Ohio State or Case Western for Nursing

charlieschm
Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:19:38 +0000

I imagine you were considering other factors but the 13K a year difference x 4 years would appear to be a $52K difference over 4 years.

If some of the difference could be made up using federally subsidized loans, that can be a reasonable total cost over time. However, if PLUS loans, unsubsidized federal loans or private loans would be needed to make up the difference, the total cost over time would be much much higher. Keep in mind that even federally subsidized loans are scheduled to go up to 6.8% for 2013-2014 and the following years, unless both houses of Congress approve a multi-billion subsidy per year.

To make an accurate comparison, look carefully at other cost factors. For example, does either university charge extra tuition or fees for nursing students in the last 2 years? Many universities do that, and you may have to search the fine print to find out. I imagine she would not need a car to reach clinicals in either Columbus or Cleveland, but that is a question worth asking - it can make a huge difference in net costs. Off campus housing costs (if needed in the last couple years?) can vary greatly - I’d guess that Cleveland might be cheaper.