Best Nursing Schools in Philadelphia in 2024 (On-Campus & Online)

Looking for a nursing program in Pennsylvania? You’re in luck. Philadelphia is home to some of America’s richest history and is now one of the largest cities in the country. Not only is Philly home to the Liberty Bell it is also home to some of the best nursing programs in the country. Why choose from one of the many nursing schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? Because graduates enjoy faster job placement and higher earnings than many other locations due to the large population. There are many options such as BSN or Registered Nurse schools in Philadelphia.

Browse through the many colleges and universities that offer top-ranked programs in the nursing field. There has never been a greater time to join the healthcare industry as a nurse. Whether you’re looking for a BSN program in PA or another type of nursing program, you’ll be sure to find an option here.

List of the Best Nursing Schools in Philadelphia in 2024

1. University of Pennsylvania

Not every institution for higher learning can claim that they have the best program in the world, but the University of Pennsylvania can. Not only does UPenn have the best nursing program in Philadelphia, it is currently ranked as having the best nursing program in the world by QS World University. UPenn boasts numerous nursing programs and even accelerated programs for ambitious students eager to get started on their careers. Learn under the best professionals for nursing policy, practice, and research.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $51,156 Per Year
• Graduation Rate: 95.6%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 6:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.4%

2. Drexel University

Offering degrees for entry-level nurses and doctoral degrees, Drexel University has a program for whatever your nursing career aspirations are. Students have access to world-class technology and nursing methods to give them the most experience as emerging professionals. With simulations and real-life nursing practice in clinical experiences, graduates are very prepared for the demanding and ever-evolving field of nursing.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $17,382 Per Term
• Graduation Rate: 67%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 11:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%

3. Temple University

Students at Temple University receive evidence-based education from professionals that have spent time in various fields of the health care community such as public health, maternal and child health and acute nursing. Students will be engaged in collaborative efforts to improve health for those in the community.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $16,274
• Graduation Rate: 69%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 14:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.8%

4. Holy Family University

Whether seeking an undergraduate degree or to further your education, Holy Family University is one of the best nursing schools in Philadelphia and offers a variety of nursing programs and continuing education courses. It’s one of the great BSN nursing schools in Philadelphia. Many flexible paths or available for students to pursue whether it is a traditional four-year BSN program or a part-time RN to BSN program, there is a course for every student to pursue. Due to the service graduates contribute to society, professional nurses are always high in demand.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $13,798
• Graduation Rate: 55.6%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 12:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.8%

5. Eastern University

Another top-ranked nursing program, Eastern University was recently ranked #9 in Pennsylvania for its excellent nursing program. Students learn at the hands of nationally acclaimed professionals. Nursing theory and practice are taught with Christian values and ethics to provide a more holistic teaching model. With multiple externships and career promoting experiences, students receive high job placement often before they graduate.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $16,652 Per Semester
• Graduation Rate: 76%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 10:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%

6. Community College of Philadelphia

Community College of Philadelphia is one of the best accredited nursing schools in Philadelphia. It offers a fully accredited nursing program through the ACEN, it also has earned the recognition of being one of 15 in the entire country as a Center of Excellence by the National League of Nursing. Students are trained by a caring faculty and an innovative curriculum to treat patients.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $159 Per Credit
• Graduation Rate: 90%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 15:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 89%

7. Jefferson College of Nursing

Jefferson College of Nursing at Thomas Jefferson University has repeatedly ranked among the top nursing schools in the country, ranking in US News and World Report and designated as the National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. Learn among leaders and innovators of the profession of nursing. Jefferson offers BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees with many areas of specialization to suit the growing needs of society.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $37,950 Per Year
• Graduation Rate: 66%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 13:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%

8. Las Salle University

Fully accredited and always seeking to prepare nursing students for the evolving field of nursing, La Salle University is among the those leading the way to better health care. Nursing students will participate first hand practicing their nursing skills in both small clinical settings as well as large hospitals. Students can choose from a variety of programs as well as bridge programs for those seeking to increase their education on an accelerated platform.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $30,700 Per Year
• Graduation Rate: 66%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 12:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.2%

