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Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor's Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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2023 Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor's Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

30 Schools Ranked
$116,852 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which nursing program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Nursing Degree Search has created its Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor's Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 30 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region to see which online doctor's degree programs were the most popular for nursing students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Chatham University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
177 Total Awards
$20,021 Average Tuition & Fees
$96,054 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Chatham University to be the most popular school for nursing students who want to pursue a doctor’s degree in the Middle Atlantic Region . Chatham is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 177 doctor’s degrees to qualified students.

On average, doctor’s degree students take out $96,054 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 38% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Chatham University Report

#2

Wilmington University

New Castle, Delaware
197 Total Awards
$9,276 Average Tuition & Fees
$59,211 Avg Student Debt

The excellent doctor’s degree programs at Wilmington University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Middle Atlantic Region . Located in New Castle, Delaware, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 197 doctor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Doctor’s Degree recipients from Wilmington University accumulate an average of $59,211 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 87% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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#3

Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
121 Total Awards
$26,064 Average Tuition & Fees
$53,023 Avg Student Debt

The excellent doctor’s degree programs at Wilkes University helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Middle Atlantic Region . This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 121 doctor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their doctor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $53,023 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 94% took at least some of their classes online.

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#4

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1,372 Total Awards
$44,162 Average Tuition & Fees
$166,262 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Pennsylvania. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctor’s degrees to 1,372 students in 2021-2022.

On average, doctor’s degree students take out $166,262 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 25% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full University of Pennsylvania Report

#5

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
452 Total Awards
$83,094 Avg Student Debt

The excellent doctor’s degree programs at Duquesne University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Middle Atlantic Region . Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 452 diplomas to qualifed doctor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their doctor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $83,094 in student loans. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2020-2021 year, about 48% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full Duquesne University Report

#6

George Washington University

Washington, District of Columbia
1,083 Total Awards
$33,984 Average Tuition & Fees
$114,893 Avg Student Debt

George Washington University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a doctor’s degree. It came in at #6 on the list. GWU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Washington, District of Columbia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,083 doctor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, doctor’s degree students take out $114,893 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 40% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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#7

Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
729 Total Awards
$37,074 Average Tuition & Fees
$101,458 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Drexel University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their doctor’s degree. Drexel is a private not-for-profit institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school has a large population, and it awarded 729 doctor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, doctor’s degree students take out $101,458 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

In 2020-2021 about 64% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#9

Villanova University

Villanova, Pennsylvania
233 Total Awards
$21,307 Average Tuition & Fees
$94,072 Avg Student Debt

Villanova University ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 233 doctor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Doctor’s Degree recipients from Villanova accumulate an average of $94,072 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 46% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#11

Monmouth University

West Long Branch, New Jersey
42 Total Awards
$33,064 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #11, Monmouth University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their doctor’s degree. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, and it awarded 42 doctor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 34% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Monmouth University Report

#11

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1,133 Total Awards
$26,142 Average Tuition & Fees
$81,518 Avg Student Debt

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the large public school awarded 1,133 diplomas to qualifed doctor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

Doctor’s Degree recipients from Pitt accumulate an average of $81,518 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

In 2020-2021 about 19% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Report

#13

Carlow University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
15 Total Awards
$21,450 Average Tuition & Fees
$104,117 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Carlow University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their doctor’s degree. Carlow is a private not-for-profit institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 15 doctor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Doctor’s Degree recipients from Carlow accumulate an average of $104,117 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2020-2021 about 87% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Carlow University

#14

Salisbury University

Salisbury, Maryland
18 Total Awards
$9,840 Average Tuition & Fees

Salisbury University ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Salisbury, Maryland is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctor’s degrees to 18 students in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Around 60% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Salisbury University

#14

D'Youville College

Buffalo, New York
131 Total Awards
$21,026 Average Tuition & Fees
$138,384 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, D’Youville College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their doctor’s degree. Located in Buffalo, New York, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 131 doctor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

On average, doctor’s degree students take out $138,384 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 71% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#14

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, Pennsylvania
55 Total Awards
$12,451 Average Tuition & Fees

West Chester University of Pennsylvania came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the fairly large public school handed out 55 doctor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

In 2020-2021 about 55% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full West Chester University of Pennsylvania Report

#17

Gannon University

Erie, Pennsylvania
132 Total Awards
$21,410 Average Tuition & Fees
$133,069 Avg Student Debt

Gannon University ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Gannon is a private not-for-profit institution located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The school has a small population, and it awarded 132 doctor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, doctor’s degree students take out $133,069 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 30% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Gannon University

#17

Alvernia University

Reading, Pennsylvania
33 Total Awards
$16,686 Average Tuition & Fees
$108,915 Avg Student Debt

Alvernia University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular doctor’s degree nursing programs. Located in Reading, Pennsylvania, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 33 diplomas to qualifed doctor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their doctor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $108,915 in student loans. Around 42% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2020-2021 about 42% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Alvernia University Report

#17

Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey
14 Total Awards

Thomas Edison State University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. TESU is a public institution located in Trenton, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 14 doctor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Around 100% of those degree recipients were women.

Since the graduate programs at TESU are online, the school is an excellent choice for graduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read full report on Thomas Edison State University

#20

Upstate Medical University

Syracuse, New York
211 Total Awards
$12,323 Average Tuition & Fees
$168,125 Avg Student Debt

Upstate Medical University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Syracuse, New York is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctor’s degrees to 211 students in 2021-2022.

On average, doctor’s degree students take out $168,125 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

During the 2020-2021 year, about 26% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Upstate Medical University

#20

Catholic University of America

Washington, District of Columbia
197 Total Awards
$53,180 Average Tuition & Fees
$71,509 Avg Student Debt

Catholic University of America ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Catholic University of America is a small private not-for-profit school located in Washington, District of Columbia that handed out 197 doctor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, doctor’s degree students take out $71,509 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 32% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Catholic University of America Report

#22

Seton Hall University

South Orange, New Jersey
302 Total Awards
$34,328 Average Tuition & Fees
$92,016 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Seton Hall University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their doctor’s degree. Located in South Orange, New Jersey, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 302 diplomas to qualifed doctor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

On average, doctor’s degree students take out $92,016 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2020-2021 about 41% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Seton Hall University Report

#22

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
2 Total Awards

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is a small private not-for-profit school located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that handed out 2 doctor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Around 100% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2020-2021 about 84% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#22

Felician University

Lodi, New Jersey
7 Total Awards
$20,900 Average Tuition & Fees

Felician University ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Felician is a private not-for-profit institution located in Lodi, New Jersey. The school has a small population, and it awarded 7 doctor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Felician University Report

#25

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York
1,011 Total Awards
$14,388 Average Tuition & Fees
$111,164 Avg Student Debt

University at Buffalo landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular doctor’s degree nursing programs. University at Buffalo is located in Buffalo, New York and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,011 doctor’s degrees to qualified students.

Doctor’s Degree recipients from University at Buffalo accumulate an average of $111,164 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

In 2020-2021 about 49% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

View Most Popular Online Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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