UPenn Nursing vs. Drexel Nursing Undergrad

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I have been lucky enough to be accepted at both institutions as I am about to embark on my decision to go into Nursing Undergrad. I have completed two years at a different University as an English Major and am now making the big switch to become a nurse ( I want to be a Nurse Practitioner in Women's Health). I have been given a large scholarship to Drexel, and with the Co-op I would make about $13,000, and am eligible to be in the program Bsn to MSN, achieving my Master's in one year. However, despite all this, being accepted at Upenn is also a fantastic achievement. I know that with the high demand of nurses, it doesn't really matter the Name of the institution you go to, however it is very difficult to turn down a name like Penn. If I did go to Penn, because they don't give academic scholarships, my parents would be in a lot of debt what with loans, and I would have to go on to get my Masters while working. My question is I've been told that if I want to accelerate quickly to, say, a directing position, or travel internationally, it is best to go with UPenn, because it is a bigger name. I am wondering if this is true, and considering I have always wanted to go to Penn I should accept and go there, despite the more economically friendly option that is Drexel.

(also, in a shallow sense, Penn's campus is much more appealing)

sorry for the long post, but who better to ask the opinion of, than people who know what they are talking about?

thanks for your help!

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Specializes in CV Surgery Step-down.

Here's what I'd do--Go for the scholarship and co-op experience at Drexel. Save yourself the money, and put the co-op money towards the MSN at Penn. I'd work a year or two and then go back to school. I have a friend at Penn in the NP program (peds) now. It's been 20 years since finished her BSN, but she loves the program. Drexel and Penn are so close, anyway -- use Penn's library to study and enjoy the beauty. Philly is such a great city! I miss it... Good luck. You can't lose either way!:)

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I have been lucky enough to be accepted at both institutions as I am about to embark on my decision to go into Nursing Undergrad. I have completed two years at a different University as an English Major and am now making the big switch to become a nurse ( I want to be a Nurse Practitioner in Women's Health). I have been given a large scholarship to Drexel, and with the Co-op I would make about $13,000, and am eligible to be in the program Bsn to MSN, achieving my Master's in one year. However, despite all this, being accepted at Upenn is also a fantastic achievement. I know that with the high demand of nurses, it doesn't really matter the Name of the institution you go to, however it is very difficult to turn down a name like Penn. If I did go to Penn, because they don't give academic scholarships, my parents would be in a lot of debt what with loans, and I would have to go on to get my Masters while working. My question is I've been told that if I want to accelerate quickly to, say, a directing position, or travel internationally, it is best to go with UPenn, because it is a bigger name. I am wondering if this is true, and considering I have always wanted to go to Penn I should accept and go there, despite the more economically friendly option that is Drexel.

(also, in a shallow sense, Penn's campus is much more appealing)

sorry for the long post, but who better to ask the opinion of, than people who know what they are talking about?

thanks for your help!

Why put your parents in debt? In the grand scheme of things the name or the University only matters minimally. I am forty thousand dollars in debt right now and that is with alot of scholarships. I only chose my University because I didn't want to be on a waiting list forever. In nursing the basics are taught in every University maybe not the same way but 90% of the content is the same.

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thats my predicament: as much as my parents tell me that i shouldnt consider money into the scheme of things while making my decision, its hard to choose a school knowing that it will put my parents in debt. ultimately, they can afford it, but for the time being they will have to take out loans. as much as going to penn would be fantastic, it will be difficult as i am a year behind, and will have to double up in some science courses and take some courses during the summer, the question is: is it worth it? since i am still an undergrad, i am concerned with my experience as an undergraduate student, that matters a lot to me alongside my nursing degree. that isnt to say i wouldnt enjoy my time at drexel, but would being a penn student make my undergraduate experience that much more enjoyable?

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Specializes in ER.

