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Northwest University vs Pacific Lutheran University

MSN 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
Northwest University
93.8% vs 78.6%
Easier to get into
Northwest University
88.0% vs 80.5% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Northwest University
Master's in Nursing
Pacific Lutheran University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeMSNMSN
Formatin personin person
LocationKirkland, WATacoma, WA
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate93.8%BEST78.6%
Acceptance rate88.0%BEST80.5%
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition-$33,051
In-state tuition$33,051
Out-of-state tuition$33,051
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, Northwest University or Pacific Lutheran University?

Northwest University's MSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 93.8%, compared to 78.6% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.

Are Northwest University and Pacific Lutheran University the same type of program?

Both are MSN 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 Northwest University and Pacific Lutheran University?

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.