Best Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 174 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Pennsylvania. The fastest listed completion time is 11 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $240,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 90.6% first-time pass rate. RNs in Pennsylvania earn $79,280/year on average (BLS).
174
Programs
38
Schools
11 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
90.6%
Avg NCLEX (6)
93
Online / Hybrid
$79K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Pennsylvania nursing programs at a glance
- 174 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Pennsylvania (1 LPN, 2 ADN, 12 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 97.17% (University of Pittsburgh).
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve Pennsylvania students (7 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Pennsylvania: $79,280 (BLS) · 4.8% projected job growth through 2032.
Pennsylvania nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 174 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 38 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 2 ADN · 12 BSN · 61 MSN · 24 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology — 11 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $240,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 90.6% average across 6 programs with published data · high: 97.17% (University of Pittsburgh) |
| Delivery formats | 85 online · 8 hybrid · 7 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $79,280/yr (BLS) · 4.8% projected growth through 2032 |
BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
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Showing 100 of 174 programs from our directory for Pennsylvania.
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How to choose a nursing program in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (174 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Pennsylvania ($79,280/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 174 accredited nursing programs in Pennsylvania — including 14 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 (14) 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.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 30 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $79,280 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Pennsylvania
Programs by Degree Type
61
MSN Programs
24
DNP Programs
12
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.2% | View |
| Lincoln College of Technology | 2 | ADNLPN | 70.9% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| Herzing University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Villanova University | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | 95.6% | View |
| University of Pennsylvania | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Pennsylvania?
There are 174 accredited nursing programs available in Pennsylvania across 38 schools — including 1 LPN, 2 ADN, 12 BSN, 61 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 (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology). 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 $79,280 per year ($38/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.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Pennsylvania?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, University of Pittsburgh leads at 97.17% first-time pass rate (Accelerated BSN). Average across 6 programs with data: 90.6%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
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.
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