UPenn BSN/MSN 2012

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I thought I'd start this thread... anyone else applying? App is due this Saturday! I really like the research opportunities that this program offers to its students.

Yeah, the expenses--including tuition--that UPenn listed on my financial aid package amounted to $130k!! Oh. My. Goodness!!!

The grant *did* bring it down, for me it actually dropped the cost below that of Hopkins, *if* Hopkins doesn't offer any grants.

I found somewhere on the JHU website that EVERYTHING (books, housing, etc.) for the 13-month program came to a grand total of $98k...still yikes, especially if we don't receive as "generous" an award from the other schools (does JHU also offer a grant? I am dreading the news...).

I actually couldn't find the estimated total costs for Columbia, but it's NYC, so I'm imagining that's going to be bad news as well (unless I just crash on my friend's couch in Brooklyn for 12 months...).

I really wish I had been able to apply for UCSF...I didn't graduate in time (you have to have your Bachelors *before* you submit your application)...it sounds as though most folks who got accepted to the other schools also got accepted there, and it would be much less scary to drop $70k in loans for a top-notch nursing education and an opportunity to live in San Francisco...

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Hi AniLMT,

With the grant, my costs fell to 90k for the BSN (plus I could try and get a scholarship). However, this is not including the MSN costs, which I bet are horrifying (I'm thinking 100k+). I'm going to call financial aid for the ugly truth. I believe that there are no grants offered for the MSN, yikes. Unfortunately, I think this phone call will be the nail in the coffin for me, once I see how expensive the entire Penn education will be. I know there are more opportunities for working at Penn, but it still seems to be a drop in the bucket compared to the overall costs. One advantage that Penn has is that it confers the BSN. If I was interested in significantly working as an RN, that might be enough to sway me. However, my end goal is to be a FPMHNP, which is very, very different from RN work.

Yes, I believe I'm going to end up at UCSF. Not only is the RN portion cheaper, but CA residency is relatively easy to obtain. That means I'll be able to complete my MSN portion as an in-state CA resident, which means the tuition will be even lower. Plus, I think SF will be amazing and I plan on practicing on the west coast anyway. It breaks my heart to give up on Penn, though. Truly. :(

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Woah--what is the difference between the BS with a nursing major and BSN? I can't believe I overlooked that. Feeling very, very, very stupid right now. I thought they were the same?

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i've heard of students in direct entry programs feel short changed by not being clearly informed on this: they get the masters of course, but the RN is not a BSN. and a BSN is becoming more and more valuable especially as requirements are changing in nursing. i'm wondering if RN to BSN programs would function for direct entry students who do want to get a BSN after they finish their masters, or if it's only for students who got an associates degree in nursing at a community college? not sure. don't feel dumb anilmt! i had no idea myself until a friend who is doing MEPN at ucsf told me this.

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Yeah, at UCSF they only confer an MSN (other programs are this way as well, like Boston College and Seattle U). This can be rough for people who really want a BSN. It all depends on your career goals, kwim? I am very much focused on my career as a psych NP, so I do not mind forgoing the BSN.

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Weird. I just picked up the phone and called admissions at JHU--the man I spoke with assured me that there's no difference between a BSN and a BS with a major in nursing...are they really misleading folks?

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Or, were you not talking about JHU? (I just checked the UCSF website and saw that they don't offer a BS in nursing OR a BSN as part of the MEPN program, so hopefully I just misunderstood).

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Hi Everyone!

Congratulations on your decision to enter the nursing profession! I just graduated from the BSN portion of the UPENN program, and am starting my first RN job on Monday. Super exciting! Just wanted to let you know that I'm available to answer any questions about UPENN, nursing, etc. Just send me a message, and we can set up a time to chat. I'm excited for each of you, and I remember all the anxiety and questions I had when I was in your shoes not so long ago. Good luck in everything you do!

Marina

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Thanks so much, Marina! I will take you up on that :)

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Great! Just send me a PM, and I'll give you my personal email address.

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Marinara,

I am a newly accepted student to Penn accelerated program. I don't have site privileges to PM, could you perhaps PM me with your email. I would really appreciate it. I have so many questions.

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Hi everyone! I decided not to attend Penn for the BSN/MSN in Peds. Good luck to those on the waitlist!

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