Top Nursing Schools in Ohio: Pursue Your Medical Passion

The best nursing schools in Ohio are characterized by rigorous curricula, exceptional staff, and a strong emphasis on supporting their students.

Ohio is among the states with the finest nursing schools, offering superior education that perfectly balances rigorous academic training with extensive clinical experience to prepare its students to excel in the dynamic nursing field. 

Throughout this article, we introduce 17 of the best nursing schools in Ohio currently, which ensure a comprehensive and supportive learning environment, providing you with the knowledge and skills required to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Additionally, we’ll highlight some key factors you should consider as you research your potential future school.

Takeaway 

Choosing to pursue a nursing education at an Ohio school shares similarities with the pioneering courage exemplified by Neil Armstrong, a native of Ohio… These journeys involve pushing boundaries and understanding complex systems with the help of trusted and skilled institutions, whether it be to explore the cosmos or navigate healthcare. Driven by the common pursuit of excellence and the greater good, these endeavors stand as testaments to human aspiration and the desire to impact the world positively.

17 Best Nursing Schools in Ohio – 2023 Rankings

Explore 17 of the best nursing schools in Ohio for 2023. Each one offers a variety of programs ranging from undergraduate degree programs to master’s and doctorate programs. Consider some of their key features and see which one would best fit your goals.

The Ohio State University, Columbus

• A public institution accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Offers a comprehensive range of nursing degree programs, spanning from pre-nursing prerequisites to advanced doctoral degrees, available via campus, hybrid, and online formats
• Admission requirements vary by program but typically include:
  • A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA
  • Composite ACT score of 25 or higher 
  • Composite SAT Score of 1200 or higher 
  • Be in the top 10-percent of your high school class (for undergraduate studies)
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 90%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $372 per credit hour

Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland

• A private, not-for-profit institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers nursing programs in a variety of levels, including accelerated and traditional BSN and MSN programs, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), dual doctorate degrees, and post-graduate certificates, primarily available via campus and hybrid formats
• Admission requirements vary by program, but typically include:
  • A minimum 2.0 GPA
  • At least a “C” grade in all courses specifically required for the major
  • Registered nurse (RN) licensure in Ohio
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 92%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $64,100 per academic year

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati

• A public institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers  a diverse array of nursing degrees across multiple levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, and DNP, along with online programs, accelerated tracks, and specialized certificates, available via campus, hybrid, and online formats
• Admission requirements vary by program but typically include:
  • A suggested minimum GPA of 3.0 
  • A recommended minimum ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 1070
  • Completion of prerequisite courses
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 94%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $6,785 per semester

Kent State University, Kent

• A public institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and CCNE
• Offers a variety of nursing degrees, from BSN to DNP, including specialized options like ABSN, online RN-to-BSN, MSN with unique paths, and a Ph.D. program, along with specialized certificates available via campus, hybrid and online formats
• Admission requirements vary by program but typically include:
  • A minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
  • Completion of prerequisite courses
  • A “C” grade or better in each course
  • An active, unrestricted RN license (for graduate studies)
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 94%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $575.70 per credit hour

Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati

• A private, not-for-profit institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers nursing programs encompassing bachelor’s, master’s, and DNP degrees available via campus and online formats
• Admission requirements vary by program, but typically include:
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a “C” grade or higher
  • Recommended ACT score of 21 or higher or SAT score of 1070 or higher
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 88%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $35,450 per academic year

Cleveland State University, Cleveland

• A public institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers various nursing programs, including BSN options for undergrads, MSN tracks like Nursing Education and Clinical Nurse Leader, plus advanced degrees such as DNP and Health Systems Nursing Leadership, available primarily via campus and online formats
• Admission requirements vary by program but typically include:
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a “C” or better grade
  • A minimum overall prerequisite GPA of 2.75
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 88.5%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $520.95 per credit hour

Xavier University, Cincinnati

• A private, not-for-profit institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers several nursing degree options like traditional BSN and MSN programs, accelerated options, direct entry MSN, along with specialized online MSN and DNP tracks.
• Admission requirements vary by program but typically include:
  • A cumulative 2.7 GPA
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a “C” grade or higher
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 86%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $23,948 per semester

University of Toledo, Toledo

• A public institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a range of nursing programs, encompassing BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, as well as APRN certificate programs available via campus, hybrid, and online formats
• Admission requirements vary by program but typically include:
  • 3.6 high school GPA paired with a minimum of 23 ACT and 1130 SAT
  • 3.8 high school GPA for test-optional applicants
  • An active RN licensure (for graduate studies)
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 85%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $639.75 per credit hour

