IS WEST COAST UNIVERSITY WORTH IT? 9 MONTHS POST GRAD
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- Hey guys! I wanted to make an updated video regarding west coast university and if it was worth it 9 months post grad. I graduated from WCU January 2021 and started my job as a new grad rn in June.
The biggest questions I get are: Will I be drowning in debt? Is WCU worth it? Can I get a job after WCU?
This has been my experience so far! I know that making a big decision like this can be riddled with anxiety. Especially, when taking on a loan to start your career. I hope that you guys find this video informative in helping to make your own decision. If you ever have any questions, feel free to DM me on instagram at kriziaann__
Thank you guys for watching and for your support!
I have been on a local CC’s wait list for 2 yrs already and finally decided to go to WCU! I didn’t think the wait would be this long. Thank you for the update. Your videos are so encouraging.
Omg, yes Cali has long wait lists! Some even do lottery which sucks even more. If you have the time and patient to wait, I suggest waiting but if not, wcu is a good option to start ASAP!
I waited two years too. Finally Bit the bullet and enrolled into West Coast. No regrets.
@@Mariabarlow3 Congratulations on making the best decision instead of continuing to waste time waiting.
Same here! I start in April so excited
@@msaucedo17 my start date ended up being Apr 2022 as well. 👌
I'm convinced. They tried to scare me off by the high cost, . But I'm not going to go on a two year wait list, jump through crazy hoops just to get into yet another CC nursing program. I'm also almost 30 I want my BSN now!
it's encouraging to hear what you say. My sister who is a RN has bought three houses up to now with her husband. She kept talking me in studying for Nursing because she gave me an example of a new grad who makes $45/h. We all live in SoCal and I think I would apply for WSU instead of waiting for other Uni to accept my applications because you can highly pay off your debt after 1 or 2 years of working. Thanks and I think now that your hard work pays off.
Thank you so much for this. I applied to three nursing programs, all of which were cheaper than WCU, but didn’t get in. I have a friend who’s in a nursing program right now and I told her I was thinking of applying to WCU. She heavily discouraged it and said how students from there don’t know their basic skills. It was so disheartening, and of course easier for her to say since she’s already in a program. Of course if we all had the option to be able to go to a cheaper school, we would. Hearing her say all that made me feel about about applying, but watching your video is really motivating! Thank you for your honest opinion!
I worked with an RN who graduated from westcoast and she is so knowledgeable and an excellent nurse and knows her shit.
Yes, you go girl! Your story sounds similar to mine being in nursing school at wcu. I am almost done, but thank you for these videos!!
Congrats! You’re almost there! 🎉
I’m so proud of you! I’m a WCU student about to start Core next term!!! So nervous and filled with anxiety. But your videos calm me down. 💗
Will you be teaching yourself?
Hi! I’m going to start from the very beginning this fall in Ontario. I’m super nervous. 😬 How is it so far?!
@@forthemoment924 Hi Tara, I start in fall too, but are you starting fall I or Fall II ? I am starting Fall I August 22nd, I am so ready!! I am doing LVN-BSN but I hope to see you there!
@@dylanbushar2763 Everything you said is exactly what I’m doing! Haha. Im still kinda waiting on one of my transcripts and gotta have my financial aid appt, which I’m not super looking forward to, but it is what it is. 😅 Hope I see you there as well!
I am starting this November thank you so much for your videos it really did help me make that decision to stop waiting for community colleges and just to go for it and keep making videos we appreciate them ♥️
So glad you enjoy my videos! It honestly is all about perspective. Taking on loans and debt is a big commitment but if it’s for you to end up with a career you’re passionate about, it is all worth it! Does it suck to have debt? Of course! But the best part about it, is you have the money to pay for it!
I appreciate your videos about West Coast sooo much! They truly are so so helpful. Thanks for always being so transparent 💛
Thank you for watching! & I’m so glad you find them helpful!
Inspirational asf.. I also heard a girl on UA-cam say get pre recs in a community college then transfer for a less expensive route. Love the video!
Thank you so much for this video! I literally just spoke with my FA advisor and I started to worry about being in debt and being able to pay it all off plus paying for all my other expenses but ur video def reassured me that I’m on the right path!
I’m 22 and living in California. I have all A’s except a B in anatomy and I have been rejected the past year (ADN/BSN programs). I’m on a 3 year waitlist for one school but that’s so far away.
I’m going to try again all of 2024 and if nothing happens I’m going to WC. I have been feeling so depressed about the rejections and I literally feel so lost. I’m going to give it one more year bc I am scared of the huge financial commitment.
Thank you for being so open about cost.