9. Cabrini University

A private Roman Catholic Liberal Arts College, Cabrini University continues to be guided by its mission and identity as a University founded on faith. Nursing students learn nursing theory, how to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and how to practice holistic care inclusively and compassionately.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $31,875
• Graduation Rate: 50%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 11:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: Not Currently Available

10. Villanova University

Graduates of Villanova University are highly regarded in the healthcare industry and eagerly recruited for their leadership as professionals. There are multiple pathways allowing students from various backgrounds to earn their BSN, whether that be traditional, second bachelor degree-seeking students or accelerated BSN seeking students. The nursing program is fully accredited and has multiple affiliations with various clinics and health care agencies.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $54,550 Per Year
• Graduation Rate: 90%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 11:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%

11. Delaware County Community College

Graduates of Delaware County Community College are prepared to begin careers as entry-level nurses in a variety of health care settings ranging from acute and long-term care facilities to community settings. Students can earn an RN or Associate degree in nursing. This also provides a great springboard for those wanting to begin their career earlier before earning a higher degree.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $121 Per Credit Hour
• Graduation Rate: 23.7%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 33:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.8%

12. Gwynedd Mercy University

For over 60 years Gwynedd Mercy University has been a leading nursing school in Philadelphia area. Experienced faculty work closely with students providing real-world case studies and actual patient care in a variety of health care settings. Students learn to treat the whole patient with compassion and professionalism while collaborating with other members of their healthcare team.

At A Glance

• Tuition: Information not available at this time
• Graduation Rate: 61%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 13:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 87.8%

13. Immaculata University

A private Roman Catholic University, Immaculata University offers a comprehensive faith-based education for all who attend. As one of the top nursing schools in Philadelphia, it provides students with a holistic approach to caring for the whole person The faculty embraces the principle that humans are composed of mind, body, and spirit and as such are inseparable; students will learn and practice nursing skills under that premise.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $26,500 Per Semester
• Graduation Rate: 61%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 9:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.6%

14. Roxborough Memorial Hospital

With two different paths, students of Roxborough can either finish within 16 months attending full-time or 22 months attending nights and weekends. The unique hospital-based nursing program offers a blend of nursing theory, clinical experience, and community service. Students at Roxborough benefit from a highly trained faculty at a very affordable cost.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $12,000 Per Year
• Graduation Rate: Information Not Available
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 9:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.1%

15. Montgomery County Community College

Students are Montgomery County Community College will learn critical thinking skills, practical nursing skills through evidence-based theory and patient care. Graduates will have had patient care experience in both simulation and clinical environments.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $10,230
• Graduation Rate: 24.4%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 32:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.6%

16. Neumann University

Neumann University offers students a rich educational experience where every faculty member has a minimum of an MSN degree and every faculty member has worked in the clinical field as a nurse. Graduates will have learned more than just nursing theory and case studies but they will be provided with real-time practice in nursing care.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $28,580
• Graduation Rate: 55%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 14:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.3%

17. Bucks County Community College

Bucks County Community College is among the best nursing schools in Philadelphia and offers an RN program as well as an LPN program. Students can complete either program in as little as 18 months to two years if they attend full-time. Graduates will be professional in collaborating with their healthcare team and learn to properly diagnose and treat patient alterations to their health patterns.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $14,500 Entire Program
• Graduation Rate: 17%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 26:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 87%

18. Harcum College

Harcum College acknowledges nurses’ unique role as health care providers, as they have direct contact with patients and need to work directly with multiple other members of a patient’s healthcare team. Harcum graduates can communicate effectively and compassionately with their patients as they diagnose and treat needs across the health-illness continuum.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $22,760
• Graduation Rate: 36.8%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 10:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 80%

Methodology

Nursing Schools in Philadelphia were ranked according to the cost of tuition and NCELX pass rate. Institutions with multiple nursing programs and specialties were also ranked higher than those colleges that only offered an RN program.

With one of the highest populations and a variety of health care needs, Philadelphia is one of the best locations to not only earn your nursing degree but it is also a fabulous city to begin a career with so many opportunities. Recent graduates receive almost immediate job placement and have numerous opportunities for advancement. Find a program that fits your needs and enroll today!