Pennsylvania BSN Programs: The 5 Best Ranked For 2023

Want to get your BSN at a school in Pennsylvania but not sure where to start? Then we’re here to help!

In this post, we’ve ranked the best BSN programs in Pennsylvania.

While other sites use questionable methodology that could potentially be biased in their rankings, we’ve used hard numbers to rank our top five programs.

To do this, we compiled the NCLEX pass rates for each BSN program in PA according to the Pennsylvania Department of State. We filtered out everything but the BSN programs so you can get an idea of which bachelor’s degree will best prepare you to become an RN.

Of course, remember that attending classes on-campus is only one option you have. You could also get an online degree from one of the top online BSN programs.

However, if you’re set on going to a school in Pennsylvania, read on to discover the top BSN programs in the state.

What Is The Best BSN Program in Pennsylvania?

PA College of Health Sciences has the best BSN program in Pennsylvania.

This school had the highest NCLEX pass rate of any BSN program in the state. In 2021, the pass rate was 97.67%.

However, just because this program had the best pass rate in the state doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the perfect program for you.

Keep reading to learn more about PA College of Health Sciences and other top-rated BSN programs in the state.

5 Best BSN Programs in Pennsylvania Ranked

The table below ranks every BSN program in Pennsylvania by NCLEX pass rate in 2021. To learn more about the top five programs, continue reading after the table.

School	2021 NCLEX Pass Rate (%)
PA College of Health Sciences	97.67
Messiah University	97.37
Bloomsburg University	96.7
PA College of Technology	95.83
St. Francis University of PA	95.83
Carlow University	95.51
DeSales University	95.37
West Chester University	94.9
University of Pennsylvania	93.99
Drexel University	93.73
Eastern University	93.18
Villanova University	93.01
Pennylvania State University	92.91
York College of PA	92.55
University of Pittsburgh	92.48
Cedar Crest College	92.42
Moravian University	91.76
Robert Morris University	91.43
Duquesne University	90.97
Indiana University of Pennsylvania	90.79
The University of Scranton	90.41
Neumann University	90.32
Edinboro University	90
Holy Family University	89.87
Wilkes University	89.25
Immaculata University	88.89
LaSalle University	88.66
Misercordia University	88.57
Marywood University	88.1
Gannon University	87.5
Wilson College	87.18
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania	86.96
Jefferson College of Nursing	86.43
Alvernia University	85.42
Temple University	85.14
Gwynedd-Mercy College	81.27
East Stroudsburg University	79.41
Widener University	79.21
Clarion University of PA	74.65
Waynesburg University	74.29
Lincoln University of Pennsylvania	61.9

1. PA College of Health Sciences

Like we mentioned, PA College of Health Sciences ranks number one on our list of best BSN programs in Pennsylvania with a 2021 NCLEX pass rate of 97.67%.

This school offers three different pathways to get your degree:

• Four-year BSN Program
• Accelerated Three-year BSN Program
• RN-to-BSN Program

The Four-year BSN Program offers a “concept-based curriculum” featuring classroom work and immersive experiences in simulation, clinical, and service learning. This option also offers a reduced credit load each semester, which makes it a more flexible track.

The Accelerated Three Year BSN Program is the only one in the region. It allows advanced students to complete their degree in less time and start working as an RN quicker.

Finally, the RN-to-BSN pathway is primarily offered online and caters to those who already hold an RN license. It’s a flexible option that allows you to work while you get your degree.

GradReports doesn’t have much data on this school, but there are a few good reviews on niche.com. If you’re considering getting an ASN to become a nurse at this school, it’s important that we mention this review:

“The ASN program needs a lot of work. I’d suggest students enroll into the 3 year or 4 year BSN program as it is structured differently. The ASN program is accelerated and majority of the students fail. These students who are failing are passionate dedicated students which is heart breaking to see that their knowledge excels out on the clinical floor, case studies, and their ability to connect the dots when questioned from instructors but exam averages drop them tremendously. The ASN program does not provide a pharmacology course but the BSN does. This is essential knowledge as part of the curriculum and as a nurse, regardless if the program is accelerated, there should be an in-depth pharmacology course or section.”

-Alum (January 8, 2020)

2. Messiah University

The second school on our list of top BSN programs in Pennsylvania is Messiah University with a 2021 NCLEX pass rate of 97.37%. 

This school offers both a traditional BSN program and an RN-to-BSN program.

