Lincoln Memorial University vs South College 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: South College (82% vs 76%).
- Lower attrition: South College (13% vs 21.6%).
- Lower total cost: Lincoln Memorial University, by about $10,529.
On our overall Everything CRNA Score, South College comes out ahead (29 vs 28). The best fit still depends on where you want to live, the format you prefer and the cost of living.
Lincoln Memorial UniversitySouth College
Everything CRNA Score (out of 100)
28
29 ✓
First-time NCE pass rate
76%
82% ✓
Attrition
21.6%
13% ✓
Total tuition and fees (in-state)
$134,231 ✓
$144,760
✓ marks the better figure where higher or lower is clearly better.
| Lincoln Memorial University | South College | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Harrogate, TN | Knoxville, TN |
| Everything CRNA Score | 28 | 29 |
| Admission Odds Index | 56 | 57 |
| Degree | DNP | DNP |
| Format | Integrated | Front-loaded |
| Length | 36 months | 36 months |
| Next start | January 2027 | January 2028 |
| Deadline | Priority: September 15, 2026, then rolling while seats remain | Rolling |
| Total cost | $134,231 | $144,760 |
| Out-of-state total | - | - |
| Acceptance rate | - | - |
| Class size | 25 | - |
| NCE pass rate | 76% | 82% |
| Attrition | 21.6% | 13% |
| Employment (6 months) | 99% | 100% |
| Average clinical cases | 1,036 | - |
| Clinical sites | 26 | 19 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| GRE | Required | Not required |
| CCRN | Recommended | Required |
| Shadowing | Not required | 16 hrs |
| NICU accepted | Case by case | - |
| PICU accepted | Case by case | - |
| BSN required | Yes | Yes |
| NursingCAS | No | Yes |
| Application fee | $0 | $85 |
| US News rank (2024) | #133 | #135 |
Want to compare different programs? Use the comparison tool, or see all programs in Tennessee.
Data: Everything CRNA School Finder data (October 2026), compiled from program websites and admissions offices. "-" means not published.