USD MEPN Fall 2009

Hi, Congrats! I just got accepted too! And yes, I am very concerned about the cost. Although people say not to worry about the cost because we won't have a problem paying it back, I still don't want to have any regrets. I submitted my FAFSA and am not sure how much money I will get because I was working full time in 2008 and am hoping they realize I won't be working during the program and will not have any income. Does anyone know how this works?

I'm going in circles in my head - thinking maybe I should have considered a program that would make me an advanced nurse (NP or CNS) if I'm going to be spending all this money!

I'm still waiting to hear back from UCLA which is much less expensive.

Any financial advice would be helpful!

Hi! Congratulations to both of you!

I am in the same boat :) Just got accepted and am concerned about the cost and not coming out with a Nurse Practitioner degree (which I ultimately want). I love the program and the faculty/school seemed great; I know I would be very happy there. I am just not sure.... Sorry, I have no good advice, just wanted to say that I understand :) I am also waiting to hear back from other programs... so we will see.

What other schools did you apply to, seattlekate? Best of luck :)

Seattle University, Pacific Lutheran University and Georgetown... I should hear from a few next week, but they are all pretty competitive. They are all for FNP programs though, San Diego is the only CNL program I applied to. Thanks for the luck! I think the waiting is the worst :)

It is expensive no doubt about it and not being able to work, you are throwing a lot of money towards it....I had a lot more saved before the market tanked....ughhh, my usual timing

Best of luck to you both.....hopefully you hear back soon!

Oh, you know I had a thread for MEPN program, thought this was it, but someone else's....well if you guys come to USD, I'll see you there!

I'm really considering turning down my acceptance, because the more and more I think about it, I really don't want to have that much loan debt. $84k + living expenses. I'm thinking if I'm going to spend that much money, I want to come out as an advanced practice nurse. Anyone else having doubts?

What sucks is that I will have to wait until Oct or Nov to apply to schools again, which will put my life on hold for another year and delay my education by a year, but perhaps it will be worth it in the long run 'cause I'll save a lot of money.

I'm going in circles in my head trying to decide!!! Are there any easy answers??

Musictonurse, you are right:there are definitely not any easy answers! I guess it is different for everyone but for me, I cannot put off school for another year.

I am also really concerned about the price. I am anxiously awaiting the decision from UCLA. If I am not accepted, I will definitely go to USD. I know the cost is overwhelming, but I guess one has to make sacrifices for their education. Plus, the program is excellent and the staff seem amazing. I guess I can swallow that big price-tag, which I hope I can pay off through those loan forgiveness programs.

The other two schools I was accepted to were much cheaper and I think it was an easier path to an Advanced Practice Nursing, however I felt like the education I would've received would not have been as good as USD or UCLA.

Should you figure out any answers...be sure to let me know!

Nursehopeful, Thanks, I agree with you on all those points, but I'm still just not sure. I really shouldn't put it off another year either because it's really like putting it off another year and a half. USD is a GREAT program. I just wish it was cheaper. But yes, I know I will love the program. I'm also waiting to hear from UCLA. I can't believe we have to wait for snail mail!

What other schools did you get accepted to?? And why did you feel you wouldn't get as good of an education? Really curious to know :) Also, did you actually visit the UCLA SON? I didn't attend the orientation and was wondering how the staff/students compare to USD, because I loved everyone at USD. The students seem really cool and the staff is very warm.

Hope to hear from ya :)

musictonurse, I was accepted to both Western and CSUF. I am living out of the country (as a Peace Corps Volunteer) and I was granted early acceptances to these programs.

I turned both programs down for a few reasons.

#1- I did not get a good feeling about CSUF. Originally, I had requested an interview (should I be granted one) during Christmas time because I would not have been able to attend an interview on their usual dates. When I visited the school, the people in the office were confused and (seemingly) disorganized. They ended up telling me "Yes we will accept you without an interview but we cannot organize any meetings with the Director or any staff because of this short notice". I also did not like the campus, nor could I see myself living in or around Fullerton. I suppose I don't have too good of a reason to reject the school considering I do not know much about the program, but I really want to choose the right nursing school for me.

#2- I was granted early admission to Western and I had to make a decision regarding the program in early January (before I heard from my top two choices). Since I am living as a poor volunteer, $500 is a lot of money and I wasn't willing to secure my seat. Plus, the idea of online, distance-learning is not very appealing to me. I really need to be in a classroom setting.

I had met with Dr. Hunter at USD and she was just warm, welcoming, knowledgeable and open. I was able to speak with a few students who also thought the program was amazing and they were so happy to be there. I was really sold on the program.

Honestly, I do not know too much about UCLA's program other than it is cheaper than USD and UCLA is an excellent school and I'm sure the program is equally good. If I were living in the States I would love to visit the program but it is not really possible for me.

Well let me know what you do! I'm anxiously awaiting UCLA but honestly, I am sort of leaning towards USD now that I think about it. I know the money is an issue but I have faith that I will have no problems paying it back.

Thanks so much for the info!! I was looking into all the other available Master's Entry programs this weekend and was kicking myself in the butt for not researching more last year before I only applied to two schools. I really should have applied to more, but I figured I would start with two and see what happened. I think the people in the program and the way the program is run is SO important and could make the world of difference.

I didn't realize that Western is distance based learning. Good to know. And I would agree with not wanting to live in Fullerton. I don't think it has much to offer

Honestly, I would pick USD over UCLA if it weren't for the cost but I'm also starting to think maybe I should pick USD too since I know it's a great program and I know I'll love it and I can stay in San Diego. Oh and the campus is beautiful! Best of luck in your decision. This UCLA waiting is driving me nuts! Why can't they do it like USD did?

Will you also be taking out loans for your living expenses? How much do you think you'll be taking out in loans? I think I'm more scared of the living expenses than the actual cost of the program.

musictonurse, I will be taking out loans for my living expenses. Honestly, I don't even want to think about how much I will have to take out. I am also hoping USD has some financial aid options like grants or scholarship opportunities.

Dr. Hunter said that many students work about 16-hours per week, but no more. I am hoping to find a part-time and flexible job to at least supplement my loans.

I certainly don't plan on living lavishly but I guess I would need enough for basic expenses. I will also not be living with family, so rent would be included in that too.

This UCLA waiting game is really getting to me too! I have decided I will wait until Friday to receive my letter. If I do not receive one, then I guess that means I am not accepted and I will just send in the $500 to USD. At least I know I will be happy in that program.

Best of luck to you too!