Hey Sam! Yes, keep trying! It is a huge financial commitment, but just know that they are raising the tuition by 2% starting April 2022.
Not going to lie, having a large debt is stressful. But it was an investment I was willing to take to start my nursing career. There are always pros and cons to big decisions like this and it’s important to base your decision on your needs!
@@nurse_krizia is it doable? I understand the need to make smart financial decisions if taking out that big of a loan. Day to day is it something that weighs on you?
@@Clamanthaaa it is a 100% doable if you don’t take on any other financial responsibilities. Trust me, once you start making nurse pay you’d want to treat yourself all the time. If I didn’t have a mortgage, monthly bills, 2 dogs to pay for, and a wedding to save up for, I wouldn’t be as stressed as I should be. But with my nursing pay, I am able to pay off all of this AND pay the minimum amount of my nursing loans. If I didn’t have all these financial responsibilities, I definitely would be able to pay off the loans within 3 years.
I actually just started a second job on the weekends. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. If I knew about wcu sooner, I would’ve left UCI and be in way less debt. The debt I talk about is WCU + UCI, so technically only half of my debt is just WCU.
Does the debt keep me up at night? Sometimes and only when I think about the fact that this money can go towards paying for a Tesla lol. Do I want a Tesla? Yes. Do I need one? No. So it’s a sacrifice I take for paying off my loans. So I say it is all about perspective! If you didn’t have loans to pay off, it would go towards something else anyways. I hope that made sense!
You should retake that anatomy class and try to get an A not A- but an A. I had the same problem as you. I was rejected twice. I thought of going to WCU. But choice not to as they refused to accept more than half of my prerequisites. I waited another year. During that time I retook my classes and got As. I retook my teas and got a 90. I was accepted into the bsn nursing program I wanted which was the one at my state school. Graduated 2015. Worked as an RN for 6 years now. Nursing school feels like a lifetime ago. I almost forgot about the struggle and emotions I went through. Thinking back, I’m glad I waited. I saved myself 100k.
I feel ya. At this point, I wish I was on a waitlist tbh lol. The RN programs I applied to don’t have waitlists 🤷🏼♀️ we’d just have to reapply in the next cycle. I’m 21 in California. I had 2 Bs in Anatomy and English and the rest As, and 89.3 on the TEAS, and all 5 RN programs I applied to didn’t accept me. It’s frustrating. And not everyone has the resources to go out of state. Some schools gave some more points for experience, I didn’t have that. Now I’m a CNA and in LVN school, then I’ll try again for RN.
Love all the thoughts and your encouragement. Everyone is shocked by the number but they can make more than that in the long run. Thank you for giving fair & truthful thoughts. You’re the first person I ever commented in many videos that I have watched. Stay safe and best of luck 🤞
Thank you so much! This honestly made my day?I have so many family members who have been nurses for years (my mom, two cousins, fiancé’s mom) all who make $65-$80 an hour! So I know it is possible in the long run. There’s so much growth and opportunities in nursing
@@nurse_krizia how about the people that don't make it and get stuck with a huge loan
I m really glad I saw this video I have been thinking too much about making the nice to go to WCU because I have a full time job with the state however I do not make good money I bring home 2666 after taxes i only good thing about it are the state benifits like the medical abs pension . I think I have thought about it for too long abs I just need to make that move now . Yes WCU is expensive but it’s an investment
Yes! You can actually apply to work for the county as a new graduate and still get those good benefits.
Definitely an investment! You can either choose to remain in the same position or invest in your career and have so many more opportunities for the future!
Thanks girl u made my life so easy u were really helpful plz make more videos like this it’s very encouraging
im already making 6 figures as an lvn, currently working on my ge and prereqs at a CC and going to try to transfer to a csu bsn program. I believe its going to be about 15k for the whole thing. Im in no hurry.
Amazing! How many years have you been an LVN for?
it has been about 4 years now. I been jumping around jobs and every single one of them has been a significant pay jump. Base pay is 78k with over time another 36k. Working 4 days 11hrs, and that's in home health. Its chill too cause im able to take all my classes online since there's a lot of downtime. I hope to transfer though to the csuf bridge program. I want to get work in ICU since being an nurse anesthetist is my main goal.
@@1deagmafioso yes! I do hospice and agree with a lot of down time. Home health/hospice are great for LVNs and I believe there’s so much more opportunity for growth in this specialty.
@@1deagmafioso what company?!!
I’m thinking about going to WC rn, the cost gives me so much anxiety since I’m first gen and have no type of guidance when it comes to finance/loans for college 😭😭
A big setback for me is being able to afford my living expenses while still attending West Coast. Any advice on that?
