2026 Best Value Clinical Nurse Specialist Schools in Pennsylvania

1

Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA

For return on investment in clinical nurse specialist, no school beat Robert Morris University this year. Set in the suburb of Moon Township, Robert Morris University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,770 in tuition and fees. Clinical Nurse Specialist graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career clinical nurse specialist graduates make about $85,290. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Robert Morris University admits about 90% of applicants.

2

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earned it the #2 place for clinical nurse specialist. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Clinical Nurse Specialist graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Clinical Nurse Specialist graduates of University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earn a median of $98,377 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

3

Desales University
Center Valley, PA

Desales University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in clinical nurse specialist, landing the #3 spot this year. Desales University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Center Valley. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,800. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the clinical nurse specialist program here. Clinical Nurse Specialist graduates of Desales University earn a median of $97,620 early in their careers. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.