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Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania

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2023 Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania

22 Schools Ranked
$15,469 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$17,305 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which nursing program to enroll in when you have so many options available. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

The Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 22 schools in Pennsylvania to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for nursing students. The factors used to develop this ranking include those related to how in-demand the school us, the overall quality of the school, and post-graduation wages, and more.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

University of Pittsburgh - Titusville

Titusville, Pennsylvania
9 Total Awards
$11,918 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,479 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Pittsburgh - Titusville the best school in Pennsylvania for nursing students working on their associate degree. This very small public school is located in Titusville, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 9 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $11,918 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Pitt Titusville. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $22,210. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,479 in student loans.

Full University of Pittsburgh - Titusville Report

#2

Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
1,788 Total Awards
$8,565 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,208 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Harrisburg Area Community College is a great place for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the fairly large public school handed out 1,788 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at HACC is $8,565. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,148. On average, associate degree students take out $19,208 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at HACC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 52% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Harrisburg Area Community College Report

#3

La Roche University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
$32,284 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 22 schools in Pennsylvania that were part of this year’s ranking, La Roche University landed the # 3 spot on the list.

If you want to attend La Roche, expect to pay an average of $32,284 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at La Roche. In 2020-2021 about 64% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on La Roche University

#4

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Williamsport, Pennsylvania
711 Total Awards
$17,940 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,551 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Pennsylvania College of Technology helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Pennsylvania. Williamsport, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 711 students in 2021-2022.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend Penn College full time pay an average of $17,940 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $25,680. Associate Degree recipients from Penn College accumulate an average of $20,551 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Penn College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 47% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Pennsylvania College of Technology Report

#6

Luzerne County Community College

Nanticoke, Pennsylvania
473 Total Awards
$10,330 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,191 Avg Student Debt

Luzerne County Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. This small public school is located in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 473 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $10,330 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Luzerne County Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,060. Associate Degree recipients from Luzerne County Community College accumulate an average of $11,191 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Luzerne County Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 48% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Luzerne County Community College Report

#7

Mercyhurst University

Erie, Pennsylvania
111 Total Awards
$43,460 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,242 Avg Student Debt

Mercyhurst University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 111 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Mercyhurst is $43,460. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Mercyhurst accumulate an average of $20,242 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Mercyhurst does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 25% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#9

University of Pittsburgh - Bradford

Bradford, Pennsylvania
38 Total Awards
$14,620 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,479 Avg Student Debt

University of Pittsburgh - Bradford did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Pitt Bradford is a public institution located in Bradford, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 38 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend Pitt Bradford full time pay an average of $14,620 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $26,494. On average, associate degree students take out $22,479 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Pitt Bradford. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 18% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of Pittsburgh - Bradford

#10

Mount Aloysius College

Cresson, Pennsylvania
132 Total Awards
$25,510 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,624 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Mount Aloysius College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Mount Aloysius is located in Cresson, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 132 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees at Mount Aloysius is $25,510. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,624 in student loans.

Mount Aloysius does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 31% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Mount Aloysius College Report

#11

Lehigh Carbon Community College

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
853 Total Awards
$9,030 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,247 Avg Student Debt

Lehigh Carbon Community College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. Located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school awarded 853 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend LCCC full time pay an average of $9,030 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,960. On average, associate degree students take out $12,247 in loans while pursuing their degree.

LCCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 73% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Lehigh Carbon Community College Report

#12

Harcum College

Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
363 Total Awards
$28,240 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,109 Avg Student Debt

Harcum College ranked #12 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 363 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Harcum College is $28,240. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Harcum College accumulate an average of $20,109 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Harcum College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 64% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Harcum College Report

#13

Community College of Allegheny County

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2,027 Total Awards
$8,563 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,588 Avg Student Debt

Community College of Allegheny County landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. CCAC is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,027 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $8,563 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CCAC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,223. On average, associate degree students take out $14,588 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CCAC does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 44% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#14

Bucks County Community College

Newtown, Pennsylvania
823 Total Awards
$9,184 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,561 Avg Student Debt

Bucks County Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #14 on the list. Bucks County Community College is located in Newtown, Pennsylvania and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 823 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $9,184 in tuition and fees if they attend Bucks County Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $13,384. On average, associate degree students take out $13,561 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Bucks County Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 81% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Bucks County Community College

#15

Montgomery County Community College

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
1,253 Total Awards
$10,650 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,849 Avg Student Debt

Montgomery County Community College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,253 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend Montco full time pay an average of $10,650 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,390. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,849 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Montco. In fact, around 75% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Montgomery County Community College

#16

Northampton County Area Community College

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
1,168 Total Awards
$10,650 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,905 Avg Student Debt

Northampton County Area Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Northampton Community College is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,168 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Northampton Community College is $10,650. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,820. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,905 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Northampton Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 62% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Northampton County Area Community College Report

#17

Pittsburgh Technical College

Oakdale, Pennsylvania
520 Total Awards
$16,974 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,250 Avg Student Debt

Pittsburgh Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #17 on the list. Pittsburgh Technical College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Oakdale, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 520 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Pittsburgh Technical College is $16,974. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $18,250 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Pittsburgh Technical College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2020-2021 year, about 32% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Pittsburgh Technical College Report

#18

Community College of Beaver County

Monaca, Pennsylvania
255 Total Awards
$13,350 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,127 Avg Student Debt

Community College of Beaver County came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Located in Monaca, Pennsylvania, the small public school awarded 255 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend CCBC full time pay an average of $13,350 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $19,350. On average, associate degree students take out $16,127 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CCBC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#19

Butler County Community College

Butler, Pennsylvania
417 Total Awards
$8,550 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,104 Avg Student Debt

Butler County Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #19 on the list. Located in Butler, Pennsylvania, the small public school handed out 417 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at BC3 is $8,550. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,550. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,104 in student loans.

BC3 does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 33% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Butler County Community College

#20

Delaware County Community College

Media, Pennsylvania
1,176 Total Awards
$10,410 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,635 Avg Student Debt

Delaware County Community College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Delaware County Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Media, Pennsylvania. It awarded 1,176 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $10,410 in tuition and fees if they attend Delaware County Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,400. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,635 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Delaware County Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 82% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Delaware County Community College

#21

Community College of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1,815 Total Awards
$8,688 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,811 Avg Student Debt

Community College of Philadelphia did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #21 on the list. Community College of Philadelphia is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,815 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $8,688 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Community College of Philadelphia. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,744. Associate Degree recipients from Community College of Philadelphia accumulate an average of $12,811 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Community College of Philadelphia does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 97% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Community College of Philadelphia Report

#22

Reading Area Community College

Reading, Pennsylvania
464 Total Awards
$10,470 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,472 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Reading Area Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Reading, Pennsylvania, the small public school handed out 464 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $10,470 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend RACC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,580. Associate Degree recipients from RACC accumulate an average of $16,472 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that RACC does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 51% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

View Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 22 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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