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!
