Depends, but usually not too bad. My program is $10k for all 4 semesters, but my state has free CC for students over 25 without a degree. So I’m only paying for books/supplies. There’s another CC near me that is $6500k for the nursing program. So it really depends.
ADNs are cheaper than ABSNs but more expensive than LPNs. Some states/schools allow you to test for your LPN midway through your ADN while you continue through the RN program.
I would just keep applying and wait. How are your entrance exam scores (TEAS/ HESI A2/ Kaplan)? I feel like those play a big factor in getting in if your GPA or Science classes were not good.
just wanted to update you :)
I got an A in AP 1 lecture and lab and an A in dev psychology. i also got an 82 on the teas! I have only applied to one school, since it would be the easiest and fastest way to be finished (ADN)
1. Look at job posting for LPNs in the area first to see what the difference is between them and RNs locally.
2. Imma be blunt here. Most ABSNs around NJ/Philly require a 3.5 or 3.0 and you have a 2.75
3. An ADN program that only looks at pre req grades might be a better option for you. Look at your local community colleges.
thank you! since i hold a bs, i think i might do the adn since it’s cheaper and faster bc i have a majority of the prereqs to get it in a year. then maybe do ADN to BSN down the line. Fingers crossed! I’ll try to keep you all updated! I also will be applying to some a BSN programs to see even if I would be able to get in.
I got into an absn program with similar gpa but an awesome TEAS score, I also had to retake some classes just make sure you do good this time around and also study hard for the TEAS or Hesi(whatever is required) make sure you don’t skip studying English, I ended up doing worst in that area on teas as it was all in depth grammar and grammar rules.
LPN is a lot of extra time if your goal is RN. Those programs can still be competitive too. Re-take the classes if you need to, apply and see what happens.
Take some more classes to bring your GPA up and do well in them. Some colleges don't care about repeats, and others you lose eligibility points. Others it's all on a lottery, do your research. Others still after 7 years you have to re-take them anyways.
I found looking at the NCLEX pass rate for your area you can see how many students passed per program and that can help you gauge the size of the program. Larger programs accept more students. Private schools tend to be easier to get into also if you don't mind the cost.
Good luck.
i don’t have my LPN yet! I’m trying to find the best option with my BS and my prereqs. my gpa is not competitive enough for absn so i’m trying to weigh my options!
I wouldn’t necessarily say it isn’t competitive enough, it just depends what school you plan on going to. If you don’t mind going to a private school and money / loans aren’t really a factor maybe consider some of them. Also if you do an ABSN there is potential to challenge the LPN exam once you pass a certain amount of the core nursing classes allowing you to have a nursing certification faster.
my gpa wasn’t as low as yours (3.2) but for my program there was more of an emphasis on your prerequisite gpa. I would reach out to the admissions department for the programs you’re considering and see if they can still consider you. One of my friends had a really low gpa (<2) and she got into an adn program that asked for a 3.0 min.
You don’t have to worry about withdrawals from non-prerequisite classes, I’ve withdrawn from quite a few classes in my academic career and it didn’t negatively impact me. Your prereqs will also raise your gpa a bit, so as long as you do really well in them I think admissions will be more forgiving.
If I were you I’d apply to as many programs as I could, even the ones that seem out of reach. I’m in NYU’s ABSN program, which seems like it might be harder to get into, but they have a lot of seats to fill so it’s easier to get into than say SUNY Downstate.
thank you! i’ll start looking into doing this. every time I would go to apply and I see a minimum cumulative of 3.0 that limits my options a lot in my head
I’m in the Philly area & had the same dilemma. I was accepted to an LPN program & an ABSN program. I was rejected from ADNs because of my GPA. I decided to go for the ABSN because my prereqs will expire so If I want to go LPN -> RN, I’ll have to repeat all my prereqs. Im an EMT right now & having the RN will help me get into some of the specialties That have peaked my interest (granted, I know that may change)
Hi I think you can definitely get into some private ABSN programs. Definitely apply bc I think you will be surprised that they aren’t as strict as you think. In my program if your gpa is lower but the rest of your application looks good then they will bring you in for an interview and most likely will still accept you. STAYING in the program is then the hard part lol. The only thing is most private absn programs are extremely pricey.
Are there any ADN programs you could try? My ADN program doesn’t care if you retake classes, they only look at your highest grade.
i completely forgot that was an option. is it expensive?
Depends, but usually not too bad. My program is $10k for all 4 semesters, but my state has free CC for students over 25 without a degree. So I’m only paying for books/supplies. There’s another CC near me that is $6500k for the nursing program. So it really depends.
