Very expensive RN vs. Affordable RN-But in different states?!

RNWannaBe724 · Dec 3, 2007

Okay, so I have pondered back and forth about going back to school. What is really keeping me behind is $$. I currently have almost $25k in student loans in repayment from my current associate's degree in travel & tourism (may we say, *useless*) and work as a supervisor at a resort front desk for a measly 11.50/hr. Isn't going to cut it for many more years...

So, the *real* dilemma is, I would like to become an RN, but I do not know if I can afford it in my current state of residency (New Hampshire). I have also gone back and forth on moving to North Carolina, which I have found to be much more affordable to return to school (after a year to become a resident, of course). I am just not sure if I should wait, because I am not 100% sure it will happen, or just bite the bullet and spend about $10,000.00 more for the education (no joke!), plus transportations costs of a 2 hour each way commute.

My boyfriend is also trying to get into the webdesign field and has his associate's and builds a website in his spare time but cannot get into the market around here, there just isn't much of one for it. So, moving may also make things better for him and he may finally be able to get a job doing what he loves.

The problem is, we aren't 100% we are moving, or when. We are currently saving a lot of $ into a savings account for either the 'moving' fund, or a home downpayment. (downpayment if we stay where we are, but probably won't be able to afford a home on what we make, so getting back to school for me is key to afford the house, and a webdesign market is ideal for him!).

What would you suggest? I just have a hard time imagining borrowing more $ to go back to school when I already have so much in loans. Or in the least, paying out of pocket about $12000.00 to go back, and not being able to pay any more than the minimum on my student loans. Ugh.

The thing about moving is, we most likely won't have jobs right away and savings can only get you so far, I have heard negative things about the job market lately, and moving from a state with no sales or income tax to one that has a high income tax and sales tax makes me wonder if I'd have a paycheck left!

Please help!

Thanks!