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Gwynedd Mercy University vs University of Pennsylvania

ABSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Higher NCLEX pass rate
University of Pennsylvania
98% vs 89.6%
Lower tuition
Gwynedd Mercy University
$38,310 vs $248,000
Faster to complete
Gwynedd Mercy University
16 months vs 48 months
Easier to get into
Gwynedd Mercy University
93.6% vs 6% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Gwynedd Mercy University
Accelerated BSN
University of Pennsylvania
Accelerated BSN
Program typeABSNABSN
Formatin personin person
LocationGwynedd Valley, PAPhiladelphia, PA
Length16 monthsBEST48 months
NCLEX pass rate89.6%98%BEST
Acceptance rate93.6%BEST6%
Avg accepted GPA3.9
Min GPA
Entrance examNot required
Total tuition$38,310BEST$248,000
In-state tuition$38,310BEST$62,000
Out-of-state tuition$38,310BEST$62,000
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, Gwynedd Mercy University or University of Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania's ABSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 98%, compared to 89.6% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.

Which is cheaper, Gwynedd Mercy University or University of Pennsylvania?

Gwynedd Mercy University is the more affordable option at roughly $38,310, compared to $248,000. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Gwynedd Mercy University and University of Pennsylvania the same type of program?

Both are ABSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Gwynedd Mercy University and University of Pennsylvania?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.