University of San Diego vs Vanguard University of Southern California
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.
| University of San Diego Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Vanguard University of Southern California Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | DNP | DNP |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | San Diego, CA | Costa Mesa, CA |
| Length | 36 months | 36 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 98.2% | — |
| Acceptance rate | 46.8% | 64.7%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $29,328 | $12,718BEST |
| In-state tuition | $29,328 | $12,718BEST |
| Out-of-state tuition | $29,328 | $12,718BEST |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, University of San Diego or Vanguard University of Southern California?
Vanguard University of Southern California is the more affordable option at roughly $12,718, 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 San Diego and Vanguard University of Southern California 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 University of San Diego and Vanguard University of Southern California?
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.