The Top Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Michael Lee / Moment / Getty ImagesAttending a nursing school in Pennsylvania has its advantages. From 2023-2024, 94% of Pennsylvania registered nursing (RN) students passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on the first try, per the state’s Board of Nursing (BON). Many nurses are employed within the state as well, with Pennsylvania ranking among the top 10 states for number of active RN licenses.
Are you looking to get your nurse training in the Keystone State? Learn more by exploring this guide on what to look for in a nursing program, eligibility requirements, and the top nursing programs in Pennsylvania.
Explore the Best Nursing Programs and Schools in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$18,368
- Out-of-state$38,651
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled48,765
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,766
- Out-of-state$54,766
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled23,216
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Carlow University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,458
- Out-of-state$31,458
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled1,985
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
- Clarion, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,716
- Out-of-state$11,574
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled3,922
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Duquesne University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$43,526
- Out-of-state$43,526
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled8,107
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs 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. This ranking was created prior to 2025.
Applying to a Nursing Program in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania BON issues RN licenses to graduates of board-approved nursing programs.. All nursing schools and programs in our rankings are board-approved. To apply for nursing school, candidates must have a certain GPA and completed prerequisite courses, but specific requirements can vary per school and degree program.
- Admission Materials: Official high school or college transcripts; completion of prerequisite courses; standardized test scores; letters of recommendation; personal statement or essay
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 for undergraduate RN program applicants and 2.0-2.5 for RNs seeking advanced nursing degrees
- Other Requirements: RNs must have at least one year of nursing experience (proven with resume/CV), and show proof of active RN license and nursing degree earned.
Why is Nursing Program Accreditation Important?
While Pennsylvania’s BON does not require RN students to attend nationally accredited nursing schools to be eligible to take the NCLEX, attending an accredited school has many advantages. Nursing school accreditation proves a nursing program meets specific educational standards established by accrediting bodies, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Enrolling in an accredited nursing program in Pennsylvania increases the likelihood graduates will pass state board exams and be prepared for nursing roles as RNs or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Accreditation also makes candidates eligible for financial aid and gives them the ability to transfer course credits to other accredited schools.
All Pennsylvania nursing programs in our rankings are accredited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
You can become an RN in Pennsylvania after earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN), which generally take two and four years to complete, respectively. After graduation you can immediately apply for RN licensure.
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