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9th Annual Ohio RN Program Rankings by RNCareers.org

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Ohio and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 39 ADN degree programs and 36 BSN degree programs in Ohio. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Ohio to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

RN Programs in Ohio

Best BSN Programs in Ohio

Jump to a Best Ranked Nursing Programs

#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Otterbein Nursing Program (Otterbein University)

Department of Nursing

93.90% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 1 South Grove Street, Westerville, OH - 43081
  • (614) 890-3000
Nurse Admin: John D. Chuan, PhD, DNR RN, CNR CNS
Title: Chair
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.90%
  • Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 151
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,390
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 100%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,647
  • Percent Admitted: 76%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%

#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Baldwin Wallace University

Nursing Program

90.44% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 275 Eastland Rd, Berea, OH - 44017-2088
  • (440) 826-2900
Nurse Admin: Yvonne M. Smith, PhD, APRN, CNS
Title: Professor and Chair, Department of Nursing
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.44%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 218
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 100%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,087
  • Percent Admitted: 70%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%

#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences

BSN Program

90.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 2600 6th St SW, Canton, OH - 44710-1797
  • (330) 363-6347
Nurse Admin: Jo Ann Donnenwirth, EdD, MSN, ACNS-BC, CNE
Title: Dean of Nursing and Allied Health
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 90.00%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 12
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,546
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 88%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,680
  • Percent Admitted: 62%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 48%
  • Graduation Rate: 25%

#4 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Ohio Northern University

Nursing Program

89.57% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 525 S. Main St, Ada, OH - 45810-1599
  • (419) 772-2000
Nurse Admin: Kami Fox, DNP, RN, APRN
Title: Director
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 89.57%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 215
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,800
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 99%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $23,582
  • Percent Admitted: 65%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%

#5 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Capital University

Capital University School of Nursing

89.39% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 1 College and Main, Columbus, OH - 43209-2394
  • (614) 236-6011
Nurse Admin: Heather Janiszewski Goodin, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, CPN
Title: Interim Dean of Nursing & Professor
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 89.39%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 153
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,800
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 100%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $26,438
  • Percent Admitted: 74%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
  • Graduation Rate: 60%

#6 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus)

College of Nursing

88.93% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 190 N. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH - 43210
  • (614) 292-6446
Nurse Admin: Karen M. Rose, PhD, MS, RN, FGSA, FAAN
Title: Dean
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 88.93%
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 4556
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,936
  • Book and Supplies: $1,012
  • Percent Received Aid: 84%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,846
  • Percent Admitted: 68%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 26%
  • Graduation Rate: 87%

#7 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Case Western Reserve University

Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

88.01% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH - 44106
  • (216) 368-2000
Nurse Admin: Carol M. Musil, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 88.01%
  • Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 1713
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 90%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $31,992
  • Percent Admitted: 30%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 15%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

#8 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

School of Nursing and Health Sciences

87.66% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 800 Martinsburg Rd, Mount Vernon, OH - 43050-9500
  • (740) 392-6868
Nurse Admin: Judy Gregg, DNP, MS, RN
Title: Chief Nurse Administrator
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 87.66%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 58
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 100%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $18,823
  • Percent Admitted: 72%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 35%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%

#9 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

College of Nursing

86.80% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 2624 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH - 45221-0063
  • (513) 556-6000
Nurse Admin: Gordon Lee Gillespie, PhD, DNR RN, CEN, CNE, CPEN, PHCNES-BC, FAEN, FAAN
Title: Interim Dean
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.80%
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 2418
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,598
  • Book and Supplies: $1,200
  • Percent Received Aid: 93%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,311
  • Percent Admitted: 76%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%

#10 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Department of Nursing

86.65% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 1235 University Blvd, Steubenville, OH - 43952-1763
  • (740) 283-3771
Nurse Admin: Amy Myers-Eisnaugle, DNP APRN, FNP-BC, ACNS-BC, CGNR
Title: Chair
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.65%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 126
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 99%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $14,582
  • Percent Admitted: 73%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 39%
  • Graduation Rate: 79%

