Compare accredited BSN and ADN programs across PA by cost, outcomes, and NCLEX performance
Pennsylvania’s nursing schools span from the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League program admitting just 5.4% of applicants, to hospital-based diploma tracks like St. Luke’s that produce an RN in 20 months. Over 50 accredited programs across cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and rural areas give students many entry points into the profession.
Net prices for top BSN programs range from under $25,000 at Saint Vincent College to over $43,000 at Villanova, while median earnings ten years after entry span $59,982 to $111,371. This spread underscores the importance of balancing budget and career goals in a state where healthcare employment outpaces the national average.
Pennsylvania's top-ranked nursing programs separate themselves through clinical depth, multiple entry paths (traditional BSN, accelerated second-degree, direct-entry MSN), and strong post-graduation earnings. Schools at the top of this list generally pair high first-year retention with moderate student-to-faculty ratios, plus regional clinical networks and licensure outcomes that make graduates competitive statewide. Where reported, median earnings for graduates often exceed $60,000, with several schools above $100,000.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | ~$48,000/yr (est.) | Ivy League-bound aspiring nurse leaders | |
Penn Nursing combines an Ivy League BSN with early clinical placements at high-acuity academic medical centers and options to pair nursing with other undergraduate schools. Its direct-entry master's entry point serves students who already hold a bachelor's degree and want a leadership-focused path into RN practice. The emphasis on interdisciplinary study, research, and health equity creates a distinct academic environment. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #2 | Grove City College | Grove City, PA | ~$22,000/yr (est.) | Faith-driven students seeking hybrid study | |
Grove City College offers a BSN built around three years of campus study and a flexible online senior year after students earn RN licensure. The curriculum integrates Christian perspective with hands-on clinical experience, and graduates benefit from a high job placement rate. Its partnership with Butler County Community College's Shaffer School of Nursing supports a smooth transition from RN licensure into BSN completion.
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| #3 | Villanova University | Villanova, PA | $40,000 – $45,000/yr (est.) | Research-focused students wanting strong mentoring | |
Villanova's traditional BSN stands out for its mentoring-intensive faculty model, leadership development sequence, and hands-on simulation resources. Clinical experiences begin the second year, and the program is recognized as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence. Students gain a foundation that supports seamless movement into advanced nursing study or immediate practice. CCNE accredited
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| #4 | Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA | $35,000 – $40,000/yr (est.) | ||
Duquesne offers a traditional four-year BSN with early and extensive clinical immersion, including a for-credit experience with UPMC. The program emphasizes holistic nursing and dedicated NCLEX preparation, reflected in a 100% first-time pass rate. A second-degree BSN track also provides a faster 12- or 16-month route for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #5 | Saint Vincent College | Latrobe, PA | ~$16,000/yr (est.) | ||
Saint Vincent College pairs a liberal arts core with more than 1,000 clinical hours and high-fidelity simulation, grounded in Benedictine values. The BSN includes tuition-free microcredentials and a supportive first-year living-learning community. Its direct-entry MSN option offers a clinical nurse leader concentration for students pursuing graduate-level entry. No entrance examTest optional
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| #6 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | ~$30,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Pittsburgh BSN is an in-person program that draws on the university's strong health sciences environment and clinical relationships across the region. The curriculum aligns with AACN essentials and prepares students for evidence-based practice in hospitals, community health, and advanced study. The school's public-university status gives Pennsylvania residents a clear cost advantage. 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's four-year BSN is part of the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, with clinical education 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 consistently posts NCLEX pass rates above the national average. It is designed for first-time degree seekers and students with fewer than 18 transfer credits.
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| #8 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA | ~$33,000/yr (est.) | ||
Penn State's BSN offers prelicensure and second-degree routes along with a hybrid RN to BSN pathway for working nurses, supported by clinical rotations within a 50-mile radius. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN and can pursue roles across hospitals, home health, schools, and community settings. The program's CCNE accreditation and statewide campus network make it a flexible public option. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #9 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | $39,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Drexel's BSN includes a cooperative education option with up to three paid placements in acute care, chronic illness, and specialty nursing, plus a non-co-op transfer path and an 11-month accelerated entry track. The program consistently reports NCLEX pass rates between 96% and 100% and features small clinical groups of six to eight students per instructor. Its strong regional employer ties create a direct pipeline into nursing roles. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #10 | Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia, PA | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | ||
Thomas Jefferson University's BSN offers multiple pathways, including a traditional two-year option, accelerated one- and two-year tracks for bachelor's degree holders, and an online RN to BSN for licensed nurses. The program combines small class sizes with clinical placements at Jefferson Health and a global capstone option. Graduates are actively recruited by regional employers, with starting salary ranges reported around $50,000 to $65,000. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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Our rankings are built on three transparent, nursing-relevant metrics that no other list in the state assembles in the same way. Instead of relying on vague reputation surveys or raw acceptance rates, we anchor every score in data that directly matters to aspiring nurses.
