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Boston College vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst

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
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
$17,009 vs $203,040
Easier to get into
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
57.8% vs 15.7% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Boston College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationChestnut Hill, MAAmherst, MA
Length36 months36 months
NCLEX pass rate96%
Acceptance rate15.7%57.8%BEST
Avg accepted GPA3.8
Min GPA
Entrance examNot required
Total tuition$203,040$17,009 in / $34,720 outBEST
In-state tuition$35,900$17,009BEST
Out-of-state tuition$35,900$34,720BEST
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Boston College or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the more affordable option at roughly $17,009, compared to $203,040. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Boston College and University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 Boston College and University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

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.