Congratulations! You earned every penny!
Thank you!!
This is great information, thank you. I don't mind having a loan, is worth the investment.
appreciate you video and encouragement about wcu.
LVN to RN (community college) to BSN to Masters Degree.. fully accredited, over 6 years all total cost was $40K..harder route 1000% had to fight big time but WELL WORTH IT
Thats the route I think I'm going to take, except not the CC route, LVN to RN private school online, than branch from there. I think going slower will help with retaining information, allow myself to work and not feel to overwhelmed or stressed with my program. Westcoast's program is intensive and i don't think I would be able to work as much as I need to.
@@jeffrey7159 hey good thinkn! But the stress will be there dont be mistaken. It took me that long not out of choice but rather i had to wait for program to start and classes (nature of the beast). Tbh id say tread with caution with online programs for getting the inital RN.
@@joerivas3238 The initial RN would be hybrid, deciding between LVN first or ADN, both would be hybrid (in person & online) the bridge from either LVN/ADN would be 100% online.
@@joerivas3238 stress is expected, but if it can be limited, thats the ideal.
@@joerivas3238 I have the option right now to start WestCoast, 2 years at 100k, but I'm looking at more cost effective options, if I go another route as previously mentioned, it would probably be 1/3 the cost and only take a little longer
what was your first degree from UC irvine in if you don’t mind me asking? As someone who is graduating with a degree in kinesiology (at 27 years old) this fall i’ve been strongly considering going to West coast because there aren’t many career opportunities for kines grads besides going to PT school. Like you I just really want to start working towards a strong earning career that can set me and my future family up for the rest of our lives.
are you from orange county area? you seem so confident? i feel im getting stronger watching your channel and getting ready to pursue BSN. yes i can! yes we can!
Good luck teaching yourself. You'll find out.
You in Cali so keep in mind the cost of living is higher but so is the pay. You are lucky because I believe Cali is the only state that pays nurses well. The rest of the us pays nurses shit.
We do get paid the best, but also get taxed heavily! The pain I have when I see my gross vs net pay 😭
@@nurse_krizia do not move out of California trust me nurses get paid crap.
Do you have videos of your graduation? Would really love to see them :) I just love watching graduation videos especially nursings grads
Unfortunately I don’t ): I graduated during covid and they only planned on drive through pinning which I didn’t go to. I wish we had a graduation!
Love this. Thank you! What was the school schedule like? Also, were they organized in regards to class work & clinicals?
LVN 1 year experience making 6 figures with minimal overtime base pay 88,400 just add the rest for overtime permanent position not a travel assignment and no student loan debt I’m very fortunate
How you do that
What do you do for work?
always look forward to your videos ❤️
🤗🤗🤗
Im in my first term starting core classes in june. Im so scared since im not really good with science 🥲 gotta hustle 😮💨🥺
Can you explain your two schools? Did you transfer from Irvine to WCU or do you have two degrees?
I’m so scared being married and being the only one rn working and I barley make enough to get by I’m scared to jump into this
She’s not mentioning the 60% of her cohort that got kicked out and are “drowning in depth” XD
I just got my proposed schedule for west coast. Do you know which classes you were able to take online and which ones you were required to be on campus?
Hey! Congrats on starting your nursing journey! All core classes such as funds, Med surg, mental health, OB, Peds, public health critical care lectures are all in person. They’re still currently trying to deal with in person classes due to covid so those classes may still be online. Clinicals or skills labs are in person. All the side classes are usually just online, except Pharm and intro to professionalism.
Hey girl! I’m at wcu right now in CORE and all my classes are in person!
@@___kt93 Hii! Thank you for letting me know! Good luck on your nursing journey… maybe I’ll see you around! ❤️
Thank you for this video❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this video.
So working at hospice is where you got your promotions? (congrats btw) confused with where you’re working now lol
I’m halfway through core and looking to start working just not sure where to start or would be beneficial
Yes! Thank you! I’m still working at the same job!
I’d say to start applying for nursing assistant positions around your area. It’s a great way to get exposed in inpatient settings. If there’s a hospital you’d really wanna work for, apply there.
It’s beneficial because once you graduate and still work as a nursing assistant, it’s a guaranteed RN job on your unity
Hey! I start WCU in January. Is there a video where you talk about scholarships?
Hey! Unfortunately I do not. But here’s a link to get more info:
westcoastuniversity.smartcatalogiq.com/Winter-2021/West-Coast-University-Catalog/Financial-Policies-and-Information/Financial-Aid-Programs/Private-Loans-Scholarships
I’m a truck driver from California, I’m interested in becoming a nurse. It’s odd but I just want a change in careers. I can’t see myself driving for the rest of my life, luckily i make good enough money, Do you know if WCU offers payment plans ? I rather just pay for my tuition myself.
