Compare accredited BSN programs by cost, NCLEX outcomes, and format — all within commuting distance of Cranberry Township.
Cranberry Township sits at a crossroads between Pittsburgh and Butler, putting a dozen BSN programs within a 45-minute commute. Carlow University operates a satellite campus in town, offering a direct-entry MSN as well as RN-BSN completion options. Other programs at UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing and CCAC feed into online and hybrid BSN pathways. Tuition spans $6,000 to $40,000 per year, making net price and transfer articulation the real differentiators. Western Pennsylvania hospitals have steadily raised the BSN ratio of their nursing staff, so the degree is less a differentiator and more a baseline for hospital-based roles.
For students in Cranberry Township, the strongest BSN options cluster in the Pittsburgh region, with several nationally recognized programs also reachable within a reasonable drive. We compiled this list to show how local and regional schools compare on cost, campus experience, and clinical strength. The rankings below reflect institutional data, but you should visit campuses or speak with admissions to find the best personal fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | ~$48,000/yr (est.) | Ivy League BSN-seeking undergraduates | |
An Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, Penn offers a traditional BSN and direct-entry MSN pathways for students who want a rigorous academic environment. The nursing school is highly selective and pairs early clinical placements with opportunities to combine nursing with Wharton or other Penn schools. The four-year BSN starts clinicals in sophomore spring, while direct-entry master's options are designed for career changers with a prior bachelor's degree. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #2 | Grove City College | Grove City, PA | ~$22,000/yr (est.) | Faith-based hybrid nursing students | |
Grove City College, about 45 to 60 minutes from Cranberry Township, offers a Christ-centered BSN through a hybrid partnership with Butler County Community College. Students complete three years on campus, earn an RN license, then finish the BSN online during the senior year, which can allow working while completing the degree. The program reports a 95% career placement rate and integrates liberal arts with nursing practice.
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| #3 | Villanova University | Villanova, PA | $40,000 – $45,000/yr (est.) | Leadership-focused campus nursing learners | |
Villanova University's Fitzpatrick College of Nursing delivers a traditional four-year BSN on campus with clinical experiences beginning in the second year. The program emphasizes leadership development, research, and simulation training, and is designated as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence. Graduates are prepared for direct entry into nursing or advanced study. CCNE accredited
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| #4 | Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA | $35,000 – $40,000/yr (est.) | ||
Duquesne University in Pittsburgh offers a four-year, 134-credit BSN with clinical immersion at UPMC and more than 50 partner sites. The program uses a holistic nursing approach and reports a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate. A second-degree BSN track lets career changers complete the degree in 12 or 16 months, with clinicals starting in the first week. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #5 | Saint Vincent College | Latrobe, PA | ~$16,000/yr (est.) | ||
Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, roughly 60 to 75 minutes from Cranberry Township, provides a four-year BSN with over 1,000 clinical hours and tuition-free microcredentials in medication mathematics and medical terminology. The Benedictine college also has a direct-entry MSN for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, including a Clinical Nurse Leader concentration. No entrance examTest optional
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| #6 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | ~$30,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Pittsburgh's School of Nursing offers a campus-based BSN in the heart of Pittsburgh, with clinical experiences at UPMC and other major health systems. The program aligns with AACN essentials and prepares students for hospital, community, and advanced nursing roles. In-state tuition makes it a strong value for western Pennsylvania residents. CCNE accredited
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| #7 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College | Erie, PA | $25,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Penn State Behrend in Erie offers the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing's four-year BSN, with clinical rotations at major Erie hospitals in intensive care, trauma, labor and delivery, pediatrics, and surgery. The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and reports NCLEX pass rates consistently above the national average.
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| #8 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA | ~$33,000/yr (est.) | ||
Penn State's main campus BSN provides clinical rotations within a 50-mile radius and offers three program options: general prelicensure, second degree, and RN to BSN. The program is CCNE accredited and serves as a foundation for advanced nursing degrees. The RN to BSN track can be completed fully online through World Campus. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #9 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | $39,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Drexel University offers several BSN paths: a co-op program with integrated work placements, an accelerated career entry track for prior bachelor's degree holders, and a non-co-op transfer option. NCLEX pass rates range from 96% to 100%, and clinical groups are kept small at six to eight students per faculty member. The co-op model includes up to three paid or unpaid placements in acute care and specialty nursing. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #10 | Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia, PA | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | ||
Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia offers a traditional BSN, accelerated one- and two-year options for students with a prior degree, and an online RN-BSN for licensed nurses. The program emphasizes small classes and evidence-based practice, with graduates recruited heavily in the Philadelphia region. The accelerated BSN Plus track allows students to earn nine graduate credits and guarantees admission to an MSN or DNP. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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We rank nursing programs based on the factors that most directly affect your education and career prospects. Our methodology prioritizes affordability, student success, and practical accessibility. Net price, the average amount students pay after grants and scholarships, provides a realistic cost comparison, although it is not guaranteed for every student. Graduation rates are institution-wide metrics that reflect overall student persistence; they are not specific to the nursing department. We also evaluate the availability of program formats, including online, hybrid, and on-campus options, to help you match your learning style and schedule. Outcomes data from the College Scorecard, such as median post-graduation earnings, offer insight into the long-term value of a degree. All schools in this list sit within roughly a 75-mile radius of Cranberry Township, making commuting feasible. These criteria together highlight programs that balance cost, flexibility, and proven student outcomes.
