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Best Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 18, 2026

Explore Pennsylvania's nursing programs from $4,632 community colleges to Ivy League Penn, with graduates earning $57,737 to $191,924 annually.

Overview of Nursing Education in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a nursing education powerhouse with 15 major institutions offering nursing programs. From the University of Pennsylvania's world-renowned nursing school to affordable community colleges in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the state provides pathways for every budget and ambition.

The range is dramatic: community college tuition starts at $4,632/year at Community College of Philadelphia, while UPenn charges $66,104 — but their doctoral nursing graduates earn a median of $191,924/year.

Top University Nursing Programs

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) runs one of the top nursing schools globally. With a 5.9% acceptance rate and 96.5% graduation rate, it's highly selective. Doctoral nursing graduates earn $191,924/year — the highest in the state. Tuition is $66,104/year.

Drexel University (Philadelphia) offers doctoral nursing programs with graduates earning $168,204/year. Tuition is $60,663 with a 77.5% acceptance rate, making it more accessible than Penn.

Villanova University has a highly regarded Master's nursing program with graduates earning $171,511/year. At 25.1% acceptance, it's selective but not impossible. Tuition is $64,701/year.

University of Pittsburgh is a major research university where nursing graduates earn $139,418/year. In-state tuition of $21,524 with a 49.7% acceptance rate and strong 84.0% graduation rate make it excellent value.

Temple University (Philadelphia) offers doctoral nursing programs at $22,082/year in-state. With an 82.9% acceptance rate, it's accessible, and graduates earn $115,715/year.

West Chester University provides the best value among state schools at $10,687/year with BSN graduates earning $74,076/year and a 79.2% acceptance rate.

Community College Nursing Programs

Pennsylvania's community colleges provide the most affordable entry into nursing.

Community College of Philadelphia has the lowest tuition at $4,632/year, serving 11,312 students. ADN graduates earn $67,558/year.

Community College of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) charges $4,842/year with graduates earning $57,737/year — the largest CC nursing program in western PA.

Northampton County Area Community College (Bethlehem) at $5,310/year produces graduates earning $61,668/year. Montgomery County CC (Blue Bell) at $6,270 and Delaware County CC (Media) at $6,660 round out the suburban Philadelphia options with nursing earnings of $61,758 and $67,950 respectively.

Harrisburg Area Community College serves central PA at $7,373/year with nursing graduates earning $62,466/year.

How to Choose the Right Program

Pennsylvania's program diversity means you have real choices:

For maximum earnings: University of Pennsylvania or Villanova for advanced practice nursing ($170K+)
For best value: West Chester University ($10,687 tuition, $74K earnings) or Temple ($22K tuition, $115K earnings)
For affordability: Community College of Philadelphia ($4,632/year) then bridge to BSN
For research focus: University of Pittsburgh or Penn

Nursing Job Market in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a massive healthcare industry centered on Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Major employers include UPMC (one of the nation's largest health systems), Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and Temple Health.

The state consistently needs nurses across specialties. Philadelphia's concentration of academic medical centers means strong demand for advanced practice nurses, while rural Pennsylvania faces significant nursing shortages.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students

Pennsylvania State Grant — need-based aid for PA residents
PHEAA programs — state-administered financial aid
HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship — tuition plus stipend for underserved area commitment
Hospital-sponsored programs — UPMC, Penn Medicine, and others offer tuition assistance for employees

Next Steps

Compare Pennsylvania nursing programs side by side on GradeToGrad to find your best fit.