To Pursue Higher Education????

BerkeleyMom · Apr 11, 2007

Hi,

You certainly do have a very big decision to make and it sounds like not a lot of time left. Of course it is hard to give someone else this kind of advice because only you can ultimately decide what is best for you. I can, however, think of some questions that may help you.

Can you realistically pursue this same route of education some place that will be more affordable?

If so, are you willing to do what it takes (wait a year, move, risk not getting in, or whatever else) and sacrifice the immediate opportunity that you have?

Will you burn any bridges that you may regret by dropping out of this program?

How much is $24,000 more debt, given that you already have $105,000?

(24K is actually not bad for an entire NP program at a private school, or am I misunderstanding?)

If you want to be an NP, and need to pay for the program eventually, then what difference will the additional debt make this year or in the future?

If you like working as a RN right now then that is great and will be invaluable experience ... However, you did go into a direct entry masters program, which means that your *goal* was to complete a MSN.

I completely understand a fear of debt, and it is important thing to consider. But, it also depends on the person--how imp money is to them, their age, family structure, other responsibilites, where they live, cost of housing, etc, etc.

I live in N. Cali where the housing market is ridiculous. For some reason $130K does not sound so bad for an investment in a career--something you will be doing every single day. I mean, you can barely buy a house for under 650K anyway--and that is where you sleep half the time ... I guess it is all a matter of personal perspective.

On the flip side, if you like working as an RN now, then why stop? You can always apply to NP school later. Some people say that you have more options because it is less competitive than the direct-entry route.

I was just admitted into a direct-entry FNP program at a private school that is going to be VERY expensive. I have been going over it in my head, and with whoever will listen, because I am very worried about the debt. I have decided to stop worrying and rationalizing because niether option makes practical sense--going or not going. When I listen to that inner voice/feeling, I realize that I need to just go for it because that is what feels right to me for some reason ...

Best of luck to you ... I know it is a tough decision!