Compare estimated annual tuition and net price after financial aid for BSN programs near Cranberry Township. Costs vary widely depending on public vs. private options and residency status.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucks County Community College | $9,966 | $13,926 | $6,389 |
| Holy Family University | $35,330 | $35,330 | $13,143 |
| Waynesburg University | $30,480 | $30,480 | $18,235 |
| York College of Pennsylvania | $25,588 | $25,588 | $18,556 |
| La Salle University | $37,800 | $37,800 | $19,409 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto | $14,408 | $24,134 | $19,454 |
| Westminster College | $40,290 | $40,290 | $19,859 |
| Carlow University | $35,874 | $35,874 | $20,786 |
| Robert Morris University | $35,770 | $35,770 | $23,003 |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | $10,775 | $22,599 | $23,331 |
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing publishes annual NCLEX pass rates for every nursing program in the state, including BSN programs near Cranberry Township. The most recent reports, available as downloadable PDFs on the Board's website, are typically found by searching 'PA NCLEX pass rates 2027'. These documents show the number of first-time test takers and the percentage who passed for each school, making them the most authoritative source for licensure exam performance.
Start with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing's annual report. It breaks down results by institution and program type (BSN, ADN, diploma), so you can see exactly how schools like Slippery Rock University or Carlow University performed. Because the data is reported directly by the Board, it is the benchmark most employers and graduate programs reference. Look for a direct link on the Board's site under 'Education' or 'Examinations', or search the phrase 'NCLEX program codes pennsylvania' to find aggregated lists.
Many nursing schools post their own NCLEX pass rates on their websites, often under headings like 'Accreditation', 'Outcomes', or 'Program Statistics'. For example, the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing includes an annual program statistics section within its admissions portal that details first-time pass rates, retention, and graduation outcomes. Robert Morris University and Duquesne University present similar data on their nursing program pages. This self-reported information is useful for a quick snapshot, but cross-check it with official state data for accuracy.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides a free online tool at ncsbn.org that lets you compare pass rates across states and program types. You can filter by BSN programs in Pennsylvania and view several years of data. While this tool draws from the same underlying reporting, it may lag behind the state board's most recent release. Always verify with the Pennsylvania Board's official report for the latest percentages.
NCLEX results can shift within a cohort year, and some schools update their pass-rate figures more frequently than the annual state report. Contacting the admissions office at a nursing program is a direct way to get the most current data. For instance, Chatham University's nursing admissions staff or Carlow University's clinical placement coordinator can often provide updated first-time pass statistics. If you are comparing multiple programs in the Cranberry area, asking each school for its latest NCLEX performance can help you make a more informed decision.
Nursing students in the Cranberry Township area can choose from several delivery formats: on-campus, hybrid, and fully online, depending on their career stage and schedule. The right fit balances your learning style, work commitments, and whether you are entering nursing for the first time or advancing an existing RN license.
Carlow University maintains a satellite campus in Cranberry Township, but pre-licensure BSN courses are not offered there.1 The site primarily serves RN-to-BSN students through evening classes that meet one night per week in eight-week sessions, a structure designed for working nurses.1 Traditional and accelerated BSN tracks are based at the main Oakland campus in Pittsburgh.2 While the Cranberry location offers convenience for local RNs, future nurses seeking initial licensure should plan for commuting to Oakland or exploring other nearby programs.
Several ranked programs near Cranberry include accelerated or hybrid options for career changers and busy adults. Carlow’s second-degree accelerated BSN runs at the Oakland campus2 and compresses coursework into a shorter timeline. Grove City College offers a hybrid BSN that blends online learning with in-person clinical placements, appealing to students who need schedule flexibility without sacrificing hands-on training. These formats often require full-time commitment during didactic phases but can shorten the overall program length.
For Cranberry-area nurses holding an associate degree or diploma, Carlow University’s online RN-to-BSN program eliminates the need to relocate or commute frequently.2 The fully remote didactic component pairs with local clinical practicums, allowing you to continue working while earning your bachelor’s degree. This pathway is a practical choice for RNs aiming to meet employer preferences or graduate school prerequisites without disrupting their current role.
Seamless transfer pathways now connect many associate and diploma nursing programs to full BSN degrees, reducing duplicate coursework and accelerating time to completion.
The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) offers an Associate Degree in Nursing that requires 67 credits. Graduates can transfer into a BSN program with up to 85 credits from prior coursework, leaving 27 to 40 credits to finish the bachelor's degree. Most students complete the remaining BSN requirements in 12 to 24 months depending on pacing.
Online RN-to-BSN programs also welcome CCAC graduates. The University of Cincinnati evaluates up to 35 prerequisite credits and requires 27 nursing credits. Ohio University typically transfers 67–68 credits and requires a minimum of 30 credits at the institution.
Licensed Practical Nurses with a diploma from UPMC-affiliated programs can pursue BSN completion through dedicated bridge paths. These typically require 12 to 24 months of full-time study and often take advantage of online course delivery. Many online RN-to-BSN programs are fully accessible from Cranberry Township, eliminating the need for extensive commuting while still providing the same rigorous nursing curriculum.
UPMC diploma RNs follow a similar trajectory, with bridge programs designed to build upon existing clinical experience and general education credits. The duration mirrors other ADN-to-BSN pathways at 12 to 24 months, and many students balance part-time study with work.
Choosing the right nursing program involves many practical questions. Here are answers to the most common inquiries from prospective students in the Cranberry Township area.
