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Rush University vs Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

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
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
$10,102 vs $204,000
Easier to get into
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
97.2% vs 30% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Rush University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationChicago, ILEdwardsville, IL
Length36 months36 months
NCLEX pass rate93%
Acceptance rate30%97.2%BEST
Avg accepted GPA3.45
Min GPA
Entrance examHESI
Total tuition$204,000$10,102BEST
In-state tuition$38,013$10,102BEST
Out-of-state tuition$38,013$10,102BEST
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Rush University or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville?

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is the more affordable option at roughly $10,102, compared to $204,000. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Rush University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 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 Rush University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville?

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.