Hi all! So here is my situation.

I have a BA in psych for which I have a $4,000 consolidated loan that I am still currently paying off.

I have been accepted into a 16 month BSN program.

I have also been accepted into a 2 yr. nursing program at a city college. I need 41 credits to complete the AAS program. Summer classes are not offered and it will probably take me just as long or more to complete the AAS.

The AAS will cost me about $4,000 total.

The BSN costs $24,000 p/year plus the additional 4 months of tuition.


Will I be able to get further loans for tuition for the BSN?I do not have good credit to apply for school loans at a bank, etc.

Is it worth $20,000 in loans to earn the BSN instead of the AAS?

I don't know if I want to go into management or pursue a MSN, but I want to keep all my options open and not shortchange myself by going for the AAS.


Please, Please be honest. I need a professional, serious answer.

I was in nursing management for years - some employers require an MSN or BSN for the higher positions, but many management positions are open to any licensed RN. In general I found only the larger employers pay more based on education - usually (in NJ) pay is based on your license and years of experience.

I have degrees in non-nursing areas,but easily found positions as a Unit Manager, Nursing Supervisor, and Shift Administrator based on my RN license alone (I graduated from a diploma school).

As Shan4691 said, you can always go for your BSN later on.

I live in Chicago so the hospitals I would be applying to post nursing school will be large corporate hospitals like Northwestern memorial Hospital, Mt. Sinai, Resurrection Hospitals. 

Would they be looking for a BSN over the AAS in Nursing when hiring applicants?

I understand an RN is an RN is an RN but I feel like there HAS to be a difference in candidates when I am in the process of applying for a position? 

We're a 900 bed facility...that's big for our area, and we (in our department) do not even look at the degree on the resume when interviewing staff nurses.  Experience has taught us that, much like the mode of transport to the ER does not necessarily equate to the acuity of the illness, the degree does not make the nurse.