Why did you choose the college you did?

jlcole45 · Jul 27, 2009

A lot of programs have bridge programs and many do at least part of their msn classes on line. I am in NC and I applied and was accepted at two state schools and one private (duke). I ended up accepting at the local private program, WCU. I was the best bang for the money, Duke is great BUT it is nearly $1100 a credit hour! So I would have to take our a loan to go, which I did not want to do. WCU is a newer program but has already established a good reputation locally, since its a state school its affordable, and they only have a part time option that is specifically geared to working RN's. It will take me 3 years to finish but I will be able to continue to work at least part time and pay as I go. So you need to look at your state and private programs in your state and start gathering information.

nursetim, NP · Aug 1, 2009

A lot of programs have bridge programs and many do at least part of their msn classes on line. I am in NC and I applied and was accepted at two state schools and one private (duke). I ended up accepting at the local private program, WCU. I was the best bang for the money, Duke is great BUT it is nearly $1100 a credit hour! So I would have to take our a loan to go, which I did not want to do. WCU is a newer program but has already established a good reputation locally, since its a state school its affordable, and they only have a part time option that is specifically geared to working RN's. It will take me 3 years to finish but I will be able to continue to work at least part time and pay as I go. So you need to look at your state and private programs in your state and start gathering information.

I think you made the right choice and dodged a bullet. I was not so lucky. I went to duke and the reason is they accepted the MAT at the time. That is it. Cynical, self serving, bitter, but there it is. After 120k, I hope it opened doors for me, so there is costs. Clinicals can be kept local so travel is not much of an issue unless the placement coordinator gets a bee in her fat bonnet. :angryfire: then you could be sent to BFE NC, but they will put you up in housing if they do, so there is travel. Good education, for what I paid, NO definitely NOT. Go to a state school where if they treat you like an annoying relative you are not out a boat load of cash. I'll get over myself soon I hope and look fondly upon my days there, but I doubt it. My anger keeps me warm at night, at least that's what my wife says. GOD I love that woman:heartbeat::1luvu::kiss::loveya:

oohnurse · Aug 3, 2009

After 120k, I hope it opened doors for me, so there is costs.

Is that the tuition alone? I think Duke is only ~1,000 for per credit hours... You could go to private pharm/med schools for that amount of money....

mrspopeye · Aug 4, 2009

I went through the online program at St. Louis University several years ago, which was fine, but looking back I wished I had researched more and picked a less expensive school- it cost over $30K to go from BSN to MSN. I will still be paying on my student loan when my oldest daughter is in college. The pay between experienced RN and new NP is not that much. It took me about 4 years as an NP to make significantly more than I made at my old management RN job. I have a friend who spent $90K on the Vandy bridge program from ADN to MSN and it will take him the rest of his career to make that up- not worth it to me.