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Northwest University vs Washington 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
Northwest University
97.2% vs 97.1%
Lower tuition
Washington State University
$12,997 vs $36,035
Easier to get into
Northwest University
88.0% vs 85.4% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Northwest University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Washington State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeBSNBSN
Formatin personin person
LocationKirkland, WAPullman, WA
Length48 months48 months
NCLEX pass rate97.2%BEST97.1%
Acceptance rate88.0%BEST85.4%
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$36,035$12,997 in / $29,073 outBEST
In-state tuition$36,035$12,997BEST
Out-of-state tuition$36,035$29,073BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, Northwest University or Washington State University?

Northwest University's BSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 97.2%, compared to 97.1% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.

Which is cheaper, Northwest University or Washington State University?

Washington State University is the more affordable option at roughly $12,997, compared to $36,035. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Northwest University and Washington 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 Northwest University and Washington 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.