Take the money and go to Drexel...then graduate go work at Penn and finish your schooling there...they'll pay for your tuition as an employee

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Specializes in ER.

ok now that I got all that superficiallness out of my system..go with the program that will best suit your needs...A University setting regardless can be tough for a field like nursing...You don't want to get lost in the shuffle in a really large class...Also you need to take into consideration what their pass/fail rates are, what their percentages are for passing the boards and so forth and so on...Its totally fine that finances may have to play a part in your decision...I don't know anyone personally that went to either nursing program so I cannot speak on the quality of the programs themselves...but make a pro and con list and see where that takes you.

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Specializes in Educator.

I attend Penn, as an accelerated student. Therea re some scholarships available, so you may not be entirely dependent on loans.

On a side note, you can use one of Penn library's during certain hours, but not on weekends- they only allow students.

my advice is to...go where you are most drawn and feel you will get the best experience. i am an 'older' student so i am not sure i can address your personal concerns re: being an undergrad. :)

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I was wondering if anyone thought that a nurturing environment makes a big difference. I've been told that drexel has a sort of cold relationship between professors and students. also, does it truly matter, in the long run, where you went to undergrad, when it comes to applying for jobs?

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I was wondering if anyone thought that a nurturing environment makes a big difference. I've been told that drexel has a sort of cold relationship between professors and students. also, does it truly matter, in the long run, where you went to undergrad, when it comes to applying for jobs?

They are just happy to get LIVE, WARM BODIES!

Seriously, I envy your "predicament". As stated above, both are so close. I personally would go the coop way, as I LOVE the idea of being able to make money while in school. We had to babysit or work as aides "back in the day".

But, like they say...you and only you can decide which is best for you. Obviously, you will make it no matter which you choose.

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I am finishing my 2nd year as a Drexel nursing student and can't reccommend it enough! I LOVE the co-op program, it is the best experience I've ever had. You learn so much and get paid while you're doing it. Employers LOVE having student nurses and they really are wonderful resources. I can't tell you how many nurse managers have interviewed me and raved about how they love hiring Drexel grads because they're so clinically sound because they've learned by DOING not by watching or reading. Co-op is a really great way to practice the things you've learned in clinical without a professor standing over your shoulder.

As far as the cold professors go: I won't say that I've loved all of them...but I haven't had any huge issues. There are quite a few that I find to be very intelligent and inspiring.

You have to know what's best for you, if you really want that Penn name then go for it. I'm planning to finish up at Drexel, work a few years, and then go back to Penn to be a NP. (And let the hospital I'm working for pay!!)

If you have any questions abour Drexel, PM me...I'd love to chat!

PS-They don't pay me for this....I really do love it here!!

:)

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Specializes in PACU.

your situation sound similar to mines a year ago. i went to community college for two years to do pre reqs, i applied for dual admissions to both drexel and lasalle. i was completly torn, i wanted to go to drexel for co-op and i wanted to go to lasalle because one of my best friends went there and i wanted to room with her. i was going crazy, finally i got hired at a hospital and i thought, working as a cna will substitute for co-op. my sitation then was which school has a better program? i met students that went to drexel and lasalle, and the lasalle students explained their program to be the best thing on earth. also, a couple girls i worked with transferred from drexel to lasalle because they complained about drexels faculty not being supportive and things like that. i personally dont know if it was just the fact the drexel may have been too tuff for them. anyway, i say throughly think it out, try to talk to students from both school, research the schools and find out as much as you can. oh yeah, congrats on being accepted to both schools!!!!!! they are both to really great places to go :)

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Here's what I'd do--Go for the scholarship and co-op experience at Drexel. Save yourself the money, and put the co-op money towards the MSN at Penn. I'd work a year or two and then go back to school. I have a friend at Penn in the NP program (peds) now. It's been 20 years since finished her BSN, but she loves the program. Drexel and Penn are so close, anyway -- use Penn's library to study and enjoy the beauty. Philly is such a great city! I miss it... Good luck. You can't lose either way!:)

This is a great idea!!! Good luck with your decision and your career!!!:)

Eileen

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