Samuel Merritt University vs University of Southern California 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
- Lower attrition: Samuel Merritt University (3% vs 8%).
- Lower total cost: University of Southern California, by about $6,257.
- Easier to get into (acceptance rate): Samuel Merritt University (18% vs 11%).
- More clinical cases: Samuel Merritt University (830 vs 700).
On our overall Everything CRNA Score, Samuel Merritt University comes out ahead (47 vs 43). 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.
| Samuel Merritt University | University of Southern California | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Oakland, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Everything CRNA Score | 47 | 43 |
| Admission Odds Index | 58 | 51 |
| Degree | DNP | DNAP |
| Format | Front-loaded | Front-loaded |
| Length | 36 months | 36 months |
| Next start | - | May 2027 |
| Deadline | - | August 31, 2026 |
| Total cost | $231,792 | $225,535 |
| Out-of-state total | - | - |
| Acceptance rate | 18% | 11% |
| Class size | 27 | 26 |
| NCE pass rate | 96% | 96% |
| Attrition | 3% | 8% |
| Employment (6 months) | 96% | 100% |
| Average clinical cases | 830 | 700 |
| Clinical sites | 37 | 10 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| GRE | Not required | Not required |
| CCRN | Required | Recommended |
| Shadowing | 8 hrs | Required |
| NICU accepted | Yes | Yes |
| PICU accepted | Yes | Yes |
| BSN required | Yes | No |
| NursingCAS | Yes | No |
| Application fee | $85 | $100 |
| US News rank (2024) | #41 | #19 |
Want to compare different programs? Use the comparison tool, or see all programs in California.
Data: Everything CRNA School Finder data (October 2026), compiled from program websites and admissions offices. "-" means not published.