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Sonoma State University vs Vanguard University of Southern California

RN to BSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Sonoma State University
$8,190 vs $39,950
Easier to get into
Sonoma State University
94.7% vs 64.7% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Sonoma State University
RN to BSN
Vanguard University of Southern California
RN to BSN
Program typeRN to BSNRN to BSN
Formatin personin person
LocationRohnert Park, CACosta Mesa, CA
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate100%
Acceptance rate94.7%BEST64.7%
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$8,190 in / $20,070 outBEST$39,950
In-state tuition$8,190BEST$39,950
Out-of-state tuition$20,070BEST$39,950
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Sonoma State University or Vanguard University of Southern California?

Sonoma State University is the more affordable option at roughly $8,190, compared to $39,950. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Sonoma State University and Vanguard University of Southern California the same type of program?

Both are RN to 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 Sonoma State University and Vanguard University of Southern California?

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.