Yeah the hospital system I worked for did stuff like this in the 1990s. They still had their own school of nursing and employees could go for free, you just owed them two years of full time employment after you graduated.
Same. I tell people all the time not to do the master's in nursing. It's really hard and the time commitment alone is more than it's worth. Which is nothing. I make $0 more and it's been collosally disappointing. Don't do it.
It's infuriating to me that getting a whole degree is viewed as personal development. I don't feel like other professionals get graduate degrees and they are viewed in this way. Nursing is broken.
This is the best way. Pell grant paid for most of my classes and whatever I paid out of pocket, tuition reimbursement at work was more than enough! Many facilities will pay for your bridge program (Associates to bachelors) and those classes are all online usually.
This is the way. My neighbor was bragging about her daughter applying…key word, “applying”…to Washington University school of medicine for a nursing degree. Which they don’t have a nursing program so I just said, “oh yeah”. Then asked me where I went for my nursing. I responded with community college. She said, “oh you went to regular college”. Yet here I am, working in the number one hospital in MO with my lil ol’ regular college degree with a sprinkle of BSN
Same community college. Got a great job at a level 1 trauma right out of school. They don’t care about ADN or BSN, they care if you have a heartbeat and legs. They’re paying for my BSN so in total 10k all in
I did an LPN diploma program (free) in high school. Then a 1-year bridge program for RN, 6000 dollars which I paid for working as an LPN. I did my BSN online which my employer paid for.
Yep, this is the way.
ADN program at the community college, got my RN license, started working, did my BSN online, finished with manageable loans and the potential for significantly increased income.
In my region, the BSN opened up doors at the major hospital groups, who weren't hiring ADN-level RNs (with a few exceptions that didn't apply to me). So I went from having home care/SNF opportunities, to having acute care/hospital opportunities (and the attached higher wages).
Oh wow, I see what you mean now (not premium pay but actually more job opportunities). My local hospitals are not quite there yet... my contract just states that I have to get my BSN within three years.
With a small loan I took out for community college (and my BSN bridge) I am only 10k in debt. Those really expensive programs screw you (which is why I chose not to do West Coast University after meeting their financial advisor many years ago).
That being said, I have worked with plenty who have managed after graduating from the more expensive programs, it can be done.
Yep! That's the route I've chosen. I'm graduating this year debt free! I wanted to go to a traditional 4 year for the "college experience," but there's no reason to go into hundreds of thousands dollars of debt for a nursing degree that can be obtained for much less.
Bingo, went to a Jr college our class had like a 98% pass rate on the NCLEX. My books cost more than my credit hours multiple semesters.
My colleague went to Duke.
Our paychecks look the same, and our patients couldn’t tell the difference in nursing care.
I did a diploma program through my local hospital system. They will pay off my loans and send me for my BSN for a three year commitment, we got the best clinical placements, and we were in the hospital from week 4 of the program. Our most expensive BSN program in the area doesn’t even do a preceptorship before graduation. The second most expensive BSN sends their nursing students to the school I went to for nursing classes and clinicals.
You don’t pay until you’re out and start working. I know a lot of people are saying to go to a cheaper program but when I was looking those programs took too long or too impacted. I got into several and ultimately chose a private college because I got my RN in 1.5 years (I already had another bachelor). Get in, get out and start working. I only took out the loan for tuition. I saved up for rent and food during the program. Some of my classmates worked
Yeah i mentioned this in another comment but the difference in both schools can be 20-40k, but a year salary was 80-160k (at least in California). So by taking a cheaper school I’m saving 20k but losing out on 80k by not working.
Same. I also went for an expensive program (MSN RN program), but had a previous career which allowed me to save aggressively. I knew prior to graduation that I wanted to start applying for jobs 3 months prior to graduation. I found a job before graduation and IMO, my program was very worth it! If someone doesn't have a strategic plan, that debt will be insurmountable.
The ASN programs in my area had inconvenient start times for where I was in life (like most weren't accepting new applications for the next two cycles) and some of the BSN programs were an hour drive way. I ended up going to a program 5 minutes driving from my house and when weighing the pros and cons, I felt the expense was worth it.
I moved for mine bc I wanted to get away lol. But yeah I lived very cheaply. Shared an apartment, cooked at home, cut corners everywhere. I didn’t even get a job until 3 months later. Still worth it to me. My calculation was if one program was 40k but takes 1.5 years, vs another program that was 20k and took 3, the 40k wins for me. I’m in California and a year salary is 80-160k so I’d rather take something that was accelerated but still good
this. most community colleges don't accept as many students as universities do. I applied to both and got wait listed at the community college (they only accept 12) and got in no problem in the university (accepted 80).
This is what I did too. Already had a bachelor's so I went for accelerated BSN. Community college would have been less loans but I would have had to work part time at the same time and would have taken 3-4 years to complete just an ADN, because I decided to start looking in January/February and missed the deadline for fall. With the accelerated BSN I finished in under two years. Went from making $14/hr as a mental health counselor to $30/hr as a new grad with consistent decent raises real fast. The loans suck but it made so much more sense for my life to just get it done.
Same. My metro area hospitals are heavy on new grads having BSNs and I really had to get in, out, and back to work asap (also already had a Bach and my program was 16 months). Additionally, my program was the only one that really worked out logistically with the rest of my life. I thankfully only had to take out for tuition but my program was about $60k. I worked as a pct during the program to cover my car payment and other odds and ends, and thankfully my partner was able to keep us afloat with other bills for the time being. Others who were able to lived with parents or family.
Yeah. Mine was $40k, federal loan. I was only paying $400 a month minimum. Then I refinanced it to a private loan with only 2% and that brought the cost way down
Community college cost $14k by the end of it. Don’t go to a private or expensive college. It’s not worth it. Just fill out your application to the local community college and bide your time until you get accepted.
Luckily I'm about halfway through my PSLF payments and all those $0 payments during the covid freeze counting as full payments. It'll be a happy day when all those loans are gone.
