CRNA Programs in California

There are 6 accredited CRNA programs in California. In-state tuition ranges from $96,122 to $204,761, based on the 6 of 6 programs that publish tuition. 0 of the 6 programs with a published GRE policy require the GRE. 3 of 6 require CCRN certification. Published minimum GPAs run from 3.00 to 3.25. Most require 1 year of critical care experience.

Every figure on this page is computed from our verified program database. Where a program does not publish a number, we say so instead of estimating.

CRNA Club Snapshot

California CRNA Programs at a Glance

6 Total Programs
$96,122 - $204,761 Tuition Range (In-State)
DNP (4), DNAP (2) Degree Types
6 No GRE Required
27 Avg. Class Size

Compare all 6 CRNA programs in California

Click a column heading to sort. Programs that do not publish a value are shown as “Not published” and always sort last.

CRNA programs in California: tuition, minimum GPA, GRE requirement, minimum ICU experience, CCRN requirement, and application deadline.
Program City Tuition (in-state / out-of-state) Min GPA GRE Min ICU experience CCRN Application deadline
Kaiser Permanente/Cal State Fullerton Pasadena $96,122 / $144,518 3.20 Not required 1 year Required Jul 31, 2026
Loma Linda University Loma Linda $170,243 / $170,243 3.00 Not required 1 year Not required Jul 1, 2026
National University Fresno $114,524 / $114,524 3.00 Not required 1 year Required Jul 31, 2026
Samuel Merritt University Oakland $203,624 / $203,624 3.25 Not required 1 year Required Oct 15, 2025
UC Davis Sacramento $154,998 / $154,998 3.00 Not required 1 year Not required Nov 1, 2026
University of Southern California Los Angeles $204,761 / $204,761 3.00 Not required 2 years Not required Aug 31, 2026

Data coverage: 6 of 6 publish in-state tuition; 6 of 6 publish a minimum GPA; 6 of 6 publish a GRE policy; 6 of 6 publish a CCRN policy; 6 of 6 publish an application deadline. Tuition figures are reported as each program publishes them — some quote per-year cost and others quote total program cost, so confirm before comparing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How many CRNA schools are in California?

There are 6 accredited CRNA programs in California (DNP (4), DNAP (2)): Kaiser Permanente/Cal State Fullerton Nurse Anesthesia Program, Loma Linda University, National University, Samuel Merritt University, UC Davis, University of Southern California.

Do California CRNA programs require the GRE?

0 of the 6 California CRNA programs that publish a GRE policy require it, and 6 do not: Kaiser Permanente/Cal State Fullerton Nurse Anesthesia Program, Loma Linda University, National University, Samuel Merritt University, UC Davis, University of Southern California.

What GPA do you need for CRNA school in California?

Published minimum GPAs for California CRNA programs range from 3.00 to 3.25, averaging 3.07 (based on the 6 of 6 programs that publish this). The most common minimum is 3.00, required by 4 programs. A minimum is a floor, not a competitive target — admitted students typically exceed it.

How much does CRNA school cost in California?

In-state tuition ranges from $96,122 to $204,761 (based on the 6 of 6 programs that publish this). Out-of-state tuition ranges from $114,524 to $204,761 (based on 6 programs). The lowest published in-state figure belongs to Kaiser Permanente/Cal State Fullerton Nurse Anesthesia Program at $96,122. Published figures are not always directly comparable — some schools quote per-year cost and others quote total program cost, so verify with the program before you compare.

Do California CRNA programs require CCRN certification?

3 of the 6 California CRNA programs that publish a CCRN policy require CCRN certification: Kaiser Permanente/Cal State Fullerton Nurse Anesthesia Program, National University, Samuel Merritt University. The other 3 do not require it, though it remains strongly recommended.

How much ICU experience do California CRNA programs require?

California CRNA programs require between 1 year and 2 years of critical care experience (based on the 6 of 6 programs that publish this), with 1 year being the most common minimum. This is a floor — admitted applicants often have more.

Which California CRNA programs accept ER experience?

1 of the 6 California CRNA programs that publish an ICU-type policy accepts ER experience: National University. ER experience is usually accepted alongside, not instead of, adult ICU time — confirm with the program.

Which California CRNA programs accept NICU or PICU experience?

4 of 5 California programs that publish a policy accept NICU experience: Loma Linda University, Samuel Merritt University, UC Davis, University of Southern California. 5 of 5 accept PICU experience: Loma Linda University, National University, Samuel Merritt University, UC Davis, University of Southern California.

When are CRNA application deadlines in California?

6 of 6 California CRNA programs publish an application deadline. The earliest is Samuel Merritt University on October 15, 2025. Deadlines shift year to year — check the program's site before you rely on a date.

What is the average class size for California CRNA programs?

The average class size is about 27 students (based on the 5 of 6 programs that publish this).

Which California CRNA program has the highest NCE pass rate?

National University has the highest published NCE (National Certification Exam) pass rate in California at 100% (based on the 6 of 6 programs that publish this).

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