Hey! Yes they do offer plans. They have you pay every 4 terms. So it would be about $36k over a span of 8 months or so.
@@nurse_krizia how long is the schooling for if you’re starting from the complete bottom, like doing pre reqs and all
@@robertvilain1920 about 3 years
@@nurse_krizianight classes offered?
I will be attending WCU next year and nervous about the transition to moving there all alone. Do you have any advice on which locations and housing you can recommend to us students? More on the budget friendly and safe areas for a woman?
Hey Nicole! It depends on which location you’re going to. There are other nursing students who rent out an apartment/home together.
@@nurse_krizia I’m set for the north Hollywood locations but I know there are many others around the areas. My difficulty at the moment is finding the right resources and students who are attending the same school who are looking for roommates as well :/
@@nicol3e597 Do you have Facebook? There’s a group for the WCU OC campus but there are also some students from the NoHo campus in the group that you can ask for roommates
@@nurse_krizia I am getting ready to speak with financial aid advisor and was given my year tuition amount. I noticed to be charged with “room and board” and “transportation”. Is there any way around that if we are living off campus in apartments and at home?
@@nicol3e597 just let your advisor know and I also recommend to opt out of the books. You can buy them used or online for cheaper
Hello, did the career advisor place you if not what u wish they cud have helped with? Resumes or workshop?
Hello! They did not place me but they did have a lot of workshops such as creating your linked in profile, building your resume, mock interviews. They send out openings almost everyday for new graduates
Hi! I’m planning to enroll in WCU, too. However I haven’t taken any general education (prerequisites) yet. I came from Philippines and had a bachelor’s degree there but I doubt if they’d credits to some of the courses I had there. Do you think it’s worth it to take the prerequisites there?
Hey! It depends on your goals. If you take it at WCU, you’ll finish the pre requisites faster but it’ll cost more $$, or you take the pre requisites at a local CC, save money but it’ll be a little longer.
@@nurse_kriziathank you so much for the response! I’m really into finishing it faster. I am aware of the costs, too and it’s extremely expensive. What I am worrying about is if taking the prerequisites there is doable knowing that it’s fast paced. English is my second language, I am not really that proficient with it. I’m scared I might fail the GEs and waste a lot of money.😩
@@leamaripausanos6128hi!..saw your comment and you said your from phillipines,did you go to WCU? How was it?I'm having anxiety going since I was out from school for soo long, I used to be BSN(undergrad 3rd year second sem, stop 2007)..dis you even go to WCU as you planned?
Thank you! omg thank you!
What was your experience getting into another NP program with a BSN degree from west cost ?
Great video! Does WCU Offer night classes?
36 years old, planning to start in October. You’re young. Lol.
What’s the Nclex pass rate? I’m so worried about the cost.
Did you work while in school? Also did you start paying the tuition after you graduated or while you were in school?
love it thank you
How much was your monthly payment after graduating????
Since you are in nursing, would you say that WCU is accredited for Dental Hygiene?
Yes, they have Bachelor program!
Also, Concord college in Garden grove, Cali. also have it but Associate degree only!
Do you know what is the next time after the financial aid officer take a look at my FAFSA application, since I am not really worry about the cost because my parents will pay for it.
Next step is to pay for the tuition and they will provide you with a start date!
@@nurse_krizia I see, but I need to submit my official transcript for my CC. I still have 2 gen edu need to complete for WCU.
@@jeffhuang2 first step is to apply, then submit transcripts and once they know how many terms you need, they will find out your cost. Then you will be provided a start date
@@nurse_krizia Yes, I need to submit my college transcript, but I don't want to send my official just yet because if I sent it now it will the two classes that I will be taking( in-progress), Therefore, I will need to send it again when i finished it again.
I’m already finished my prereqs at CC. Does it mean I can finish my BSN degree less than 39 months?
Yes, it’ll take a little over 2 years if all your pre reqs are accepted
I read a lot of yelp reviews saying if you fail one class they dismiss you, is that true?
Not true. You can fail the first two core classes (not sure if this is still accurate) and not count as a fail. After that, if you fail 2 classes you get dismissed.
Love it, thank you
Thank you! ❤️
I love this ❤️
I was wondering do they tell you up front how much the tuition will be for the whole time you are there , so that way there are no financial surprises after wards
They tell you up front how much it would be for 2 semesters or 4 terms. They can give you an estimate of how much it would be for the total cost depending on how many terms you will take at west coast. The cost of tuition may change in the next year or so (not 100%) sure but not a big difference that you’ll be surprised. I don’t recall their being any big changes to tuition, unless you fail a class and do another term.
