<p>Yes, U. Penn is one of the few colleges that often offers aid without requiring loans for lower and middle income families (and some upper middle income families).</p>
<p>Two other reach schools with BSN programs that are generous with need-based aid for out of state students are UNC-Chapel Hill and UVa. However, UVa does use $4k of work study and $7K a year of federal loans to meet need in many cases. UVa does have a loan cap, after which you can be eligible for extra aid in your fourth year. If you have a good summer job, you may be able to reduce or avoid the work study. Both are extremely competitive out of state for admissions.</p>
<p>Particularly once clinicals start, it is a good idea to avoid having to work during the school year in a work study or other part time job. </p>
<p>Last I checked, UNC was not direct entry. </p>
<p>UVa is direct entry. They also have a great new nursing building, right next to a very large modern hospital complex and the older nursing building.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that many universities (including UVa and Penn State) increase tuition and fees for nursing students in the last couple years. That cost may not be readily apparent. </p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that tuition at most schools increases by a $1,000 or more each year. If a college promises to meet 100% of need, then need based aid will typically increase with tuition increases. However, most merit aid offers are flat amounts, and do not increase with inflation. </p>