The Top Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
- Top Schools and Programs
- How to Choose a Program
- Why Become a Nurse
- Salary Outlook
- State Nursing Requirements
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: f11photo / Philadelphia / ShutterstockWith an excellent selection of nursing programs and one of the top NCLEX-RN pass rates in the country, there are many reasons to pursue a nursing education in Pennsylvania.
This guide covers the top nursing programs, how to get a Pennsylvania nursing license, and typical nursing salaries. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Pennsylvania.
The Best Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
This guide helps you choose from the many nursing programs in Pennsylvania. The best school for you depends on your career goals, experience, and background.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Pennsylvania, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Pennsylvania hosts many top nursing programs in Pennsylvania. Penn offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level degrees, as well as a dual-degree option and several post-master's certificates. A minimum of 12 courses are required for most MSN tracks at Penn, and a maximum of five years is allowed for successful completion.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing (MSN), including eight specialty nurse practitioner programs, nurse-midwifery, health leadership, and nursing and healthcare Administration.
- Campus: Philadelphia, PA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
- Tuition: $52,508 per year
- Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited college or university with a course in statistics; minimum 3.0 GPA; no GRE required; previous work as an RN specific to each clinical area of master's-level study
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.8%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $109,193 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$53,166
- Out-of-state$53,166
- In-State$37,678
- Out-of-state$37,678
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate9%
- Students Enrolled26,552
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
Messiah University
- Mechanicsburg, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Messiah University, a private Christian school, offers an online RN-to-BSN program geared towards working registered nurses with an associate degree looking to earn a bachelor's degree. Clinical requirements can be achieved through clinical experiences at the student's place of employment.
The RN-to-BSN course load includes: nine credits of prerequisites, 30 core credits, 53 transfer credits, and 28 adult general education credits.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Mechanicsburg, PA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $51,050 per year
- Admission Requirements: Official transcripts; associate degree in nursing from accredited nursing program with minimum 2.5 GPA; active, unencumbered RN license
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,631 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$36,340
- Out-of-state$36,340
- In-State$12,780
- Out-of-state$12,780
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled3,370
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
York College of Pennsylvania
- York, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
York College of Pennsylvania, located only two hours from Washington, D.C. and two hours from Philadelphia, dates back to the 19th century. York boasts NCAA Division III sports teams, more than 100 student clubs, 11 Greek life organizations, and both a BSN and an MSN track for nursing students.
As many as 51 credits may be granted for previous nursing knowledge and experience. Up to 75 credits can be transferred from a student's ADN program. Credits may also be earned through successful passage of CLEP exams.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: York, PA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $19,415 per year
- Admission Requirements: Cumulative GPA of 3.0; 2.8 GPA for science courses; 2.0 GPA for nursing prerequisites
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $67,954 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$19,670
- Out-of-state$19,670
- In-State$12,870
- Out-of-state$12,870
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled4,039
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Geneva College
- Beaver Falls, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Geneva College is a private, Christian college offering a dual-degree nursing program in Pennsylvania, wherein students graduate with an associate of nursing from the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) and a bachelor of science in nursing from Geneva.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Beaver Falls, PA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)
- Tuition: $41,840 per year
- Admission Requirements: High school transcripts and standardized testing (SAT, ACT)
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82%
- In-State$28,500
- Out-of-state$28,500
- In-State$12,114
- Out-of-state$12,114
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled1,349
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus offers a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program with part- and full-time tracks for clinical nurse specialist, health systems, executive leadership, nurse anesthesia, nurse-midwife, and nurse practitioner, as well as MSN, RN-to-BSN, BSN, and second-degree BSN.
- Program(s): BSN, MSN, RN-to-BSN, DNP, certificates
- Campus: Pittsburgh, PA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: DNP- $33,558 per year for in-state residents; $38,618 per year for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: DNP- official GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, personal essay, current CV or resume, complete graduate and undergraduate transcripts
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,790 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$18,628
- Out-of-state$32,656
- In-State$23,530
- Out-of-state$39,898
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled32,277
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Chatham University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Chatham University offers a Pathways to Nursing program in collaboration with UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, including BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, DNP, and BSN-to-DNP programs. Originally founded in 1869 as a women's college, Chatham began accepting male undergraduate students in 2015.
Chatham's MSN program is designed for working nurses and takes place fully online. The curriculum includes eleven 15-week courses.
- Program(s): BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, DNP, BSN-to-DNP
- Campus: Pittsburgh, PA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $27,126 per year
- Admission Requirements: 3.0 undergraduate GPA, official transcripts, current resume or CV, current RN license, admissions essay
- On-Campus Requirements: None
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,471 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$38,482
- Out-of-state$38,482
- In-State$18,306
- Out-of-state$18,306
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled2,353
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
University of Scranton
- Scranton, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Scranton Department of Nursing offers baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degree programs with a focus on Catholic and Jesuit traditions and ideals.
Founded in 1888 as Saint Thomas College and situated in the Pocono mountains, the school became a university in 1938. Of the current faculty, 88% hold terminal degrees. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
- Program(s): BSN, MSN, DNP
- Campus: Scranton, PA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $48,062 per year for undergraduate students
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.5%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $90,769 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$46,684
- Out-of-state$46,684
- In-State$11,580
- Out-of-state$11,580
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled4,957
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver
- Monaca, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Penn Beaver's RN-to-BSN degree program is offered in partnership with Penn State Shenango.