Hi Krizia, I know a few of my friends that went to WCU and I got couple mix reviews about that school. If I finish my prerequisite , do you know how much it cost?
Hey! I finished my pre reqs and it’s about 90-100k
@@nurse_krizia That is not too bad . Do you know what is the requirements? Do I need to take patho and pharmacology before applying? Please let me know, thank you.
@@jeffhuang2 you’re supposed to take patho at wcu, pharmacology I believe you can take it before but make sure you can transfer the class. I’d suggest to take Pharm before to save money and make it an easier load during your term
@@jeffhuang2 here’s all the info for pre-requisite classes:
westcoastuniversity.smartcatalogiq.com/Spring-2022/West-Coast-University-Catalog/Undergraduate-Programs-of-Study/College-of-Nursing/Nursing-BSN-Bachelor-of-Science-Degree
Does West Coast University offer guaranteed admission to the nursing program? Thank you for making this video 🙏🏻❤️
You take an entrance exam (HESI) and along with that score + any GPA that you may be coming in with, they will put you in a category. You can take any /all prereqs while at WCU, but there are a few that have to be taken there, but if you pass those prereqs then you go on to start nursing core, which is just the core classes for your nursing major. You still have to meet some requirements, but they are nowhere nearly as annoying to obtain in comparison to other schools. The good thing about this school is that they don't make you jump through a thousand hoops when you're trying to get in! But definitely be prepared to take your education seriously cause its super fast & it's on you :)
I took out federal loans but still have a 7k balance. and i can't get a private loan, unfortunately i cant continue on west coast.
Hey! Make sure you let your financial aid advisor know. Showing that you aren’t able to qualify for a loan will actually lower the cost of tuition. They can discuss different option plans with you!
@@nurse_krizia i did:/ unfortunately they said I would have to withdraw. They couldn’t even waive the nursing fee for next semester. It sucky because I’m 11k plus my mom 5k in debt already from the school and they can’t work with me
@@yuriilove7260 hmm..what’s the reason you aren’t getting approved for a private loan? Is it because you have no co-signer? Do you have any close friends/relatives who can co-sign? I had my sister and dad co-sign for me, then once I graduated I refinanced my loans under me so that the loans were taken out under their name.
@@nurse_krizia unfortunately I’m the only one in my family with legal residency. My husband bought our house a few months ago so he’s score dropped abit after that purchased apart from that I have no one to co-sign for me. But what can I can? Thank you though for your reply’s. I did follow your story since you enrolled in WCU. Thank you for updating us!
@@yuriilove7260 oh no, the financial part of wcu is always the suckiest part. It may not be the best time right now, but it is always an option if you decide to go back and have the financial means to do so!
What is a new grad program?
Are the 6 figures gross income? What do you have left after you pay the monthly taxes?
Yes gross income, after taxes usually around $3200, but if I work overtime $3500-$4000
How many hours a week are you working ?
40 hours! 5 days a week x 8 hour work days. I spend half of my day at home and the rest in the field
Did you take extra loans for living expenses? I know you said you had your fiancé and family to help you out
Hey! I did when I went to UCI and regret it! If there’s any way to save money for housing, I’d do it.
How often do nurses get a raise?
Usually every year with about a 4% increase
i made 116k a year as a new grad last year working 3/12hr shifts. i attended a local community college, and employer paid for my BSN. worth it, i dont see why someone would put themselves in so much debt just to be an RN. smh
you did an adn program?
I wish I could get into an adn program near me because I’d take that route in a heartbeat. The programs are so impacted in socal that I’m considering WCU. What community college did you go to?
👌
Love your dog❤️. I’m in the program BSN.
Thank you for making this video.
Did having a big student loan affect you when you applied to buy your house?
Hey! When we applied for a pre-approval, I didn’t have a full time job yet so we couldn’t use my income. My fiance was the one pre approved but if we waited a little longer until I had a full time job, we could’ve gotten approved for a higher mortgage.
When buying a home, they don’t look at the amount of loans you have. What they look at is your monthly income to debt ratio and your credit score. So they look at how much monthly debt you pay (car payments, rent, loan, credit card payments) and your monthly income. They usually like you to have a debt ratio to be no more than 30% of your income. For example, if you make 7,000 a month, your monthly bills should be no more than $2100 a month.
@@nurse_krizia
Thank you for the information and
Thank you so much for responding :)
No one asks where yu went to school niece your done