13 Best Absn Programs In Pittsburgh, PA (2022 Updated)

I have graduated with five degrees from four different universities in Pittsburgh ranging from Bachelor to Doctorate degrees. I can honestly state that Duquesne was my favorite school. I received a higher quality of education and benefitted more from the smaller classes which are not offered by other schools. Most of my educators actually cared about their students and were not at all condescending (ok, there were a couple). Duquesne costs a bit more, but it was worth it. The campus is great. The classrooms; halls; and grounds are clean, traditional, and safe. My child chose to go to another school, but I would sleep better knowing that was living on campus at Duquesne rather than an apartment in Oakland. The only criticism I have is Duquesne has become more noticeably politically liberal than other Catholic schools. I’m ok with limited expression of personal liberal or conservative views, but I am disappointed when those views become a driver for the facility and administration to influence students. Some of those views have reached national attention which lowers my annual donations to the school.Jerry

We went for a campus tour today and absolutely fell in love with the campus. We are from the Pittsburgh area and I never expected the campus to be as big and charming as it is. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and the student:teacher ratio (14:1) with an average class size of 28 was a major bonus. The dorms are 2 bed frames with a desk and closet for each roommate with 2 drawers under the bed as well. They're spacious and clean. They have an amazing 4 floor workout building with every piece of equipment you could ever need! It truly is a hidden gem right in the downtown area. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city but still close enough to enjoy downtown amenities. I don't see how any other college could top this!!Melanie Phillips

A well known midsized eastern university. Good mix of commuter students and full time students living on campus. Known for programs in pharmacy. education, and music. Good mix of students from all ethnic/economic backgrounds. Although a Catholic University religion is not overly stressed.Peter Halapatz

This is a terrible university–at least from the perspective of a recent graduate student. From student housing, administration, available student resources (including post-graduation career advising, etc.), to some professor(s) playing politics & exacerbating an already tumultuous time for students, this is far and away the most crooked university I've ever had the displeasure of attending. It should be said there are a few fantastic professors who really made the program worthwhile and indeed enjoyable, though they are unfortunately not valued appropriately by the university. The sustainability of Eden Hall campus is also, frankly, laughable. Prospective students are strongly advised to attend another university or, at the bare minimum, tour Chatham in person and ask hard questions bluntly (How does Eden Hall factor into the financials of Chatham University? What is the base pay rate for students who hold jobs on campus? How will faculty be held accountable for predatory/questionable behavior and treatment of students? What does diversity of professors and executive-level management look like to Chatham? Are professors on the cutting-edge of their field and in tune with current trends/issues/solutions? What is the housing situation and will the university honor leases it enters into with students? What resources are available for students along their graduation trajectory, concerning professional development and career skills? Are some students treated preferentially by executive-level professors and how do you rectify these situations? What is the job outlook for graduates who hold XYZ degrees? Does the dining hall offer meals using ingredients primarily sourced from the campus farm? Will my papers be graded in a timely fashion with appropriate comments and edits where necessary? Will students be caught in the crossfire of professor/administration feuds and treated with disrespect in the classroom? Do professors speak poorly of current students to other students? Are some students given preferential treatment regarding thesis timelines and professor access, how will they be held accountable? Will course expectations for success be explained clearly and the syllabus adhered to, and if not, what is the process for rectifying this issue?)Ryan

