Pennsylvania program guide
Best Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania (2026)
176 accredited nursing programs are open to Pennsylvania students; the fastest listed takes 11 months. Compare programs accepting applications below.
- Programs listed
- 176
- Open to Pennsylvania students
- Fastest listed
- 11 mo
- Shortest completion time
- Lowest tuition
- $13,500
- Total listed tuition
Programs accepting applications
All Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
Partner matches load first for your filters; the directory below stays in sync and hides schools already shown in the partner strip. Sort by tuition, duration, or school.
Sponsored · Disclosure
Showing 100 of 176 programs from our directory for Pennsylvania.
Not sure which Pennsylvania program fits?
Tell us your ZIP, the credential you want, and when you want to start. We'll show accredited programs accepting applications for that start date.
We don’t ask for your name, email, or phone. Leave ZIP blank and we’ll use your approximate location. Results include sponsored partner listings, labeled as such.
Pennsylvania nursing program market snapshot
MyNursingSchools lists 176 accredited nursing programs across 37 schools in Pennsylvania. The fastest listed completion time is 11 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $240,000. RNs in Pennsylvania earn $90,830/year on average (BLS).
| Programs in directory | 176 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 37 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 2 ADN · 13 BSN · 60 MSN · 24 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Drexel University — 11 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $240,000 |
| Delivery formats | 85 online · 8 hybrid · 7 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $90,830/yr (BLS) · 4.8% projected growth through 2032 |
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2024 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
How to choose a nursing program in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (176 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Pennsylvania ($90,830/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in Pennsylvania is projected to grow 4.8% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Pennsylvania means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Pennsylvania directory, the fastest listed completion time is 11 months. We track 176 accredited nursing programs in Pennsylvania — including 15 entry-level RN, 1 LPN/LVN pathways. Pennsylvania is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Pennsylvania is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey.
Key takeaways
- Screen Pennsylvania programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Pennsylvania.
- Pennsylvania is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Pennsylvania offers both LPN (1) and entry-level RN (15) pathways — match the credential to your timeline and whether you need full RN scope immediately.
- Listed tuition in Pennsylvania spans $13,500 to $240,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve Pennsylvania students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 30 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $90,830 (BLS, May 2024) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Pennsylvania
Programs by Degree Type
60
MSN Programs
24
DNP Programs
13
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
5 accredited institutions with a campus in Pennsylvania.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 5 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Pennsylvania | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Villanova University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
Online Nursing Programs Available to Pennsylvania Residents
32 accredited schools based outside Pennsylvania that enroll Pennsylvania residents online. Confirm clinical-placement arrangements and Pennsylvania Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln College of Technology | 2 | ADNLPN | N/A | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Herzing University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 5 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Pennsylvania?
There are 176 accredited nursing programs available in Pennsylvania across 37 schools — including 1 LPN, 2 ADN, 13 BSN, 60 MSN, and 24 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Pennsylvania?
Nursing program tuition in Pennsylvania starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $240,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Pennsylvania?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Pennsylvania can be completed in 11 months (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Drexel University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Pennsylvania?
Registered nurses in Pennsylvania earn an average of $90,830 per year ($44/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Pennsylvania is projected to grow 4.8% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Pennsylvania?
Yes. There are 93 online and hybrid nursing programs (85 fully online, 8 hybrid) available to Pennsylvania residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Pennsylvania.
What are the nursing license requirements in Pennsylvania?
To practice nursing in Pennsylvania, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing. Pennsylvania is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years with 30 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Like most states, Pennsylvania is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 4.8% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Pennsylvania?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Pennsylvania vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
Nursing Programs in Nearby States
Compare nursing programs in Pennsylvania
- Most affordable programs in Pennsylvania
- Online nursing programs in PennsylvaniaPrograms delivered primarily online for students who can't relocate.
- No-waitlist nursing schools in PennsylvaniaPrograms reporting open seats rather than a waitlist queue.
- Accelerated BSN programs in PennsylvaniaSecond-degree tracks for applicants who already hold a bachelor's.
- Fastest programs in Pennsylvania
- ADN programs in PennsylvaniaAssociate-degree and community-college routes to RN licensure.
- BSN programs in PennsylvaniaFour-year pre-licensure bachelor's degrees for first-time RNs.
