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Villanova University vs University of Pittsburgh

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 Pittsburgh
$88,000 vs $194,103
Faster to complete
Villanova University
36 months vs 48 months
Easier to get into
Villanova University
25.1% vs 20% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Villanova University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
University of Pittsburgh
BSN to DNP
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationVillanova, PAPittsburgh, PA
Length36 monthsBEST48 months
NCLEX pass rate95%95%
Acceptance rate25.1%BEST20%
Avg accepted GPA3.5BEST3.65
Min GPA
Entrance examTEASNot required
Total tuition$194,103$88,000BEST
In-state tuition$21,361
Out-of-state tuition$21,361
Clinical placementarrangedarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Which is cheaper, Villanova University or University of Pittsburgh?

University of Pittsburgh is the more affordable option at roughly $88,000, compared to $194,103. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Villanova University and University of Pittsburgh 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 Villanova 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.