2023 Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio
When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for nursing students. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamp that offer fast-track entry to many fields.
To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Nursing Degree Search has developed this Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio ranking. This report analyzed 33 schools in Ohio to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for nursing students. To come up with a school's ranking, we analyzed numerous factors related to post-graduation wages, the quality of education offered by the school, average accumulated student debt, and more.
View our full ranking methodology.
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Top Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our 2023 rankings named Herzing University - Akron the best school in Ohio for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Akron, Ohio, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 109 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Herzing Akron does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $12,750. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,352 in student loans.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Herzing Akron does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 77% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend James A Rhodes State College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio list. Lima, Ohio is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 301 students in 2021-2022.
Students from Ohio who attend Rhodes State College full time pay an average of $4,532 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,742. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,353 in student loans.
Online courses are available at Rhodes State College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 35% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Out of the 33 schools in Ohio that were part of this year’s ranking, Ohio University - Southern Campus landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Ironton, Ohio, the small public school handed out 71 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
On average, associate degree students take out $15,914 in loans while pursuing their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since OHIO Southern does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 92% took at least some of their classes online.
The excellent associate degree programs at University of Cincinnati - Blue Ash College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Ohio. Blue Ash, Ohio is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 759 students in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $6,790 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UC Blue Ash College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,588. On average, associate degree students take out $17,164 in loans while pursuing their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UC Blue Ash College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 72% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Central Ohio Technical College is a great place for nursing students working on their associate degree. COTC is located in Newark, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 344 associate degrees to qualified students.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,718 in student loans.
COTC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 39% took at least some of their classes online.
Lakeland Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio list. Lakeland is located in Kirtland, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 814 associate degrees to qualified students.
In-state students pay an average of $4,477 in tuition and fees if they attend Lakeland full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,105. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,198 in student loans.
Online courses are available at Lakeland, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 61% took at least some of their classes online.
Ohio University - Chillicothe Campus came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio ranking. OHIO Chillicothe is located in Chillicothe, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 63 associate degrees to qualified students.
On average, associate degree students take out $15,634 in loans while pursuing their degree.
One thing to take note of is that OHIO Chillicothe does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 92% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
With a ranking of #8, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Cincinnati State is a public institution located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,009 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $5,274 in tuition and fees if they attend Cincinnati State full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,558. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,555 in student loans.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Cincinnati State does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 57% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Read full report on Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Cuyahoga Community College District did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the fairly large public school awarded 2,352 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,641 in student loans.
One thing to take note of is that Cuyahoga Community College District does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 86% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Owens Community College ranked #10 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio list. Owens State Community College is located in Perrysburg, Ohio and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,046 associate degrees to qualified students.
Students from Ohio who attend Owens State Community College full time pay an average of $5,630 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,022. Associate Degree recipients from Owens State Community College accumulate an average of $18,299 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Owens State Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 48% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
With a ranking of #11, Clark State Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Springfield, Ohio, the small public school handed out 549 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,152 in tuition and fees if they attend Clark State Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,568. Associate Degree recipients from Clark State Community College accumulate an average of $18,152 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Clark State Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 59% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
With a ranking of #12, Ohio University - Athens Campus did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Athens, Ohio is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 110 students in 2021-2022.
Associate Degree recipients from OHIO Athens accumulate an average of $15,914 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Online courses are available at OHIO Athens, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 82% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Sinclair Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #13 on the list. Dayton, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 2,094 students in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $4,569 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Sinclair Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,316. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,597 in student loans.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Sinclair Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Fortis College - Centerville ranked #14 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio list. This very small private for-profit school is located in Centerville, Ohio, and it awarded 63 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
If you want to attend Fortis College - Centerville, expect to pay an average of $16,459 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Fortis College - Centerville accumulate an average of $29,044 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Fortis College - Centerville does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 85% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Kent State University at Tuscarawas did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #15 on the list. New Philadelphia, Ohio is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 249 students in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $6,995 in tuition and fees if they attend Kent State University at Tuscarawas full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,910. On average, associate degree students take out $20,471 in loans while pursuing their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Kent State University at Tuscarawas does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 80% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
University of Rio Grande came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio ranking. University of Rio Grande is a small private not-for-profit school located in Rio Grande, Ohio that handed out 298 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $20,060 in tuition and fees if they attend University of Rio Grande full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $20,282. On average, associate degree students take out $15,706 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at University of Rio Grande. During the 2020-2021 year, about 27% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Kent State University at Geauga came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio ranking. Kent State University at Geauga is located in Burton, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 177 associate degrees to qualified students.
In-state students pay an average of $6,995 in tuition and fees if they attend Kent State University at Geauga full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,910. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,565 in student loans.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Kent State University at Geauga. In 2020-2021 about 87% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Beckfield College - Tri-County came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio ranking. Beckfield College - Tri-County is a very small private for-profit school located in Cincinnati, Ohio that handed out 43 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
If you want to attend Beckfield College - Tri-County, expect to pay an average of $13,790 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Beckfield College - Tri-County accumulate an average of $24,643 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Beckfield College - Tri-County is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.
Kent State University at Ashtabula ranked #19 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio list. Ashtabula, Ohio is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 192 students in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $6,995 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Kent State University at Ashtabula. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,910. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,114 in student loans.
One thing to take note of is that Kent State University at Ashtabula does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 87% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Lorain County Community College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Elyria, Ohio, and it awarded 1,351 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,660 in tuition and fees if they attend LCCC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,601. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,093 in student loans.
Online courses are available at LCCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 65% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
North Central State College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio ranking. North Central State College is a small public school situated in Mansfield, Ohio. It awarded 354 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $5,786 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend North Central State College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,384. Associate Degree recipients from North Central State College accumulate an average of $9,480 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at North Central State College. In fact, around 65% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Stark State College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. Stark State College is located in North Canton, Ohio and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,081 associate degrees to qualified students.
Full-time students from Ohio pay an average of $4,548 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Stark State College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,644. On average, associate degree students take out $16,140 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Online courses are available at Stark State College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 58% took at least some of their classes online.
Bryant & Stratton College - Parma landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. This very small private not-for-profit school is located in Parma, Ohio, and it awarded 143 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average tuition and fees at Bryant & Stratton College - Parma is $19,048. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $22,933 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Bryant & Stratton College - Parma. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 57% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
With a ranking of #24, Northwest State Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Northwest State Community College is located in Archbold, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 297 associate degrees to qualified students.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Northwest State Community College is $4,578. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,930. Associate Degree recipients from Northwest State Community College accumulate an average of $11,769 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Northwest State Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 42% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Washington State Community College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Ohio ranking. WSCC is a public institution located in Marietta, Ohio. The school has a small population, and it awarded 307 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,048 in student loans.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at WSCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 58% took at least some of their classes online.
View Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >
Notes and References
Footnotes
*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.
References
- Read more about our ranking methodology.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.
More about our data sources and methodologies.