Samuel Merritt University vs University of San Diego
DNP 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.
| Samuel Merritt University Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | University of San Diego Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | DNP | DNP |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | Oakland, CA | San Diego, CA |
| Length | 36 months | 36 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 90% | 98.2%BEST |
| Acceptance rate | 35% | 46.8%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | 3.4 | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | either | — |
| Total tuition | $285,000 | $29,328BEST |
| In-state tuition | $58,126 | $29,328BEST |
| Out-of-state tuition | $58,126 | $29,328BEST |
| Clinical placement | arranged | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, Samuel Merritt University or University of San Diego?
University of San Diego's DNP program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 98.2%, compared to 90% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.
Which is cheaper, Samuel Merritt University or University of San Diego?
University of San Diego is the more affordable option at roughly $29,328, compared to $285,000. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.
Are Samuel Merritt University and University of San Diego the same type of program?
Both are DNP 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 Samuel Merritt University 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.