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Columbia University in the City of New York vs Appalachian 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
Appalachian State University
$8,380 vs $56,279
Easier to get into
Appalachian State University
88.6% vs 4.2% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Columbia University in the City of New York
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Appalachian State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationNew York, NYBoone, NC
Length36 months36 months
NCLEX pass rate100%100%
Acceptance rate4.2%88.6%BEST
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$56,279$8,380 in / $24,140 outBEST
In-state tuition$56,279$8,380BEST
Out-of-state tuition$56,279$24,140BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, Columbia University in the City of New York or Appalachian State University?

Columbia University in the City of New York's DNP program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 100%, compared to 100% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.

Which is cheaper, Columbia University in the City of New York or Appalachian State University?

Appalachian State University is the more affordable option at roughly $8,380, compared to $56,279. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Columbia University in the City of New York and Appalachian 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 Columbia University in the City of New York and Appalachian 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.