University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Penn Nursing reflects both the intensity of health professions education and the vibrant community of an Ivy League university. Nursing students balance demanding coursework, clinical rotations, and research activities with opportunities for campus involvement and personal development. The school occupies dedicated space within the health sciences campus, connected to the broader Penn campus and its extensive resources. Clinical rotations take students throughout the Philadelphia healthcare system, from the flagship Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to community health centers serving diverse populations. These experiences expose students to the full range of healthcare settings and patient populations while building practical skills under supervision. The varied clinical environments require adaptability and provide breadth that prepares graduates for diverse career paths. The Penn campus offers extensive opportunities beyond the nursing school. Students can participate in university organizations, attend campus events, and take advantage of recreational and cultural programming. Penn's location in West Philadelphia provides access to the city's attractions while maintaining a distinct campus environment. Student services include academic support, career counseling, and wellness resources that help students manage the demands of health professions education. Housing options include university dormitories for undergraduates and graduate housing for advanced students, as well as off-campus apartments in the University City area. The neighborhood offers restaurants, shops, and entertainment within walking distance of campus. Philadelphia provides major city amenities at costs lower than other Northeastern cities, with excellent healthcare institutions, cultural attractions, and professional opportunities.
Location & Surroundings
The University of Pennsylvania campus occupies over 300 acres in the University City neighborhood of West Philadelphia, with the nursing school housed within the health sciences complex adjacent to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. This location places students at the heart of one of the nation's premier academic health centers, with clinical facilities immediately accessible. The broader campus features beautiful landscaping, historic buildings, and modern facilities that create an attractive academic environment. Philadelphia offers the cultural amenities of a major city at costs substantially below New York or Boston. World-class museums, excellent restaurants, and diverse neighborhoods provide abundant options for life beyond campus. Center City Philadelphia is easily accessible by public transportation, offering nightlife, dining, and entertainment. Historic attractions from Independence Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art add cultural depth to the urban environment. The climate features four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold winters that include occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather ideal for exploring the city and surrounding region. Students should prepare for temperature extremes in both directions, with summer heat occasionally becoming oppressive and winter cold requiring appropriate gear. The campus and clinical sites remain active year-round regardless of weather conditions. Transportation options include the extensive SEPTA system of buses, trolleys, and subway/elevated trains that serve both the campus and clinical sites throughout the region. Many students get around by bicycle, taking advantage of dedicated lanes and flat terrain. A car can be convenient for some clinical placements but is not essential for most students. Philadelphia's airport provides connections throughout the country and internationally.
Costs & Career Outcomes
The costs of nursing education at Penn vary by program level and student category. Undergraduate tuition is approximately $60,000 annually, consistent with Penn's overall undergraduate pricing, plus room, board, and fees that bring total costs to approximately $85,000 annually. Graduate tuition varies by program, with MSN and DNP students paying per-credit rates that result in total program costs ranging from $60,000-$150,000 depending on specialty and program length. PhD students typically receive full funding including tuition and stipend. Financial aid is available at all levels through Penn's need-based aid programs, merit scholarships, and external funding sources. Penn meets full demonstrated financial need for undergraduate students, making the school accessible regardless of family income. Graduate students access department scholarships, loan programs, and employer tuition assistance where applicable. The federal Nurse Corps Scholarship and loan repayment programs provide additional support for students willing to commit to service in underserved areas. Career outcomes for Penn Nursing graduates are exceptional, reflecting the school's top ranking and the strong demand for nursing professionals. BSN graduates typically receive multiple job offers before graduation, with starting salaries ranging from $65,000-$85,000 depending on location and setting. Advanced practice graduates, including nurse practitioners, command higher salaries typically ranging from $95,000-$140,000 based on specialty and location. PhD graduates typically enter faculty positions at research universities with starting salaries of $100,000-$130,000. Major employers of Penn Nursing graduates include academic medical centers, health systems, and healthcare organizations across the country. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and other regional health systems hire many graduates, while others relocate nationally for positions at leading institutions. The alumni network spans healthcare leadership roles, with Penn graduates serving as chief nursing officers, deans, and policy leaders across the profession.
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