Best Nursing Programs in Ohio (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 180 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Ohio. The fastest listed completion time is 15 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $180,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 89.8% first-time pass rate. RNs in Ohio earn $73,400/year on average (BLS).
180
Programs
38
Schools
15 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
89.8%
Avg NCLEX (9)
92
Online / Hybrid
$73K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Ohio nursing programs at a glance
- 180 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Ohio (0 LPN, 1 ADN, 16 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 15 months (Accelerated BSN at University of Cincinnati).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 95.11% (University of Cincinnati).
- 92 online or hybrid programs serve Ohio students (8 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Ohio: $73,400 (BLS) · 5% projected job growth through 2032.
Ohio nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 180 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 38 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 1 ADN · 16 BSN · 59 MSN · 24 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Accelerated BSN at University of Cincinnati — 15 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $180,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 89.8% average across 9 programs with published data · high: 95.11% (University of Cincinnati) |
| Delivery formats | 81 online · 11 hybrid · 8 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $73,400/yr (BLS) · 5% projected growth through 2032 |
LPN / LVN Programs in Ohio
Compare geo-targeted LPN and LVN partner matches for Ohio near ZIP 43215. The directory below stays in sync and hides schools already shown in the partner strip.
Showing 100 of 180 programs from our directory for Ohio.
Find nursing programs in Ohio
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How to choose a nursing program in Ohio
Ohio has a balanced mix of large public universities, private colleges, and a deep community college ADN system. Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati each have distinct hospital ecosystems, and clinical-site competition between programs is real. Ohio's NLC participation makes the license usable across most of the Midwest. Tuition partnerships between Ohio hospital systems and specific schools are common — ask HR before choosing a program.
Key takeaways
- Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
- Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, UC Health, Mercy Health, and ProMedica all offer tuition support for current employees — check before paying tuition.
- Ohio community college ADN programs (Cuyahoga, Sinclair, Columbus State, Cincinnati State) are the lowest-cost reliable RN routes.
- RN-to-BSN online completion is the dominant Ohio career pattern; many programs accept students mid-cycle.
- Cleveland Clinic's BSN-preferred hiring is well documented — plan for BSN completion if Cleveland Clinic employment is the goal.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 24 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $73,400 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Ohio
Programs by Degree Type
59
MSN Programs
24
DNP Programs
16
BSN Programs
1
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Ohio
38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University | 5 | BSNDNPMSN | 95.0% | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 6 | BSNDNPMSN | 95.1% | View |
| Galen College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | 85.3% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 6 | BSNDNPMSN | 79.8% | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| Herzing University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Ohio State University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Ohio?
There are 180 accredited nursing programs available in Ohio across 38 schools — including 0 LPN, 1 ADN, 16 BSN, 59 MSN, and 24 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Ohio?
Nursing program tuition in Ohio starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $180,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Ohio?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Ohio can be completed in 15 months (Accelerated BSN at University of Cincinnati). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Ohio?
Registered nurses in Ohio earn an average of $73,400 per year ($35/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Ohio is projected to grow 5% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Ohio?
Yes. There are 92 online and hybrid nursing programs (81 fully online, 11 hybrid) available to Ohio residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Ohio.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Ohio?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, University of Cincinnati leads at 95.11% first-time pass rate (Accelerated BSN). Average across 9 programs with data: 89.8%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Ohio?
To practice nursing in Ohio, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Ohio Board of Nursing. Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years with 24 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in Ohio?
Yes. Like most states, Ohio is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 5% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Ohio?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Ohio vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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