Best public nursing schools in Pennsylvania

Public colleges and universities are educational institutions primarily funded by the federal, state, and local governments. These stand in contrast to private universities, which rely more heavily upon student tuition and endowments. The quality of education provided by public universities has steadily increased over the years; many are now just as prestigious as their private counterparts. Public universities are often widely accessible to students who live in-state (or in-county), and these students enjoy lower tuition fees than private university enrollees.

More than 80 public nursing schools are available in Pennsylvania, offering prospective students a diverse pool from which to choose. Several prominent examples are Pennsylvania State University, University of Pittsburgh, and Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. The state’s public universities offer a wide array of nursing programs, from certificates in licensed practical nursing to doctoral degrees. Upon graduation, nurses can seek employment at Pennsylvania’s major healthcare providers like Genesis Healthcare and Temple University Health System.

Public nursing schools are a great option for students seeking affordable, high-quality education and stable employment after graduation. Pennsylvania alone employs over 230,000 nurses, including 124,000 registered nurses, 74,000 nursing assistants, and 36,000 licensed practical nurses. The state’s registered nurses receive a median annual salary of $64,830, and compensation increases substantially for nurses who pursue graduate-level education in specialized fields.

To help Pennsylvania’s aspiring nurses find affordable education, we’ve compiled a detailed list of the state’s best public nursing schools. You’ll find them organized below by major metropolitan area.