In this study, the grade point average of graduates of a traditional three-year and an accelerated two-year pre-service nursing education program was compared, using comparison points of the divergence and the finish of the two programs. Results showed that while the accelerated program students had a significantly higher grade point average at the point of divergence, by the end of the two programs there was no significant difference. The accelerated program resulted in academically equivalent graduates in a shorter time but graduates paid a price in terms of stress and under-achievements.