So, I just got accepted into CalState Long Beach and UC Santa Barbara! I also got into Fullerton, but as undeclared. I’ve heard that many CSUs are great options for nursing, like Fullerton and San Jose. I’m not too sure about Long Beach, though; my mom’s friend, a doctor in a nearby city, told her that LB would be the better option for nursing over UC Irvine (those were the two schools I was initially choosing between). But UCSB was the only UC I got accepted to, so I was curious as to whether it would be a viable option if I plan on going into nursing. I know it’s a good school and I absolutely love the campus, but I know that they don’t have any sort of nursing program or major.
A few of my relatives advised me to choose LB because it would be much more affordable and wouldn’t burden my parents. They’ve also been telling me that since nursing is such a broad and rising career path, I can really just go anywhere; as long as I have the drive and passion to pursue it, going to a CSU over a UC won’t ruin my future.
But growing up, the people around me spoke very highly of UCs and it made me see CSUs as more of a backup rather than a school worthy to be pitted against a UC.
I’m just hoping for some insight into everything. Is it worth it to pay 30k+ for a UC education? Will going to a CSU over a UC dramatically hinder my success? Any kind of advice would be so, so appreciated. Thanks!
Do you plan to get your 4 year degree from UCSB and then apply to a Nursing program? Or would you prefer to attend CSULB for 2 years, apply to the Nursing program and have your BSN at the end of 4 years?
I’m leaning more towards CSULB, but I don’t know if it’d be the better choice. Would it be worth it to pay a significantly greater amount to attend SB? Would going to SB provide better options later on, would the education be better?
What I am asking is do you plan to attend UCSB for all 4 years or do you plan to attend UCSB for 2 years, apply to a Nursing school and transfer?
What major were you accepted into at UCSB? Do you have a backup plan if you do not get into a Nursing program or change your mind?
UCSB does not offer nursing as a major. So if you are serious about pursuing nursing, then that rules out UCSB.
@tucsonmom: OP is aware that UCSB does not offer Nursing. I am trying to find out from OP if she plans to purse a 4 year degree at UCSB or go 2 years to UCSB and take the Nursing pre-req’s then transfer to a Nursing program at another school.
OP I think if you a serious about Nursing then go with CSULB. Getting into Nursing school is very competitive and you will have a better chance at getting a higher GPA there than at UCSB. If however, you are not sure about Nursing and may consider changing majors, then UCSB might be an option but you could also pursue another major at CSULB just as easily.
If you really want to pursue nursing, I think that it’s a waste of time to spend any time at a school that does not even offer your major. Out in the work force, employers in the health care industry are yearning for people with BSN degrees. They won’t care that you got it from CSULB instead of UC Irvine. Go to CSULB, study hard, get good grades, and later on if you want to go to graduate school, then go to a UC school.
Long Beach has had a strong nursing program for DECADES. It is known for its nursing program.
UCSB shouldn’t even be considered if the goal is nursing.
People who respect the UCs also know that some CSUs have fabulous nursing programs. And CSULB is one of the best.
Silly to spend more for a UC, particularly one that doesn’ have nursing. Nursing is so hard to get into in Calif…take LB and run!