I am already a little over $40,000 in debt after just two years of my bachelors nursing program. For this coming year I took out nearly $21,000 in loans to pay for school, books, and to get quite a bit of it credited back to me, because I need gas money (live an hour away from the college). I don't have a job, and don't really plan on getting one because I don't think I could handle one with all of the nursing school stuff.
Regardless of this large debt that I have now, I should not have to take over $5,000 for my senior year (if I will even need any loans my final year). My debt should stick around the $40,000-$50,000 area.
Is this bad compared to other colleges/programs? Will this be manageable with me working a full time job as a male RN, BSN? My parents said I could also live at home until I get most of my debt paid off; so I figure most people don't or didn't have that luxury.
My parents begged me to move back in with them. Having a car and job make it much more tolerable for everyone. I had to move 230 miles away from my boyfriend, which sucks, but we're making it work. Living with the parents isn't a horrible thing, unless you're draining them. If my parentals weren't as kind as they are to let me live with them while I pay off my loans I would be in a craphole of a situation.
Also, it took me 6 solid months to find my first job, in another state, at a nursing home. Perhaps your area is much different and you have better opportunities, but I wouldn't assume it's going to be a piece of cake finding a job after graduation. Just be prepared for that, though I really hope it is that easy for you to find something you like. :)
Given the amount of debt- I think if you are able to live with your parents rent-free or reduced-rent that will definitely ease the pain of debt!
I don't think it's abnormal to graduate school with about 50k in loans. It may be "normal", though definitely not ideal. I am limiting the amount of debt I will accrue and have been working through school to pay for as much as I can.
Actually the job market is pretty good out here. I know Cincinnati Childrens does have lots of openings. I was encouraged to go there if I wanted to get a job at a children's hospital after graduation. They are a great children's hospital but I don't want to move out of the area. I live just north of Indianapolis and they are building hospitals like crazy out here. Especially in the Fishers/Noblesville area because of the influx of people. The ERs in Anderson are always understaffed and they hire ADN RNs. The Ohio/Indiana area is not impacted at all. That information is not accurate. Things may be different in Southern Indiana and far Northern Indiana, but where I am at, they need nurses. I just looked at all of the job openings for new grads and there were tons as of last week. IU Health and St. Vincents both built hospitals right beside each other off of exit 10 in Hamilton County. Community is starting to take over Noblesville and I expect another hospital to go up there so people will have a choice instead of just Riverview. Also the Heart Hospital at Community North is fairly new and Community North just redid the whole hospital a few years ago. Their maternity floor is absolutely beautiful. I wish they had it done when my son was born in 2006 but it was under construction at that time. It's a little harder to get in IU and Riley in Indy but new grads can get in with connections.
Specializes in Emergency, critical care, cardiovascular.
I agree with you! Cincinnati Children's is one of the best in the nation; #2 in pediatric oncology! I knew the numbers in those charts looked a little out of whack. Everyone that has graduated from UC's BSN program, that I know anyways, have reserved a job spot even before they took their NCLEX.
I hope no one takes this the wrong way, but this thread makes me so glad that I'm going through a community college just a few miles away. Scholarship money has mostly taken care of my tuition and books so far (though I'll probably get a big bill for books in the fall). It's an evening program, so I'm also able to work my way through (which is pretty much necessary for me since I have four dependents at home). I won't have any school debt at all if things go according to plan. We just have to live cheap for another couple of years.
Specializes in Emergency, critical care, cardiovascular.
That is a smart move too. I just went to my college because it is well known, and all of our clinicals are at the big city hospitals (which is always a plus, because clinical supervisors will remember you if you do something right).
I definitely would have done things differently knowing what I know now. However, I received a great education and had a wonderful experience that I do not regret.
This is how I picked my school.
-soon to be graduating from high school in FL-
Parents: We want to move to southwest VA. Find a school.
Me: This is scary.... *drags heels*
Parents: Here's a school in VA and one in NC. Apply now!
-two acceptance letters arrive and we visit both campuses-
I chose my school based on the size and feel of the campus, smaller and friendlier. Prettier too!
My parents didn't end up actually moving until my last year. >_> Could have gone to community college for two years. Oh well. I would have started as a CNA too with this 20/20 hindsight. Live and learn, and keep your kids from making the same mistakes.
Considering that the average college student graduates with 25-30k in debt, I would say it is a lot. Too much, in my opinion. You can manage it, IF you have no other debt (mortgage, car payments or credit cards). The thing that gets a lot of these new college grads in trouble is that many live beyond their means; first it is the college degree, then that $300k home, followed by kids, new cards and higher cc balances. If, however, you continue to live like a poor college student for the next few years after graduating, then you could knock down most of it within five years.
I am in my second to last semester in a BSN program, and I have not had to take out any loans. I'm putting in a lot of time at work and watching my money, and I have a wonderful, supportive mother who lets me live with her rent-free while I'm in school.
I recommend people who are facing lots of debt or just wanting to become debt-free and prosper to read Dave Ramsey.
Specializes in Emergency, critical care, cardiovascular.
As of right now, I don't pay for anything except for the gas in my car (which gets pretty expensive since my college is an hour away from me). But I don't have to worry about car payments or cell phone bills until I graduate. I just got a job offer today about a PCA position though that will give me $3,000 each academic year as long as I work with them after. I have always been hesitant about having a job while in nursing school, because I don't want my grades to suffer. But I believe the benefits (school payment, extra money, experience) with be rewarding; and more than likely help me get a job right out of college. If I feel like I am slipping in school because of this job, I will not hesitate to quit...my academic goals come before anything.
I had to move 230 miles away from my boyfriend, which sucks, but we're making it work. Living with the parents isn't a horrible thing, unless you're draining them. If my parentals weren't as kind as they are to let me live with them while I pay off my loans I would be in a craphole of a situation. 
KG MSN RN CCRN CEN, MSN, RN
74 Posts
I have no problem living with my parents, and they don't either. I will be making my own payments once I graduate.