answer, but here it goes.

This how I’m currently thinking about it. I’m trying to predict and define my long term career goals.

-If my ultimate end-goal is to work as a registered nurse long term, then the school I attend only needs to prepare me for the profession and set me up to succeed on the NCLEX.
-If my goal includes going back to school to be an NP, then, again, I don’t think the school I graduate from matters as much as the grades I earned and the experience I’ve obtained as an RN.

-If I want to pursue further education outside of “nursing” such as in a related health or business field, or pursue a Masters at an international school, then maybe the name recognition of my BSN matters a bit more, possibly.

I don’t know where I come out on the issue yet, but I am toying with the idea of a Masters in Germany at some point, so maybe I should go with the most “prestigious” school currently offering me a spot and accept the offer to UBC.

thanks for the detailed post.CONGRATS on the acceptances. what kind of master's program in Germany are you thinking about?

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I am currently in the same jam. I was accepted into Emory University D-ABSN program which is about $75 to $80K. I was also accepted into my local university traditional 2 year program which is about $20 to $25K. A HUGE difference. Emory is considered prestigious because it is ranked no. 5 in the nation. I am really conflicted about this. $80K is a hard bullet to bite, especially for a bachelors degree. 

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