Compare costs, completion times, and outcomes for every online and campus RN-to-BSN option in PA.
Pennsylvania’s 28-plus RN-to-BSN programs split along two sharp fault lines: cost and delivery format. In-state tuition can dip below $11,000 at a public university, while out-of-state and private sticker prices climb past $25,000, a gap that grows further once net price and debt are factored in. Fully online, hybrid, and on-campus options each pull working nurses in different directions, making schedule compatibility as decisive as the bottom line. The programs that surface here are weighted toward affordability and draw on College Scorecard outcomes, reflecting a market where BSN-holding nurses are increasingly the default hiring expectation in Magnet-recognized Pennsylvania hospitals.
Our ranking rewards Pennsylvania RN to BSN programs that keep costs low while delivering strong results. We prioritize low net price, solid institutional outcomes, and flexible online or hybrid formats designed for working nurses. These ten schools stand out for their blend of affordability, accessibility, and career advancement potential.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | Slippery Rock, PA | $20,000/yr | Online learners seeking Pennsylvania leadership roles | |
Slippery Rock University offers a CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN that can be completed in as little as one year. The fully asynchronous curriculum emphasizes leadership, community health, and clinical decision-making, with 8-week sessions and round-the-clock access. Experienced clinician faculty prepare graduates for roles like nurse manager or public health nurse, and the program serves as a foundation for NP or CNS graduate studies. With a net price of $19,608, it is one of the most affordable options in the state.
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| #2 | Millersville University of Pennsylvania | Millersville, PA | $11,000 – $23,000/yr | Cost-conscious PA community college transfers | |
Millersville University's Wehrheim School of Nursing offers an NLN CNEA-accredited RN to BSN that is 100% online and built for working RNs. The curriculum emphasizes advocacy, ethics, leadership, and technology, with an accelerated MSN pathway. Strong transfer pathways from Pennsylvania community colleges help ADN-holders finish efficiently, and graduates are prepared for management and education roles. The net price of $20,787 keeps it competitive among public universities.
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| #3 | West Chester University of Pennsylvania | West Chester, PA | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | Accelerated online option for Philadelphia RNs | |
West Chester University's CCNE-accredited RN to BSN is fully online and can be completed in just two semesters. Asynchronous 7-week sessions and year-round start dates offer maximum flexibility. Transfer credits are accepted at no charge, and CLEP exams can further reduce time to degree. Tailored for Philadelphia-area registered nurses, the curriculum covers leadership, population health, and evidence-based practice. The net price is $23,331.
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| #4 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton | Dunmore, PA | $18,000/yr (net price) | ||
Penn State Scranton's RN to BSN is a partnership track with Jersey College, allowing graduates to apply up to 63.5 credits from their ADN and RN licensure. Courses are completed on campus or online, with a cohort model requiring 10-15 students. Spring, summer, and fall starts make it accessible for working nurses in northeast Pennsylvania. The net price is $17,910, among the lowest in this ranking.
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| #5 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango | Sharon, PA | $14,000 – $24,000/yr | ||
Penn State Shenango offers the RN to BSN as part of Penn State's system-wide nursing program, available in on-campus, blended, and online formats. Nurses can earn credit for licensure and prior learning, and complete clinical requirements with local healthcare partners. The CCNE-accredited curriculum prepares graduates for leadership and graduate study. Net price is $18,095.
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| #6 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington | New Kensington, PA | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | ||
Penn State New Kensington delivers the RN to BSN with full- and part-time options, evening and web-based courses, and accelerated formats. Up to 33 portfolio credits may be awarded, and two clinically based courses are required. The program is part of a six-campus network with online availability, providing flexibility across western Pennsylvania. Net price is $18,305.
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| #7 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto | Mont Alto, PA | $19,000/yr (net price) | ||
Penn State Mont Alto delivers the RN to BSN in hybrid and online formats, with a 45-hour community-health clinical capstone. Portfolio assessment grants credit for prior experience, and the CCNE-accredited program requires background checks and health documentation. It serves south-central Pennsylvania with multiple start terms and a net price of $19,454.
