Best DNP Programs in California (2026)
California has 56 DNP programs across 23 cities. 26 programs report NCLEX pass rates, averaging 86%.
56
DNP programs
23
Cities
86%
Avg NCLEX rate
26
With NCLEX data
Top DNP Programs in California by NCLEX Pass Rate
Ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.
1
California State University-Long Beach — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Long Beach, CA•$8,442 in / $17,946 out
3
California State University-Fullerton — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Fullerton, CA•$8,507 in / $18,011 out
4
San Jose State University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
San Jose, CA•$9,426 in / $18,930 out
5
San Francisco State University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
San Francisco, CA•$8,858 in / $18,362 out
11
University of California-San Francisco — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
San Francisco, CA•$14,192 in / $29,294 out
12
University of California-San Francisco — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
San Francisco, CA•$14,192 in / $29,294 out
16
University of California-Irvine — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Irvine, CA•$14,275 in / $29,377 out
17
18
19
20
University of California-Davis — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Davis, CA•$14,560 in / $29,662 out
Most Affordable DNP Programs in California
Sorted by lowest available tuition figure.
United States University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • San Diego, CA
$6,037
California State University-Los Angeles
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Los Angeles, CA
$8,252 in / $17,756 out
California State University-Fresno
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Fresno, CA
$8,414 in / $17,918 out
California State University-Fresno
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Fresno, CA
$8,414 in / $17,918 out
California State University-Long Beach
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Long Beach, CA
$8,442 in / $17,946 out
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Carson, CA
$8,498 in / $18,002 out
California State University-Fullerton
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Fullerton, CA
$8,507 in / $18,011 out
California State University-Fullerton
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Fullerton, CA
$8,507 in / $18,011 out
San Francisco State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • San Francisco, CA
$8,858 in / $18,362 out
California State University-Bakersfield
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Bakersfield, CA
$9,130 in / $18,634 out
Frequently Asked Questions
How many DNP programs are in California?
There are 56 DNP programs in California across 23 cities.
What is the average NCLEX pass rate for DNP programs in California?
Based on 26 programs with reported data, the average NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for DNP programs in California is 86%. The highest rate is 99.3% at California State University-Long Beach.
What is the cheapest DNP program in California?
The most affordable option is United States University at $6,037.
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