Who would guess that nurses today may find guidance in adages popularized centuries ago? Forbes magazine not only cites Ben Franklin’s timeless “A penny saved is a penny earned” as still relevant but also espouses his lesser known advice, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
While conceding that these sayings may be “eye-rollers” for some, The Simple Dollar highlights their value for those considering additional higher education. Registered nurses may want to explore a practical, cost-saving option such as Northwest Missouri State University’s affordable RN to BSN online. Instead of an on-campus program, nurses may find this option saves them not just pennies, as was applicable in Franklin’s day, but hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the course of the program.
How Can the RN to BSN Online at Northwest Save Me Money?
Parking: According to U.S. News & World Report, many students “know the pain of parking on campus, especially when the campus has fewer parking spacing than students.” And how much does a parking pass on the average campus run? “Anywhere from $40 per semester to $2,500, depending on where the college is located,” cites one online tracker of hidden college costs.
Transportation: Costs include gas, mileage and wear-and-tear. According to John Nielsen of AAA, “Many factors go into the cost of owning and operating a vehicle.” The average cost is about 60.8 cents per mile for a newer vehicle, he said. Even for a 10-mile commute to campus, that can run more than $12 per day. Longer commutes, of course, rack up costs accordingly.
Babysitting: While rates vary in different areas, the average 2017 rate stood at $16.20 per hour, according to the 2018 Care.com “Cost of Care Survey.” Even alternative arrangements can add up quickly. Students taking online classes may choose to log on to classes in the evenings after children are asleep or when other family members can assist in their care.
The list goes on. Not eating out as much; not missing classes due to illness or inclement weather; and the potential to download course materials (including text books) may all result in saving hundreds of dollars for the online student.
Can I Save in Tuition Costs Compared With Similar Options?
At $250 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students, tuition for Northwest’s online RN to BSN program remains one of the lowest in the region — under $8K to earn your degree. This figure is lower than the tuition cost for similar programs, including those offered by Missouri State, Southeast Missouri State, the University of Missouri at both Columbia and Kansas City, and others.
In this light, perhaps if nursing students at Northwest popularized their own wise saying, it just might include “thousands saved are thousands earned.”
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
Forbes: Top 100 Money Quotes of All Time
The Simple Dollar: 11 Cheesy Money Sayings That Are Absolutely True
U.S. News & World Report: Costs Online Education Saves Students
AAA: AAA Reveals True Cost of Vehicle Ownership
