West Coast University... is it worth it??

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 6, 2010

OMG! Don't do it!

I am basing my opinion strictly on the financial aspects since I don't have any first hand knowledge of their program. You will be left with a crippling financial burden. I know med students that graduate who end up with less debt than that. Your loan payments would be ~$1000 a month - what if you can't get a job right away? IMO, this commercial school is taking outrageous advantage of the current 'sellers market' for nursing education.

Go with your second option - pre-reqs at a CC & transfer to a traditional (non commercial) program.

caliotter3 · Jan 6, 2010

For a fraction of the cost of WCU and some effort at a cc, you could get a BSN from Western Governor's University, http://www.wgu.edu. It is only $17,000 ($4650 every six months) for the two years you would be in attendance for the nursing portion. Worth a look.

BruinAGNP · Jan 6, 2010

Thanks all for your input!

I heard that the waitlist for ADN program in community colleges are insane. What's their GPA cut-offs and what are the chance of getting in with ~2.6 GPA in science courses? I know my GPA isn't competitive so i'm anxious to what i should expect from getting into the nursing schools..

Music in My Heart · Jan 6, 2010

I can't imagine paying $130,000 for a nursing degree. Take a look at the difficulties that many graduates are facing in finding any work. Even if you can find a job, imagine the payments and interest on such an enormous amount of debt.

calstudent1967 · Jan 10, 2010

It is a personal choice obviously. I pay about 1/2 on a monthly basis and am doing about 1/2 in loans.

I am an older student so the quickness of the program works for me.

I would be mindful to be SURE the classes that you take a CC will transfer in. I think it would be wise to finish up the classes you can at the Jr. College level (English 101, sociology 1, college math (alegbra)) and finish up what you need to at WCU - it will knock a considerable amount off your tuition.

Thus far I have been pleased with my instructors and administration overall. No program is perfect but there are a few shining stars at WCU (I really like several of the teams of the administration and feel I have been treated well at WCU thus far).

Josie, RN/LCSW · Jul 29, 2013

Do NOT waste your time with West Coast University - they are a sham. The program is sub-standard and not respected at all. When I was doing my clinicals the students from WCU were considered a joke (sorry to say) - they only took half a day clinical a week, and the nurses hated working with them because they didn't know anything. As far as hiring, I've been around several hospitals and WCU students only get hired as a last resort (which isn't even applicable since there are so many graduates from "normal" schools and programs applying). Also, a student has to sign forms that they will liable for the entire tuition, whether they drop or not. So, legally, a few years later, when you're still working in fast food, you continue to owe that $75,000. In fact, the school benefits from students NOT staying the entire course.

In addition, if you DO have the chance to transfer.....WCU students are not looked upon as acceptable candidates in most circumstances. Really, don't waste your time. If you can't get in to an ADN program at an accredited community college program here, look into one in another state where it's easier to get in. An ADN from "Deerlick Community College" is way more respected than a whatever-it-is from WCU.

andrewschultz, LVN · Aug 6, 2013

\ said:
Do NOT waste your time with West Coast University - they are a sham. The program is sub-standard and not respected at all. When I was doing my clinicals the students from WCU were considered a joke (sorry to say) - they only took half a day clinical a week, and the nurses hated working with them because they didn't know anything. As far as hiring, I've been around several hospitals and WCU students only get hired as a last resort (which isn't even applicable since there are so many graduates from "normal" schools and programs applying). Also, a student has to sign forms that they will liable for the entire tuition, whether they drop or not. So, legally, a few years later, when you're still working in fast food, you continue to owe that $75,000. In fact, the school benefits from students NOT staying the entire course.
In addition, if you DO have the chance to transfer.....WCU students are not looked upon as acceptable candidates in most circumstances. Really, don't waste your time. If you can't get in to an ADN program at an accredited community college program here, look into one in another state where it's easier to get in. An ADN from "Deerlick Community College" is way more respected than a whatever-it-is from WCU.

