A decision between schools..

Hello everyone!

I've posted about this question before but I have an update and questions, and I need advice. I've been admitted into UCLA already, but I decided to apply to CSULB for Spring of 2024 anyway. I did this at the time to give myself another option because I was, at the time, afraid of going away. I was also not happy about the program duration at UCLA (3 years) and the cost of it. anddd I got into CSULB! but it's not a decision as easy as I thought it would've been. Does it really matter what school you go to for nursing school?

UCLA pros: has many opportunities and resources, such as research and presentations from guest speakers that are nurses or another professional that you can connect with. clinical rotations at UCLA hospitals. undergraduate college experience, like living on campus and being able to meet up with friends/people easily. NCLEX pass rate: ~90%

UCLA cons: program is 3 years (finished June 2026), with a rotation during the second Summer. financial aid only covers 2 years for transfers. UCLA only guarantees 2 years of housing for transfers. program will be more expensive. program doesn't offer classes every quarter, so if you fail, you have to wait a whole year before you can retake and continue the program.

CSULB pros: also a prestigious nursing school. the school itself has opportunities for research as well. has two program types, but I would choose doing 5 consecutive semesters (finished Aug 2025). less expensive and less time. CSULB offers classes every semester, so if you fail, you can retake the following semester. NCLEX pass rate: ~99%, side note: the past 3 groups who have taken the exam has ALL passed. 

CSULB cons: won't get to experience the undergraduate college experience of living on campus and living in the dorm. commute school, which will make it a little more difficult to meet with people and will require more effort to reach out and make plans because can't just walk to meet up with people.