The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Cincinnati

• A private, not-for-profit institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a traditional BSN program, accelerated option, associate degree, and an RN to BSN program, available primarily on campus, with some online format options
• Admission requirements vary by program, but typically include:
  • A minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA
  • An active, unencumbered RN license
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 74%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $575 per credit hour

Otterbein University, Westerville

• A private, not-for-profit institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a variety of program levels, such as bachelor’s and master’s degree, MSN to DNP, post master’s NP Certificate, and RN to MSN options, available on-campus and online format
• Admission requirements vary by program, but typically include:
  • A minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a “C” grade or better
  • A valid and unrestricted license as an RN (for graduate studies)
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 91.7%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $33,824

 Ursuline College, Pepper Pike

• A private, not-for-profit institution accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the CCNE
• Offers various undergraduate and graduate degree options, available via campus, hybrid and online formats
• Admission requirements vary by program, but typically include:
  • A minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Composite ACT of 20 or SAT of 1030 (optional)
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a “C” grade or higher
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 90%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $37,380 per academic year

The University of Akron, Akron

• A public institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a range of nursing programs, encompassing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, available via campus and online
• Admission requirements vary by program, but typically include:
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA 
  • 22 ACT or a 1030 SAT (for direct admission)
  • Completion of prerequisite courses
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 92%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $433 per credit hour

Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Columbus

• A private, not-for-profit institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a range of nursing degree programs, including accelerated and traditional BSN degrees, master’s degree, MSN to DNP, post-master’s NP certificate, and RN to BSN level degrees, available via campus, online, and hybrid formats
• Admission requirements vary by program, but typically include:
  • A minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses
  • A minimum “C” grade on all prerequisite courses
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 92%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $345 per credit hour

Mercy College of Ohio, Toledo

• A private institution accredited by the ACEN and CCNE
• Offers nursing degree programs at bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, including accelerated options and post-master’s certificates, available via campus or online
• Admission requirements vary by program, but typically include:
  • A minimum 2.7 GPA
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a “C” grade or better
  • A minimum composite ACT score of 24 or SAT score of 1160-1190 (for direct admission)
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 85%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $540 per credit hour

Wright State University, Dayton

• A public institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers various nursing degrees at bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, including post-master’s certificate and RN to BSN degrees, available via campus and online
• Admission requirements vary by program but typically include:
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA
  • High ACT or SAT scores (optional for some programs)
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 85%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $501 per credit hour

Ohio University, Athens

• A public institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers a range of nursing degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, including pathways for LPN to BSN and RN to BSN degrees, available via campus and online
• Admission requirements vary by program, but typically include:
  • A minimum 2.75 GPA for graduate studies
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA for undergraduate studies
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” or better
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 96%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $505 per credit hour

Walsh University, North Canton

• A private, not-for-profit institution accredited by the CCNE
• Offers numerous nursing programs ranging from BSN pre-licensure to DNP programs, including post-graduate certifications, available via campus and online
• Admission requirements vary by program but typically include:
  • A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate Statistics course
  • A current unencumbered RN license
• Average NCLEX pass rate of 85%
• Tuition cost depends on the program, but it’s typically around $745 per credit hour

What To Consider When Choosing a Nursing School

When looking for nursing programs, it’s crucial to take into account certain factors to help you make an informed decision that matches your career objectives:

Accreditation: Verifying that the nursing program you select is accredited is essential as it ensures that the program adheres to the standards established by accrediting organizations to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills required for a successful career in nursing.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for a nursing program, you may need a nursing bachelor’s degree, specific prerequisite courses, and a certain GPA.

Cost and Financial Aid: Before enrolling in any nursing school, research the tuition costs of their programs and scholarship opportunities to manage expenses.

Program Format: When considering nursing programs, it’s essential to consider the best format for your schedule and responsibilities.

Faculty: Explore the faculty’s expertise and qualifications. Experienced faculty can better prepare you for the challenges of the nursing profession.

Program Length: Consider program length when choosing a nursing program—most take 2-3 years or more. Align the program with your timeline and commitments.

Curriculum and Clinical Hours: Review its curriculum to ensure it covers all the essential topics and provides a comprehensive education.

Graduation and NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Check the program’s graduation and NCLEX pass rates, as a higher rate indicates the program’s effectiveness in guiding students through their education.

The Bottom Line

Throughout this article, we have highlighted 17 of Ohio’s top nursing schools, offering valuable insights into their accreditation, program offerings, admission requirements, tuition fees, and NCLEX pass rates. Keep in mind that when selecting the ideal school, it’s crucial to weigh in several other factors as well, including graduation rate, program length, and the curricula. With this information, you can make better-informed decisions about your educational journey.