Gee wiz Josie! Would you like a side of bitter with your meal? I've read your previous posts and you seem quite negative. You get what you put out of West Coast. It seems what you are observing only pertains to your situation. I know several WCU RNs at hospitals and new grad programs at university hospitals. And your comment about half clinical days may not be entirely true. How do you know those students were not on to another location? Just because someone goes to a CC, does not mean they are respected more. Do you know there are only a handful of community colleges that have gone the extra step of accreditation with the ACEN? get on their website and do some research before you run off of your personal feelings.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2013

I think everyone's individual experience with each facility/program is different for each program and individual. Some have negative experiences with Phoenix some had it with Indiana University Online program

I think we need to be respectful of each other opinions. As per the Terms of Service.....allnurses promotes...

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Eli352 · Jul 28, 2017

Not sure if this is still pertinent to you since it's been quite some time, but for anyone who wants to know:

I graduated from WCU Miami January 2017 and I have nothing but great things to say about the program. I'm not in huge debt. Yes, I do owe the government about $40K, but I didn't have to wait around for waiting lists and I didn't have to pay anything while I was in school. It certainly did help that I was lucky enough not to need to work since I lived with my parents and they covered my basic expenses, but many of my peers worked PT or FT jobs and some even had kids while doing it all, so not impossible. It is definitely not an easy program, but they do prepare you and follow through with you, even now as an alumni. They paid for my NCLEX fees, provided us with VATI, and one of our professors gives everyone his UWorld account to practice on, though I only used VATI and passed on my first try. Additionally to them paying for these fees, which is great when you're not working and your parents live paycheck-to-paycheck (like my case), they give you $500 for completing VATI and $500 more if you pass your NCLEX on your first try. So far, all the graduating cohorts in Miami (3 so far) have a 100% passing rate. What I would recommend is taking as many pre-requisites as you can at a Community College since it is much cheaper. Just go to WCU website or contact them and find out which courses are needed. Ask about scholarships and take advantage of their programs. I was fortunate enough to be accepted to their Global Public Health program to South Korea. They paid for the plane tickets, stay, and most meals for the almost 3 weeks I was there. They have four other international programs and the Oxford one. That experience alone was worth it all to me. As per recognition, we are still a young school in Miami, but hospitals love us and many of us found employment quickly since the school has a very dedicated and connected career services director working for them. Moreover, the alumni network they have is amazing, because it really is about networking rather than donating like many other schools. They invite us to meals, painting classes, drinks, and more completely free and we can even bring family and friends for little to no cost. Honestly, I think whomever had a bad experience at WCU is because they either didn't take full advantage of all their programs or they simply never attended the school and only see the price tag. Hope this helps any nurse-to-be and best of luck!

Sincerely,

A Proud WCU Alumni

Massiel · Mar 19, 2018

I'm so glad to read this comment. I'll be starting the BSN program in two weeks and I've been nervous and second guessing myself because of the cost. But I feel like I don't have many other options. I have countless friends who have benn on waiting lists and have yet to be chosen. That's I felt that WCU was good choice despite the outrageous cost.

barcode120x, RN, NP · Mar 20, 2018

There are several things to look at when thinking about going to West Coast University. For one, there are rumors are WCU and that their students are not well trained. Is this true? Not sure, but I do have several friends and coworkers that graduated from WCU (though not recently, several years ago) and they are great nurses. It's something to keep in mind. The rumors/stories about WCU are there for a reason.

Secondly, the cost. Basically, you are spending tons of $$$$ to get in the BSN program and get your license super fast whereas if you go to any other public university or community college, you would have to deal with a 1 year + wait time on average, maybe more now. One of the things to think about is that sure, it is a LOT of money now, but you'll get in right away, finish quickly, and start working and you'll eventually pay off your loans, which is true for the most part. Whereas if you went to a community college, you may not get into the program for another 2 years which is 2 years of potential RN pay if you had went to WCU and started working right away.

Another thing to think about and look into is the job status of WCU graduates. Are hospitals wiling to hire WCU graduates? Just because you have your license and degree, doesn't mean you can get a job right away. I know for one my hospital in the Inland Empire is no longer hiring WCU new graduates because of the first reason I mentioned. This is a potential problem you can run into and if you're paying loans to WCU, this will only further that debt.

Seems like I'm coming up with a lot of reasons not to go to WCU. I'm just saying you gotta look at all your options. Unfortunately, another thing you MUST think about is what if you don't make it through WCU? What are your options then? I'm not a fan of putting all effort and money into a plan that is not 100% guaranteed.