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University of San Francisco vs San Jose State University

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

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Higher NCLEX pass rate
San Jose State University
91.6% vs 88%
Lower tuition
San Jose State University
$9,426 vs $174,666
Easier to get into
San Jose State University
80.2% vs 50.8% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

University of San Francisco
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
San Jose State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationSan Francisco, CASan Jose, CA
Length36 months36 months
NCLEX pass rate88%91.6%BEST
Acceptance rate50.8%80.2%BEST
Avg accepted GPA3.3
Min GPA
Entrance examTEAS
Total tuition$174,666$9,426 in / $18,930 outBEST
In-state tuition$29,140$9,426BEST
Out-of-state tuition$29,140$18,930BEST
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, University of San Francisco or San Jose State University?

San Jose State University's DNP program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 91.6%, compared to 88% 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 San Francisco or San Jose State University?

San Jose State University is the more affordable option at roughly $9,426, compared to $174,666. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are University of San Francisco and San Jose State University 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 Francisco and San Jose State University?

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.