#11 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Cedarville University

School of Nursing

86.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 251 N. Main Street, Cedarville, OH - 45314-0601
  • (937) 766-7700
Nurse Admin: Angelia Mickle, DNP APRN, FNP, PMHNP-BC
Title: Dean
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.20%
  • Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 227
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,330
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 100%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $17,226
  • Percent Admitted: 59%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%

#12 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Xavier University

School of Nursing

86.08% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH - 45207-1092
  • (513) 745-3000
Nurse Admin: Nezam Al-Nsair, PhD, RN
Title: Founding Dean
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.08%
  • Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 402
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 100%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,940
  • Percent Admitted: 81%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 11%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%

#13 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Kent State University

College of Nursing

85.89% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • Executive Office, 2nd Floor Library, Kent, OH - 44242-0001
  • (330) 672-3000
Nurse Admin: Versie Johnson-Mallard, PhD, WHNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP
Title: Dean and Professorr Henderson Endowed Chair
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 85.89%
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 930
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,934
  • Book and Supplies: $1,200
  • Percent Received Aid: 97%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,746
  • Percent Admitted: 84%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%

#14 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Mount St Joseph University

School of Health Sciences

85.85% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 5701 Delhi Rd, Cincinnati, OH - 45233-1670
  • (513) 244-4200
Nurse Admin: Kristin Clephane, DNP, RN, CPN
Title: Assistant Dean of Nursing
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 85.85%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 97
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 100%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $18,545
  • Percent Admitted: 60%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 34%
  • Graduation Rate: 55%

Overview of Nursing Schools in Ohio

  • There are 96 nursing schools in Ohio. The CCNE accredits 44 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 48 schools in Ohio.
  • Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Ohio is between 37.01% and 100.00%.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Ohio is between 24.44% and 93.90%.
  • The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
  • Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Ohio can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.

Ohio RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Compare RN Programs ADN BSN
Number of Nursing Programs 46 41
Average NCLEX Passing Rate 79.17% 80.21%
NCLEX Passing Rate Range 37.01% to 100.00% 24.44% to 93.90%

Nursing Programs Offered by Ohio Nursing Schools

  • Registered Nursing: 79
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 16
  • CNL: 7
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 7
  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 6
  • Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 6
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 5
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 5
  • Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 4
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 4
  • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 4
  • Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
  • Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: 1

Ohio Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Ohio

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Ohio offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

Become an APRN in Ohio

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

More of the Best RN Programs in Ohio

Grade
University
Ohio Rank
Degree
89.39 Capital University 5 BSN
88.93 The Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus) 6 BSN
88.01 Case Western Reserve University 7 BSN
87.66 Mount Vernon Nazarene University 8 BSN
86.80 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus 9 BSN
86.65 Franciscan University of Steubenville 10 BSN
86.20 Cedarville University 11 BSN
86.08 Xavier University 12 BSN
85.89 Kent State University 13 BSN
85.85 Mount St Joseph University 14 BSN
84.89 Ursuline College 15 BSN
84.78 Malone University 16 BSN
84.68 Walsh University Gary And Linda Byers School of Nursing 17 BSN
83.56 Muskingum University 18 BSN
83.35 Kettering College 19 BSN
82.98 Youngstown State University 20 BSN
80.10 Cleveland State University 21 BSN
78.86 Mount Carmel College of Nursing 22 BSN
77.60 The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences 23 BSN
77.52 University of Akron Main Campus 24 BSN
77.10 University of Toledo 25 BSN
76.51 Hiram College 26 BSN
76.03 University of Toledo-Bowling Green State University 27 BSN
72.74 Chamberlain College of Nursing 28 BSN
69.49 Bryant & Stratton College-Parma 29 BSN
68.11 Mercy College of Northwest Ohio 30 BSN
67.37 Notre Dame College 31 BSN
66.67 Herzing University - Akron Campus 32 BSN
65.80 Lourdes University (Lourdes College) 33 BSN

RN Licensing Requirements in Ohio

Comprehensive guide to Ohio Nursing License Requirements Renewals RN and APRN

Ohio State Board of Nursing
17 South High Street, Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-6940

Nursing Salaries in Ohio

How much do nurses earn in Ohio?

RN Programs Near Me


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