Murray State University vs Northern Kentucky 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: Northern Kentucky University (92% vs 85%).
- Lower attrition: Northern Kentucky University (2% vs 8%).
- Lower total cost: Northern Kentucky University, by about $20,736.
- Easier to get into (acceptance rate): Northern Kentucky University (27% vs 6%).
On our overall Everything CRNA Score, Northern Kentucky University comes out ahead (58 vs 41). 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.
| Murray State University | Northern Kentucky University | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Murray, KY | Highland Heights, KY |
| Everything CRNA Score | 41 | 58 |
| Admission Odds Index | 44 | 64 |
| Degree | DNP | DNP |
| Format | Front-loaded | Front-loaded |
| Length | 36 months | 36 months |
| Next start | May 2026 | May 2028 |
| Deadline | October 1, 2026 | August 31, 2027 |
| Total cost | $119,484 | $98,748 |
| Out-of-state total | - | $122,598 |
| Acceptance rate | 6% | 27% |
| Class size | 26 | 24 |
| NCE pass rate | 85% | 92% |
| Attrition | 8% | 2% |
| Employment (6 months) | 100% | 100% |
| Average clinical cases | 1,053 | - |
| Clinical sites | 21 | 19 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| GRE | Not required | Not required |
| CCRN | Recommended | Required |
| Shadowing | Not required | Required |
| NICU accepted | - | Case by case |
| PICU accepted | - | Case by case |
| BSN required | Yes | Yes |
| NursingCAS | Yes | No |
| Application fee | $125 | $55 |
| US News rank (2024) | #120 | #68 |
Want to compare different programs? Use the comparison tool, or see all programs in Kentucky.
Data: Everything CRNA School Finder data (October 2026), compiled from program websites and admissions offices. "-" means not published.