Overview
The Villa Maria School of Nursing traces its roots to Villa Maria College, founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, and became part of Gannon University through a merger in 1989, bringing with it a long tradition of nursing education rooted in Catholic values of service and compassion. The school has built a strong reputation in the Erie, Pennsylvania region and beyond for producing well-prepared, compassionate nurses, with consistently high NCLEX-RN pass rates and strong employment outcomes for graduates. It offers a range of programs from undergraduate BSN degrees to graduate and doctoral nursing degrees, emphasizing both technical competence and holistic patient care.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Erie, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1925 |
| Total students | 1,200 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 80% |
| Graduation rate | 78% |
| Average starting salary | $62,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $35,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $35,000 |
| Room & board | $13,000 |
| Average financial aid | $22,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 95% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1030-1220 |
| ACT range | 20-26 |
| Average GPA | 3.5 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- RN-to-BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Nurse Practitioner Programs
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.