Top four-year colleges and universities for nursing in Pennsylvania

Four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs that are designed to be completed in four years of fulltime study. After completing a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), nurses interested in senior and/or specialized roles can also pursue a master of science in nursing (MSN). There is a growing employer preference for nurses holding BSN or MSN degrees, since they have greater expertise and higher potential for career advancement.

Pennsylvania is home to over 60 four-year colleges and universities with accredited nursing programs. For example, La Salle University offers a prelicensure BSN program, master’s degree programs in specializations like adult health and family practice nursing, and a range of graduate certificate programs. Other top nursing schools in the state include Misericordia University, Pennsylvania State University, and the prestigious University of Pennsylvania.

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After completing a nursing program and passing the requisite licensing examinations, nurses can seek employment with major healthcare providers throughout Pennsylvania. Three of the state’s most prominent nursing employers are Tenet Health, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals. Nurses with a bachelor’s or master’s degree generally command higher salaries in the workforce. BSN-educated nurses often land in the state’s top pay quartile, earning $75,770 or more per year. Nurse practitioners, who must hold an MSN, receive an even higher average salary of $86,840.

To kick-start your exciting journey as a nurse, we have compiled below a detailed list of Pennsylvania’s top four-year colleges and universities for nursing.