Best Online Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania (2026)

Updated June 11, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

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Pennsylvania Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$112,770
Salary OutlookPennsylvania offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyPennsylvania Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Pennsylvania offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Pennsylvania offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Pennsylvania students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Online Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Pennsylvania.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA BOC Score 83.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 14

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA BOC Score 75.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 26

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA BOC Score 73.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 29

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College

Erie, PA BOC Score 43.5
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 97%
Graduation rate 45%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$15,972
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$26,958
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington

Abington, PA BOC Score 43.3
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 97%
Graduation rate 21%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$15,268
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$25,664
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton

Dunmore, PA BOC Score 42.9
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 99%
Graduation rate 35%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$15,208
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$25,392
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona

Altoona, PA BOC Score 36.2
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 98%
Graduation rate 17%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$15,972
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$26,958
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in Pennsylvania

Nursing professionals in Pennsylvania experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Pennsylvania.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Pennsylvania)
Registered Nurse$96,430
Licensed Practical Nurse$63,940
Nurse Anesthetist$221,530
Nurse Midwife$119,990
Nurse Practitioner$130,140
Nursing Assistant$44,590

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in Pennsylvania?

Choosing a program in Pennsylvania can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Pennsylvania offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet Pennsylvania Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in Pennsylvania accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Pennsylvania, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Nursing pay in Pennsylvania compare to other states?

Pennsylvania offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Pennsylvania a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Pennsylvania. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.

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