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Best Value Registered Nursing Colleges in Ohio

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing delivers the highest nursing graduate earnings in Ohio at $60,630 annually, despite charging just $12,939 in net costs. This private nonprofit in Columbus achieves a 70.90% graduation rate while maintaining selective 63.41% admissions. Ohio's nursing programs span from Youngstown State's budget-friendly $11,877 net price to specialized institutions serving the state's major healthcare employers. Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center create substantial demand for nursing professionals across all specializations, from bedside care to administrative leadership and clinical research roles. The earnings range of $55,942 to $67,899 reflects strong regional job prospects, with most programs delivering solid returns on educational investment. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with Wright State's Lake Campus offering 99.85% acceptance rates alongside competitive outcomes.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $63,922
Net Price Range
$59,276
Avg. Program Earnings
54.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,877 $56,373 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
2 $12,939 $60,630 $13,890 70.9% 63.4%
3 $12,603 $58,494 $7,504 42.5% 99.9%
4 $13,346 $56,716 $7,278 21.6%
5 $13,824 $56,716 $7,278 24.5%
6 $14,814 $60,399 $9,212 30.9%
7 $15,709 $60,585 $18,950 44.6% 46.2%
8 $15,216 $58,494 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
9 $15,156 $57,955 $15,672 65.0% 34.4%
10 $14,981 $57,068 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
11 $15,389 $57,318 $9,622 43.0%
12 $16,135 $57,318 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
13 $16,065 $55,942 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
14 $17,460 $58,078 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
15 $18,292 $60,399 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
16 $18,027 $55,964 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
17 $21,873 $67,899 $19,854 51.9% 55.1%
18 $19,462 $60,265 $16,394 60.0% 71.1%
19 $20,413 $62,463 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
20 $21,607 $65,905 $23,700 35.7%
21 $20,477 $61,859 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
22 $20,320 $60,799 $13,420 21.2% 93.9%
23 $20,088 $59,288 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
24 $19,614 $57,073 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
25 $20,004 $57,532 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
26 $20,204 $55,286 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
27 $20,918 $56,957 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
28 $22,140 $59,858 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
29 $21,596 $58,249 $28,930 38.1% 60.4%
30 $21,812 $56,210 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
31 $21,994 $56,513 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
32 $23,585 $60,035 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
33 $22,881 $58,077 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
34 $22,626 $57,318 $15,470 75.0% 75.0%
35 $23,156 $57,318 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
36 $23,987 $57,544 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
37 $25,727 $60,623 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
38 $29,541 $68,499 $20,560 32.2%
39 $24,335 $56,415 $14,023 41.9%
40 $25,022 $56,532 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
41 $27,654 $61,516 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
42 $32,074 $71,315 $19,686 78.6%
43 $29,682 $63,005 $19,902 19.4% 89.7%
44 $27,662 $56,716 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
45 $32,342 $57,115 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
46 $38,909 $60,045 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
47 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
48 $63,922 $27,504 76.9% 72.5%
49 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
50 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate gaps between Ohio nursing programs?

Ohio State's main campus achieves an 87.70% graduation rate compared to Miami University-Hamilton's 21.60%, reflecting different program structures and student populations. The most selective programs like Kettering College with 34.41% acceptance rates tend to graduate 65% of students. Mount Carmel's combination of 63.41% selectivity and 70.90% completion rate suggests effective student support systems. Regional campuses often serve different student demographics, contributing to varying completion patterns.

How do public versus private nursing costs compare in Ohio?

Public programs range from $11,877 to $18,292 in net costs, while private institutions span $12,939 to $16,135. Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers the best private value at $12,939 net cost with $60,630 earnings potential. Youngstown State provides the lowest overall cost at $11,877, making nursing education accessible across income levels. Most public programs charge in-state students between $7,278 and $12,799 before financial aid.

Does program selectivity correlate with nursing graduate earnings in Ohio?

The most selective program, Kettering College with 34.41% acceptance, produces $57,955 average earnings, while less selective options often match or exceed this figure. Mount Carmel's 63.41% acceptance rate yields the highest earnings at $60,630. Ohio State's main campus balances 52.72% selectivity with strong $60,399 outcomes. Wright State's Lake Campus accepts 99.85% of applicants while delivering competitive $58,494 earnings.

Where do Ohio nursing graduates find the best debt-to-earnings ratios?

Ohio State graduates carry the lowest debt burden at $18,622 while earning $60,399, creating the strongest financial position. Mount Carmel produces similar earnings of $60,630 with manageable $21,500 debt loads. University of Toledo offers competitive $58,078 earnings against $20,500 debt. Kettering College graduates face the highest debt at $29,050, though still within reasonable bounds for the nursing field.

What factors drive the $12,000 earnings spread among Ohio nursing programs?

Cleveland State shows the lowest average earnings at $55,942, while Mount Carmel and Ohio State exceed $60,000 annually. Geographic location within Ohio influences salary ranges, with Columbus and major medical centers typically offering higher compensation. Program emphasis on administration and research specializations tends to boost earning potential. The state's major healthcare employers like Cleveland Clinic create premium opportunities for well-prepared graduates.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.