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Abilene Christian University vs The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

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
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
$8,443 vs $24,174
Easier to get into
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
84.8% vs 63.9% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Abilene Christian University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationAbilene, TXEdinburg, TX
Length36 months36 months
NCLEX pass rate100%
Acceptance rate63.9%84.8%BEST
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$24,174$8,443 in / $15,994 outBEST
In-state tuition$24,174$8,443BEST
Out-of-state tuition$24,174$15,994BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Abilene Christian University or The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley?

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is the more affordable option at roughly $8,443, compared to $24,174. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Abilene Christian University and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 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 Abilene Christian University and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley?

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.