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Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania

16 Min Read Published May 23, 2024
Liberty bell tower in Philadelphia at dusk

Looking to become a nurse in Pennsylvania? Nurse.org put together a list of the top nursing schools in Pennsylvania to help you choose the right program for you.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org

As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and programs for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.

✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology

✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.

✔ Connected 1,500,000+ nurses to educational programs since 2020.

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania 

Most colleges are based in or around Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, two of the largest cities in the region. By studying in an urban area, students will be closer to major hospitals and healthcare facilities, shortening their commute for clinicals. Of course, nursing programs in more rural areas are always an option, too. 

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,

  • Reputation
  • NCLEX pass rate
  • Tuition
  • Acceptance rate, when available
  • Only ACEN or CCNE accredited schools are eligible 

Our selection panel includes 5 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

  • Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
  • Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
  • Chaunie Brusie, BSN, RN
  • Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
  • Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Pennsylvania nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.

In-State Tuition
$48,569 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$48,569 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

As the name implies, Moravian University was founded by members of the Moravian Church. Fittingly located in Bethlehem, Moravian University has nearly 300 years of history and has become one of the most renowned schools in the area.

Their nursing department is particularly impressive, boasting 10 different degree options from the bachelor’s to master’s level. It’s also worth noting that many students earn some form of financial aid, so the tuition might not be as high as it seems.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 11%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,350
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,350
Contact Information:
  • Address: 1200 Main St, Bethlehem, PA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $64,659

 

In-State Tuition
$56,595 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$56,595 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
Yes

Drexel University is a private school, but you wouldn’t know it visiting campus. With over 24,00 students, Drexel is among the largest private universities in the nation. The university’s campus spreads across Philadelphia, and nursing students are bound to gain clinical experience in or around the city.

Drexel offers two pre-licensure nursing programs: a co-op four-year and a co-op five-year. Both will give students acute and chronic illness nursing experience, while the latter will add specialties in contemporary healthcare and another field that students may choose themselves. There is also an accelerated second-degree program for students who have met the prerequisites and already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. 

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 20%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,273
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,273
Contact Information:
  • Address: 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $73,199

 

In-State Tuition
$31,508 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$31,508 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Holy Family University is a small Catholic school with just over 2,000 undergraduate students, making it one of the smallest schools in Pennsylvania. Despite its small size, Holy Family University still has one of the top nursing programs in the state. There are multiple nursing degree options, including a traditional BSN.

One of the highlights is the second-degree programs that are offered. There is a day program and then an evening and weekend program that is ideal for parents and individuals who need to work. This 123-credit program is considered to be one of the best in Philadelphia, if not the best. Students will earn nearly 600 hours of clinical experience in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 17%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $670
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $670
Contact Information:
  • Address: 9801 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $71,388

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

In-State Tuition
$32,640 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$32,640 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Another private Christian school in Philadelphia, La Salle University, distinguishes itself by combining Christian ethics with modern science. The traditional BSN integrates teaching students how to be professionals while placing an emphasis on compassion. Students will gain clinical experience at a Pennsylvania or New Jersey hospital through this program.

If you’re not interested in a traditional BSN, La Salle has nine other nursing degree choices for students of varying experience and an array of master’s certificates.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 32%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,125
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,125
Contact Information:
  • Address: 1900 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $70,642

 

In-State Tuition
$56,212 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$56,212 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Better known across the nation as “Penn,” the University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League university and one of the top schools in the nation for all programs. Its nursing program is also considered one of the best nationally, and for a good reason. Nurses gain access to Penn’s extensive alumni network, which can lead to top jobs across the country.

One interesting part of their BSN program is sub-matriculation. In their junior year, students can choose to double-count their courses toward a master’s degree, including multiple NP programs. This significantly reduces the time and cost of earning a master’s if that’s your end goal. 

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 10%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $2,000
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $2,000
Contact Information:
  • Address: 34th & Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 98%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $70,009

 

In-State Tuition
$45,376 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$45,376 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
Yes

Duquesne University is a well-known Catholic school based in Pittsburgh. They have an incredibly low student-to-faculty ratio (14:1) that many nursing students are sure to love.

While Duquesne’s traditional BSN program is their most popular option for nursing students, the five-year biomedical engineering (BME) and BSN program is the most interesting undergraduate option. Duquesne is the first school to offer a BME/BSN and is likely the best school for anyone interested in the dual degree.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 8%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,503
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,503
Contact Information:
  • Address: Administration Bldg 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $60,900

 

In-State Tuition
$19,760 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,000 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

The University of Pittsburgh is one of the most recognizable schools in the region. Founded in 1787, Pitt has a rich history of education and has grown with the city around it. Unlike other schools, Pitt’s traditional BSN doesn’t require students to apply to the program separately; instead, students are accepted into the program directly out of high school.

