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University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs Worcester State University

BSN 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
Worcester State University
100% vs 88%
Lower tuition
Worcester State University
$11,286 vs $17,357
Easier to get into
Worcester State University
89.9% vs 57.8% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Worcester State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeBSNBSN
Formatin personin person
LocationAmherst, MAWorcester, MA
Length48 months48 months
NCLEX pass rate88%100%BEST
Acceptance rate57.8%89.9%BEST
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$17,357 in / $39,293 out$11,286 in / $17,366 outBEST
In-state tuition$17,357$11,286BEST
Out-of-state tuition$39,293$17,366BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Worcester State University?

Worcester State University's BSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 100%, 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 Massachusetts-Amherst or Worcester State University?

Worcester State University is the more affordable option at roughly $11,286, compared to $17,357. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Worcester State University the same type of program?

Both are BSN 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 Massachusetts-Amherst and Worcester 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.