Learners benefit from flexible scheduling; part- or full-time options; hybrid, in-person, and web-based instruction; evening courses for those who work during the day; opportunities for independent study; in-person instruction on either the Shenango or Beaver campuses based on student preference.
Applicants may present a portfolio of accomplishments in order to receive up to 33 credits for professional experience. Employees of certain health systems receive tuition discounts.
MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are also available.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, APRN certificate
- Campus: Monaca, PA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $25,974 per year for in-state residents; $34,836 per year for non-residents
- On-Campus Requirements: Optional
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,419 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students EnrolledN/A
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington
- Abington, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington offers a hybrid program with both in-person and virtual learning. Seven-week courses are accelerated, with evening classes offered for those who work during the day.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Abington, PA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $592 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: 2.0 GPA; diploma or associate degree in nursing.
- On-Campus Requirements: Hybrid
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,419 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students EnrolledN/A
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Somerset County Technology Center
- Somerset, PA
- Campus
Somerset County Technology Center offers a one-year practical nursing program that trains practical nurses to care for individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Licensed practical nurses can choose to work while pursuing further education in nursing at the college or university level.
- Program(s): Practical nursing program
- Campus: Somerset, PA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Middle States Association - Commission on Secondary Schools
- Admission Requirements: 18 years of age; graduate of accredited high school or GED program; successful passage of Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS); submission of complete application and references.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled66
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Pennsylvania
When choosing the best nursing program for your needs, important factors to consider include tuition and other costs, the school’s NCLEX-RN pass rate (an excellent measure of how well the school prepares students), program logistics, clinical placement options, graduation rate, and acceptance rate.
The programs listed in this guide include only accredited programs.
Why Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania
Nursing programs in Pennsylvania boast the eighth highest first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, with a 91.7% pass rate compared to the national rate of 86.6%. This measure indicates that programs in Pennsylvania successfully prepare students for entry-level nursing careers. Current nurses may benefit from Pennsylvania’s Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) status, which allows them to work in other NLC states.
Whether you want to practice in a rural setting, a historic city like Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh, one of the most successful reinvented cities in the country, attending nursing school in Pennsylvania can help you reach your goals.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Pennsylvania
As of 2020, registered nurses (RNs) in Pennsylvania can expect to earn a median annual salary of $72,970, slightly under the national median of $75,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For nurse practitioners (NPs), the median annual salary is $104,020, compared to $111,680 nationally.
Philadelphia is one of America’s oldest cities and is home to some of its most famous historic sites. While also one of the country’s largest cities at over 1.5 million, it’s still known as a city of neighborhoods.
If you want a more agricultural setting, Chambersburg-Waynesboro has a population of approximately 150,000. The other cities on this list are also mid-sized, but within reach of either Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, for when you want big-city attractions.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Median Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $79,030 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro | $78,430 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $76,240 |
| York-Hanover | $73,820 |
| Lebanon | $73,780 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Pennsylvania
Every state has its own requirements for obtaining a nursing license, but they all include earning a nursing degree, passing the NCLEX-RN, and completing a successful background check. If you attend a nursing program in Pennsylvania, you apply for a license by examination. If you graduate from a school in another state, you must apply for a license by endorsement.
RN Requirements
To become an RN, you must first graduate from an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. An ADN takes two years and a BSN takes four years to complete, but the BSN is a more valuable and versatile degree. Many employers require or prefer the BSN for higher-level jobs, and it also positions you to enter a master of science in nursing (MSN) program to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
After you graduate, submit your application to the state board of nursing and register for the NCLEX-RN. If you attended nursing school in Pennsylvania, your application should include the state criminal history record check (CHRC). If not, you need to submit this separately. You must also have at least three credit hours in recognizing and reporting child abuse from an approved provider.
APRN Requirements
APRNs include nurse NPs, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.
To become an APRN, you need a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. You also need a passing score on the applicable board certification examinations and to apply for a license from the state board of nursing. Applicants must complete a successful CHRC.
The requirements also include at least three credit hours in recognizing and reporting child abuse from an approved provider.
Other Top Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Pennsylvania
How long does it take to get a Pennsylvania nursing license?
An ADN program typically takes two years and a BSN typically takes four years to complete. Applying for a new license in Pennsylvania can take up to 12 weeks, but the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing offers information on how to streamline the process and get your license as quickly as possible.
What is the salary range for RNs in Pennsylvania?
According to the BLS, the median 2020 RN salary is $72,970. The lowest 10% earns an average of $53,910, and the top 10% earns $99,870. Experience, education, workplace setting, responsibilities, certifications, and geography all affect salary.
Is Pennsylvania a nurse licensure compact state?
Pennsylvania joined the NLC in July 2021. A Pennsylvania nursing license is now a valid multistate license for any of the 37 participating states, and nurses from participating states can use their license in Pennsylvania.
What financial aid programs are available to Pennsylvania nurses?
You have a variety of financial aid options to attend nursing school in Pennsylvania, including scholarships, grants, and loans. If you commit to work in a designated underserved area in Pennsylvania after graduation, you may be eligible for scholarships or loan forgiveness. If you are already a working nurse in Pennsylvania, you are also eligible for certain financial assistance programs.
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