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Azusa Pacific University vs California State University-Bakersfield

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
California State University-Bakersfield
98.1% vs 80.4%
Lower tuition
California State University-Bakersfield
$9,130 vs $43,600
Easier to get into
California State University-Bakersfield
88.2% vs 79.5% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Azusa Pacific University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
California State University-Bakersfield
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeMSNMSN
Formatin personin person
LocationAzusa, CABakersfield, CA
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate80.4%98.1%BEST
Acceptance rate79.5%88.2%BEST
Avg accepted GPA3.3
Min GPA
Entrance examTEAS
Total tuition$43,600$9,130 in / $18,634 outBEST
In-state tuition$17,330$9,130BEST
Out-of-state tuition$17,330BEST$18,634
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, Azusa Pacific University or California State University-Bakersfield?

California State University-Bakersfield's MSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 98.1%, compared to 80.4% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.

Which is cheaper, Azusa Pacific University or California State University-Bakersfield?

California State University-Bakersfield is the more affordable option at roughly $9,130, compared to $43,600. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Azusa Pacific University and California State University-Bakersfield 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 Azusa Pacific University and California State University-Bakersfield?

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.