Each school earns a composite score based on net price after financial aid, institution-wide graduation rate, and program-level median earnings one year and ten years after graduation. These figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, so they are consistent, publicly accessible, and tied to actual student outcomes.
The net price is an institutional average after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the total cost, and it reflects what the typical in-state, full-time undergraduate pays. It is not a guaranteed quote for every nursing student, but it serves as a powerful benchmark for affordability. The graduation rate is the percentage of all first-time, full-time students who complete a degree within 150 percent of expected time. While it tracks the entire college rather than just the nursing program, it is a reliable signal of institutional support: schools that invest in advising, tutoring, and student services tend to have higher completion rates across all majors.
The earnings component draws on nursing-specific data from the College Scorecard, measuring what former students who received federal aid actually earn one year out and ten years out. This is the same dataset that powers the federal government’s efforts to hold programs accountable, making it uniquely relevant for comparing nursing program value.
Sites such as Niche and NurseJournal often blend dozens of factors, including student reviews, campus amenities, and acceptance rates, into a single rating. These can obscure what matters most for nursing. A school might rank highly because of a stellar cafeteria rating while having lackluster licensure exam pass rates or weak long-term earnings. Our approach strips away non-nursing noise and focuses on the core financial and career realities that shape a graduate’s future.
Every ranking has limits. The net price is an average, so your own situation may differ. The graduation rate is institution-wide, which means a strong nursing program housed within a struggling college might look worse on paper than it actually is. Earnings figures are based on students who received federal aid and may not capture the full range of outcomes, especially for small programs. We present these metrics as a starting point: the most honest, data-driven snapshot we can provide, without the fluff.
Pennsylvania nursing programs range widely in cost and completion outcomes. The figures below summarize net price, graduation rate, earnings, and debt for the schools ranked here.
The sticker price of a nursing degree rarely tells the full story. Many Pennsylvania BSN programs offer substantial financial aid that dramatically lowers the actual cost, as reflected in the net price, the average amount students pay after grants and scholarships. Public universities generally list lower published tuition, but private institutions often provide generous aid, closing the gap. These figures represent institution-wide averages; your individual financial aid package will vary based on your specific circumstances.
| School | Tuition In-State | Tuition Out-of-State | Net Price | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Family University | $35,330 | $35,330 | $13,143 | Philadelphia |
| Waynesburg University | $30,480 | $30,480 | $18,235 | Waynesburg |
| York College of Pennsylvania | $25,588 | $25,588 | $18,556 | York |
| La Salle University | $37,800 | $37,800 | $19,409 | Philadelphia |
| Penn State Mont Alto | $14,408 | $24,134 | $19,454 | Mont Alto |
| Westminster College | $40,290 | $40,290 | $19,859 | New Wilmington |
| Carlow University | $35,874 | $35,874 | $20,786 | Pittsburgh |
| Robert Morris University | $35,770 | $35,770 | $23,003 | Moon Township |
| West Chester University | $10,775 | $22,599 | $23,331 | West Chester |
Deciding between an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is one of the first big choices for Pennsylvania students. An ADN gets you licensed and working faster, but a BSN opens doors to more hospitals, leadership roles, and graduate education. The table below breaks down the key differences to help you decide.
NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates in Pennsylvania vary by program, with the state average (90.7% for 2023-2024) sitting below the national average of 93%. While some schools like La Salle exceed both averages, others such as the University of Pennsylvania post lower pass rates despite higher tuition. Notably, higher program cost does not always correlate with stronger pass rates or earnings: La Salle's more affordable net price and high pass rate contrast with UPenn's larger investment but lower NCLEX performance, though UPenn graduates report significantly higher long-term earnings.
| Nursing Program | NCLEX First-Time Pass Rate | Median Debt at Completion | 10-Year Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | 88% | $15,715 | $111,371 |
| La Salle University | 94.2% | $25,000 | $67,416 |
Pennsylvania offers multiple accelerated BSN programs that allow career changers with a bachelor's degree in another field to earn a nursing degree in as few as 15 months. These second-degree pathways compress core nursing coursework and clinical hours into an intensive full-time format, making them a practical choice for those ready to pivot quickly into registered nursing.
Several universities in the state host CCNE-accredited accelerated tracks. All programs listed below require a prior bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Program lengths and credit requirements vary, so comparing details is essential.
Accreditation signals that a program meets national standards for nursing education. The programs listed here hold CCNE accreditation as of early 2026, but statuses can change. Always search the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) online directories to confirm current accreditation. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) also maintain updated lists of approved programs.