The traditional program features state-of-the-art labs and simulations. It was also named a “Nursing College of Distinction” in 2021. Additionally, this school offers nursing practicums at places like:

• Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
• Penn State Health Holy Spirit Hospital
• UPMC
• Wellspan Health

The RN-to-BSN program is designed for working nurses, and all classwork is 100% online. Meanwhile, on-site clinical requirements can be completed at your place of work.

According to GradReports:

• Impressively, the employment rate for graduates from this program is 100%
• Median debt after graduation is $27,000 (based on 51 students)
• Median alumni salary is $61,600 (based on 58 students)
• This salary outcome earned the school a 36/100 salary score

3. Bloomsburg University

The third school on our list of best BSN programs in Pennsylvania is Bloomsburg University with a 2021 NCLEX pass rate of 96.70%.

This school offers three different pathways for you to get your BSN degree:

• Nursing (BSN)
• RN-to-BSN
• RN-BSN-to-MSN

The Nursing (BSN) program includes courses in areas like psychology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and even cultural anthropology and sociology. There are also professional courses including:

• Professional nursing
• Nutrition
• Pharmacology
• Foundations of nursing practice
• Health assessment
• Pathophysiology for nursing practice
• Nursing research
• Family nursing
• Adult health
• Maternal and child health nursing
• Public health nursing
• Psychiatric
• Mental health nursing
• Nursing management and leadership

The RN-to-BSN program is 100% online and caters to working nurses. The school also has community college affiliation agreements which could allow you to seamlessly transfer credits if you attended a program at one of their affiliates.

Finally, if you’re an RN that’s interested in getting your MSN but don’t have a BSN yet, you may also want to consider their RN-to-BSN-to-MSN program.

According to GradReports:

• Impressively, the employment rate for graduates from this program is 100%
• Median debt after graduation is $26,170 (based on 146 students)
• Median alumni salary is $67,200 (based on 132 students)
• This salary outcome earned the school a 56/100 salary score

4. PA College of Technology

The next school on our list is PA College of Technology with an NCLEX pass rate of 95.83%.

This program offers a traditional BSN and an RN-to-BSN pathway.

The traditional BSN track features:

• Small class sizes
• 990 hours of hands-on nursing experience
• A family of high-fidelity patient simulators

You can take a wide variety of classes with courses in three main categories: Foundations, Perspectives, Specialization.

Finally, the RN-to-BSN program is 100% online and caters to working nurses who need more flexibility in their scheduling. You can attend full or part time.

According to GradReports:

• Impressively, the employment rate for graduates from this program is 100%
• Median debt after graduation is $30,500 (based on 74 students)
• Median alumni salary is $64,360 (based on 59 students)
• This salary outcome earned the school a 76/100 salary score

5. St. Francis University of PA

The final school on our list of top five BSN programs in Pennsylvania is St. Francis University of PA with an NCLEX pass rate of 95.83%.

This school offers four different tracks for getting your BSN:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Second Degree/Accelerated BSN
• RN-to-BSN
• RN-to-BSN-to-MSN

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing features:

• State-of-the-art technology in their Experimental Learning Commons
• The incorporation of Francsiscan values into the curriculum which prepares nurses to be ethical and compassionate
• Exposure and contact building at national conventions

The Second Degree/Accelerated BSN allows students with a non-nursing degree to obtain a BSN in as little as 15 months and is completed on campus.

The RN-to-BSN is an online track that allows licensed RN’s to build upon their knowledge and earn a bachelor’s degree.

Finally, the RN-to-BSN-to-MSN pathway allows Registered Nurses to get their BSN and fast-track their progress towards getting an MSN. This track is also completed online.

According to GradReports:

• Impressively, the employment rate for graduates from this program is 100%
• Median debt after graduation is $28,750 (sample size not provided)
• Median alumni salary is $59,580 (based on 26 students)
• This salary outcome earned the school a 29/100 salary score

What is the Average BSN Nurse Salary in Pennsylvania?

The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania is $74,170.

Altogether, the state currently employs about 146,640 RNs.

Is a BSN Program In Pennsylvania Right For You?

If you’re hoping to attend class in-person at a school in Pennsylvania, one of the programs listed above should probably be a good fit.

However, don’t forget that you can earn your degree quicker by enrolling in an online program that also affords you more flexibility in your schedule.

If you’re not sure where to get your online BSN, start your search here!