2023 Best ADN Programs in Pennsylvania
Navigating the myriad of Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs can be daunting, especially in Pennsylvania where 93 such programs exist. With the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accrediting 43 schools, how does an aspiring nurse pinpoint the best ones to apply to?
Begin with a focus on ACEN-accredited schools. These schools meet a set of nationally recognized quality standards, and their accreditation serves as a beacon of excellence in nursing education.
Then, dive into the NCLEX passing rates. In Pennsylvania, this figure ranges between 77.40% and 99.30%. Higher passing rates often indicate robust curricula and a faculty invested in student success, factors contributing to the readiness of graduates.
Keep in mind the program length. Typically, an ADN takes between 18 to 24 months to complete. Align this commitment with other personal or professional responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition into the nursing profession.
Finally, evaluate the student support services offered by each school. Institutions with comprehensive support systems often foster higher success rates among their students.
Choosing the right ADN program depends on a multitude of factors. By weighing accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, program duration, and student support, future nurses can find the program that best aligns with their goals.
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Discover information on start dates, credit transfer processes, initial salary expectations, financial aid opportunities, GRE requirements, tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratios, and average post-graduation employment rates.
2025 8th Annual Best Ranked ADN Programs in Pennsylvania

How Do We Rank The Best ADN Programs In Pennsylvania?
First, we gather a list of all nursing schools offering ADN programs in Pennsylvania and then rank the best school based on the following factors:
- Academic quality (admissions rate, enrollment rate, graduation rate & retention rate, NCLEX passing rates as college-wide quality): 70%
- RNCareers.org’s editorial rankings and the nursing school’s reputation: 20%
- The affordable of the programs offered by the nursing school: 10%
- Our best ranked ADN programs earn a 90% or above grade
More about our ranking methodology.
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pass Rate

- One College Ave, Williamsport, PA - 17701-5799
- (570) 326-3761

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.37%
- Programs: Nurse Educator, Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 279
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $17,610
Book and Supplies: $1,549
Percent Received Aid: 88%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,403
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 47%
Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT) is a two-year public educational institution in Williamsport. This MSCHE-accredited college has an average class size of 16. Moreover, it places emphasis on hands-on learning which has been its legacy for more than 100 years. Students in its nursing programs have the opportunity for international internships and semester exchange. Moreover, the college’s simulation lab also offers high fidelity manikins.
Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) Nursing - Students who would want to pursue advanced healthcare administrative and clinical roles can do so through this BSN program. Classes are in small size taught by master’s and doctoral-prepared faculty. With limited program slots, admission is selective and competitive.
Nursing, RN to B.S.N., Completion, Online - This 100% online program is designed for working registered nurses who want to obtain a BSN degree. Part-time and full-time study options are available, with flexible scheduling. With endorsement from ACEN, faculty teaching this program are master’s and doctoral-prepared.
Nursing (A.A.S.) - With small class size, the curriculum of this program places emphasis on hands-on experiences through clinical experiences and laboratory work in specialized labs. Graduates are conferred an Associate Degree in Nursing and are prepared to fulfill their roles as registered nurses.
Nursing, LPN to RN (A.A.S.) - Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) can obtain an associate degree in nursing and become registered nurses in just three semesters through this program. With an accelerated format, classes and clinicals are conducted on Fridays and Weekends, allowing students to work while enrolled in the program.
Nursing: Nursing Education Concentration (M.S.N.) Online - With a concentration in Nursing Education, this Master of Science in Nursing Program is offered 100% online. It equips students with the competencies needed for curriculum development and outcome measurement. The program can be completed part-time with hands-on nursing experience of 585 hours. Due to the limited seat availability, admission is on a competitive and selective basis.
Practical Nursing (A.A.S.) - With 3 semesters of nursing coursework, graduates of this program are eligible to sit in the practical nursing licensing exam. The program has more than 900 hours of hands-on learning, preparing them for work under the supervision of an RN, dentist, or physician.
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
Harcum College
Pass Rate

- 750 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA - 19010-3476
- (610) 525-4100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 64
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 92%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,693
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 34%
#3 Associate Degree in Nursing
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Pass Rate

