I plan on becoming a nurse practitioner, and I can’t decide between Louisiana State, Florida State and Texas A&M. They’re all large schools and relatively close to me. What are some pros and cons of each university and which typically offer more financial aid?
You can run the net price calculator on each school’s web site to check financial aid estimates.
Check whether you have direct admission to the nursing program, or if you must compete for a spot after enrolling. Also check on the criteria to stay in the nursing program.
Are you a practicing RN now or looking to get a BSN then masters afterwards?
I’m looking to get my BSN then masters after.
Have you taken the SAT/ACT yet? You can go to LSU’s website and see the automatic merit awards although I’m not sure how BSN fits. First year is in Baton Rouge. Next three are in New Orleans at medical campus.
http://sites01.lsu.edu/wp/financialaid/entering-freshman-scholarships/
Are you instate for any? If not, what is your home state?
Do your stats qualify for any large merit awards from these schools? If not, then expect to have to pay most/all costs at the OOS publics.
It doesn’t matter that you want to be an NP. Right now you want to get a BSN. So, go to any good school that’s affordable, which may be your state school.
I’m from SC but my dad’s family is in Louisiana, and my mom’s is in Florida. I’ve taken mostly AP classes throughout high school and passed all of them with 4s. My mock SATs were a 1400 out of 1600 (haven’t taken it this year yet, will be in May), and I have a 4.88 GPA, graduating in the top 10% of my class, and am on varsity track.
Pros for LSU: With your stats you would likely receive a good scholarship. You have family there and LSU-BR is a fun school and a great college experience. The Honors College is worth checking out. The LSU Medical Center in New Orleans is brand new, gorgeous and state of the art.
Cons: State budget cuts are tremendously impacting the university. Professors are leaving, courses are being cut. Do your research to make sure it is not impacting your major. Also, TAMU and to a lesser extent FSU are likely more challenging schools for you.
Are you a junior? If so, why don’t you apply to all three (and maybe add in U of South Carolina), see what aid you get at each, see where you get a direct admit to the nursing program, and then decide. I’d also suggest that you get your hands on a good college guide book (I like Fiske) and you can read about all of these schools – you can probably find the Fiske guide in your HS guidance dept. or at the HS or public library.