Is It Worth Going To Private Nursing School? (Pros VS. Cons)
Written By:
Darby Faubion
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» RN, BSN, MBA
Are you considering becoming a nurse but need help figuring out where to start? Do you worry about long waitlists making your dream of being a nurse seem out of reach? You may prefer to learn in a small setting with more individualized faculty attention. In that case, you may have considered attending a private nursing school but wonder, "Is it worth going to private nursing school?”
Earning your degree at a private nursing school has advantages and disadvantages. In this article, you will find the top 7 pros and cons of going to private nursing school. By weighing the pros and cons, you can decide if learning at a private institution is the route you should take to earn your degree.
What are the Top Cons of Going to Private Nursing School?
(The following are the top 7 cons of going to private nursing school.)
CON #1: Private Nursing Schools May Be More Expensive
One of the top cons of going to private nursing school is that it can be expensive. On average, private nursing schools cost between $1,000 and $2,500 per credit hour. Therefore, if you are considering going to a private nursing school, you must carefully weigh your options for paying for your education. Although both public and private schools offer various forms of federal financial aid, the assistance you get may be limited based on your chosen school.
I suggest completing a
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. If you have already completed the application, keep in mind that you must renew your application annually to continue receiving federal assistance. Also, there are many
scholarships and grants available, and I recommend applying for as many as you can find.
CON #2: You May Not Be Able to Transfer All Your Credits to a Public College or University
I understand that any credits you earn in college do not come easy. So, knowing whether you can transfer credits later is essential before choosing a school. After talking to a few students who considered private nursing schools, I learned that one of the disadvantages of this option is learning that some credits they already earned were useless at the private nursing school they wanted to attend.
In some cases, private nursing schools often use different methods of calculating credits. Therefore, the credits you earn at a private nursing school may not transfer easily. If you have no intention of transferring to a public institution later, this may be fine. However, if you decide to earn a higher degree that is not offered at one of the private nursing schools you prefer, you may be at a disadvantage, possibly needing to repeat courses you took at the private school.
CON #3: There Seems to be Less Diversity in the Student Population
I am one of those people that others may describe as someone who “never meets a stranger.” I love going to new places and meeting new people. Whether in the classroom, at work, or a community gathering, I try to find someone I have never met and introduce myself to them.
Meeting new people and learning about their beliefs and culture is a big part of nursing, as practicing
cultural competence in nursing is essential to developing good nurse-patient relationships and promoting positive patient outcomes. Unfortunately, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, private, nonprofit four-year universities, including private nursing schools, are among the least diverse institutions of higher learning. If you are anything like me and like meeting new people and want to learn about the diversity in our culture and the patient populations you will serve, you may be disappointed attending a private nursing school.
CON #4: Many Private Nursing Schools Only Offer Online Classes
Although some private nursing schools offer campus-based programs, many offer most, if not all, of their classes online. For some students, the idea of only having the option for online classes is one of the biggest disadvantages of going to private nursing school. A public nursing school may be a better option if you prefer in-person learning and face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers. Remember that not all private nursing schools offer only online classes, so verify class offerings with any school that interests you before deciding which one you want to attend.
CON #5: Fewer Clinical Sites to Choose From
My friend, Ginger, teaches at a private nursing school. So, I asked her about clinicals and how the school manages and schedules them. Ginger told me that one of the things that is disappointing to her about the nursing program where she works is that, like many private nursing schools, they have fewer clinical contracts with hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Limited clinical sites could mean less diversity in your clinical experiences. Clinicals are a vital component of your nursing education, where you will apply the theory you learned in the classroom to actual patient care. Therefore, having fewer clinical sites is one of the main cons of going to a private nursing school.
CON #6: Fewer Options to Specialize
If you have read any of the articles I have previously written, you probably know one of the things I absolutely love about nursing is that there are so many options to learn and grow, including opportunities to specialize. Whether you earn an undergraduate degree and pursue a certification or a graduate degree and pursue an advanced practice specialization, your opportunities are endless!
For schools to offer programs with specialization options, they must have enough faculty with experience in those areas to teach the programs. While there are advantages to having fewer instructors and smaller classes at private nursing schools, one of the disadvantages of going to private nursing school is that the limited number of faculty often means fewer options to specialize. Suppose you attend a private nursing school that does not offer specialization options. In that case, you may need to take additional classes after graduating to be eligible to become certified in a specialty area.
CON #7: More Lax Admission Criteria Could Impact the Way Classes Go
I like weighing the pros and cons of certain situations and discussing them with colleagues. Last week, I had lunch with a friend, Ava, who is a nursing instructor. We talked about some of the changes that have occurred on college campuses since I last taught with her, and one topic that came up is how admission criteria have changed, especially at some private nursing schools.