- 410 N Lime Street, Lancaster, PA - 17602
- 7175444912
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.06%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, College of Health Sciences is a private educational institution. It is the only college with an exclusive focus on health sciences in the area. The college was originally founded as a nursing school, around 100 years ago. Presently, it holds an accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The college also holds an advanced simulation lab which allows students to pair their classroom learning with practical knowledge. In terms of accreditation, its Associate in Science in Nursing Program is ACEN-accredited with Continuing Accreditation as the most recent decision. Meanwhile, its master’s degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program is CCNE-accredited.
Nursing Associate Degree- Students seeking an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree from Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences can choose among various degree paths depending on their current academic credentials and their schedule. The said tracks are the five-semester track, three-year track, and LPN track. The LPN track is offered for licensed practical nurses as an accelerated enrolment option, allowing them to choose between daytime or evening/weekend classes. The curriculum for all tracks is built on a learner-centered collaborative learning environment.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Similar to the associate degree, this baccalaureate in nursing program also has several paths available. An accelerated three-year BSN option, which is the region’s sole offering of this option, is designed for students who want to fast track their way towards obtaining a degree. Meanwhile, students wanting a lesser credit load per semester can enroll in another option—the four-year BSN. Students enrolled in the Associate Degree Program can concurrently work their way towards a BSN degree through the ASN+BSN option. This allows for an efficient and seamless approach towards getting the two degrees. Lastly, registered nurses can also obtain their BSN degree through the RN to BSN program. It is an accelerated program with online delivery of coursework. All of these paths guarantee hands-on and high-tech simulation-based learning.
Master of Science in Nursing - Students enrolled in this MSN program can choose between Administration or Education as their tracks. The former is a 34-credit program geared towards equipping students with policy expertise. Meanwhile, the Education track is a 39-credit program designed to prepare students for the academe. These two tracks are also offered as a post-master’s certificate option for master’s-prepared students with an unexpired license. Meanwhile, a Nurse Practitioner program with concentrations in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care, Family/Individual Across the Lifespan, and Psychiatric/Mental health is also offered as an MSN degree or as a Post-Master’s Certificate Option.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Designed for a part-time study, this program requires 1,000 clinical hours as one of its requirements. Students can choose between two tracks: Clinical Leadership Track, or DNP APRN/NP Track. Collaborative clinical learning is given emphasis in the program, and is in partnership with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.
#4 Associate Degree in Nursing
Mount Aloysius College
Pass Rate

- 7373 Admiral Peary Hwy, Cresson, PA - 16630-1999
- (814) 886-4131

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.17%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, RN to BSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 59
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,500
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,364
Percent Admitted: 95%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Mount Aloysius College (MAC) is a private educational institution in Cresson. This Catholic college was founded by the Religious Sisters of Mercy. MAC has an average class size of 14 and a student to faculty ratio of 11:1. In terms of its Nursing Program, it has provided Nursing Excellence for more than 50 years. The college houses the Nursing Resource & Simulation Center (NRSC) which has a four-bed simulation nursing unit and 19 state-of-the-art manikins. Hence, students gain hands-on experiences through the NRSC which provide a nursing environment similar to that of real-world settings.
Nursing- Traditional BSN - With eight-semester (3 ½ year) completion, this traditional BSN program has a blend of general education courses and nursing curriculum as part of its curriculum. The former is given attention in the first two years, while in the last 17 months of the program, emphasis is given for the nursing curriculum. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
Nursing (2+2 Assoc/Bach) - This two-plus-two program allows seamless transition from the Associate of Science in Nursing Program to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. The Associate Degree can be completed in as few as five semesters or two years. Upon completion of the said program, students can progress into the baccalaureate degree.
Nursing – Second Degree BSN (Accelerated) - This 16-month program is designed for individuals with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees and are seeking a career change. This fast-paced, accelerated, and intensive program provides eligibility to sit in the NCLEX-RN. It is designed for a full-time study with a cohort-based course progression.
Nursing – RN to BSN (Online) - This RN to BSN program has coursework offered fully online, however, students also have the option to take general education courses, face-to-face. Courses are in eight-week sessions and are sequenced to cater to students' varying needs and desired schedule.
#5 Associate Degree in Nursing
Luzerne County Community College
Pass Rate

- 521 Trailblazer Drive, Nanticoke, PA - 18634
- (570) 740-0200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.92%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 103
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,670
Book and Supplies: $14,370
Percent Received Aid: 82%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,952
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 20%
#6 Associate Degree in Nursing
Montgomery County Community College
Pass Rate

