Skip to content

San Jose State University vs Sonoma 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

Lower tuition
San Jose State University
$9,426 vs $9,624
Easier to get into
Sonoma State University
94.7% vs 80.2% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

San Jose State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Sonoma State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationSan Jose, CARohnert Park, CA
Length36 months36 months
NCLEX pass rate91.6%
Acceptance rate80.2%94.7%BEST
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$9,426 in / $18,930 outBEST$9,624 in / $19,128 out
In-state tuition$9,426BEST$9,624
Out-of-state tuition$18,930BEST$19,128
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, San Jose State University or Sonoma State University?

San Jose State University is the more affordable option at roughly $9,426, compared to $9,624. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are San Jose State University and Sonoma 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 San Jose State University and Sonoma 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.