2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Pennsylvania
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania? We have ranked 315 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Nursing Degree Search reviewed 66 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Pennsylvania
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Pennsylvania. Based in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,800. The median Nursing program debt is $25,462. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. More on La Salle University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Vincent College earned it the #2 place in Pennsylvania. Set in Latrobe, PA, Saint Vincent College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,396. Students borrow a median of $26,986 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $59,982 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,986 median debt. Saint Vincent College admits about 62% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Vincent College
Out of the 66 schools in Pennsylvania in this year's value ranking, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Harrisburg, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,975, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. Graduates carry a median of $20,867 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,007 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,867 median debt. More on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #4 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in Pennsylvania. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,330 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. Set against $26,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
A rank of #5 makes Community College Of Allegheny County one of the best values in Pennsylvania. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $12,583. The median Nursing program debt is $15,263. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,449 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Community College Of Allegheny County
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at West Chester University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #5 place in Pennsylvania. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $26,486. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $55,246 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Lehigh Carbon Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Schnecksville, PA, Lehigh Carbon Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,280, compared with $13,270 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,450. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,436. That is a strong return on a $14,450 median debt. More on Lehigh Carbon Community College
Luzerne County Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Nanticoke, PA, Luzerne County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,600, while out-of-state students pay about $16,260. Graduates carry a median of $14,614 in student loans. Luzerne County Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,437 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Luzerne County Community College
University Of Pittsburgh Titusville offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Titusville, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Titusville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,918, while out-of-state students pay about $22,210. University Of Pittsburgh Titusville Nursing students take on a median of $20,810 in debt. Median earnings reach $66,125 ten years out. Set against $20,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 35%. More on University Of Pittsburgh Titusville
Bucks County Community College placed #14 among the best-value Nursing schools in Pennsylvania. Set in Newtown, PA, Bucks County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $13,926. Bucks County Community College Nursing students take on a median of $13,068 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,324. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bucks County Community College report
Butler County Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Butler County Community College is a public school based in Butler, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,910, while out-of-state students pay about $12,000. Graduates carry a median of $10,836 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,891 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Butler County Community College
Montgomery County Community College landed the #18 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Montgomery County Community College is a public school based in Blue Bell, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,690, while out-of-state students pay about $17,250. Montgomery County Community College Nursing students take on a median of $15,219 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,108. Set against $15,219 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Montgomery County Community College profile
Northampton County Area Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Northampton County Area Community College is a public school based in Bethlehem, PA. Students from in state pay about $5,550 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,270 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,900. Northampton County Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,566 a decade after entry. Set against $18,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northampton County Area Community College
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in East Stroudsburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,236, with out-of-state students paying around $19,202. Students borrow a median of $26,527 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $56,148 ten years out. Set against $26,527 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania
Penn Commercial Business Technical School ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Washington, PA, Penn Commercial Business Technical School is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,654 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,067. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,736. That is a strong return on a $12,067 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read the full report on Penn Commercial Business Technical School
Community College Of Philadelphia landed the #23 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Community College Of Philadelphia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,632, with out-of-state students paying around $12,744. The median Nursing program debt is $16,059. Community College Of Philadelphia alumni report median earnings of $40,852 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Community College Of Philadelphia profile
Delaware County Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Media, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,930, with out-of-state students paying around $15,540. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,866. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,391. Set against $14,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Delaware County Community College
York College Pennsylvania ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in York, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,537. York College Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,012 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,537 median debt. York College Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full York College Pennsylvania report
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #26 among the best-value Nursing schools in Pennsylvania. Set in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,513 in student loans. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
University Of Pittsburgh Bradford came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. University Of Pittsburgh Bradford is a public school based in Bradford, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,770, compared with $26,644 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $26,019. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,125. That is a strong return on a $26,019 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Bradford admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Bradford profile
Temple University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full Temple University report
Chatham University placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in Pennsylvania. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Chatham University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,001. Chatham University Nursing students take on a median of $24,261 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,410 ten years out. Set against $24,261 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Chatham University report
Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lincoln University, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,512, with out-of-state students paying around $19,384. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,959. Median earnings reach $43,167 ten years out. Set against $30,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania admits about 66% of applicants. Get the full Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania report