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| #8 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill | Schuylkill Haven, PA | ~$20,000/yr (est.) | ||
Penn State Schuylkill's RN to BSN is one of six campus options, with evening and web courses. Nurses may earn up to 33 credits for prior learning, and two clinical courses are required. Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer, with local clinical placements. Net price is $19,659.
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| #9 | Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, PA | $25,000/yr | ||
Pennsylvania College of Technology's online RN to BSN is ACEN-accredited and fully asynchronous, offering in-state tuition to all students regardless of residency. It supports military benefits and employer reimbursement, with rolling admissions and transfer-friendly policies. One-on-one faculty interaction and 24/7 tutoring help working nurses succeed. Net price is $25,110.
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| #10 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington | Abington, PA | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | ||
Penn State Abington offers a hybrid RN to BSN with evening nursing classes and accelerated 7-week sessions. Designed for Philadelphia-area nurses, it provides nurse-specific scholarships and access to Penn State's extensive alumni network. Graduates work throughout the region in hospitals, clinics, and community health. Net price is $18,071.
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RN to BSN costs in Pennsylvania vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private institution. In-state tuition at public universities often falls between $10,000 and $25,000, while private colleges may list sticker prices above $35,000. The net price, which reflects the average amount undergraduates actually pay after grants and scholarships, provides a more realistic comparison, ranging from about $13,000 to over $38,000 among ranked programs. Keep in mind the net price is an institution-wide average, not a personalized figure for nursing students, and Pell Grant recipients may pay even less. The table below sorts all ranked programs from lowest to highest net price.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Family University | $35,330 | $35,330 | $13,143 | Private |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois | $14,408 | $24,134 | $17,428 | Public |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton | $15,208 | $25,392 | $17,910 | Public |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington | $15,268 | $25,664 | $18,071 | Public |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango | $14,024 | $23,560 | $18,095 | Public |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington | $14,408 | $24,134 | $18,305 | Public |
| York College of Pennsylvania | $25,588 | $25,588 | $18,556 | Private |
| Central Penn College | $19,854 | $19,854 | $18,953 | Private |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto | $14,408 | $24,134 | $19,454 | Public |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | $10,568 | $14,676 | $19,608 | Public |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill | $15,208 | $25,392 | $19,659 | Public |
| Westminster College | $40,290 | $40,290 | $19,859 | Private |
| Carlow University | $35,874 | $35,874 | $20,786 | Private |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | $11,128 | $22,952 | $20,787 | Public |
| Seton Hill University | $42,944 | $42,944 | $22,204 | Private |
| Mount Aloysius College | $27,072 | $27,072 | $22,344 | Private |
| King's College | $44,100 | $44,100 | $23,093 | Private |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | $10,775 | $22,599 | $23,331 | Public |
| Marywood University | $41,420 | $41,420 | $23,388 | Private |
| Saint Francis University | $44,000 | $44,000 | $23,526 | Private |
| Immaculata University | $29,330 | $29,330 | $24,258 | Private |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | $18,240 | $25,980 | $25,110 | Public |
| Elizabethtown College | $37,950 | $37,950 | $26,598 | Private |
| Alvernia University | $45,000 | $45,000 | $28,138 | Private |
| Moravian University | $53,500 | $53,500 | $30,670 | Private |
| University of Scranton | $53,983 | $53,983 | $32,568 | Private |
| Pennsylvania State University | $20,644 | $41,790 | $32,875 | Public |
| Drexel University | $62,412 | $62,412 | $38,509 | Private |
The chart below compares the return on investment (ROI) for top Pennsylvania RN to BSN programs. ROI is calculated as the ratio of median earnings 10 years after entry to median graduate debt, as reported in the College Scorecard. Program-level earnings and debt metrics are not yet available for recent RN-to-BSN completers, so these figures represent institution-wide outcomes for nursing students.
For registered nurses in Pennsylvania, moving from an ADN to a BSN can take as little as 12 months, depending on your transfer credits and schedule. Most programs offer flexible pacing so you can continue working while you study. The typical range is 12 to 24 months, but accelerated options and generous credit transfer policies can shorten that timeline dramatically.
