University of California-Irvine vs University of San Diego
MSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.
At a glance
Side-by-side details
Best value in each row is highlighted.
| University of California-Irvine Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | University of San Diego Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | MSN | MSN |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | Irvine, CA | San Diego, CA |
| Length | 24 months | 24 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 88.6% | 98.2%BEST |
| Acceptance rate | 25.6% | 46.8%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $14,275 in / $29,377 outBEST | $29,328 |
| In-state tuition | $14,275BEST | $29,328 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $29,377 | $29,328BEST |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, University of California-Irvine or University of San Diego?
University of San Diego's MSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 98.2%, compared to 88.6% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Irvine or University of San Diego?
University of California-Irvine is the more affordable option at roughly $14,275, compared to $29,328. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.
Are University of California-Irvine and University of San Diego 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 University of California-Irvine and University of San Diego?
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.