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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. Pitt Titusville is located in Titusville, Pennsylvania and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 9 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $11,918 in tuition and fees if they attend Pitt Titusville full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $22,210. On average, associate degree students take out $22,479 in loans while pursuing their degree.

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#2

Harrisburg Area Community College

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

Out of the 22 schools in Pennsylvania that were part of this year’s ranking, Harrisburg Area Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. HACC is a public institution located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,788 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $8,565 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend HACC. 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.

Online courses are available at HACC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 52% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Harrisburg Area Community College

#3

La Roche University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
$32,284 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend La Roche University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $32,284 to cover tuition and fees at La Roche. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at La Roche. During the 2020-2021 year, about 64% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#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.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $17,940 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Penn College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $25,680. On average, associate degree students take out $20,551 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Penn College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 47% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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 landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. Luzerne County Community College is located in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 473 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $10,330 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Luzerne County Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,060. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,191 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Luzerne County Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 48% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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#7

Mercyhurst University

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

Mercyhurst University ranked #7 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Erie, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 111 associate degrees 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. On average, associate degree students take out $20,242 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Mercyhurst, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 25% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Mercyhurst University Report

#9

University of Pittsburgh - Bradford

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

University of Pittsburgh - Bradford landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. This small public school is located in Bradford, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 38 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $14,620 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Pitt Bradford. Out-of-state students pay an average of $26,494. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,479 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Pitt Bradford. In 2020-2021 about 18% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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

Mount Aloysius College ranked #10 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Cresson, Pennsylvania, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 132 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

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. On average, associate degree students take out $19,624 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Mount Aloysius does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 31% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Mount Aloysius College

#11

Lehigh Carbon Community College

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

Lehigh Carbon Community College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. LCCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. It awarded 853 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

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

LCCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 73% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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. Harcum College is located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 363 associate degrees to qualified students.

Harcum College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $28,240. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,109 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Harcum College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. 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.

Read full report on Harcum College

#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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #13 on the list. CCAC is a fairly large public school situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It awarded 2,027 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

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

Some students may be able to take online classes at CCAC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 44% took at least some of their classes online.

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 ranked #14 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in Newtown, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school awarded 823 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Pennsylvania who attend Bucks County Community College full time pay an average of $9,184 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $13,384. Associate Degree recipients from Bucks County Community College accumulate an average of $13,561 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Bucks County Community College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #15 on the list. Blue Bell, Pennsylvania is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,253 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Montco is $10,650. Out-of-state students 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.

One thing to take note of is that Montco does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#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. Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,168 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Northampton Community College is $10,650. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $14,820. On average, associate degree students take out $16,905 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Northampton Community 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 62% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#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. Oakdale, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 520 students in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $16,974 to cover tuition and fees at Pittsburgh Technical College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Associate Degree recipients from Pittsburgh Technical College accumulate an average of $18,250 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Pittsburgh Technical College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 32% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #18 on the list. 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. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $19,350. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,127 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that CCBC does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 60% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Community College of Beaver County Report

#19

Butler County Community College

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

With a ranking of #19, Butler County Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Butler, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 417 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $8,550 in tuition and fees if they attend BC3 full time. If you are from out of state, expect to 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.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since BC3 does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 33% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#20

Delaware County Community College

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

With a ranking of #20, Delaware County Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Delaware County Community College is a public institution located in Media, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,176 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $10,410 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Delaware County Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $14,400. Associate Degree recipients from Delaware County Community College accumulate an average of $14,635 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Delaware County Community College. In 2020-2021 about 82% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Delaware County Community College Report

#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 landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. Community College of Philadelphia is a fairly large public school situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It awarded 1,815 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Pennsylvania pay an average of $8,688 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Community College of Philadelphia. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,744. On average, associate degree students take out $12,811 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Community College of Philadelphia, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 97% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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

Reading Area Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. RACC is located in Reading, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 464 associate degrees to qualified students.

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. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,472 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that RACC does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 51% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Reading Area Community College Report

Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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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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