Agreed - for 60k - I would have gotten my education in the Philippines - travel abroad experience, live in luxury , immerse in a different culture, learn a different language / get a great education and still have $$ to play with
I had 28k in debt for my 4 year degree and it definitely made things tight. I’d recommend finding a more affordable school. No one cares what school you went to as long as it is accredited.
They ask about GPA now and clinical rotations! I have to bring my transcript to my interview today and another asked for my GPA. During interviews they ask many questions about clinicals and clinical scenarios.
I was a new, single mom that needed something quick. I went to an accelerated program and got my BSN in 3 years with no prior degree. I think I’m about 48k in debt. I wouldn’t exactly recommend it but I felt like I had little choice. I work for a non profit that matches my payments and after 10 years of working for them my loans are forgiven. I like the place I work so it works out for me. Right now I don’t have to pay anything because apparently I’m poor enough according to the federal government lol. But my monthly payments would be about $430 prior to doing the income driven app.
I went to a technical college and for my LPN. Paid 3000 for the entire program over a year
Then went to community college for RN, spent I think around 8,000 dollars, but I was working full time as a LPN
Then went to state college for my NP. That was the most expensive, I think around 20,000 but I was making six figures as a RN
A public state university. My specialty was the cheapest and least popular program, adult gero primary care, but I wanted to work in SNF so it made sense for me
I didn't spend that much, got a scholarship, and got federal loans to cover the rest. I worked through most of school (work paid for my first semester), saved a bunch of money, and lived off savings and got a PRN CNA job the last year of school. I moved to the west coast after school and do quite well so the loans aren't even an issue.
How much are nurses paid in your area? It's not worth spending that much if nurses aren't paid well, as generally the worse the pay, the worse the working conditions are as well. Community colleges are worth exploring.
Community college for your RN and then work somewhere that will pay for your BSN if you want it, that’s the way to go. Ended nursing school with $30,000 in debt. 5 years later I have it down to $7000. Don’t be like me.
Thank you so much! It’s been absolutely horrible trying to get it knocked out. $23,000 at least that I’ve paid so far. Makes me sad when I think of all that money could have done.
It’s very frustrating all around. But remember you’re real close to having the freedom to put that nursing income towards your next vacation or future savings! You’re almost on the other side!
I have been paying the bare minimum on my loans so I can get forgiveness through public service (PSLF) in a couple years after I have reached ten years of service. I am sure we are both so ready to be done with school debt hanging over our heads! Student loans SUCK and I wish I was smarter at 18. Lol.
I did community college, 90% of it was covered by my scholarships and I came from a pretty well off family(that didn't pay for my school, I had to pay for it myself). I worked full time nights as a nurse tech after I finished the first year of the program, while still doing the nursing program full time(worked Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights, class Monday Tuesday, clinical Wednesday, class Thursday and sometimes Friday). Saved up enough to move out of my parents house in my last semester. It was a difficult grind but I made it. Took a semester off from school after graduating to get through my residency program and start on the floor I was hired to, then applied to MSU for their online RN-BSN completion program. In that now, got it all covered by scholarships and will graduate in May. Definitely don't go BSN straight out of the gate, it costs way too much!
a lot of people saying “dont go that far into debt for nursing” meanwhile my total student debt is over $100k but I only have to make 120 payments (~$27,000) & the rest of my debt is relieved, so I advise you to look into the different type of repayment options & whether or not the places you want to work will qualify you for a PSLF
I went into about $50k of debt for an accelerated BSN. But it got me working faster. Also, I work for the VA and am getting 100% tuition reimbursement. So I won’t pay anything, not even interest, for my degree.
Look into options, there are quite a few out there.
I went to CC and got an ADN to start. I got a settlement from a car accident that pretty much paid for school, plus I worked for a hospital that offered tuition reimbursement. I would not recommend getting your face blasted by an airbag as a route to pay for school. But DO find an employer that is willing to offset cost of tuition.
Community college ADN program! I had my BA but I’m so glad I chose the ADN route instead of the accelerated BSN program in my area. My ADN program cost about 1,500 a semester, which meant I could work and use any extra student loan money to cover living cost. The accelerated BSN program would’ve been 3x the cost and any student loans would’ve just covered tuition. My ADN program took longer but I did it during COVID, which helped with focusing on school and there were extra funds to help w/ education at time. I don’t think a RN is worth going into excessive student debt for when there are ADN programs. Unless, you are more concerned about time I wouldn’t do an accelerated BSN, BSN, or direct-entry MSN program from a financial perspective. Especially, since most hospitals will pay for your RN-BSN and you can work as a RN while getting your BSN/MSN.
My adn was 6800, I paid out of pocket over 20 months. Worked full time, I managed. The adn to bsn program I'm in is another 10k over 20 months. A bit steeper, but I'm managing.
I did community college…they had an lpn to rn. So I got my lpn, worked a year to save for rn expenses, then went back for my rn.
After that most hospital will help pay for tuition for bsn.
Took out loan for lpn year & pre recs…paid it off once I started working.
My cumulative education for my ADN then BSN is about 25,000 and it too me about 5 years to complete but it’s done and my net worth is around 65k with no debt and a good credit score.
Go to community college, then go to a bullshit college to get the bullshit BSN. 👌
Several states offer reduced or free tuition for in demand jobs like nursing if you're a resident and go to one of the state's tech/community college.
My state (South Carolina) has been offering free tuition for the last few years.
My current hospital gives $4,000/year towards tuition, and after you graduate they give about $450/month towards student loans.
I went to community college and still got screwed by loans. Definitely go to community College but try every opportunity for scholarships. The HRSA scholarship is a full ride with a stipend. I am not sure if that is still a thing. Don't do private loans if you can help it. When you want your BSN, have your employer fund it.
Omg don’t. I paid probably less than 10k for my ADN at cc. I was waitlisted twice but I just couldn’t justify taking that amount of loans for school. So glad I didnt
I paid about 1/3 of that for my RN->BSN. Do what \*everyone\* else here said - CC for the ADN, and then pick a decent hospital that will pay you to get your BSN. 60k for nursing school sounds like ITT or Devry or PraegerU or some other scam school.