- 340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA - 19422-0796
- (215) 641-6300
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.87%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 160
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,730
Book and Supplies: $14,970
Percent Received Aid: 62%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,988
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 25%
Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is a public college in Blue Bell with satellite campuses in Pottstown and Lansdale. It was founded in 1964 and is presently recognized in areas of faculty credentials and technological advancement. In terms of accreditation, MCCC is MSCHE-accredited. Its associate’s degree program is also accredited by ACEN and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Nursing (Associate’s Degree Program) - This program prepares students for entry-level nursing roles and for the NCLEX-RN. The curriculum is a blend of liberal and nursing science in order to produce graduates who are able to think critically and provide nursing care for patients in various healthcare settings. Theoretical knowledge is also reinforced with practical application through the state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center located at Blue Bell Campus. Graduates can seamlessly transfer to various RN to BSN programs.
Nurse Aide Training Certification Program - With less than six weeks of completion, this Nurse Aide Certification equips students with skills for safety and emergency procedures, infection control, client rights, and client independence, among others. Program completion provides eligibility to sit in the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Examination and be enrolled in the Nurse Aide Registry for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Nursing Reactivation - RNs with inactive/lapsed licenses can now refresh their med-surg competencies through this Nursing Reactivation Program. The program consists of three component courses—Theory, Laboratory, and Clinical, with 60, 40, and 80 hours, respectively. This program received approval from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Nursing Refresher- This program is for RNs with an active license and would want to refresh their med-surg knowledge and skills. Two options are offered—2 or 3 component courses. The latter consists of Theory, Laboratory, and Clinical, while the 2-component course no longer requires clinicals.
#7 Associate Degree in Nursing
Community College of Allegheny County
Pass Rate

- 800 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, PA - 15233-1895
- (412) 323-2323
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.79%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 227
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,602
Book and Supplies: $11,863
Percent Received Aid: 74%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,992
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 16%
Located in Pittsburgh, Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) is a public educational institution with four satellite campuses and four centers. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MS-CHE). Students in its Nursing Programs will have access to scholarships such as: Pittsburgh Foundation Nursing Scholarships, Edward and Dorothy Livingston Fund, William Henry Fitch Memorial Trust Fund Scholarship, Sheena M. Taylor Scholarship, and CCAC Scholarships.
Associate Nursing Program - Through a combination of liberal arts, selected sciences, and nursing in the curriculum, this program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and for their roles as entry-level nurses. It requires at least 67 or 68 credits in order to graduate. The program is offered as a Traditional Track or as a Boyce Fast Track. The latter is offered at the Boyce Campus with evening/weekend classes. This allows completion for as few as 17 months. In terms of accreditation, this associate nursing program is accredited by ACEN with Continuing Accreditation as the most recent decision. It is also approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
#8 Associate Degree in Nursing
Bucks County Community College
Pass Rate

- 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA - 18940-4106
- (215) 968-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.44%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 130
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,898
Book and Supplies: $13,298
Percent Received Aid: 51%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,971
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 25%
#9 Associate Degree in Nursing
Northampton Community College
Pass Rate

- 3835 Green Pond Rd, Bethlehem, PA - 18020-7599
- (610) 861-5300
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.58%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 118
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,890
Book and Supplies: $15,270
Percent Received Aid: 82%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,182
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 22%
Founded in 1967, Northampton Community College is a two-year public college with three campuses—Bethlehem, Monroe, and Fowler Southside Center. Moreover, the college has state-of-the-art facilities and class sizes are small to provide individualized attention to students. Individuals interested in nursing can enroll in the Associate Degree Nursing or LPN programs. The former has an accreditation from ACEN and an approval from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Practical Nursing (PN) certificate program - With 3-semester completion, this 43-credit program is designed for students seeking entry into the nursing profession as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The required 43 credits are divided into 16 and 27 credits for general education courses and nursing courses, respectively. Program graduates are eligible to sit in the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Associate Degree Nursing Program - This 71-credit Associate Degree Nursing Program is designed for individuals seeking a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). With program completion as few as four semesters, students are equipped with the competencies needed for nursing practice. Hands-on experiences through laboratory, clinicals, and simulations are part of the curriculum. Working individuals can still enroll in the program since an evening/weekend schedule is also offered. Graduates are eligible to sit in the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and practice as entry-level nurses. Students interested in pursuing a BSN degree can have a seamless transition in four-year institutions offering a BSN degree, made possible through the college’s various articulation agreements. These educational institutions include but are not limited to: Bloomsburg University, DeSales University, and Moravian College.
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You Might Also Be Interested In
Nursing Programs Offered by Pennsylvania Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 73
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 17
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 14
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 6
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 5
- CNL: 5
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 4
- Nursing Administration: 4
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Practical Nursing: 2
- Nurse Educator: 2
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: 2
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
Pennsylvania Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- University of Pittsburgh: 10
- Drexel University: 9
- Duquesne University: 8
- Pennsylvania State University: 6
- Villanova University: 4
- La Salle University: 4
- Robert Morris University: 4
- Temple University: 4
- Wilkes University: 4
- Moravian College: 4
Additional Pennsylvania ADN Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Pennsylvania Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
87.57 | Community College of Philadelphia | 11 | ADN |
86.89 | Community College of Beaver County | 12 | ADN |
86.82 | Reading Area Community College | 13 | ADN |
85.22 | Lock Haven University | 14 | ADN |
85.10 | Clarion University of PA | 15 | ADN |
84.74 | Delaware County Community College | 16 | ADN |
84.33 | Lehigh Carbon Community College | 17 | ADN |
81.76 | Westmoreland County Community College | 18 | ADN |