Community College Of Beaver County ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Monaca, PA, Community College Of Beaver County is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500, with out-of-state students paying around $20,700. Community College Of Beaver County Nursing students take on a median of $16,802 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,090 ten years out. Set against $16,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Community College Of Beaver County
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Pennsylvania
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Pennsylvania College Of Technology came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Williamsport, PA, Pennsylvania College Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,940, compared with $25,680 for out-of-state students. Pennsylvania College Of Technology Nursing students take on a median of $24,371 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,567. That is a strong return on a $24,371 median debt. Get the full Pennsylvania College Of Technology report
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus alumni report median earnings of $66,125 a decade after entry. Set against $24,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
University Of Scranton landed the #34 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Set in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,652. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full University Of Scranton profile
Immaculata University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Immaculata, PA, Immaculata University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,980 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,738 in student loans. Immaculata University alumni report median earnings of $75,701 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Immaculata University
Reading Area Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Reading, PA, Reading Area Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,480 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,510. Reading Area Community College Nursing students take on a median of $13,979 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,082 ten years out. Set against $13,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Reading Area Community College
La Roche College placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in Pennsylvania. La Roche College is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $34,052. Students borrow a median of $27,078 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,341. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about La Roche College
Holy Family University placed #38 among the best-value Nursing schools in Pennsylvania. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,330. The median Nursing program debt is $26,562. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,235. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Holy Family University report
Pittsburgh Technical Institute ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Oakdale, PA, Pittsburgh Technical Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Typical Nursing student debt is $19,310. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,770. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Pittsburgh Technical Institute report
Thomas Jefferson University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $47,355. Thomas Jefferson University Nursing students take on a median of $32,256 in debt. Median earnings reach $77,449 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full Thomas Jefferson University profile
Waynesburg University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Waynesburg, PA, Waynesburg University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,537. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Waynesburg University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Waynesburg University profile
Gannon University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Erie, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,656. Gannon University Nursing students take on a median of $26,934 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,845. That is a strong return on a $26,934 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on Gannon University
Wilkes University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Wilkes University is a private not-for-profit school based in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,496. Wilkes University Nursing students take on a median of $26,601 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,454 ten years after entry. Set against $26,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Wilkes University report
Cedar Crest College landed the #44 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Located in Allentown, PA, Cedar Crest College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,314. Cedar Crest College Nursing students take on a median of $30,759 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,460. That is a strong return on a $30,759 median debt. Cedar Crest College admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Cedar Crest College
Carlow University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Carlow University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,874. Graduates carry a median of $30,222 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,051 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,222 median debt. Carlow University has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Carlow University
Desales University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Desales University is a private not-for-profit school based in Center Valley, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,800. Graduates carry a median of $27,524 in student loans. Desales University alumni report median earnings of $61,295 a decade after entry. Set against $27,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Desales University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Desales University profile
Villanova University placed #47 among the best-value Nursing schools in Pennsylvania. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $26,184 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Villanova University
Mount Aloysius College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cresson, PA. Students from in state pay about $28,545 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,416. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,165. Set against $25,416 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount Aloysius College admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Mount Aloysius College profile
Eastern University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Saint Davids, PA, Eastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,400. Typical Nursing student debt is $28,584. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,655 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,584 median debt. Eastern University admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Eastern University
Harcum College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bryn Mawr, PA, Harcum College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,000. Graduates carry a median of $26,756 in student loans. Harcum College alumni report median earnings of $46,827 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,756 median debt. More on Harcum College
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Nursing students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Messiah College came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,240. Messiah College Nursing students take on a median of $26,195 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,064. That is a strong return on a $26,195 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. See the full Messiah College profile
Duquesne University ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,986. Duquesne University Nursing students take on a median of $26,297 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,742 ten years after entry. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duquesne University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full Duquesne University report
Neumann University landed the #52 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Aston, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,100. Neumann University Nursing students take on a median of $28,450 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Neumann University report
Lackawanna College came in at #55 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scranton, PA, Lackawanna College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,400 in tuition and fees. Lackawanna College Nursing students take on a median of $21,168 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,000 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lackawanna College
Gwynedd Mercy College placed #56 among the best-value Nursing schools in Pennsylvania. Gwynedd Mercy College is a private not-for-profit school based in Gwynedd Valley, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,838. Gwynedd Mercy College Nursing students take on a median of $29,764 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,145. Set against $29,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Gwynedd Mercy College
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 66 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 315 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
NursingDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© NursingDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.