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.Â

Best BSN Programs in Ohio
- The Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus)
- Case Western Reserve University
- Otterbein Nursing Program (Otterbein University)
- University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Kent State University
- Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Xavier University
- Ursuline College
- Baldwin Wallace University
- Capital University
- Ohio University-Main Campus (Athens)
- Ohio Northern University
- Walsh University Gary And Linda Byers School of Nursing
- Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Cedarville University
- Mount St Joseph University
- Malone University
- Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- Wright State University-Lake Campus
- Youngstown State University
#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus)
Pass Rate

- 190 N. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH - 43210
- (614) 292-6446

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 84.23%
- 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%
#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Case Western Reserve University
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
Pass Rate

- 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH - 44106
- (216) 368-2000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 82.29%
- 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%
#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Otterbein Nursing Program (Otterbein University)
Pass Rate

- 1 South Grove Street, Westerville, OH - 43081
- (614) 890-3000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 79.72%
- 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%
#4 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Pass Rate

- 2624 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH - 45221-0063
- (513) 556-6000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 79.70%
- 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%
#5 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Kent State University
Pass Rate

- Executive Office, 2nd Floor Library, Kent, OH - 44242-0001
- (330) 672-3000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 79.18%
- 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, RN to BSN
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%
#6 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Pass Rate

- 2600 6th St SW, Canton, OH - 44710-1797
- (330) 363-6347

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 77.54%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, RN to BSN
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%
#7 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Xavier University
Pass Rate

- 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH - 45207-1092
- (513) 745-3000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 76.45%
- 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%
#8 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Ursuline College
Pass Rate

- 2550 Lander Rd, Pepper Pike, OH - 44124
- (440) 449-4200

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 76.32%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 60
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: $11,580
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,448
Percent Admitted: 81%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
Graduation Rate: 36%
#9 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Baldwin Wallace University
Pass Rate

- 275 Eastland Rd, Berea, OH - 44017-2088
- (440) 826-2900

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 75.04%
- 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%
#10 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Capital University
Capital University School of Nursing
Pass Rate

- 1 College and Main, Columbus, OH - 43209-2394
- (614) 236-6011

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 73.55%
- 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%
#11 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Ohio University-Main Campus (Athens)
Pass Rate

- 020 Chubb Hall, Athens, OH - 45701-2979
- (740) 593-1000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 73.50%
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, RN to BSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 1007
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,840
Book and Supplies: $918
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,030
Percent Admitted: 87%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 16%
Graduation Rate: 66%
#12 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Ohio Northern University
Pass Rate

- 525 S. Main St, Ada, OH - 45810-1599
- (419) 772-2000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 72.80%
- 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%
#13 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Walsh University Gary And Linda Byers School of Nursing
Pass Rate

- 2020 East Maple St, North Canton, OH - 44720-3396
- (330) 499-7090

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 72.74%
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to BSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 107
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,128
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 97%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,252
Percent Admitted: 77%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
Graduation Rate: 60%
#14 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Pass Rate

- 1235 University Blvd, Steubenville, OH - 43952-1763
- (740) 283-3771

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 72.64%
- 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%
#15 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Cedarville University
Pass Rate

- 251 N. Main Street, Cedarville, OH - 45314-0601
- (937) 766-7700

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 72.27%
- 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%
#16 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Mount St Joseph University
Pass Rate

- 5701 Delhi Rd, Cincinnati, OH - 45233-1670
- (513) 244-4200

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 71.54%
- 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%
#17 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Malone University
Pass Rate

- 2600 Cleveland Avenue NW, Canton, OH - 44709-3308
- (330) 471-8100

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 71.28%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, RN to BSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 59
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $22,425
Percent Admitted: 74%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
Graduation Rate: 54%
#18 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Pass Rate

- 800 Martinsburg Rd, Mount Vernon, OH - 43050-9500
- (740) 392-6868

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 71.08%
- 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%
#19 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Wright State University-Lake Campus
Pass Rate

- 7600 Lake Campus Drive, Celina, OH - 45822-2952
- (419) 586-0300

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 70.12%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,968
Book and Supplies: $1,400
Percent Received Aid: 87%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,747
Percent Admitted: 100%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 55%
Graduation Rate: 37%
#20 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Youngstown State University
Pass Rate

- One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH - 44555-0001
- (877) 468-6978

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (D) 69.93%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 377
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,021
Book and Supplies: $1,100
Percent Received Aid: 97%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,088
Percent Admitted: 70%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
Graduation Rate: 47%
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
- Case Western Reserve University: 12
- The Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus): 10
- University of Cincinnati-Main Campus: 8
- Wright State University-Main Campus: 8
- Kent State University: 7
- University of Akron Main Campus: 6
- University of Toledo: 4
- Walsh University Gary And Linda Byers School of Nursing: 3
- Mount Carmel College of Nursing: 3
- Xavier University: 3
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:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
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
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?
- CNA Salary Report for 2025
- LPN Salary Report for 2025
- RN Salary Report for 2025
- NP Salary Report for 2025
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