Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
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.
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.
1. Moravian College
Annual Tuition: $46,799 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.76%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
As the name implies, Moravian College was founded by members of the Moravian Church. Fittingly located in Bethlehem, Moravian College 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. There are also multiple post-master’s certificates available including,
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Administrator
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Family NP
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
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.
2. Drexel University
Annual Tuition: $56,595 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.73%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: 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 that have met the prerequisites and already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
3. Holy Family University
Annual Tuition: $30,590 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 89.87%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: 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 evenings and weekends program that is ideal for parents and individuals that 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.
4. La Salle University
Annual Tuition: $32,000 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.66%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
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. Through this program, students will gain clinical experience at a hospital in either Pennsylvania or New Jersey. If you’re not interested in a traditional BSN, La Salle has nine other nursing degree choices for students of varying experience, along with an array of master’s certificates.
5. University of Pennsylvania
Annual Tuition: $54,652 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.99%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
Better known across the nation as “Penn,” the University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League university and is one of the top schools in the nation for all programs. Their nursing program is also considered one of the best nationally and for good reason. Nurses gain access to Penn’s extensive alumni network, and that 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.
6. Duquesne University
Annual Tuition: $45,376 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.97%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: 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 most interesting undergraduate option is the five-year biomedical engineering (BME) and BSN program. Duquesne is the first school to offer a BME/BSN and is likely the best school for anyone interested in the dual degree. This can be ideal for students interested in research and technology development.
7. University of Pittsburgh
Annual In-State Tuition: $12,268 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 82.86%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
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 make students apply to the program separately; instead, students will get accepted into the program directly out of high school. If you’re worried about choosing a school only to miss out on the BSN, then this is a school worth applying to. As a public school, Pennsylvania residents will get to take advantage of Pitt’s in-state tuition rate.
8. University of Scranton
Annual Tuition: $49,912 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.41%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Perhaps the best Pennsylvania school for nurses not located in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh is the University of Scranton. This private, Catholic school was founded by Jesuits, 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 are only just 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. Students interested in pediatric nursing have held externships at top children’s hospitals in Philadelphia.
9. Pennsylvania State University
Annual In-State Tuition: $19,286 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.91%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
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 had an average GPA of 3.33.
10. Villanova University
Annual Tuition: $59,900 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.01%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: 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 that 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.
Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
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There were 149,270 registered nurses (RN) employed in Pennsylvania in 2021, the fifth highest in the nation.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Submit your application(s). Items you’ll need to submit will likely include:
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- 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
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
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:
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.
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