Fortunately, I’ve been accepted to both UF and USF. I want to pursue a nursing major. Is UF or USF better for Nursing and why? I plan to become an ARNP in the long run.
For nursing, I think either school would be a good fit. You said that ultimately you would like to be a ARNP, but fail to mention any specific area. USF has a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Program if that is your ultimate goal and being a graduate of their BSN program might give you a slight edge if you eventually decide to go that route as oppose to being a Nurse Practitioner. Like all CRNA programs, it is very competitive to get in, so any advantage can but you in a better position.
Obviously, UF has a solid reputation in the State and is the State’s Flagship University, with a lot of Nursing students having preference for this institution. Have you or do you plan on visiting both of these schools before you make a decision? How well you like their campus might be the deciding factor, since a Nursing Degree is not something that is affected by the repurtion of the school (IMHO).
I’ve visited both campuses and I like how USF is very bright and clean but USF appears to be more costly than UF. I would prefer to complete my four years at the same university. I haven’t decided which area I’d like to do my ARNP in. I was hoping that I through clinicals or hands on experience I would get a feel for which field I’d like to specify in…
Can you explain why USF would be more costly than USF? The appear to have the same Tuition/Fees & Room and Board expense. Are you receiving better Scholarship/Merit award from UF than USF?
I would go with the school that offers the lowest cost option if money/cost is an issue for you and your family. Since you want to go on to Graduate School in Nursing, you want to minimize your debt load for Undergraduate Education. Either school will be fine for Nursing, so the “other factors” would dictate which school you select. Spend some time over the next few weeks researching what area you would like to focus in for your ARNP. I have family members who are both NPs and CRNAs. There is a large gap salary-wise between the two.
USF requires students to purchase a $1500 (per semester) meal plan. Also USF housing is more expensive. However USF offered me a $8000 ($2000 per year) scholarship.
If you don’t mind me asking Are you currently in a nursing program?
Also for UF I signed up for a nursing major. When do I apply to the college of Nursing?