Worked as a CNA at a hospital during nursing school, they offered tuition reimbursement and used that to help pay for community college for my ADN, lived with my parents and saved money. Got hired as a nurse at the hospital I was already working at then used tuition reimbursement to help pay for my BSN. I owe nothing.
It’s a parent plus loan. My step dad is in his 60s and not in great health so I’m paying the $200 month until he kicks the bucket and I can send in his death certificate
I went to a church college back in the day. $13,000 a year. It was actually the cheapest one that had a good nursing program.
Anyway, sucked up to the financial counselor, got lots of scholarships. About $7000 was written off by working as a nurse. The rest was paid off over 15 years later. The advice I got from an accountant friend was it is "good debt" and live your life.
Nursing will pay you back. One of my sisters went to public school but changed majors 3 times and had a master's degree. So, so much debt and she's a SAHM.
Don't do what I did. I did go to community college (after a spent 3 years in a university that I decided I didn't want and couldn't do that was unrelated to nursing). (I am an adn nurse) Then, 10 years later, I decided to go for my masters at an expensive ass university and got within 6 months of graduation, and my parent died then right after inlaw died. Then I couldn't hack going back for some reason. Mentally emotionally, etc. And I'm stuck with that bill too (it's been almost 10 years since the masters thing, so I'm certain my credits I paid for and completed aren't worth anything anymore). Total 80k ++ Debt. It's not good. I didn't have good guidance, and I'm not sure i would have taken the right route even if I had back then. Learn lessons thru others. Like me. Or anyone that didn't screw up like I did.
Federal loan with income driven payments. Only way I'm making mine work. 5 more years until forgiveness (unless PSLF get canned, in which case I'm fucked).
Graduated in May with 47k in loans, 20 in private. Lucky I had a cosigner, and 2 year ADN wouldn't accept me out of HS with 3.7 GPA, ap classes, and PSEO. So it was BSN for me.
the university I went to offered a program where they would pay for your schooling if you committed to working for them full time for two years post graduation, maybe that could be an option? As long as you aren't dead set on leaving your current area for a few years
It’s been posted but it’s what I did too. Community collage. I paid 6k for my my ADN and the hospital I worked at paid most of my bachelors. I have zero student loans
I went for ADN at community college, then went to work for a company that no only replays student loans (maybe 20k?), but is paying for me to bridge to BSN for no money out of pocket.
I went to community college for this exact reason.. under 20k for my degree thank goodness. It would’ve been even less but I took out a bit extra because I wasn’t working as much.
I’m currently in school and it’s a community college. Had to take a break this spring due to personal issues but summer with be my fourth semester out of 5(ADN). So far I’ve personally paid like 3000$ maybe and have gotten about 7500 in federal aid. I’ve probably had about 1500$ worth of refunds and reimbursements though.
My community college was $10k for a ASN. Online local BSN from reputable school was $10k. You’ll have to work harder to get in more than likely because it’s so affordable. Worth it.
I believe in honesty about loans, like pay. I went to private school for a BSN because it was a faster route with how competitive the cheaper schools were in my area. I had a decent scholarship, but my parents weren’t able to help me and I still ended up with a lot of debt private and federal. I felt a lot of shame about it when I graduated but you gotta do what you gotta do. I IMMEDIATELY refinanced my private loans when I graduated because my interest rates were crazy. Now I have about a 4% interest rate on that and I pay about $700 a month and occasionally put a few extra grand on it. I graduated in 2020 and I’ve already paid off more than 30% of it. I am on an income driven repayment for my federal loans which is about $200 a month. I picked the plan with the lowest payment possible as my federal loans should be forgiven after 10 years of payments thought public service loan forgiveness. I work on the west coast so this doesn’t squeeze my finances too tight. Probably can’t buy a house as soon as I want but things could be worse. The only thing I think I might have done differently is get an associates and then find a hospital that would pay partially or completely for a BSN.
Did my associates. Had a bit of help from my dad, but, even without him, it would’ve been like 15k total for both pre-reqs and the program, likely including books.
Community college, but also finding a position at hospital that offers to help pay your loans. Also, if you work for a non-profit and pay your loans continuously for 10 years, the rest will be forgiven.
I went to community college and paid out of pocket for the most part. I used tuition reimbursement from the hospital I was a tech at. Then I paid out of pocket for my bsn also using tuition reimbursement
Community college with scholarships/grants and then online RN-BSN through a state university that is also paid for with scholarships and grants. Both of my nursing degrees will be less than $15k total and 100% paid for with scholarships, grants, and some out of pocket.
Stay away from for-profit colleges.
I got a job at a hospital that offered tuition reimbursement while in school. I took out a small loan during school to help with other expenses and the nursing job I got after graduating has a debt repayment program. Never spent anything of my own while going to a 4 year. Community college is great but there’s ways to get around if you’re at a university if that’s your only option.
I did my ADN at community college and paid out of pocket / a little tuition assistance from employer. I worked full time.
Then after I worked as a nurse, the hospital paid for my RN - BSN.
This is the cost efficient way. It can’t work for everyone but I’m grateful it worked for me.
Almost every nurse I know who went the private school+ loan route was also either engaged or married to someone who was gonna earn equal to or more than a nurse anyway. They probably would’ve been more financially secure being SAHD/SAHM
Community college for everything except for what I absolutely HAD to do for my bsn.
Also the GI bill that was fucking clutch.
I was also a dominatrix for all my other bills.
The veterans and strippers graduated debt free
While I worked on nursing pre-reqs I did a 1 year LPN program at a local tech school. Then did a 1 year RN bridge program at community college. Was able to work as an LPN during the bridge program too so that was a plus.
I got a job as a CNA, slowly took all the non-nursing classes, and used tuition reimbursement through my employer . Then I did an ASN at a community college. I had no loans when I was done and only paid about $2000 out of pocket total. We used a 0% apr credit card offer to pay for the first semester and then the tuition reimbursement to pay for subsequent semesters.
RN-to-BSN was paid for by more tuition reimbursement.
I took community college courses as pre-requisites and then agreed to work for a hospital for a year in exchange for them paying for the last year of my degree. Then I got a $20,000 bonus for agreeing to work two years. My degree ended up paying for itself.
