Which state BSN program to pick?

If at all possible, I would try to make a visit to both campuses and check out the nursing school environment at each. Pay particular attention to interviewing current students. Absent this investigation, I would have to say that the closer school with less cost would have the upper hand, if only slight.

Thanks for the quick reply! A friend and I are going to check San Diego's campus out next weekend. As for interviewing students, I will definitely try that if I can find one :)

Choose the area/school that you would be most comfortable living in for the next two to three years. In six years, few employers are going to care where you earned your Bachelor's degree. Be in an environment that you will best be able to filter out distractions should they occur -- and they will. If you feel that you're capable of dealing with relationships (and potential break-ups), stress, and life in general without the support of your current friends and family, San Diego State would be a fun place to live for the next three years.

Something else to keep in mind is that you'd probably graduate from Sac State with less debt, given that it's a two year program as opposed to three years at San Diego State.

/twocents

I think both schools are equally good. Yes, it's true that overall San Diego State is more reputable, but when the question is about the nursing program then Sac State takes the win. For the past few years Sac State has had 100% NCLEX pass rate and I promise you sac state prepares you really well for it! According to college atlas, sac state's nursing program is one of the top 20 in the US. Sac State's nursing simulation lab is also brand new and state of the art technology. Do you live in Sacramento?

Sac state has a better nursing program. Also its harder to get your gen ed done at san diego state. Its overcrowded and the average person takes 5 1/2 years to complete their classes . As in you'd get your nursing classes, but might struggle for upper division english etc. Just food for thought

Really, choose when you get the acceptance letter. Consider that you applied to the two most impacted CSU programs. I think sac is the better program as well, but SDSU is in San Diego and that can't be beat. Both offer good education but I wouldn't worry and be overly optimistic til you have acceptance letters in your hands.

Thank you guys for your input, it's been super helpful! I didn't even realize San Diego had a 3 year program, and hearing good things about sac is reassuring. It may be better to stay close to home as well; I'm not from sacramento, but I have family there, and I have friends who go to school nearby. While I know it's a good idea not to be too optimistic just yet, I feel like once you are accepted you don't get much time to decide! I've looked at sacramento's previous applicant pool and according to the trends in point systems, I feel like I'm in a pretty safe range of being accepted (if all else goes right)! For San Diego, I have no idea. I do realize anything could happen and I definitely won't be making any serious decisions anytime soon. Just want to be as prepared as possible :)

Do you have a Plan C in case neither offer you a spot?

I'm applying to Fresno state as a backup as well. However, I'm also ok with getting a job as a CNA (planning on possibly getting that after this quarter since I'm about done with prerequisites), getting a little experience, and then reapplying for spring quarters at sac (if they end up taking transfer students for spring) or other state schools if necessary.