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Cheapest Registered Nursing Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Holy Family University stands out among Pennsylvania's nursing programs with the lowest net price at $12,251, despite being a private institution that typically costs more than public alternatives. This unusual affordability comes with the highest graduate earnings potential at $71,388, creating strong value for students entering Pennsylvania's healthcare sector. The state's nursing programs show dramatic price variations, with net costs ranging from Holy Family's $12,251 to over $21,000 at other institutions. Pennsylvania's healthcare industry, anchored by UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, creates strong demand for nursing professionals across all specializations from direct patient care to administration and research roles. Public universities like Lincoln University and East Stroudsburg offer competitive options with net prices around $12,912 and $15,089 respectively, while graduates from programs like Slippery Rock University earn median salaries of $63,749. The state's nursing programs maintain relatively high acceptance rates, with most schools accepting over 75% of applicants, making quality nursing education accessible to a broad range of students seeking careers in Pennsylvania's expanding healthcare market.
50
Programs
$12,251 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$65,447
Avg. Program Earnings
62.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
2 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
3 $13,766 $23,900 43.4% 84.3%
4 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
5 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
6 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
7 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
8 $19,279 $19,404 38.9% 34.0%
9 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
10 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
11 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
12 $20,748 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
13 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
14 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
15 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
16 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
17 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
18 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
19 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
20 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
21 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
22 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
23 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
24 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
25 $24,449 $17,950 37.7%
26 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
27 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
28 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
29 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
30 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
31 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
32 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
33 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
34 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
35 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
36 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
37 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
38 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
39 $28,714 $37,300 46.1% 85.5%
40 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
41 $29,464 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
42 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
43 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
44 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
45 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
46 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
47 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
48 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
49 $37,208 $31,866 67.0% 45.7%
50 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Holy Family University's nursing program such good value compared to other private schools?

Holy Family University offers the lowest net price at $12,251 among all Pennsylvania nursing programs, despite being private. Graduates earn the highest median salary at $71,388, significantly above the state average. This combination of low cost and high earnings potential creates strong return on investment. The 77% acceptance rate makes admission achievable for most qualified applicants.

How do public university nursing programs compare in terms of cost and outcomes?

Public nursing programs in Pennsylvania range from Lincoln University's $12,912 net price to Indiana University of Pennsylvania's $17,216. East Stroudsburg graduates earn $68,079 annually, nearly matching private school outcomes. Slippery Rock University combines a moderate $19,524 net price with strong $63,749 graduate earnings. Most public programs accept over 90% of applicants, ensuring broad access.

Is debt load a major concern for Pennsylvania nursing students?

Student debt varies significantly across Pennsylvania nursing programs, from Millersville University's low $10,642 average to several schools reaching $27,000. Slippery Rock University stands out with only $14,578 in average debt despite solid earning potential. Private schools like Saint Francis University show higher debt at $28,750 but maintain strong graduation rates at 72.8%. Most graduates earn enough to manage debt payments comfortably.

Where do Pennsylvania nursing graduates find the best job opportunities?

UPMC, one of Pennsylvania's largest employers, creates extensive opportunities for nursing graduates across hospitals and research facilities. Major pharmaceutical companies throughout the state need nurses for clinical research and administration roles. The healthcare sector's growth means graduates earning between $57,995 and $71,388 find positions in both urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and smaller communities. Rural areas also offer competitive salaries to attract nursing professionals.

Does graduation rate vary significantly among affordable nursing programs?

Graduation rates range from 38.9% at Central Penn College to 72.8% at Saint Francis University among affordable options. Holy Family University maintains a solid 60.4% graduation rate despite having the lowest cost. Slippery Rock University achieves 65.9% graduation rates while keeping net costs under $20,000. Public universities typically show graduation rates between 43% and 66%, with higher rates generally correlating with better student support services.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.