Skip to content

California State University-Los Angeles vs Sonoma State University

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

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
California State University-Los Angeles
$8,252 vs $9,624
Easier to get into
Sonoma State University
94.7% vs 91.9% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

California State University-Los Angeles
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Sonoma State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeMSNMSN
Formatin personin person
LocationLos Angeles, CARohnert Park, CA
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate100%
Acceptance rate91.9%94.7%BEST
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$8,252 in / $17,756 outBEST$9,624 in / $19,128 out
In-state tuition$8,252BEST$9,624
Out-of-state tuition$17,756BEST$19,128
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, California State University-Los Angeles or Sonoma State University?

California State University-Los Angeles is the more affordable option at roughly $8,252, compared to $9,624. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are California State University-Los Angeles and Sonoma State 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 California State University-Los Angeles and Sonoma State 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.