University of San Diego vs California State University-San Marcos
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. | California State University-San Marcos Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | DNP | DNP |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | San Diego, CA | San Marcos, CA |
| Length | 36 months | 36 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 98.2% | — |
| Acceptance rate | 46.8% | 95.7%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $29,328 | $9,168 in / $18,672 outBEST |
| In-state tuition | $29,328 | $9,168BEST |
| Out-of-state tuition | $29,328 | $18,672BEST |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, University of San Diego or California State University-San Marcos?
California State University-San Marcos is the more affordable option at roughly $9,168, 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 California State University-San Marcos 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 California State University-San Marcos?
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.