Best Nursing Schools in Pittsburgh: Programs, Tuition & Rankings for 2026
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
January 26, 2026
Compare 11 Pittsburgh nursing programs with real tuition and graduate earnings data.
Why Study Nursing in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is a growing healthcare market with strong demand for nurses across hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities. The metro area has 11 institutions offering nursing programs at various levels, from affordable ADN degrees to doctoral programs.
Top University Nursing Programs
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pittsburgh) — 49.7% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: $21,524/year. Nursing graduates earn $139,418/year (First Professional Degree).
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus (Indiana) — 91.2% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: $11,380/year. Nursing graduates earn $62,945/year (Bachelor's Degree).
Duquesne University (Pittsburgh) — 78.8% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: $47,146/year. Nursing graduates earn $96,807/year (Doctoral Degree).
Carlow University (Pittsburgh) — 87.1% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: $34,502/year. Nursing graduates earn $99,487/year (Doctoral Degree).
Chatham University (Pittsburgh) — 70.1% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: $43,810/year. Nursing graduates earn $132,446/year (Doctoral Degree).
Community College & Affordable Nursing Programs
- Community College of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh): $4,842/year, nursing graduates earn $57,737/year
- UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing (Pittsburgh): $16,190/year, nursing graduates earn $56,246/year
- UPMC Mercy School of Nursing (Pittsburgh): $16,190/year, nursing graduates earn $54,459/year
- Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing (Pittsburgh): $12,886/year, nursing graduates earn $55,635/year
- DLP Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (Johnstown): N/A/year, nursing graduates earn $59,578/year
- UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing (Pittsburgh): $16,190/year, nursing graduates earn $57,750/year
How to Choose
Consider your budget, career goals, and timeline. Community college ADN programs offer the fastest and cheapest path to an RN license. University BSN and graduate programs lead to higher earnings and more career options. Many nurses start with an ADN and bridge to BSN while working.
Financial Aid
Check your state's grant programs, federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year), and HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarships for nursing-specific aid. Many hospitals also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees.
Next Steps
Compare Pittsburgh nursing programs on GradeToGrad.
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