I attended Chatham for 1 1/2 years in the Food Studies graduate program before transferring to another university. While my time in Pittsburgh was great and I had many once-in-a-lifetime experiences because of my attendance at Chatham, I feel that the program was nothing like I was led to believe and I often wondered while I was there if things were being done the best possible way. Many great advancements have been happening there over the past couple of years, especially in the Falk School of Sustainability. But it always felt super rushed, like they wanted to be the first ones to do this and thus didn't quite get the input from students and community that they should have. For instance, when they transferred the entire school out to the farm, many of us students were left hanging, with decisions being made without our input that didn't benefit us and often made our lives more complicated. Also, many new classes would be offered that were exciting but felt poorly planned. Ideas for courses would be posed just months (weeks, for one of them!) before offering them. While those teachers were certainly qualified to deliver that course, there simply wasn't enough fore-thought and planning put into the curriculum. I had enrolled in one of those courses because it sounded amazing and perfect for what I want to do, but it was extremely disorganized and didn't even feel like it was graduate level information being offered. Chatham as an undergrad school is also somewhat lacking from what I could see. There are very few majors actually offered in comparison to other schools, and those that exist also have very limited course offerings. It is a great place to go for that small-school feel and to be able to have your voice easily (sometimes TOO easily, given some of the voices that were loudest when I was there) heard by staff, students, and community. It offers a very welcoming atmosphere for diversity and, because of its small size, more opportunity to take on leadership roles in student organizations and such. But there are other schools that aren't as flashy and high-profile that can offer the same programs and just as many unique opportunities at a better deal. Chatham is pricey!!Christine Noelle

chatham seems to have deleted the previous one lol 🤨 but yeah if i could take back ever coming here i absolutely would. they say they’re this super liberal and minority caring campus but it’s the total opposite. someone said that “unless you’re an athlete or bringing them in money they couldn’t care less about you.” and i would agree but even then i don’t think they care about anything but making themselves look good and profit. when i attended i reached out to their “mental health service line” about the challenges i was facing and they didn’t respond to me until i had dropped out of the school over a month later and even then it was only to get a survey of “how i liked chatham?” this place and it’s president are an entire joke and i strongly advise looking ANYWHERE else.Antón Muíño

I graduated in 2019 from citizens school of nursing! I chose this program over 2 others based on numerous things! 1.) A friend of mine had gone there and had wonderful things to say about the classes and the staff! 2.) I also liked the fact that there was more clinical and more experiences over other programs (we got go to core, children’s home, 3 different hospitals, and numerous other awesome places while also taking care of a home health patient etc)! 3.)They put you into smaller groups and that group becomes like your family! We all studied together and pushed each other to do our best! I would never have passed if it wasn’t for my classmates and the amazing teachers! If I needed help, I could walk up to just about any of the staff and they would figure out a way to help me! All in all I am happy I chose citizens! My teachers have all kept in touch with me and I really truly feel like they care about where you end up there!Nikki Nadeo

I can honestly say that choosing citizens school of nursing was the best career choice I could have ever made. The instructors and faculty were welcoming from day 1, always willing to help and encourage us. They were available and answered on weekends, evenings (when they are off the clock). They truly wanted to see each and every student succeed. The atmosphere is wonderful, the facility is well kept & always tidy. Learning & engagement is 100%! Small classroom sizes, allowing for more individualized teaching/help. Citizens School of Nursing prepared me to enter this profession & I feel confident doing it. I’ve made lifelong friendships & will forever be grateful. Citizens School of Nursing- Instructors, Faculty, Staff & my graduating class will always have a special place in my heart. I am proud to be a Citizens School of Nursing graduate!Nola Ries

I had a great experience at Citizens! The teachers are great, if you need help they will absolutely take the time to help you. You get way more clinical experience then any other nursing school around time wise and variety of places you go! The program is tough and you have to work hard but hey it’s nursing school it’s supposed to be tough. I feel a lot of the negative comments are from people who couldn’t make it through the program and you have to put the time and hard work in for sure. If you are looking for a nursing school call and talk to them you won’t be disappointed. You will have a great nursing school experience and land a great job after graduation.shannon lowen

Just had surgery there and I can tell you that the nurses are very kind and very professional. I went for my knee surgery and it was a good experience. Would recommend them to anyoneJeffrey Ramsey

