Nursing Schools in Ohio: Campus & Online Programs (2026)
Compare 14 campus-based nursing schools in Ohio — plus accredited online programs open to Ohio residents. NCLEX pass rates, acceptance rates, and accreditation in one place.
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Campus-Based Nursing Schools in Ohio
Nursing schools with a campus in Ohio, ranked by NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and program quality.
| Rank | School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Acceptance Rate | Accreditation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Cincinnati | 88% | — | CCNE | View School |
| #2 | Case Western Reserve University | 85% | 33% | CCNE | View School |
| #3 | Cleveland State University – School of Nursing | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #4 | Columbus State Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #5 | Cuyahoga Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #6 | Hocking College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #7 | Lakeland Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #8 | Lorain County Community College | N/A | 64% | ACEN | View School |
| #9 | Mount St. Joseph University – Department of Nursing | N/A | 59% | CCNE | View School |
| #10 | Ohio State University | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #11 | Shawnee State University | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #12 | Sinclair Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #13 | Washington State College of Ohio | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #14 | Xavier University – College of Nursing | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
Online Nursing Programs Available to Ohio Residents
These accredited schools are based outside Ohio but enroll Ohio residents online. Confirm clinical-placement and Ohio Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
How We Evaluate Nursing Schools in Ohio
We separate schools with a physical campus in Ohio from accredited online programs that enroll Ohio residents, because the two answer different questions — one is about studying locally, the other about studying from Ohio. Within each group we weight NCLEX first-time pass rate most heavily; it is the strongest available predictor of how well a program prepares graduates for licensure.
Accreditation is non-negotiable: we only include schools accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or regionally accredited programs with state board approval. We also consider acceptance rate (program selectivity), program variety across degree levels (LPN through doctoral), and value relative to regional salary expectations. Where a school has not yet reported outcome data, we show it without inventing a number.
What to Look for in a Ohio Nursing School
The most important factor is NCLEX pass rate. The national average for first-time test-takers sits around 87–89% (NCSBN, 2023). Programs consistently above 90% have demonstrated they effectively prepare students for licensure. Ask schools for their three-year average pass rate — a single good year can be an anomaly.
Accreditation matters for several reasons beyond quality assurance. CCNE- or ACEN-accredited programs make you eligible for federal financial aid, qualify you for military service, and meet the requirements for most graduate nursing programs if you plan to advance your career later.
Consider clinical placement. Hospitals in Ohio often have affiliation agreements with specific nursing schools, giving graduates an inside track to jobs. If you are considering an online program based outside Ohio, confirm that it arranges clinical placements within Ohio and is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing for pre-licensure study.
Nursing Career Outlook in Ohio
Registered nurses in Ohio earn an average of $86,110 annually. The BLS projects nursing employment to grow 6% nationally through 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations — driven by an aging population and expanded access to healthcare. Ohio is expected to see strong demand in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and home health settings.
BSN-prepared nurses command higher salaries and have access to broader roles. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that 80% of nursing positions now prefer or require a BSN. If you currently hold an ADN, many schools serving Ohiooffer flexible RN-to-BSN completion programs you can complete while working.
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Advertiser DisclosureBelow are programs currently accepting applications from Ohio residents. Each will send tuition details, start dates, and admission requirements directly — useful for comparing schools and formats beyond the tables above.
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