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Drexel University vs University of Pittsburgh

MSN 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
University of Pittsburgh
95% vs 89%
Lower tuition
Drexel University
$60,663 vs $88,000
Faster to complete
Drexel University
24 months vs 48 months
Easier to get into
Drexel University
77.5% vs 20% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Drexel University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
University of Pittsburgh
Clinical Nurse Leader (MSN)
Program typeMSNMSN
Formatin personin person
LocationPhiladelphia, PAPittsburgh, PA
Length24 monthsBEST48 months
NCLEX pass rate89%95%BEST
Acceptance rate77.5%BEST20%
Avg accepted GPA3.4BEST3.65
Min GPA
Entrance examTEASNot required
Total tuition$60,663BEST$88,000
In-state tuition$37,074
Out-of-state tuition$37,074
Clinical placementarrangedarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, Drexel University or University of Pittsburgh?

University of Pittsburgh's MSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 95%, compared to 89% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.

Which is cheaper, Drexel University or University of Pittsburgh?

Drexel University is the more affordable option at roughly $60,663, compared to $88,000. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Drexel University and University of Pittsburgh the same type of program?

Both are MSN 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 Drexel University and University of Pittsburgh?

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.