Let me make something very clear by saying the professors themselves are fantastic. They have never done me wrong by any means and have been so beneficial in my college education and supportive in my dream to seek education beyond CCAC. The administration at CCAC is a completely different story. I was in a grave medical situation and was not offered even a slight bit of support from the college and had to purposely fail classes. Every single appeal attempt I made was rejected except for the obvious college error. When they did eventually accept a few of my medical withdrawals after one of their directors of advisory refused to look at my appeals or my medical records. These were medical withdrawals, not normal withdrawals which is a completely different process involving my doctor. They purposely put the withdrawals on my transcript as W instead of MW so they could still claim the one thousand so dollars they medical withdrawals were supposed to forgive completely. I’m almost sure that is illegal. Secondly, I was placed in 100 level courses even though I made it extensively clear during my time with the college that I wanted to transfer to a four year university. I wasn’t too concerned at first because most universities accept 100 level classes for undistributed credit. CCAC failed to tell me that their 100 level classes do not qualify for this. I was screwed out of overall $3,500 and 15 credits (all A’s and one B by the way) I was told would transfer. I am twenty years old now standing with less credits than a first semester freshman. I urge you to consider this situation if you want to attend CCAC and I urge you to attend a four year university instead if you’re financially and academically capable. Most universities openly charge you a ridiculous amount of money upfront but CCAC chose to be sneaky about it. The American College system is already messed up and CCAC is just further aiding it by being sneaky in their financial ways.Micayla Rain

I have been a degree-seeking and non-degree student at this location of CCAC and online since 2014. Here, I received two associate's degrees, one in nursing and another in business. I have several college degrees, including from tier-1 universities, so I can compare the quality of CCAC to other schools. The quality of the students and instructors at CCAC is a mixture—some good and some bad. Generally, students and instructors at major universities are a better quality than at CCAC, but universities cost a lot more money. As a result, I take lower-level classes at CCAC and then transfer for the upper-level classes. I will continue to take classes at CCAC because their tuition is much more affordable, and they offer many convenient online classes.Tiffany Yanosky

I love CCAC, as an international student, I learned a lot here, and thanks to the mentors in the learning commons, especially Ali and Anne, under their help, I improved my writing skills. Teachers are good and nice to students. But, the advisors are not helpful enough. when I come to them, they are just interested in registering classes but not caring much whether the courses are suitable to you. and the reception in the 120 room is so impatient and always speaks with brows frown. Hope there are some survey for those people who are serving for CCAC, students' voice could be heard.Wei Yuan

In my experience, this is a good campus to adjust to the college environment since it is similar in size to a high school campus. But, it has very limited student events, limited in person classes, and limited specific classes that fit your need for your major. I transferred to Butler County Community College Main Campus and honestly I'm glad I did. There is just not enough students and not enough activities to really make friends and get the most out of your college experience. If there is a positive to take from this place, it is a great learning environment because there is not many people there to cause distractions or annoy you taking exams.Coleton Garbutt

North Campus (McCandless Township) REDUCE YOUR COLLEGE DEBT AS YOU GO Get a great education for way less cost. Middle States accreditation and programs designed to guarantee CCAC students junior status at a four-year colleges or universities. One of the safest colleges in Western PA. Home to CCAC's Innovation Lab for our Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and Multimedia Programming, Simulation & Gaming programs and a virtual reality (VR) lab.Ray Marks

I have visited CCAC North Campus, but I have completed only online classes, such as an accounting class. The building contains classrooms, a gym, cafeteria, tutoring, and an Innovation Lab that offers interesting programs such as Data Analytics. The tuition is the same as for other CCAC campuses, so students can save a lot of money on lower-level classes compared to a university.Tiffany Yanosky

Nice as can be until they get your $200 enrollment fee, then you won’t hear back from them! Dr Jekyll and MsHyde with personalities after getting your non refundable money!! School old and run down looking, staff very cold and unapproachable. Walked up to Sue Winstel at Orientation to ask a quick question during break, another lady was standing and talking to her about unrelated school topics. The lady looks at me and said, oh you can go ahead. Sue continues to talk and ignore me! Very awkward considering she was so nice prior to getting my $200 enrollment fee! No classes offered online( found this out AFTER they got the $200)! Additionally, busy road students have to cross to go back and forth to classes, no parking except for miles away from campus! No matter how nice they seem initially, it’s all about the money… not the student or family!Christy Tee

