Congratulations on your nursing degree!
I would only buy vintage machines since I'm into vintage.
Have fun shopping for your modern machine. If there is enough money left over for a cheap vintage machine that you can pick up from CLs then treat yourself to one, like a Singer 301. The cute 301s are cheaper than the Featherweights, you can take it to quilting classes, and when not in use it can sit on a bookcase to decorate your sewing area.