ADN Programs in Pennsylvania
ADN Financial Aid and Scholarships for Pennsylvania Nurses
Pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Pennsylvania? The journey may seem steep financially, but what resources are available to ease this burden?
Various forms of financial aid are available for Pennsylvania ADN students, including Loans, Grants, and Scholarships. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial in this process. Filling out this form gives students access to numerous federal, state, and institutional aid programs. Complete the FAFSA here.
Pennsylvania also provides state-specific financial aid resources. Visit the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) for detailed information.
ADN Scholarships for Pennsylvania Nurses
There are several scholarships that Pennsylvania ADN students can apply to:
- Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania Scholarships: This scholarship targets Pennsylvania residents enrolled in nursing programs. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: May.
- Pennsylvania State Nurses Association Scholarships: PSNA offers several scholarships for nursing students who are PSNA members. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: April.
- Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA) Scholarships: FNSNA provides scholarships to nursing students across the U.S., including Pennsylvania. Award Amount: Up to $7,500. Application Deadline Month: January.
- Pittsburgh Black Nurses in Action Scholarships: This scholarship benefits African American nursing students in the Pittsburgh area. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: June.
- Nurse Foundation of Pennsylvania Scholarships: NFP provides scholarships for Pennsylvania nursing students with financial need. Award Amount: Up to $1,000. Application Deadline Month: May.
Securing financial aid may seem daunting, but numerous resources are available. By exploring these options, Pennsylvania ADN students can ease their financial burden and focus on their nursing journey.
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Pennsylvania Resources for ADN
In Pennsylvania, numerous state and organizational resources support nursing students pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). These resources provide essential information and guidance throughout their educational journey. Below is a list of vital resources for Pennsylvania ADN students:
- Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing – Visit Website
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing regulates the nursing profession, ensuring that nurses meet the required standards. They offer licensing, renewal, and continuing education information for ADN students and registered nurses. - Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) College Navigator for Pennsylvania – Visit Website
The IPEDS College Navigator is a valuable resource for Pennsylvania ADN students to search and compare accredited nursing programs in the state. It provides detailed information on tuition, enrollment, graduation rates, and financial aid. - Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Pennsylvania – Visit Website
The BLS offers comprehensive data on employment and wages for registered nurses in Pennsylvania. This resource helps ADN students understand the job market, average salaries, and employment trends in the nursing profession within the state. - Pennsylvania State Nurses Association – Visit Website
The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association is a professional organization representing nurses in the state. They provide networking opportunities, advocacy, and continuing education resources for ADN students and registered nurses. - Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania – Visit Website
The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania represents hospitals and healthcare organizations in the state. They offer resources, advocacy, and educational opportunities for ADN students interested in working or advancing their nursing careers within hospital settings.
By utilizing these resources, Pennsylvania ADN students can enhance their educational experience and prepare for successful nursing careers.
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After graduating with a degree in English Literature from UCLA, Jeff published four editions of the World Wide Web Yellow Pages by Barnes and Noble, and several editions of the Best of the Web. He’s worked as an executive at both startup and mature companies including CareerPath.com and Microsoft. With nearly three decades of publishing and business development expertise, he now puts that experience to use operating RNCareers.org to help future nursing students get reliable information on registered nursing careers.