Attended graduate school, professors required us to find work in the field but would not assist, and if you couldn't find a job by the time assignments were due, you failed. Was in elementary education and no one would give me a break and at least let me volunteer at a school. The Dean basically said "it's weird that you can't get a job working with children", and I immediately dropped out over such a horrendous accusation. Disgusting people.Lauren M

I first looked at Carlow for their Autopsy program when I was a senior in high school. Four years later, I have found Carlow to be my home away from home where I have had the opportunities to work with some amazing teachers and people. I love the small class sizes here, the teachers know you by name, and the close knit community provides a welcoming environment while still having the feel of a school in the big city.Sammi Berton

I’m originally from Texas and kinda ended up here as a freshman on accident. All my dream schools rejected me or their financial aid was not pleasant. I have visited TONS of schools from Chicago, LA, NYC, ATL, TX + and all of them were “my dream place” it feels great now saying I go here because this place seriously is the best place in the world to me. I could NOT be happier here. An environment that cares about its students, throws challenges at you IF YOU WANT THEM and above all seriously a stunning and unique place. From the cathedral of learning, to its top notch education. Seriously this place is a hidden gem and I couldn’t be happier here. Don’t be fooled by its “public” status. Yes it is a public school but it gives other schools a run for their money at a seriously affordable price(assuming you get aid which is kinda on your part from academics). I can’t stress enough how perfect this place is to me. Even it’s imperfections like how it lacks grocery stores or sometimes lacks food or “cardiac Hill” all make really good stories and the school never stops improving. Is it prestigious? Not to the extent of other places. But will you have an awesome time AND a competent education that’s world class?? Yes! I sound like I’m advertising but I really feel that way and so do other students. BEST PLACE TO STUDY IN THE US. H2P!Antonio Ponce

I went to college here, and honestly best school ever! I have a BA in Communication, and I’m returning this year to get a Master of Health Administration. Everything is good, such as food, exercise facilities, professors, and social events. Pitt also helps you get an internship with their internship-guarantee program. If you go to Pitt you definitely need to do that! I did three internships and one research fellowships during college. The school is nationally ranked, always a top 100 university on US World News and Report (I think Pitt is #66 this year). School of Public Health (which I’m going to attend) is a top 20 public health school.MonaLisa Leung Beckford

This place is awful. Terrible learning environment, professors don’t give a damn, did not feel safe for even a second, noisy and obnoxious. After one year of attending this college and I already know I’ll never return even for a visit. Students and professors are disrespectful. Charging 35 grand a year for nothing but ridiculousness. If I could rate this 0/5 I would.Graham Hulse

