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University of San Diego vs West Coast University-Orange County

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

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
West Coast University-Orange County
$14,383 vs $29,328

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

University of San Diego
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
West Coast University-Orange County
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationSan Diego, CAAnaheim, CA
Length36 months36 months
NCLEX pass rate98.2%
Acceptance rate46.8%
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$29,328$14,383BEST
In-state tuition$29,328$14,383BEST
Out-of-state tuition$29,328$14,383BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNESCORECARD_BASELINE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, University of San Diego or West Coast University-Orange County?

West Coast University-Orange County is the more affordable option at roughly $14,383, 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 West Coast University-Orange County 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 West Coast University-Orange County?

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.