Best RN to BSN Online Programs in Pennsylvania
1. University of Pittsburgh
- Program: Online RN-BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 52
- Length: 4 Terms (Full-Time); 6 Terms (Part-Time)
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
Pitt’s Online RN-BSN is backed by a School of Nursing with an outstanding reputation and a ton of NIH funding. The School often earns top 10 rankings for its MSN & DNP programs, including specialty rankings for PMHNP, PNP, and Nursing Administration. It’s affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). It packs all kinds of useful electives and practicums into the RN to BSN program. And it’s well-known in the Northeast—employers will recognize the name.
2. Drexel University
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30 (45 Quarter Credits)
- Length: 1 Year (Full-Time); 2-3 Years (Part-Time)
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes – Check State Regulations
Drexel’s 100% Online RN to BSN is studded with quality markers. The College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) frequently earns national plaudits for its online graduate nursing programs. It receives glowing reviews—students often mention the caring professors, interactive online elements, and relevant coursework. And it offers a 3-year tuition lock and RN to BSN discounts to alumni, military, and partner organizations. RNs with a non-nursing bachelor degree should check out the streamlined RN-BSN-MSN route.
3. Pennsylvania State University
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 36
- Length: 1 Year (Full-Time); 2-3 Years (Part-Time)
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
Our #3 Best spot goes to Penn State’s unique Online RN to BSN from the highly ranked College of Nursing. It’s a convenient “build your own” program—you can choose the 100% online format (World Campus), a hybrid format, or a campus-based degree at one of six campus locations. If you opt for the 100% online path, the final capstone will include a 45-hour clinical practicum that can be completed near your home. Penn State isn’t super-cheap, but RN to BSN faculty are diverse and experienced. You can truly impress employers with an additional career-focused certificate.
Note: RN to BSN students must earn 36 of their last 60 credits at Penn State.
Cheapest RN to BSN Online Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is an expensive state for Online RN to BSN students. Even public universities in PA have a lot of mandatory per credit fees that will increase your tuition costs. For our Pennsylvania affordable rankings, we included any program whose total tuition price was under $10,000. Keep in mind that you’ll find cheaper options in our rankings of the Cheapest Online RN to BSN Programs in the country.
1. Clarion University
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes
- Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
This ACEN-accredited & 100% Online RN to BSN is offered at a special tuition rate. Clarion is a public university, but prices are the same for in-state and out-of-state RN to BSN students. Discounts will be applied to your account in the form of an RN-BSN Waiver each semester.
2. York College of Pennsylvania
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes
- Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
To calculate the price of YCP’s 100% Online RN to BSN, we used the standard non-partner tuition rate. However, if you’re eligible for the partner or military rate (which includes military spouses & family members), you’ll save around $2,000 on the total cost. Keep in mind that any General Education courses will be charged at a higher per credit rate.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania
To qualify as “fast,” Online RN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania in this list had to take less than one year. Any option that was 3 semesters or over was excluded. If you’d like more choice, have a look at our rankings of the Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in the country.
1. Carlow University
- Program: Online RN-BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Length: 11 Months (Full-Time); 16 Months (Part-Time)
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
Full-time students can get Carlow’s Online RN-BSN finished in 11 months. Part-time study might take 16 months. Fall and spring semesters are traditionally 15 weeks long; summer classes usually run for 8 weeks. Up to 12 credits of graduate coursework can be taken as part of the RN to BSN program.
RN to BSN Scholarships in Pennsylvania
Statewide Scholarships for Pennsylvania RN to BSN Students
Pennsylvania Nursing Organization Scholarships
Start with awards from Pennsylvania nursing associations & non-profit organizations:
- Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania (NFP) Scholarships: Charitable arm of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA)
- Professional Nurses of Southwestern PA Scholarship
- Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL) has PONL Partnerships with a number of PA universities, including Drexel, Gannon, and Cal U. Benefits include tuition discounts & fee waivers.
Pennsylvania Community Foundation Scholarships
You will also find education scholarships offered by your local PA Community Foundation. Here are just a few examples—visit your regional branch to find more!
- McKean Community Foundation Scholarships
- Elk County Community Foundation Scholarships
- Pittsburgh Foundation Scholarships
Some foundations even have school-specific funds. For instance, the Lancaster County Community Foundation offers the Nathan Schaeffer Scholarship to Millersville University students.
Tuition Discounts for Pennsylvania Healthcare Institutions
Be sure to talk to your Pennsylvania employer about education benefits! Many healthcare providers have plans in place (e.g. Geisenger’s tuition reimbursement).
Better yet, Pennsylvania universities offer a slew of partner discounts. Examples include:
- Drexel University’s special tuition rates for alumni, military, and members of partner organizations.
- Carlow’s tuition discount for RNs at Pennsylvania healthcare institutions, including UPMC, Allegheny Health Network, Excela Health, and Heritage Valley HealthCare Systems.
- YCP’s discounted tuition rate for partnering regional healthcare providers & military, as well as PGCC graduates.
- Alvernia’s Employer Partnership Programs.
University Scholarships for Pennsylvania RN to BSN Students
To help you decide on a Pennsylvania school, we’ve included links to specific nursing scholarships and general, university-wide awards. While you’re investigating university scholarships, bear in mind that many of them will be reserved for “traditional” 4-year undergraduate students.
