Rush University vs Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 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: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (94% vs 92%).
- Lower attrition: Rush University (0% vs 3%).
- Lower total cost: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, by about $42,001.
- Easier to get into (acceptance rate): Rush University (26% vs 18%).
- More clinical cases: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (1,840 vs 1,035).
On our overall Everything CRNA Score, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville comes out ahead (64 vs 60). 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.
| Rush University | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Chicago, IL | Edwardsville, IL |
| Everything CRNA Score | 60 | 64 |
| Admission Odds Index | 64 | 64 |
| Degree | DNP | DNP |
| Format | Front-loaded | Integrated |
| Length | 36 months | 36 months |
| Next start | September 2027 | May 2027 |
| Deadline | Priority:December 30, 2025; Final: April 1, 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| Total cost | $138,073 | $96,072 |
| Out-of-state total | - | - |
| Acceptance rate | 26% | 18% |
| Class size | 26 | 32 |
| NCE pass rate | 92% | 94% |
| Attrition | 0% | 3% |
| Employment (6 months) | 100% | 100% |
| Average clinical cases | 1,035 | 1,840 |
| Clinical sites | 11 | 45 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| GRE | Case by case | Not required |
| CCRN | Recommended | Recommended |
| Shadowing | Not required | Not required |
| NICU accepted | No | Case by case |
| PICU accepted | No | Case by case |
| BSN required | Yes | No |
| NursingCAS | Yes | Yes |
| Application fee | $85 | $85 |
| US News rank (2024) | #27 | #91 |
Want to compare different programs? Use the comparison tool, or see all programs in Illinois.
Data: Everything CRNA School Finder data (October 2026), compiled from program websites and admissions offices. "-" means not published.