Prerequisite requirements differ by school but typically include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics. Some, like Chestnut Hill College, enforce a recency window (science credits must be no older than five years). Others may accept older coursework on a case-by-case basis. Application deadlines are equally varied: some programs admit on a rolling basis, while others have fixed cutoffs months before the start date. Visit each university's nursing school website directly for the most accurate and current information on prerequisites and deadlines.
Program structures, clinical placement availability, and prerequisite policies can shift between catalog years. Admissions websites may not always reflect the most recent changes. Contact the nursing admissions office directly by phone or email to confirm any updates to the curriculum, start terms, or prerequisite requirements before you apply. This step can prevent surprises during the application cycle.
These accelerated pathways open the door to nursing in well under two years, but they demand full-time commitment. Exploring multiple programs and verifying details with each school will help you find the best fit for your timeline and academic background.
Two national accrediting bodies carry the most weight for Pennsylvania nursing students. While both CCNE and ACEN are widely respected, they serve different segments of nursing education. Understanding the differences can help you choose a program that aligns with your career goals.
With an admission rate as low as 5.4% at the University of Pennsylvania, gaining entry into a Pennsylvania BSN program demands careful planning. Competition extends well beyond the Ivy League -- even some of the state’s least selective programs receive far more qualified applicants than they can accommodate. Building a strong application means tackling prerequisites, entrance exams, and clinical preparation well before deadlines hit.
Accredited nursing programs in Pennsylvania expect applicants to have a solid foundation in the sciences. Typical prerequisites include anatomy and physiology (often two semesters), microbiology, chemistry (general or organic), and college-level statistics. Many schools also require coursework in human growth and development, nutrition, and English composition. Most programs specify a minimum grade of C or better in each prerequisite, though competitive applicants routinely earn B’s or higher. Because prerequisite lists vary by school, it is wise to check the requirements of each program you are targeting and to confirm transfer equivalencies early.
Minimum GPA thresholds are strict. For example, Temple University expects a minimum 3.25 high school GPA for first-year applicants, while Saint Vincent College requires a 3.25 college GPA for internal transfers. Many programs consider the cumulative GPA as well as the prerequisite science GPA, often looking for at least a 3.0. In addition to grades, nearly every BSN program in Pennsylvania requires a standardized entrance exam, most commonly the ATI TEAS or the HESI A2. While score expectations vary, a composite score above 75% for the TEAS or an average above 80% on the HESI sections is often considered competitive. Retake policies are generous at some schools, but it is best to prepare thoroughly for the first attempt.
Pennsylvania nursing schools increasingly value hands-on experience. Many, particularly hospital-based diploma and ADN programs, require applicants to hold an active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. Even when not mandatory, documented volunteer hours or employment in a healthcare setting can set an application apart. Direct exposure to patient care confirms your commitment and helps you develop the communication and observational skills that nursing faculty look for. Some programs specify a minimum number of hours (e.g., 50-100) in a clinical environment, while others simply encourage it.
Application timelines differ by institution, but many BSN programs use a rolling admissions process or have early priority deadlines. For fall entry, applications may open as early as September of the previous year and close between November and February. Because seats fill quickly, submitting as soon as the cycle opens is the safest strategy. The most selective programs, such as Penn and Villanova (with overall admission rates of 5.4% and 27% respectively), require not only early submission but also standout essays, strong recommendations, and a clear narrative that ties your experiences to a career in nursing.
Once admitted, you will need to satisfy health and background requirements before stepping into a clinical setting. These typically include a physical examination, up-to-date immunizations (including hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and Tdap), a negative TB test, and often a yearly influenza shot. A criminal background check and fingerprint-based federal background check are required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for licensure and are often mandated by schools as part of clinical clearance. A drug screening and CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers) are also standard.
After completing an approved nursing program, the licensure process is straightforward. You must register for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, then apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing through the PALS online system. The initial application fee is $95, with a $70 fee for a temporary practice permit if desired. Pennsylvania is a Nurse Licensure Compact state as of July 7, 2025, meaning you can obtain a multistate license that permits practice in over 40 compact states, provided your primary residence is in Pennsylvania, you hold an active unencumbered license, and you meet the compact’s education, exam, and background requirements. License renewal occurs every two years with 30 hours of continuing education.
Choosing a nursing program in Pennsylvania raises many practical questions. Below, we answer the most common ones, from program costs and timelines to accreditation, to help you make an informed decision.
The directory below groups additional Pennsylvania nursing schools by region, so you can browse by location instead of by rank. Each entry lists the city, the program format, and the degree path, from four-year BSN programs to associate degree nursing. If you already know which part of the state you want to study in, start with that region.
