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University of California-Irvine vs Sonoma State University

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

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Sonoma State University
$8,190 vs $14,237
Easier to get into
Sonoma State University
94.7% vs 25.6% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

University of California-Irvine
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Sonoma State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeBSNBSN
Formatin personin person
LocationIrvine, CARohnert Park, CA
Length48 months48 months
NCLEX pass rate100%100%
Acceptance rate25.6%94.7%BEST
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$14,237 in / $45,014 out$8,190 in / $20,070 outBEST
In-state tuition$14,237$8,190BEST
Out-of-state tuition$45,014$20,070BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, University of California-Irvine or Sonoma State University?

University of California-Irvine's BSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 100%, compared to 100% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.

Which is cheaper, University of California-Irvine or Sonoma State University?

Sonoma State University is the more affordable option at roughly $8,190, compared to $14,237. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are University of California-Irvine and Sonoma State University the same type of program?

Both are BSN 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 University of California-Irvine 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.