I'm not normally one to leave bad reviews or complain, however my experience so far at Point Park has been so abysmal I feel the need to at the very least leave some sort of warning for anybody considering the university. I chose Point Park because it had a very reputable program for my major that not a lot of universities provide and it's only about 45 minutes from home for me- a good distance to go away and live at school without going too far. I give Point Park two stars only because as far as academics go, the school pretty much delivers. I learn a lot about my major from reputable professors, however a vast overtone of sorts in many of my classes that are major related seems to be that my professors just kind of assume a previous knowledge of most of the subjects we cover, which in most cases, at least for myself, is not the case. Pretty much everything else about this University has not been satisfactory for me. My dorming experience from my freshman year onward was consistently miserable. It's honestly criminal how much the university charges to live on campus when the dorm conditions are past sub-par. For a while I lived on the top floor of the main residential building that has no air conditioning and the rooms are all about the size of a matchbox, they barely even fit the furniture that the university provides. In the spring/summer/fall it's so hot I can barely even stand to sit in the room for more than an hour or two. I would consistently get about two hours of sleep a night because it was just too hot to even sleep. Not to mention the residence hall is just completely outdated as far as amenities and looks. My room and my bathroom were both very grimy. When I eventually could move into a suite with air conditioning, I was comfortable, however I quickly found my roommates were not a good match with me. They were loud and messy, and when I asked for a room change, the university literally told me that I was on my own and I could "ask around" the other suites to see if I could move into a spare space. That, as a customer of the university, is the wrong answer. What they should've said, is that they'd be happy to help and they'd get on it right away. Now, I have to consider moving back home and commuting and they're losing my business. Another major gripe I have with the university is the dining halls. The hours of the dining halls are so poorly scheduled, I scarcely I have time to go get food between my classes. Half the time I get up and I'm ready for breakfast, and they're late opening the dining hall, or the university's newly renovated cafe half of the counters are closed for no reason. In addition, the options are so limited compared to other universities I've been to. A lot of the time I pick up dirty bowls and silverware, or I don't even bother to eat half of the food I try because none of it tastes good. The icing on top of the cake is the dining hall staff is consistently rude. They've even scolded me for taking more than one item at the "all you can eat" dining hall. In my opinion, if I'm paying outrageous amounts for a meal plan, I should be able to take whatever I please. Not only the dining hall staff has been less than pleasant with me, but also some of the professors. I say some because I've had professors at this school that really do care about their students, but I've had professors who could really just care less. That seems to be the overarching theme for a good part of the university's staff is that they just simply don't care, if I have a problem or a question it seems like I have to go through five people just to get a semblance of an answer. Pretty much once they get your money, they could care less about you. Point Park also likes to boast its abundance of student activities when there really aren't any. For such a dance and performance heavy school, they have absolutely no extra curriculars or classes for non-majors. Basically it's like if it's not your major they won't be bothered with you. All in all this school just has made me feel like I've wasted my money, please be warned.Juliana Rossi

I attended Point Park from Fall 2006 until Spring 2009 and my academic experience there was, for the most part, mediocre at best. I was a psychology major, so choosing Point Park at all was honestly my first mistake. I was astounded by how few psychology courses were being offered at a time, and as early as my sophomore year I felt like I was being forced to take child psychology classes that I didn't actually need for any real reason because I'd already taken all the general psych being offered in a given semester and I was panicking about how I was going to get all of those credits in four years. After three years, however, I took a medical leave. This was supposed to grant me two years from that point to return without any fear of consequence, and I carefully followed all of the instructions in doing so, which I must have done well because they signed off on it and sent me confirmation. However, a mistake must have been made on their end because when I did inquire about returning to school, which I did before my two years was up, I was told I couldn't move forward because my loans had been sent to a collection agency. Yes, even though I'd followed all of their rules and should therefore never have had to worry about this, my loans had not only activated but had already been sent to the dreaded debt collectors. When I tried to stress that this must be a mistake because of what I've already said here, they simply told me it was out of their hands and there was nothing they could do. So, basically, unless you're going for something they strongly specialize in, you might want to consider another school. And if you do choose Point Park for whatever reason, you'd better make sure don't need to take a medical leave.Julianna Belle

I would have given Point Park University 5 stars but settled four as I hate the 2-3 times a year calling alumni to give. If I wanted to and could donate, I know where you are and these calls are a bit belittling. Enough said, I got my MBA from them in the Summer 2004 as the school provided me a way to work full time during the week and attend graduate classes on Saturdays. Other schools were not a flexible and/or required a residency option in the summer that I could not work out in my work schedule (personal reasons more than professional). The adjunct professors were great and offered that real-left experience than that you normally get from tenured professors who are book smart. Also, having other classmates that are adults and bring that other side of real life into the classroom added to the experience. A great school and graduate program that got bigger and added more options than I had 12 years ago.Jeffrey Smith

Went to Nursing school at WPSON. My experience here was great and helped me become the nurse I am today. The staff and program well prepare you to become a independent RN. The most beneficial part of a diploma nursing school is the amount of hands on/clinical experience that is given to you.Rachel Slobodnyak

Graduated from nursing school here in 2019. I had phenomenal instructors that wanted to help you learn and have a good experience. Everyone was very personable and easy to talk to.Leah Wunderley