University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Philadelphia, PA
Quick Facts
1886
Founded
700+
Enrollment
16%
Acceptance Rate
96%
NCLEX Pass Rate
About University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) is consistently ranked among the top three nursing schools in the United States. As part of the Ivy League and one of the world's leading research universities, Penn Nursing offers students access to extraordinary clinical, research, and interdisciplinary resources. Students train at Penn Medicine, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and dozens of partner facilities throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Penn Nursing is known for its pioneering role in nursing science, education innovation, and health policy. The school's research portfolio spans areas including genomics, palliative care, health equity, aging, sleep science, and global health. The faculty includes members of the National Academy of Medicine, and the school's Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research is among the most influential nursing research centers in the world.
Degree Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A four-year pre-licensure program within the Ivy League, combining Penn's liberal arts education with rigorous nursing science and clinical training at Penn Medicine and partner facilities.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
An intensive 14-month second-degree BSN for students with a bachelor's degree in another field. The program maintains the same clinical rigor as the traditional BSN in a compressed format.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Advanced practice programs with specializations in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family NP, Pediatric NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Nurse-Midwifery, and Health Leadership.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A practice-focused doctoral program for advanced practice nurses seeking the highest clinical credential, with emphasis on leadership, evidence translation, and health systems improvement.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing holds full CCNE accreditation for its BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. Penn Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the nation and the world.
Campus & Online Options
Penn Nursing is based on the University of Pennsylvania's campus in University City, Philadelphia. The BSN and ABSN programs are fully on-campus with clinical rotations at Penn Medicine, CHOP, and partner facilities. Graduate programs include some hybrid elements. The school does not offer fully online pre-licensure programs.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
Undergraduate tuition at Penn is approximately $62,000 per year. Graduate program tuition varies, with MSN programs at approximately $1,900 per credit hour. Penn's financial aid program is among the most generous in higher education, with need-based grants that eliminate loans for qualifying students.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Penn Nursing offers substantial institutional financial aid including need-based grants, merit scholarships, and endowed nursing awards. Penn's no-loan financial aid program means that qualifying undergraduate students receive grants instead of loans. Graduate students benefit from research assistantships, teaching fellowships, and external scholarships including the Nurse Corps Scholarship and Jonas Nurse Scholars program.
Admissions Overview
Admission to Penn Nursing is extremely competitive, with acceptance rates among the lowest of any nursing program in the country. The BSN program admits a limited cohort through Penn's holistic undergraduate admissions process. The ABSN program requires a completed bachelor's degree and prerequisite courses.
Application Deadline
January 5 for regular decision BSN; varies by graduate program
Requirements
- Outstanding academic record with strong performance in sciences
- Completed prerequisite courses (varies by program)
- Personal essays demonstrating commitment to nursing and leadership
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- Healthcare experience strongly recommended
- Standardized test scores (optional for BSN; not required for most graduate programs)
Student Life
Penn's University City campus in Philadelphia offers a vibrant urban environment with access to world-class museums, restaurants, professional sports, and a thriving healthcare industry. Nursing students participate in student organizations, interprofessional events, global health trips, and community health outreach. The campus provides housing, recreation facilities, and extensive career services.
Great for Future Travel Nurses
Penn Nursing graduates bring an elite clinical education and the prestige of an Ivy League degree to their travel nursing careers. Training at Penn Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, both nationally ranked institutions, exposes students to the highest-acuity patients and the most sophisticated clinical environments in the country. This level of preparation makes Penn graduates exceptionally competitive for travel assignments at top academic medical centers and specialty hospitals. Pennsylvania's NLC membership allows graduates to practice across compact states with a single license, simplifying the logistics of travel nursing. Penn's extensive alumni network and the school's reputation as a leader in nursing innovation also provide valuable professional connections throughout a travel nursing career.
Frequently Asked Questions
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