Nursing pre reqs at community college? Or stay at 4yr Univ.?

Question

Hi everyone, I just wanted to get some people's opinions.

I am currently at a four year university, planning on going into the nursing program. I have a year left of pre reqs and im not sure if I should continue to do them here or take the classes at the community college (soo much cheaper). Just wanted to see what you guys think.

Details:

1more year of pre reqs

Community college is much cheaper

My husband makes "too much" money for me to get any grants (yeah right, I dont understand how we make too much!)

I have a two year old so I have to pay daycare too

I need to raise my GPA to get into the accelerated nursing program

Community college has more convienient class times for me

It sounds like ive already made up my mind on going to the community college for a year but everyone I go to school with now thinks I should just stay where im at but I wanted to see what other people would do

Answer 1

Go to a community college for a year. It's more flexible and cheaper on the wallet especially if you can't get financial aid. You might want to apply for scholarships to help defray some costs.

You might also want to see if the community college you're thinking about going to has a child care center. Many of them do. That way your child is taken care of, you're near by and still getting an education.  

I hope this helps.

*Cheers*

Answer 2

Wow im about to start the Nursing program at my community college, and I only had 1 semester of  pre reqs.  I say go to the community college, but meet with them first, alot of them have a waiting list, but still if you still have a few years to go, you will be able to finish sooner at a community college.  Your credits should be able to transfer over and you will save a ton of money and not have to take so many extra classes.  Then down the road if you want your 4 year degree instead of your 2 then you can go back.

Answer 3

At first i thought you were some teenager, but it sounds like you are kinda astablished (mom, wife). I too am thinking about pursing nursing and am taking my prereqs. at a community college. however i am in my first year and want to leave to a university. But im only 19 with an open mind, so if i were in your shoes i would go to community college. Prices are alot cheaper and you would have more time for your family. To me university are for young adults like myself who want to meet new ppl and party. You have a family to think about. Anyway i think you should try the community college, so good luck.

Answer 4

First of all the Associate graduates sit for the same NCLEX exam that the BSN students do. If money is tight and it sounds like it is I would recommend the Community college. You can get out of school sooner and be out there working as a RN.

Facts: Here are some things to think about.

1. Community colleges are WAY cheaper, our local one is actually 1/3 the cost of the local university

2.  All graduates take the same NCLEX

3. get done sooner and be out there working

4. Completion BSN programs are usually more flexible than the standard BSN programs, some even offering most or all classes online for RN's

5. You can always sign up back at the university after you get your associate . They will let you start where you left off.

6. 1 year of nursing school and be done, Or one more year of preq's before you even start the program which is usually 2 more years after that. You can yearn a whole lot of money in 2 years.

7. Some hospitals will help pay for BSN completion programs or give you aid to help you finish,

8. Most places the ASN or BSN nurses make the same amount of money. Here the BSN nurses only make 25 cents more than the ASN.

9. Most managers have to have their BSN or Higher

Hope this Helps. You ahve picked a great field to work in with lots of job security. There is a light at the end of that LONG dark tunnell. Come and join us in the light.

Answer 5

Perhaps speaking with your advisor to ensure pre-req classes taken elsewhere will transfer/count towards the 4 yr program - particularly if intending on returning to the univ. to finish the nursing program.  Also, some states offer low interest student loans with payback deferred until after graduation.  Our son did not receive enough financial aid for college so we had to look at other types of loans.  There are private and state loans. We went with the state - found it by searching the web and talking with other college people.  We did a lot of research.  Good luck.