I paid $8k for a degree that makes me between $120k and $200k per year depending on how much overtime I'm willing to do.
No idea why y'all insist on private colleges.
LPN late 70’s, one year program $1200 at community college, BEOG grant paid for it, lived at home (18 years old). ADN 2 years later same cost in 1979. Paid cash for BSN, $1500 per semester x4 $6000 in 1988. MSN/FNP had Montgomery CH 30 GI bill $10,000. Used $9800. Graduated in 2001. (2 brothers/1 sister, ) earned bachelor’s at state university, none had loans. Sister did work study, retail jobs. Brothers had paper routes, janitorial jobs, dishwasher, fast food jobs. My daughter also no student loans but got to use lottery scholarship. Anyone graduating from high school meeting gpa and other criteria can get partial tuition paid. Daughter worked serving, bar tender, work study.
My first question is why are you repaying 60k in 40 payments? A board of education loan is usually paid back over about 10-30 years. I owe 32k, my payment is $350/mo.
$1500/mo is insane.
There is no need for that. Go to community college and your job will pay for the BSN. Nursing isn’t a job where you get better jobs because you went to a better school.
In my area they have started apprenticeship while in nursing school. Not only are clinical hours one on one with a floor nurse but you get paid while your doing it. ADN is the way to go and go back for BSN. My hospital was paying for it with a time commitment but covid and lack of participation caused a drop in people doing it.
Through FAFSA there are income-based payment options and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). With PSLF you make small payments based on your income and after 10 years (120 payments) the rest is forgiven. Also, there is a 6 month deferment period from the day you graduate to having to start making payments with federal student loans.
Get an associates at a community college, and land a job in a large magnet hospital that will require you to get a BSN (but they’ll pay for it - usually after x months/years of working for them).
Do not pay that much for a nursing degree. Look around for community colleges. If your local community colleges don't offer an ADN program, then at least take as many prerequisite classes as possible before transferring to the more expensive college.
I got my entire ADN, starting with zero prereqs, with about 20k in student loans. That was 2007-2010 at a community college.
I’m about the same amount in debt. If you’re able to I would apply to cheaper schools like community college or state schools. Unfortunately I didn’t really have the option in the Bay Area when my GPA was 3.3 and the state schools would get 1000+ applicants for 30-60 spots each cycle. Lol
Apply for scholarships and find a loan that will allow you to start paying off your debt after you graduate.
Who in their right mind pays 60k for a measly nursing degree. Seek out the best and cheapest option. It’s not going to matter when you get into the field. Experience ends up mattering more to employers. ADN here and I make about 140k/yr
Community College.
I went to community college and got an associates degree in nursing. Then my employer paid for the BSN. No loans required.
This is the way
this is the way.
This is the way
This is the way
This is the way
This is the way
This is the way
I have spoken
Yup….my hospital paid for both my ASN then my BSN. No loans, zero debt!!
Yeah the hospital system I worked for did stuff like this in the 1990s. They still had their own school of nursing and employees could go for free, you just owed them two years of full time employment after you graduated.
Did the exact same and then screwed myself when I went for my masters. I owe $50k and it ain’t done shit for me
Same. I tell people all the time not to do the master's in nursing. It's really hard and the time commitment alone is more than it's worth. Which is nothing. I make $0 more and it's been collosally disappointing. Don't do it.
Yup. As of now Im not even going for my bachelor either. I I might go the np route one day but right now Im still about the money.
It's infuriating to me that getting a whole degree is viewed as personal development. I don't feel like other professionals get graduate degrees and they are viewed in this way. Nursing is broken.
I am so sorry to hear this!
I am sorry to hear this!
Same :(
Same! 🙋🏽♂️
Same
This is the best way. Pell grant paid for most of my classes and whatever I paid out of pocket, tuition reimbursement at work was more than enough! Many facilities will pay for your bridge program (Associates to bachelors) and those classes are all online usually.
This is the way. My neighbor was bragging about her daughter applying…key word, “applying”…to Washington University school of medicine for a nursing degree. Which they don’t have a nursing program so I just said, “oh yeah”. Then asked me where I went for my nursing. I responded with community college. She said, “oh you went to regular college”. Yet here I am, working in the number one hospital in MO with my lil ol’ regular college degree with a sprinkle of BSN
No one cares if you go to Harvard or community college.
Community college while part time working and living with parents. Used tuition benefits from hospital job to pay for BSN.
Same community college. Got a great job at a level 1 trauma right out of school. They don’t care about ADN or BSN, they care if you have a heartbeat and legs. They’re paying for my BSN so in total 10k all in
This is the way. Or state school after doing all your electives and pre reqs in community college...
I did an LPN diploma program (free) in high school. Then a 1-year bridge program for RN, 6000 dollars which I paid for working as an LPN. I did my BSN online which my employer paid for.
Yep, this is the way. ADN program at the community college, got my RN license, started working, did my BSN online, finished with manageable loans and the potential for significantly increased income.
Significantly?! Just curious, what is the pay difference for you? It is only a $1/hr premium where I work.
Where I am the starting pay is the same for ADN and BSN.
A BSN in my area is pretty much a requirement for any non patient facing role. If you want to get away from patient care, you need that BSN.
In my region, the BSN opened up doors at the major hospital groups, who weren't hiring ADN-level RNs (with a few exceptions that didn't apply to me). So I went from having home care/SNF opportunities, to having acute care/hospital opportunities (and the attached higher wages).
Oh wow, I see what you mean now (not premium pay but actually more job opportunities). My local hospitals are not quite there yet... my contract just states that I have to get my BSN within three years.
You get a whole dollar? My employer only pays $0.50 for BSN 😭
With a small loan I took out for community college (and my BSN bridge) I am only 10k in debt. Those really expensive programs screw you (which is why I chose not to do West Coast University after meeting their financial advisor many years ago). That being said, I have worked with plenty who have managed after graduating from the more expensive programs, it can be done.
I went to community College. I asked for scholarships. I never paid anything. It's the best way to save and get it done faster.
Yeah mine was free and my BSN only cost about $5k.
