Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center vs Northwestern State University 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: Northwestern State University (88% vs 86%).
- Lower attrition: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (4.5% vs 9%).
- Lower total cost: Northwestern State University, by about $15,338.
- Easier to get into (acceptance rate): Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (43% vs 9%).
On our overall Everything CRNA Score, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center comes out ahead (57 vs 42). 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)
Seats per class
Completed applications
✓ marks the better figure where higher or lower is clearly better.
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center | Northwestern State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | New Orleans, LA | Natchitoches, LA |
| Everything CRNA Score | 57 | 42 |
| Admission Odds Index | 81 | 42 |
| Degree | DNP | DNP |
| Format | Front-loaded | Front-loaded |
| Length | 36 months | 36 months |
| Next start | May 2028 | January 2027 |
| Deadline | June 1, 2027 | July 15, 2026 |
| Total cost | $94,723 | $79,385 |
| Out-of-state total | $53,987 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 43% | 9% |
| Class size | 52 | 25 |
| NCE pass rate | 86% | 88% |
| Attrition | 4.5% | 9% |
| Employment (6 months) | 99% | 100% |
| Average clinical cases | 873 | - |
| Clinical sites | 30 | 11 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| GRE | Required (min. 300, writing 3.0) | Required (min. 290, writing 3.0) |
| CCRN | Not required | Not required |
| Shadowing | Not required | Not required |
| NICU accepted | - | - |
| PICU accepted | - | - |
| BSN required | Yes | Yes |
| NursingCAS | Yes | Yes |
| Application fee | $185 | $105 |
| US News rank (2024) | #15 | #99 |
Want to compare different programs? Use the comparison tool, or see all programs in Louisiana.
Data: Everything CRNA School Finder data (October 2026), compiled from program websites and admissions offices. "-" means not published.