Alvernia University
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania
Carlow University
Cedar Crest College
Chatham University
Clarion University
Drexel University
- Tuition Discount for Alumni, Partners & Military
- College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) Scholarships
- Drexel Undergraduate Scholarships
East Stroudsburg University
Gannon University
Immaculata University
- Department of Nursing Scholarships (e.g. Alice Leisch Guarino Scholarship)
- Immaculata Scholarships
La Roche University
La Salle University
Lock Haven University
Messiah College
- Department of Nursing Scholarships and Loans
- Tuition Discounts
- Messiah Scholarships, Grants and Loans
Millersville University
Misericordia University
Mount Aloysius College
Moravian College
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania State University
Robert Morris University
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
Waynesburg University
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Widener University
York College Pennsylvania
RN to BSN Requirements in Pennsylvania
RN Licensure: Online RN to BSN degrees are classified as “post-licensure” programs. Pennsylvania universities will expect you to hold—or be in the process of earning—your RN license. For example, Penn State & Millersville allow students to begin taking classes before passing the NCLEX and becoming licensed as an RN. However, they must possess an active and valid RN license to enroll in certain BSN courses.
- If you need any help with licensing, visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
- While you’re there, you might want to take a look at Board-Approved Nursing Education Programs & NCLEX Pass Rates. Pass rates won’t apply to RN to BSN programs, but they’re a useful quality marker.
State Authorization: Coming from out-of-state? Be sure you’re eligible to apply.
- Because of distance learning regulations, a few schools are unable to accept students from certain states. This rule is never consistent, so we recommend you examine the section on state authorization (e.g. Gannon’s RN-BSN State Authorization) or check with the program coordinator.
- Most universities in our listings are happy to accept RNs who have a valid license from any state. But there are a few exceptions! For instance, schools like Alvernia, ESU, and Bloomsburg only accept RN to BSN applicants with a current Pennsylvania RN license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Any Pennsylvania Universities Offer 100% Online RN to BSN Programs?
Absolutely. In fact, almost all of the Online RN to BSN programs in our PA listings are built on this framework. This means you will not be expected to visit the campus for classes or tests. And coursework will often be asynchronous (available at any time).
However, Online RN to BSN programs almost always includes “on-the-ground” elements. You will often be asked to complete BSN practicums, fieldwork, or capstone projects in your place of employment and/or your local community.
Should I Consider an Online RN to BSN to MSN Program in Pennsylvania?
If you’re toying with the idea of graduate work, but you still need a BSN for employment purposes (e.g. Magnet facility), you might want to consider Online RN to BSN to MSN programs. These pathways will allow you to earn both degrees in a shortened time-frame. You’ll discover all kinds of Pennsylvania options in our comprehensive listings of RN to BSN to MSN Programs.
Remember, too, that many Online RN to BSN programs will allow you to complete graduate-level courses during your BSN (e.g. Widener’s Accelerated RN to BSN with Master’s Courses). This will give you a jump-start on credit transfers if you eventually decide to earn an MSN.
Is Statistics Required for Pennsylvania Online RN to BSN Programs?
Sometimes. We’ve seen it listed as a prerequisite in a number of instances. But there are exceptions (e.g. Waynesburg). Check the admissions requirements and curriculum sections if you are in any doubt.
Keep in mind that many schools will allow you to take statistics or other prerequisites (e.g. Religion or Ethics at Christian universities) while you are earning your RN to BSN.
Can I Choose a “No Clinicals” Online RN to BSN Program in Pennsylvania?
It depends on what you mean by “clinicals.” Unlike pre-licensure programs, Online RN to BSN programs don’t include a lot of conventional nursing training and labs.
What you’ll find instead are BSN practicums and fieldwork, especially in courses dealing with nursing leadership, population health, and health assessment. In 100% online programs, you’ll be able to tackle these “clinical hours” in your local community and/or place of employment.
Do Pennsylvania Universities Offer Community College Affiliation Agreements & Discounts?
Yes! A large number of Pennsylvania universities have affiliation agreements with local area community colleges. Graduates of those colleges receive guaranteed admission to an Online RN to BSN program and streamlined credit transfers. Schools like Cal U and Waynesburg have additional articulation agreements with UPMS Schools of Nursing.
Community college students in the Northeast should also ask about tuition discounts and scholarships. For example, YCP’s discounted tuition rate often applies to Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) graduates.
Pennsylvania RN to BSN Online Schools
28 Schools Found
Alvernia University
Nursing Department
Reading, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN Completion
Offered Online
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Department of Nursing
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
RN - BSN
Offered Online
California University of Pennsylvania
School of Nursing
California, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Carlow University
School of Nursing
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Cedar Crest College
School of Nursing
Allentown, Pennsylvania
BSN Completion for RNs
Offered Online
Chatham University
School of Nursing
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
RN - BSN
Offered Online
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Department of Nursing
Clarion, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Drexel University
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Department of Nursing
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
RN to BS in Nursing
Offered Online
Gannon University
School of Nursing
Erie, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Immaculata University
School of Nursing
Immaculata, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
La Roche University
Nursing Department
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN Completion
Offered Online
La Salle University
School of Nursing
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Lock Haven University
Department of Nursing
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Messiah College
Department of Nursing
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Department of Nursing
Millersville, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Misericordia University
College of Health Sciences and Education
Dallas, Pennsylvania
Accelerated RN-BSN
Offered Online
Moravian College
Nursing and Public Health Department
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Nursing Program
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Pennsylvania College of Technology
School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN Completion
Offered Online
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
College of Nursing
University Park, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Robert Morris University
School fo Nursing, Education and Human Studies
Moon Township, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Department of Nursing
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
School of Nursing
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
RN-BSN
Offered Online
Waynesburg University
Department of Nursing
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
College of Health Sciences
West Chester, Pennsylvania
RN-BSN
Offered Online
Widener University
School of Nursing
Chester, Pennsylvania
RN-to-BSN
Offered Online
York College Pennsylvania
Stabler Department of Nursing
York, Pennsylvania
RN to BSN
Offered Online