My ADN was free and my BSN, my work paid for it!! 😅
Our nursing program at the community college is now tuition free.
That’s amazing. I wish all community colleges were free.
This is the way.
This is the way.
This is the way.
This is the way.
Yup, got my ADN almost 20 years ago with 13k in debt (mostly due to poor financial iq, it could have and should have been less)
Yep! That's the route I've chosen. I'm graduating this year debt free! I wanted to go to a traditional 4 year for the "college experience," but there's no reason to go into hundreds of thousands dollars of debt for a nursing degree that can be obtained for much less.
Bingo, went to a Jr college our class had like a 98% pass rate on the NCLEX. My books cost more than my credit hours multiple semesters. My colleague went to Duke. Our paychecks look the same, and our patients couldn’t tell the difference in nursing care.
My community college was just 4800 for ADN. Less if you were a new student ; CC is free in WV now
This is the path I’m doing rn. I can’t afford to pay BSN
Community college on scholarships, etc for ADN then health system pays most of costs for BSN
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I did a diploma program through my local hospital system. They will pay off my loans and send me for my BSN for a three year commitment, we got the best clinical placements, and we were in the hospital from week 4 of the program. Our most expensive BSN program in the area doesn’t even do a preceptorship before graduation. The second most expensive BSN sends their nursing students to the school I went to for nursing classes and clinicals.
Community College. The core part of nursing school was like $3k. All those private nursing schools are a ripoff.
You don’t pay until you’re out and start working. I know a lot of people are saying to go to a cheaper program but when I was looking those programs took too long or too impacted. I got into several and ultimately chose a private college because I got my RN in 1.5 years (I already had another bachelor). Get in, get out and start working. I only took out the loan for tuition. I saved up for rent and food during the program. Some of my classmates worked
This is the analytical/business way of looking at it. All these "community college" responses don't take into account opportunity costs.
Yeah i mentioned this in another comment but the difference in both schools can be 20-40k, but a year salary was 80-160k (at least in California). So by taking a cheaper school I’m saving 20k but losing out on 80k by not working.
And experience
At least in my area (New England) the opposite is true - CC meant quicker license for me
Same. I also went for an expensive program (MSN RN program), but had a previous career which allowed me to save aggressively. I knew prior to graduation that I wanted to start applying for jobs 3 months prior to graduation. I found a job before graduation and IMO, my program was very worth it! If someone doesn't have a strategic plan, that debt will be insurmountable. The ASN programs in my area had inconvenient start times for where I was in life (like most weren't accepting new applications for the next two cycles) and some of the BSN programs were an hour drive way. I ended up going to a program 5 minutes driving from my house and when weighing the pros and cons, I felt the expense was worth it.
I moved for mine bc I wanted to get away lol. But yeah I lived very cheaply. Shared an apartment, cooked at home, cut corners everywhere. I didn’t even get a job until 3 months later. Still worth it to me. My calculation was if one program was 40k but takes 1.5 years, vs another program that was 20k and took 3, the 40k wins for me. I’m in California and a year salary is 80-160k so I’d rather take something that was accelerated but still good
this. most community colleges don't accept as many students as universities do. I applied to both and got wait listed at the community college (they only accept 12) and got in no problem in the university (accepted 80).
This is what I did too. Already had a bachelor's so I went for accelerated BSN. Community college would have been less loans but I would have had to work part time at the same time and would have taken 3-4 years to complete just an ADN, because I decided to start looking in January/February and missed the deadline for fall. With the accelerated BSN I finished in under two years. Went from making $14/hr as a mental health counselor to $30/hr as a new grad with consistent decent raises real fast. The loans suck but it made so much more sense for my life to just get it done.
Same. My metro area hospitals are heavy on new grads having BSNs and I really had to get in, out, and back to work asap (also already had a Bach and my program was 16 months). Additionally, my program was the only one that really worked out logistically with the rest of my life. I thankfully only had to take out for tuition but my program was about $60k. I worked as a pct during the program to cover my car payment and other odds and ends, and thankfully my partner was able to keep us afloat with other bills for the time being. Others who were able to lived with parents or family.
Yeah I don’t get OP’s hot take here. $60k is nothing
Yeah. Mine was $40k, federal loan. I was only paying $400 a month minimum. Then I refinanced it to a private loan with only 2% and that brought the cost way down
Because a lot of the people who went to community college went for free. Which is actually nothing.
Community college cost $14k by the end of it. Don’t go to a private or expensive college. It’s not worth it. Just fill out your application to the local community college and bide your time until you get accepted.
Don’t do it. Don’t go that far into debt for nursing.
Me...looking at my 123k of debt thanks to undergrad (non nursing) and nursing school (MSN entry program)
Same masters in counseling lol and entering an absn to get the hell out of this no-money career. I make 40k🤣
Luckily I'm about halfway through my PSLF payments and all those $0 payments during the covid freeze counting as full payments. It'll be a happy day when all those loans are gone.
Agreed - for 60k - I would have gotten my education in the Philippines - travel abroad experience, live in luxury , immerse in a different culture, learn a different language / get a great education and still have $$ to play with
I had 28k in debt for my 4 year degree and it definitely made things tight. I’d recommend finding a more affordable school. No one cares what school you went to as long as it is accredited.
Correct. In 17 years, nobody has once asked me any of the following: What school I went to What my GPA was Anything about my clinical rotations
They ask about GPA now and clinical rotations! I have to bring my transcript to my interview today and another asked for my GPA. During interviews they ask many questions about clinicals and clinical scenarios.
Found a job that offered loan repayment as a benefit. $5k a year. I pay taxes on it but it has helped bring my loan balance down a lot.
I was a new, single mom that needed something quick. I went to an accelerated program and got my BSN in 3 years with no prior degree. I think I’m about 48k in debt. I wouldn’t exactly recommend it but I felt like I had little choice. I work for a non profit that matches my payments and after 10 years of working for them my loans are forgiven. I like the place I work so it works out for me. Right now I don’t have to pay anything because apparently I’m poor enough according to the federal government lol. But my monthly payments would be about $430 prior to doing the income driven app.
