Vanderbilt FNP experience - grads or current students

[jtintn]

I haven't seen a recent thread (2014) about Vanderbilt's FNP program.

I recently received my acceptance (yay!!) into the pre-specialty FNP program and was wondering if there were grads or current students who could talk about their experience. I'm very excited, but at 46, the hefty price tag scares the crap out of me. I teach at a local school in Nashville and have just about finished paying off all other debt except mortgage, so the thought of going back into debt is the one huge drawback to the program.

I have also been accepted into several ABSN programs that could eventually lead to the same result (an FNP) for less money but it would likely take several more year's time. Either way I look at it, time is not on my side. I've included a list of questions, but insight any one of them would be greatly appreciated.

How has your overall experience been in the program?

Have people been able to find jobs that have justified the cost? Or at least make paying it off reasonable? Did you find that having Vanderbilt on your resume made a difference?

I applied as a distance student (Charlotte, NC area). How difficult was it to find preceptors in your home area? What has your experience traveling to/from Nashville been like?

Any older students out there? What has your experience been like?

Thanks in advance!