Which school to drop? WGU or CSUSM

[nursefellow]

Hi everybody, I have been working full time as a MH nurse for 4 years with an associates degree.

I have decided to pursue my BSN and was recently admitted to 2 online BSN programs. I was admitted to Cal State San Marcos'(CSUSM) and Western Governors University, both 100% online programs and they are both CCNE accredited.

My dilemma is deciding which one to stick with and which one to drop. I currently work full time (40+ hours a week) and would probably complete a program at average pace since I am in no rush.

CSUSM is less costly(about 4K less), however WGU is designed for working nurses so I figured it may benefit more although I am not certain if CUSM works the same way. Another thing to consider is WGU is either Pass/Fail so my highest potential grade would be a 3.0 gpa if I decide to transfer after to grad school, although I am not certain how this would impact my chances of applying. I do see a potential attending grad school and pursuing my MSN with a FNP specialty.

As I read around the forums, WGU seems well respected for an online based program and the fact that the enrollment counselor has been persistent in calling me to help me complete my admission process gives me the sense that I will find no trouble getting support throughout the program. Whereas CSUSM hasn't responded to my questions via email in a week yet.

I am leaning towards WGU, what do you all think? What is everyone experiences and thoughts? Please share.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

If you are in southern California, CSUSM has a good local reputation and no hiring managers will ever know you earned your degree via an online delivery platform.

I completed my online BSN through Western Governors last year and enjoyed it. It took me 10 months to complete 34 credits for a total of $5,800 in tuition/fees.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

This may sound counter intuitive to you but I would put somewhat little weight on the alacrity in which an academic advisor returns your emails.

In this case one school is a public institution Cal State and the other a non-profit private one.

Both appear to have decent reputations but your question is which one is right for your personal needs.

At the risk of sounding like "Trump on a Stump,"

although anecdotal information is to be considered in your decision of which one to pick, again, only you know what's right for your unique needs.

To help you cut through the miasma of the sell, you must first be able to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Go to (collegescorecard.ed.gov). Both schools are listed with some great statistical and demograpgic information. Although this info is not specific to their online programs, inductive reasoning should help you make an informed choice.

Ultimately all I can say is that many students in this country would love to have your problem. All too often they are stuck with a "Hobson's" choice which is no choice at all aside from those" industry" school hound dogs that sell loans and most often leave aspirants stranded.

[4mranch]

I have 2 co-workers going through the MSN program at GSU and they both seem to like it. The papers are lengthy, but you are provided a detailed rubric to help you complete the necessary requirements of the paper. Also there are no discussion questions or group projects to mess with. You do work at your own pace to complete the projects. From what I understand the BSN program is similar. Good luck with your choice.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I have 2 co-workers going through the MSN program at GSU and they both seem to like it.

Which school is GSU? Thanks in advance. :)

[4mranch]

Ooops, meant WGU not GSU, sorry for the confusion.