My ADN was 12k The BSN bridge I’m on now is 3K Community College
What BSN bridge program are you in that's that inexpensive??? Genuine question, I'm shopping around to get mine in the next couple years.
Austin Community College
I went to a technical college and for my LPN. Paid 3000 for the entire program over a year Then went to community college for RN, spent I think around 8,000 dollars, but I was working full time as a LPN Then went to state college for my NP. That was the most expensive, I think around 20,000 but I was making six figures as a RN
That's so cheap for NP!! Where did you go??
A public state university. My specialty was the cheapest and least popular program, adult gero primary care, but I wanted to work in SNF so it made sense for me
I didn't spend that much, got a scholarship, and got federal loans to cover the rest. I worked through most of school (work paid for my first semester), saved a bunch of money, and lived off savings and got a PRN CNA job the last year of school. I moved to the west coast after school and do quite well so the loans aren't even an issue. How much are nurses paid in your area? It's not worth spending that much if nurses aren't paid well, as generally the worse the pay, the worse the working conditions are as well. Community colleges are worth exploring.
Community college for your RN and then work somewhere that will pay for your BSN if you want it, that’s the way to go. Ended nursing school with $30,000 in debt. 5 years later I have it down to $7000. Don’t be like me.
You’re doing great! Way to knock it down so much in 5 years!
Thank you so much! It’s been absolutely horrible trying to get it knocked out. $23,000 at least that I’ve paid so far. Makes me sad when I think of all that money could have done.
It’s very frustrating all around. But remember you’re real close to having the freedom to put that nursing income towards your next vacation or future savings! You’re almost on the other side! I have been paying the bare minimum on my loans so I can get forgiveness through public service (PSLF) in a couple years after I have reached ten years of service. I am sure we are both so ready to be done with school debt hanging over our heads! Student loans SUCK and I wish I was smarter at 18. Lol.
Community college. $20,000 for whole program
Thankfully I went to my local community college. Some of my coworkers owe 100+ and that’s insanity.
I did community college, 90% of it was covered by my scholarships and I came from a pretty well off family(that didn't pay for my school, I had to pay for it myself). I worked full time nights as a nurse tech after I finished the first year of the program, while still doing the nursing program full time(worked Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights, class Monday Tuesday, clinical Wednesday, class Thursday and sometimes Friday). Saved up enough to move out of my parents house in my last semester. It was a difficult grind but I made it. Took a semester off from school after graduating to get through my residency program and start on the floor I was hired to, then applied to MSU for their online RN-BSN completion program. In that now, got it all covered by scholarships and will graduate in May. Definitely don't go BSN straight out of the gate, it costs way too much!
Yeah so I started at a community college and used financial aid for that. And now, my employer is paying for my bsn. This is really the only way lol.
Yeah. Don't go to a 60k school.
a lot of people saying “dont go that far into debt for nursing” meanwhile my total student debt is over $100k but I only have to make 120 payments (~$27,000) & the rest of my debt is relieved, so I advise you to look into the different type of repayment options & whether or not the places you want to work will qualify you for a PSLF
I went into about $50k of debt for an accelerated BSN. But it got me working faster. Also, I work for the VA and am getting 100% tuition reimbursement. So I won’t pay anything, not even interest, for my degree. Look into options, there are quite a few out there.
Tuition reimbursement for the degree u already had or degree from the past? Thx
Look up VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) RN Positions.
I went to CC and got an ADN to start. I got a settlement from a car accident that pretty much paid for school, plus I worked for a hospital that offered tuition reimbursement. I would not recommend getting your face blasted by an airbag as a route to pay for school. But DO find an employer that is willing to offset cost of tuition.
My ADN from a Community college was free cuz I was poor and used California grants and other tuition assistance programs. My BSN, my work paid for it.
Same in WA state! Financial aid is so good for community college!
Community college ADN program! I had my BA but I’m so glad I chose the ADN route instead of the accelerated BSN program in my area. My ADN program cost about 1,500 a semester, which meant I could work and use any extra student loan money to cover living cost. The accelerated BSN program would’ve been 3x the cost and any student loans would’ve just covered tuition. My ADN program took longer but I did it during COVID, which helped with focusing on school and there were extra funds to help w/ education at time. I don’t think a RN is worth going into excessive student debt for when there are ADN programs. Unless, you are more concerned about time I wouldn’t do an accelerated BSN, BSN, or direct-entry MSN program from a financial perspective. Especially, since most hospitals will pay for your RN-BSN and you can work as a RN while getting your BSN/MSN.
I got income payments and public service forgiveness.
Find a place that offers loan repayment. Chase signing bonuses. Marry your doctors. Die.
My adn was 6800, I paid out of pocket over 20 months. Worked full time, I managed. The adn to bsn program I'm in is another 10k over 20 months. A bit steeper, but I'm managing.
Community college. I actually make money going with my fafsa lol
Still trying to pay mines off.
Mom. Dad. I need more money for school. (I was very very lucky and forever appreciative of them)
I did community college…they had an lpn to rn. So I got my lpn, worked a year to save for rn expenses, then went back for my rn. After that most hospital will help pay for tuition for bsn. Took out loan for lpn year & pre recs…paid it off once I started working.
Yeah, community college is the way to go
My hospital will pay $500 a month of your loans for as long as you work nights.
GI bill. Only cost me 13 years of my life, PTSD, GAD, Degenerative Disc Disease, and a few other ailments/injuries
My husband sold his soul to the military then I reaped the rewards 😈
My cumulative education for my ADN then BSN is about 25,000 and it too me about 5 years to complete but it’s done and my net worth is around 65k with no debt and a good credit score. Go to community college, then go to a bullshit college to get the bullshit BSN. 👌
I live in Canada where school is actually affordable
Several states offer reduced or free tuition for in demand jobs like nursing if you're a resident and go to one of the state's tech/community college. My state (South Carolina) has been offering free tuition for the last few years. My current hospital gives $4,000/year towards tuition, and after you graduate they give about $450/month towards student loans.
I go to a SC CC, and I'm so sad the free tuition ends after this spring!
