Drexel University vs University of Pittsburgh CRNA program
A side-by-side comparison of two nurse anesthesia programs: cost, acceptance rate, NCE pass rate, attrition, clinical cases and admission requirements.
Key differences
- Higher NCE pass rate: Drexel University (94% vs 86%).
- Lower attrition: University of Pittsburgh (3.7% vs 5%).
- Lower total cost: University of Pittsburgh, by about $5,877.
- Easier to get into (acceptance rate): University of Pittsburgh (25% vs 14%).
- More clinical cases: University of Pittsburgh (800 vs 761).
On our overall Everything CRNA Score, University of Pittsburgh comes out ahead (49 vs 45). The best fit still depends on where you want to live, the format you prefer and the cost of living.
Everything CRNA Score (out of 100)
First-time NCE pass rate
Attrition
Acceptance rate
Total tuition and fees (in-state)
Clinical cases
Seats per class
Completed applications
✓ marks the better figure where higher or lower is clearly better.
| Drexel University | University of Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Philadelphia, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Everything CRNA Score | 45 | 49 |
| Admission Odds Index | 33 | 73 |
| Degree | DNP-NA | DNP |
| Format | Integrated | Front-loaded |
| Length | 39 months | 36 months |
| Next start | March 2028 | January 2028 |
| Deadline | December 4, 2026 Rolling | April 1, 2027 |
| Total cost | $160,740 | $154,863 |
| Out-of-state total | - | $193,320 |
| Acceptance rate | 14% | 25% |
| Class size | 20 | 40 |
| NCE pass rate | 94% | 86% |
| Attrition | 5% | 3.7% |
| Employment (6 months) | 100% | 100% |
| Average clinical cases | 761 | 800 |
| Clinical sites | 22 | 26 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.20 | 3.00 |
| GRE | - | Recommended |
| CCRN | Case by case | Not required |
| Shadowing | Not required | Not required |
| NICU accepted | Case by case | Case by case |
| PICU accepted | Case by case | Case by case |
| BSN required | Yes | Yes |
| NursingCAS | No | Yes |
| Application fee | $65 | $85 |
| US News rank (2024) | #51 | #5 |
Want to compare different programs? Use the comparison tool, or see all programs in Pennsylvania.
Data: Everything CRNA School Finder data (October 2026), compiled from program websites and admissions offices. "-" means not published.