Full-time students often complete the required nursing courses in three to four semesters. For example, York College of Pennsylvania and Drexel University both offer fully online RN to BSN tracks that can be finished in just 12 months of continuous enrollment. These accelerated programs assume you bring in a significant number of general education credits from your prior associate degree or diploma. Part-time students usually spread the same coursework over 18 to 24 months, taking one or two classes per term. Because the upper‑division nursing portion of an RN to BSN typically ranges from 30 to 35 credits, the pace depends on how many credits you enroll in each semester. Many programs structure their calendars with 7- or 8-week terms, allowing you to focus on one course at a time and still finish on schedule.
Most Pennsylvania RN to BSN programs accept between 60 and 70 transfer credits from regionally accredited ADN programs. This covers nearly all your general education and lower‑level nursing prerequisites, leaving only the upper‑division nursing core to complete. Some schools are even more generous: York College, for instance, allows up to 75 transfer credits toward its 120-credit BSN. Drexel University’s quarter‑based program accepts up to 135 of the 180 required quarter credits, which is roughly equivalent to 90 semester credits. The Pennsylvania Nursing Articulation Model guarantees the transfer of at least 30 semester hours of nursing credit from approved community college ADN programs into participating BSN programs, which creates a seamless pathway for many nurses. When you enroll with a full transfer block, you can often start right into the baccalaureate‑level nursing courses without repeating coursework.
Fully online RN to BSN programs frequently offer more flexibility than traditional campus schedules. York College, Drexel University, and Millersville University all provide distance‑learning options that let you study around your work shifts. Drexel’s program features 10‑week terms and multiple start dates throughout the year, so you don’t have to wait for a fall or spring semester to begin. Penn State’s online RN to BSN similarly allows you to start in fall, spring, or summer. This rolling admissions model means you can start as soon as you are ready, and the self‑paced nature of many online courses can help you accelerate if you have fewer outside obligations. On‑campus programs, by contrast, may follow a more rigid semester‑based calendar, which can stretch the timeline to two years for part‑timers even if the credit load is identical.
Pennsylvania’s network of community colleges and PASSHE universities maintains formal articulation agreements that map out exactly which credits will transfer. These agreements prevent surprises and help you avoid taking duplicate classes. For example, a graduate of a community college ADN program can often transfer their entire lower‑division nursing block into a BSN program at schools like Millersville or Penn State under statewide agreements. The Pennsylvania Nursing Articulation Model specifically guarantees that at least 30 semester hours of nursing coursework carry over, reducing the remaining degree requirements to about 30 additional credits. Such partnerships mean that the timeline from ADN graduation to BSN conferral is often just the time needed to complete those final upper‑division courses, typically one to two years.
Online RN-to-BSN programs have become the norm in Pennsylvania, with asynchronous formats increasingly tailored to the unpredictable schedules of working nurses.
Of the 28 ranked RN-to-BSN programs in Pennsylvania, 18 are offered entirely online, based on the most recent catalog data. Another 4 use a hybrid format that blends online coursework with some on-campus sessions, while 6 are campus-based. The sheer number of fully online options means most nurses can avoid commuting altogether. Programs like Slippery Rock University, Millersville University, and West Chester University deliver 100% of coursework remotely, with no required campus visits. A few hybrids, such as Penn State Abington and Marywood University, may ask you to attend occasional evening classes or on-campus intensives, which can be manageable if you live nearby but less ideal for nurses in more rural parts of the state.
Most fully online RN-to-BSN programs in Pennsylvania lean heavily on asynchronous delivery. That means you log in, watch lectures, complete readings, and submit assignments on your own schedule, within weekly or biweekly deadlines. For nurses who work rotating 12-hour shifts, weekends, or nights, this flexibility is non-negotiable. West Chester University, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Alvernia University all explicitly design their courses to be asynchronous. A handful of hybrid programs may schedule live evening classes synchronously, but even those often record sessions so you can catch up later. Before enrolling, confirm whether your program requires any real-time meetings at set hours; for shift workers, a purely asynchronous path almost always fits better.