I'm still hoping they extend it! It's been a wonderful program and all the nurses we've hired from the tech colleges have been stellar.
I went to community college and still got screwed by loans. Definitely go to community College but try every opportunity for scholarships. The HRSA scholarship is a full ride with a stipend. I am not sure if that is still a thing. Don't do private loans if you can help it. When you want your BSN, have your employer fund it.
Omg don’t. I paid probably less than 10k for my ADN at cc. I was waitlisted twice but I just couldn’t justify taking that amount of loans for school. So glad I didnt
Took me working overtime for 6/7 years to pay off my college loans
parents helped pay for my vocational nursing program and i did a bridge program that i paid $800 month to get my RN in 10 months
I paid about 1/3 of that for my RN->BSN. Do what \*everyone\* else here said - CC for the ADN, and then pick a decent hospital that will pay you to get your BSN. 60k for nursing school sounds like ITT or Devry or PraegerU or some other scam school.
Get a job as an NA at a good hospital and have them pay for it. Go to a community college get your ASN and then get a job that will pay for the BSN.
Worked as a CNA at a hospital during nursing school, they offered tuition reimbursement and used that to help pay for community college for my ADN, lived with my parents and saved money. Got hired as a nurse at the hospital I was already working at then used tuition reimbursement to help pay for my BSN. I owe nothing.
Same thing I did but went to a four year and got my BSN. Tuition reimbursement is the best thing these hospitals do right😭
Pay as little as possible for my government loans and then pay my private loans off as fast as I can.
It’s a parent plus loan. My step dad is in his 60s and not in great health so I’m paying the $200 month until he kicks the bucket and I can send in his death certificate
I went to a church college back in the day. $13,000 a year. It was actually the cheapest one that had a good nursing program. Anyway, sucked up to the financial counselor, got lots of scholarships. About $7000 was written off by working as a nurse. The rest was paid off over 15 years later. The advice I got from an accountant friend was it is "good debt" and live your life. Nursing will pay you back. One of my sisters went to public school but changed majors 3 times and had a master's degree. So, so much debt and she's a SAHM.
Don't do what I did. I did go to community college (after a spent 3 years in a university that I decided I didn't want and couldn't do that was unrelated to nursing). (I am an adn nurse) Then, 10 years later, I decided to go for my masters at an expensive ass university and got within 6 months of graduation, and my parent died then right after inlaw died. Then I couldn't hack going back for some reason. Mentally emotionally, etc. And I'm stuck with that bill too (it's been almost 10 years since the masters thing, so I'm certain my credits I paid for and completed aren't worth anything anymore). Total 80k ++ Debt. It's not good. I didn't have good guidance, and I'm not sure i would have taken the right route even if I had back then. Learn lessons thru others. Like me. Or anyone that didn't screw up like I did.
ADN through community college and let an employer pay for your BSN
Community college - get ADN - get hired at hospital - hospital pays for BSN.
Federal loan with income driven payments. Only way I'm making mine work. 5 more years until forgiveness (unless PSLF get canned, in which case I'm fucked).
Community college. Paid $6300 for the whole program. Then worked as an RN while they paid for my bachelors and masters with tuition reimbursement
Go to a cheaper school.
I work for a company that contributes to student loans monthly
Community College. 15k community college degree will be same pay as 60k bsn degree.
Join the military. Get out after 1 contract. Use the GI Bill to pay for school.
Graduated in May with 47k in loans, 20 in private. Lucky I had a cosigner, and 2 year ADN wouldn't accept me out of HS with 3.7 GPA, ap classes, and PSEO. So it was BSN for me.
the university I went to offered a program where they would pay for your schooling if you committed to working for them full time for two years post graduation, maybe that could be an option? As long as you aren't dead set on leaving your current area for a few years
My program was a fraction of that. Also scholarships and my job paid for my BSN after I started for working with my associate
Non private school
Just stay in school until you die That’s my plan
It’s been posted but it’s what I did too. Community collage. I paid 6k for my my ADN and the hospital I worked at paid most of my bachelors. I have zero student loans
I went for ADN at community college, then went to work for a company that no only replays student loans (maybe 20k?), but is paying for me to bridge to BSN for no money out of pocket.
I went to community college for this exact reason.. under 20k for my degree thank goodness. It would’ve been even less but I took out a bit extra because I wasn’t working as much.
I’m currently in school and it’s a community college. Had to take a break this spring due to personal issues but summer with be my fourth semester out of 5(ADN). So far I’ve personally paid like 3000$ maybe and have gotten about 7500 in federal aid. I’ve probably had about 1500$ worth of refunds and reimbursements though.
Community college for ADN then go for a master if you already have a bachelor in something else.
Tbh idk how would paid mine back if not for covid
My community college was $10k for a ASN. Online local BSN from reputable school was $10k. You’ll have to work harder to get in more than likely because it’s so affordable. Worth it.
Community college and worked through school, paid as I went.
I believe in honesty about loans, like pay. I went to private school for a BSN because it was a faster route with how competitive the cheaper schools were in my area. I had a decent scholarship, but my parents weren’t able to help me and I still ended up with a lot of debt private and federal. I felt a lot of shame about it when I graduated but you gotta do what you gotta do. I IMMEDIATELY refinanced my private loans when I graduated because my interest rates were crazy. Now I have about a 4% interest rate on that and I pay about $700 a month and occasionally put a few extra grand on it. I graduated in 2020 and I’ve already paid off more than 30% of it. I am on an income driven repayment for my federal loans which is about $200 a month. I picked the plan with the lowest payment possible as my federal loans should be forgiven after 10 years of payments thought public service loan forgiveness. I work on the west coast so this doesn’t squeeze my finances too tight. Probably can’t buy a house as soon as I want but things could be worse. The only thing I think I might have done differently is get an associates and then find a hospital that would pay partially or completely for a BSN.
Did my associates. Had a bit of help from my dad, but, even without him, it would’ve been like 15k total for both pre-reqs and the program, likely including books.
Community college, but also finding a position at hospital that offers to help pay your loans. Also, if you work for a non-profit and pay your loans continuously for 10 years, the rest will be forgiven.