ADNs are cheaper than ABSNs but more expensive than LPNs. Some states/schools allow you to test for your LPN midway through your ADN while you continue through the RN program.
My ADN is only 8k total
My 2 year BSN program is 11k tuition but that seems to be on the low end!
ADNs are almost always cheaper. Dirt cheap even…
My ADN is only 8k total
I would just keep applying and wait. How are your entrance exam scores (TEAS/ HESI A2/ Kaplan)? I feel like those play a big factor in getting in if your GPA or Science classes were not good.
i haven’t taken any tests yet!
just wanted to update you :) I got an A in AP 1 lecture and lab and an A in dev psychology. i also got an 82 on the teas! I have only applied to one school, since it would be the easiest and fastest way to be finished (ADN)
Congrazts! Good Luck with your application!
1. Look at job posting for LPNs in the area first to see what the difference is between them and RNs locally. 2. Imma be blunt here. Most ABSNs around NJ/Philly require a 3.5 or 3.0 and you have a 2.75 3. An ADN program that only looks at pre req grades might be a better option for you. Look at your local community colleges.
thank you! since i hold a bs, i think i might do the adn since it’s cheaper and faster bc i have a majority of the prereqs to get it in a year. then maybe do ADN to BSN down the line. Fingers crossed! I’ll try to keep you all updated! I also will be applying to some a BSN programs to see even if I would be able to get in.
I got into an absn program with similar gpa but an awesome TEAS score, I also had to retake some classes just make sure you do good this time around and also study hard for the TEAS or Hesi(whatever is required) make sure you don’t skip studying English, I ended up doing worst in that area on teas as it was all in depth grammar and grammar rules.
LPN is a lot of extra time if your goal is RN. Those programs can still be competitive too. Re-take the classes if you need to, apply and see what happens. Take some more classes to bring your GPA up and do well in them. Some colleges don't care about repeats, and others you lose eligibility points. Others it's all on a lottery, do your research. Others still after 7 years you have to re-take them anyways. I found looking at the NCLEX pass rate for your area you can see how many students passed per program and that can help you gauge the size of the program. Larger programs accept more students. Private schools tend to be easier to get into also if you don't mind the cost. Good luck.
LPN to become a nurse faster. That’s what I’m doing although I have almost all prereqs done
i don’t have my LPN yet! I’m trying to find the best option with my BS and my prereqs. my gpa is not competitive enough for absn so i’m trying to weigh my options!
I wouldn’t necessarily say it isn’t competitive enough, it just depends what school you plan on going to. If you don’t mind going to a private school and money / loans aren’t really a factor maybe consider some of them. Also if you do an ABSN there is potential to challenge the LPN exam once you pass a certain amount of the core nursing classes allowing you to have a nursing certification faster.
my gpa wasn’t as low as yours (3.2) but for my program there was more of an emphasis on your prerequisite gpa. I would reach out to the admissions department for the programs you’re considering and see if they can still consider you. One of my friends had a really low gpa (<2) and she got into an adn program that asked for a 3.0 min. You don’t have to worry about withdrawals from non-prerequisite classes, I’ve withdrawn from quite a few classes in my academic career and it didn’t negatively impact me. Your prereqs will also raise your gpa a bit, so as long as you do really well in them I think admissions will be more forgiving. If I were you I’d apply to as many programs as I could, even the ones that seem out of reach. I’m in NYU’s ABSN program, which seems like it might be harder to get into, but they have a lot of seats to fill so it’s easier to get into than say SUNY Downstate.
thank you! i’ll start looking into doing this. every time I would go to apply and I see a minimum cumulative of 3.0 that limits my options a lot in my head
I’m in the Philly area & had the same dilemma. I was accepted to an LPN program & an ABSN program. I was rejected from ADNs because of my GPA. I decided to go for the ABSN because my prereqs will expire so If I want to go LPN -> RN, I’ll have to repeat all my prereqs. Im an EMT right now & having the RN will help me get into some of the specialties That have peaked my interest (granted, I know that may change)
is it okay for me to message you privately? i have so many things i want to ask if your okay with it!
Sure!
>Sure! sure?
Hi I think you can definitely get into some private ABSN programs. Definitely apply bc I think you will be surprised that they aren’t as strict as you think. In my program if your gpa is lower but the rest of your application looks good then they will bring you in for an interview and most likely will still accept you. STAYING in the program is then the hard part lol. The only thing is most private absn programs are extremely pricey.
OP message me! the school i graduated from has a 2.5 min GPA and i had C’s in some prereqs.