Even in fully online programs, you will likely need to complete a clinical practicum or capstone project. The good news: these hours rarely require you to set foot on campus. Most programs let you arrange the experience at a healthcare facility near your home or even at your current workplace. Drexel University's online RN to BSN program, for example, incorporates 36 hours of clinical practice into its online curriculum, all of which can be arranged locally. Similarly, Penn State's hybrid RN-to-BSN pathway includes a clinically based capstone that students complete in their own communities. Practicum hours vary, but they tend to focus on community health, leadership, or evidence-based quality improvement, skills that translate directly to your day job.
If you choose an online program from a Pennsylvania public university, you may pay in-state tuition rates even if you never attend class in person. Slippery Rock University, Millersville University, and West Chester University all offer online RN-to-BSN tracks at their standard in-state tuition, which is a significant advantage for Pennsylvania residents. Private universities set a single per-credit rate regardless of where you live, though some offer tuition discounts for employer partnerships or professional associations. Always check the program's tuition page for the most current figures, as rates can shift year to year.
As of 2023, 31 Pennsylvania hospitals have earned ANCC Magnet recognition, a designation that strongly prefers nurses with a BSN. These facilities often require a bachelor's degree for leadership or specialty roles, making an RN to BSN a practical step toward Magnet hospital employment and career growth.
Getting into an RN-to-BSN program in Pennsylvania starts with holding a current, unencumbered registered nurse license, the foundational credential these programs build upon. Most schools also expect an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited program and official transcripts.
Admission requirements are generally straightforward. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is typical, though some programs accept a 2.0 (Drexel University, for example). All applicants must submit official transcripts from their ADN or diploma program. A criminal background check and drug screen are standard, as are up-to-date immunizations. Programs vary on whether they require ACLS or BLS certification, but evidence of basic life support is common.
RN-to-BSN pathways in PA are built to maximize the credits you already hold. Most programs accept between 60 and 90 transfer credits from prior college work. Many award block credit for your RN license: Drexel grants 30 nursing credits, Penn State offers 33, and York College of Pennsylvania uses a 100% block transfer of general education and nursing credits up to 75 credits. This recognition significantly shortens the path to a bachelor’s degree.
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities and several private colleges maintain formal articulation agreements with community colleges. These agreements create smooth transfer pipelines. Slippery Rock University, West Chester University, Bloomsburg University, Clarion University, and Kutztown University all have written agreements with regional community colleges (such as Luzerne County CC, Lehigh Carbon CC, Butler County CC, and Reading Area CC). These partnerships often guarantee admission or block credit transfer, reducing paperwork and uncertainty.
Unlike traditional BSN admissions, most RN-to-BSN programs in Pennsylvania waive the GRE, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The focus is on your professional licensure and prior academic record. Some schools offer provisional admission for nurses who haven’t yet passed the NCLEX (Drexel and York College provide this option), so you can begin coursework while preparing for the exam.
Pennsylvania's most affordable RN to BSN programs blend public and private options, with net prices ranging from around $13,000 to $18,000. Holy Family University, a private institution, offers the lowest net price at $13,143 and an online format for flexibility. The two Penn State campuses (DuBois and Scranton) provide a public-school pathway with slightly higher net prices but similar median debt of $25,000. While program-specific early-career earnings are not yet available, institutional data shows strong median earnings of over $60,000 ten years after entry for all three schools. Nurses can further reduce costs through Pennsylvania-specific scholarships like the Nightingale Awards and Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania grants, as well as tuition reimbursement programs from major health systems such as UPMC, Penn Medicine, and Geisinger.
| School | Net Price | Median Debt | Median Earnings (10-year) | Program Type |
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Is an RN to BSN worth it in Pennsylvania? Absolutely. The BSN wage premium and Magnet hospital hiring preferences create a clear return, while program costs remain low relative to the earnings boost. Federal data shows typical debt is manageable, and with Pennsylvania's robust nursing demand, the investment repays itself in career advancement and pay, often within a year or two.
We've compiled expert answers to the most common questions about pursuing an RN to BSN in Pennsylvania. Whether you're wondering about costs, timeframes, or career outcomes, this quick reference has you covered.
Browse additional RN to BSN programs across Pennsylvania. This directory lists schools beyond the top 10, organized by region, with program format and estimated net price to help you compare options.