One of the things that attracts prospective students to private nursing schools is that their admission requirements are often more lenient than public, nonprofit nursing schools. While this could be considered an advantage to some, there are some disadvantages. Ava mentioned that lax admission criteria tend to draw would-be students whose study habits and dedication to their programs could be better. Unfortunately, in private nursing schools where smaller classes and individualized faculty attention are usually considered advantages, if you work hard, have a proven academic track record, and stay on track, you could end up waiting for instructors to help other students to catch up.
What are the Top Pros of Going to Private Nursing School?
(The following are the top 7 pros of going to private nursing school.)
PRO #1: The Admission Process is Sometimes Simpler at Private Nursing Schools
One of the top pros of going to private nursing school is that the admission process is often more straightforward, with less "red tape" than traditional public nursing schools. Unlike public or nonprofit nursing schools, rather than looking at only previous academic history, private nursing schools often give more consideration to a prospective student's likelihood of success in their program. Although grades are important, and you may have to explain poor academic performance at a previous school, private nursing schools use more of a holistic approach when evaluating candidates for their programs. The more lenient admission process makes it possible for candidates who may be rejected at public nursing schools to get into a program.
PRO #2: Private Nursing Schools Often Have Smaller Class Sizes
A private nursing school is an excellent option if you are the type of student who learns best from one-on-one interaction with instructors and peers. The smaller class sizes offered by many private nursing schools typically mean more individualized attention from faculty and staff. In my experience, students who learn in settings where instructors have fewer students in each class have a better learning experience and demonstrate better performance in class, clinicals, and licensure exams.
PRO #3: You May Need Fewer Prerequisites
Another of the biggest advantages of going to private nursing school is that many of these schools have more corequisites than prerequisite requirements. You must successfully complete prerequisite courses before matriculating into a nursing program. On the other hand, you may take corequisite courses concurrently with early nursing coursework. If you do not have a broad college portfolio showing you have taken the required prerequisites for a nursing program, finding a private nursing school where you can take corequisite courses instead could be the way to go!
PRO #4: Private Nursing Schools Have Fewer to No Wait Lists
When time allows, I like to visit colleges and universities and learn about their programs. Recently, I had the chance to sit in on a round-table discussion with members of the nursing student council and faculty at a community college. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss concerns of prospective and current students and staff and to brainstorm ideas to relieve those concerns. Students were asked what they would change about the admission process, and many of them voiced concern over the long waitlists at some schools. Some students stated they applied to multiple schools before finding one where they could start their program quickly.
If starting nursing school sooner rather than later is important, private nursing schools may make that possible. Because private nursing schools typically have no wait lists or very short waiting periods, it is easier to get started on your journey to becoming a nurse at a time that is most convenient for you.
PRO #5: Some Private Nursing Schools Have Better Facilities than Public Nursing Schools
While many public nursing schools have exceptional facilities and state-of-the-art learning centers, some people feel private nursing schools have access to even better facilities. Of course, this is a matter of opinion. Still, the cost of private nursing schools gives credence to the idea that they can afford to build and maintain top-of-the-line campuses, simulation labs, and other essential student facilities. With the smaller class sizes at private nursing schools, you may also find that it is easier to access simulation labs to practice skills, which helps you prepare for clinicals.
PRO #6: Private Nursing Schools Attract Experienced, Renowned Faculty
Another one of the pros of going to private nursing school is that the schools often employ some of the most experienced, qualified nursing faculty in the industry. Because private nursing schools cost more to attend, they often offer higher salaries for instructors. The promise of higher pay attracts more qualified applicants to faculty positions. In the end, it is a win for students, faculty, and the school!
PRO #7: You May Have Access to More Private Scholarships and Grants
Although the tuition at private nursing schools is typically higher than the tuition at public schools, they also tend to have more generous financial endowments, including school-funded scholarships and grants. As someone who has spent my fair share of time taking college courses and earning degrees, I encourage you to apply for every scholarship and grant possible. Even with federal financial aid, having other sources of financial assistance takes a lot, if not all, the financial burden of school from you. That way, you can focus on getting your degree instead of worrying about how you will pay for it!
My Final Thoughts
The decision to become a nurse involves doing a lot of research and asking tons of questions. One decision you must make is whether to attend a public or private nursing school. While private nursing schools have many advantages, many still wonder, "Is it worth going to private nursing school?”
Weighing the pros and cons of a school or program before enrolling is essential. So, in this article, I shared the top 7 pros and cons of going to private nursing school to give you insight and help you decide if it is the right path for earning your degree. At the end of the day, only you know the type of school that is better suited to help you meet your academic goals. I encourage you to consider the advantages and disadvantages and decide on an option you feel is best to help you earn your degree. Then, take a step of faith, reach for the stars, and get your nursing degree!
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).