If you’re worried about choosing a school only to miss out on the BSN, this school is worth applying to. As a public school, Pennsylvania residents will get to take advantage of Pitt’s in-state tuition rate.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 3%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $823
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,500
Contact Information:
  • Address: 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $60,207

 

In-State Tuition
$19,760 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,000 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Perhaps the best Pennsylvania school for nurses not located in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh is the University of Scranton. Jesuits founded this private Catholic school, so expect to receive a well-rounded education prior to working on your nursing degree.

BSN students will be happy to hear that there are three hospitals where they may have clinicals, and they are only a quick walk from campus—something most other schools don’t have. Former students have earned externships at top hospitals such as New York University Hospital and Vanderbilt Medical Center.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 3%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $823
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,500
Contact Information:
  • Address: 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $60,207

 

In-State Tuition
$19,286 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,102 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

The Pennsylvania State University’s (PSU) low in-state tuition and super high NCLEX pass rate are sure to have gotten your attention. What’s even more impressive is that over 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students are currently enrolled in the BSN program, so each year, hundreds of grads are taking and passing the NCLEX.

Penn State’s College of Nursing is spread across 13 campuses, so it’s also one of the most accessible nursing programs. However, applicants should note that the program is extremely competitive, and accepted applicants have an average GPA of 3.33.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 55%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 0%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $804
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,588
Contact Information:
  • Address: 201 Old Main, University Park, PA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $69,419

 

In-State Tuition
$60,768 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$60,768 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
Yes

The tuition is steep at Villanova University, but you’d be paying for one of the best Catholic universities in the nation. But you don’t become one of the nation’s top schools without having excellent academics.

The traditional BSN program, the centerpiece of Villanova’s nursing school, is among the top nursing programs in the region. Students who maintain a good GPA are also eligible to study abroad at the University of Manchester in England during their sophomore year, a rarity for nursing majors. 

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Website
  • Acceptance Rate: 23%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 12%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $967
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $967
Contact Information:
  • Address: 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $73,052

Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

  • There were 149,270 registered nurses (RN) employed in Pennsylvania in 2021, the fifth highest in the nation.

  • Pennsylvania employs significantly more nurses per capita than the national average. 

So, there is no shortage of work for nurses in Pennsylvania. While the mean wage of $76,000 is slightly lower than the national average of $77,600, plenty of well-paying jobs are available for qualified nurses. 

Also, because many Pennsylvania hospital systems spread into other states, a degree in Pennsylvania could lead to a job in another state, such as New Jersey.

Before nurses can start their career, they’ll first need to earn a BSN and pass the NCLEX. 

Next Steps

Once you’ve created a list of schools you are interested in, the next thing to do is apply! Prior to sending in your applications, though, you’ll want to make sure each school is a good fit. You won’t want to enroll at a college only to find out you aren’t eligible for the BSN program.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Contact each school’s admissions offices. The admissions office will walk you through their application requirements. Most schools have similar requirements, but it’s smart to double-check with every school.

  2. See what the nursing school requirements are. Most schools will have you apply for a nursing program after a year of study. Nursing school applications often require a higher GPA than college applications, among other requirements. If you aren’t eligible for a school’s nursing program, you should take it off your list.

  3. Submit your application(s). Items you’ll need to submit will likely include:

    • High school transcript (GPA)
    • ACT and/or SAT scores
    • College entrance essay(s)
    • Letter(s) of recommendation

Other materials, such as community service or work experience, might also be required or suggested.

If at any point you feel confused or lost, contact an admissions representative. Their job is to help you through the application process. 

Important Considerations When Comparing Schools 

No two schools are alike, and each school will have a clear advantage over others. For example, a public school may offer in-state tuition, but a private school may have a program you can’t find anywhere else. Weigh the pros and cons of every school before picking where to study. Some factors to consider include:

  • Annual tuition and total nursing program cost
  • Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
  • Cost of living on-campus or in the area
  • Distance from hospitals
  • School and nursing program acceptance rate
  • NCLEX pass rate
  • Type of program (BSN or associate degree)
  • Program outcomes
  • School’s accreditation (regional and national)

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation  

You might not know much about accreditation, but it’s critical when looking at nursing schools. If a school doesn’t have the right accreditation, you won’t be eligible to take the NCLEX and become a registered nurse. Also, finding a job could prove to be much more difficult.

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are

If a school is accredited by one of these institutions, then their nursing program adheres to strict national standards.

Getting a License in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is unfortunately not part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) yet. There is legislation that has already passed; however, an implementation date has not been established. So, becoming licensed in Pennsylvania is pretty straightforward.

To become licensed, you’ll need to:

  • Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Apply to become a nurse in Pennsylvania

And that’s it! Of course, you’ll need to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX. A degree from a CCNE or ACEN-accredited school should satisfy all the prerequisites to sit for the exam. Once licensed, you’ll need to maintain licensure with continuing education.

Conclusion 

Despite not being one of the largest states in the nation, Pennsylvania has the fifth-most nurses of any state. There are incredible nursing options in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states and earning a BSN in Pennsylvania can help you find a local job. Be prepared to move to Pittsburgh or Philadelphia if you want to study at one of the premier nursing schools in Pennsylvania.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

References:

BLS

Pennsylvania Department of State

 

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