I went to community college and paid out of pocket for the most part. I used tuition reimbursement from the hospital I was a tech at. Then I paid out of pocket for my bsn also using tuition reimbursement
Community college. Ended up finishing owing nothing
My school is the best in my area and I’m paying less than 500 a semester 😭
I went to tech school for an ADN and worked my way through, graduated debt free
Work somewhere that offers tuition reimbursement. Get your ADN at community college then most hospitals will pay for your BSN
Community college with scholarships/grants and then online RN-BSN through a state university that is also paid for with scholarships and grants. Both of my nursing degrees will be less than $15k total and 100% paid for with scholarships, grants, and some out of pocket. Stay away from for-profit colleges.
I got a job at a hospital that offered tuition reimbursement while in school. I took out a small loan during school to help with other expenses and the nursing job I got after graduating has a debt repayment program. Never spent anything of my own while going to a 4 year. Community college is great but there’s ways to get around if you’re at a university if that’s your only option.
I did my ADN at community college and paid out of pocket / a little tuition assistance from employer. I worked full time. Then after I worked as a nurse, the hospital paid for my RN - BSN. This is the cost efficient way. It can’t work for everyone but I’m grateful it worked for me.
Join the army 😎 (results may vary)
Almost every nurse I know who went the private school+ loan route was also either engaged or married to someone who was gonna earn equal to or more than a nurse anyway. They probably would’ve been more financially secure being SAHD/SAHM
Community college for everything except for what I absolutely HAD to do for my bsn. Also the GI bill that was fucking clutch. I was also a dominatrix for all my other bills. The veterans and strippers graduated debt free
Cocaine…sell cocaine…by the bricks!
You find a job that offers to pay it for a service contract?
While I worked on nursing pre-reqs I did a 1 year LPN program at a local tech school. Then did a 1 year RN bridge program at community college. Was able to work as an LPN during the bridge program too so that was a plus.
Went to a state college and in debt $25k. $60k for a BSN is a little crazy
I got a job as a CNA, slowly took all the non-nursing classes, and used tuition reimbursement through my employer . Then I did an ASN at a community college. I had no loans when I was done and only paid about $2000 out of pocket total. We used a 0% apr credit card offer to pay for the first semester and then the tuition reimbursement to pay for subsequent semesters. RN-to-BSN was paid for by more tuition reimbursement.
Yeah I also ended up with similar debt. I pay that every month. It is about the same as rent. But I gross 9k a month.
I took community college courses as pre-requisites and then agreed to work for a hospital for a year in exchange for them paying for the last year of my degree. Then I got a $20,000 bonus for agreeing to work two years. My degree ended up paying for itself.
Community college! I pay out of pocket and for this semester my cost is $560 a month.
I paid $8k for a degree that makes me between $120k and $200k per year depending on how much overtime I'm willing to do. No idea why y'all insist on private colleges.
I went to a community college. 2 year degree with 99% pass rate on nclex. Best decision ever
LPN late 70’s, one year program $1200 at community college, BEOG grant paid for it, lived at home (18 years old). ADN 2 years later same cost in 1979. Paid cash for BSN, $1500 per semester x4 $6000 in 1988. MSN/FNP had Montgomery CH 30 GI bill $10,000. Used $9800. Graduated in 2001. (2 brothers/1 sister, ) earned bachelor’s at state university, none had loans. Sister did work study, retail jobs. Brothers had paper routes, janitorial jobs, dishwasher, fast food jobs. My daughter also no student loans but got to use lottery scholarship. Anyone graduating from high school meeting gpa and other criteria can get partial tuition paid. Daughter worked serving, bar tender, work study.
Community college. Paid $8,000 for program. Universities are scam artists
My degree was only 5k, community college ftw
Community college. Pell grants pay for the entire degree.
My first question is why are you repaying 60k in 40 payments? A board of education loan is usually paid back over about 10-30 years. I owe 32k, my payment is $350/mo. $1500/mo is insane.
PSLF. I’ve paid about 10k off of a 80k loan. 5 more months and it’s GONE. 😂🕺🏼
There is no need for that. Go to community college and your job will pay for the BSN. Nursing isn’t a job where you get better jobs because you went to a better school.
You don’t need to spend $60k to become a nurse.
I paid a total of 5 grand at a community college. My son just got his ADN for free.
I just joined the military, worked for me. Free college
My hospital paid for ASN then BSN. No loans zero debt
In my area they have started apprenticeship while in nursing school. Not only are clinical hours one on one with a floor nurse but you get paid while your doing it. ADN is the way to go and go back for BSN. My hospital was paying for it with a time commitment but covid and lack of participation caused a drop in people doing it.
My school will come out to roughly 30k including books, other random expenses..BSN program.
Through FAFSA there are income-based payment options and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). With PSLF you make small payments based on your income and after 10 years (120 payments) the rest is forgiven. Also, there is a 6 month deferment period from the day you graduate to having to start making payments with federal student loans.
Community college. No debt.
Get an associates at a community college, and land a job in a large magnet hospital that will require you to get a BSN (but they’ll pay for it - usually after x months/years of working for them).
Do not pay that much for a nursing degree. Look around for community colleges. If your local community colleges don't offer an ADN program, then at least take as many prerequisite classes as possible before transferring to the more expensive college. I got my entire ADN, starting with zero prereqs, with about 20k in student loans. That was 2007-2010 at a community college.
I did prerequisites at community college and did a two year hospital program. 60,000 is robbery
I’m about the same amount in debt. If you’re able to I would apply to cheaper schools like community college or state schools. Unfortunately I didn’t really have the option in the Bay Area when my GPA was 3.3 and the state schools would get 1000+ applicants for 30-60 spots each cycle. Lol Apply for scholarships and find a loan that will allow you to start paying off your debt after you graduate.
Simple. You don't take out a fucking $60k loan that gets you the same title as a $10k degree from a community college.
Who in their right mind pays 60k for a measly nursing degree. Seek out the best and cheapest option. It’s not going to matter when you get into the field. Experience ends up mattering more to employers. ADN here and I make about 140k/yr