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2023 Best Nursing Schools in Ohio

68 Schools Ranked
$40,881 Average Earnings
$26,831 Avg Student Debt

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.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Best Nursing Schools in Ohio to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 68 schools in Ohio to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for nursing students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Schools in Ohio

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

3,885 Total Awards
$62,001 Average Earnings
$93,440 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Case Western Reserve University to be the best school for nursing students in Ohio. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 3,885 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $93,440 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $683, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Case Western graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $62,001 during the early year of their career.

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637 Total Awards
$54,915 Average Earnings
$36,136 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Ohio Northern University is a great place for nursing students. ONU is located in Ada, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 637 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $36,136 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $281. Once they receive their degree, ONU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $54,915 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Ohio Northern University

185 Total Awards
$40,804 Average Earnings
$26,775 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Herzing University - Akron helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Ohio. Herzing Akron is located in Akron, Ohio and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 185 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $26,775 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $175, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Herzing Akron graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,804 during the early year of their career.

Full Herzing University - Akron Report

447 Total Awards
$38,621 Average Earnings
$13,752 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means James A Rhodes State College is a great place for nursing students. Rhodes State College is located in Lima, Ohio and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 447 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Rhodes State College accumulate an average of $13,752 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Rhodes State College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,621 during the early years of their career.

Full James A Rhodes State College Report

#5

Otterbein University

Westerville, Ohio
704 Total Awards
$40,331 Average Earnings
$30,166 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Otterbein University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Ohio. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Westerville, Ohio, and it awarded 704 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $30,166 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $657 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Otterbein graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,331 during the early year of their career.

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16,872 Total Awards
$49,871 Average Earnings
$34,977 Avg Student Debt

Ohio State University - Main Campus came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Ohio ranking. Ohio State is a public institution located in Columbus, Ohio. The school has a large population, and it awarded 16,872 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $34,977 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $320.After graduating from Ohio State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,871 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Ohio State University - Main Campus

#7

Muskingum University

New Concord, Ohio
556 Total Awards
$37,532 Average Earnings
$24,581 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Muskingum University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Muskingum is a small private not-for-profit school situated in New Concord, Ohio. It awarded 556 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Muskingum accumulate an average of $24,581 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Muskingum graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,532 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Muskingum University

#8

University of Mount Union

Alliance, Ohio
641 Total Awards
$39,121 Average Earnings
$44,325 Avg Student Debt

University of Mount Union ranked #8 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Ohio list. Mount Union is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Alliance, Ohio. It awarded 641 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $44,325 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $489 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Mount Union graduates make an average of $39,121 annually.

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#9

Xavier University

Cincinnati, Ohio
1,986 Total Awards
$49,232 Average Earnings
$33,367 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Xavier University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Xavier is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Cincinnati, Ohio. It awarded 1,986 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,367 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $656 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Xavier graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,232 during the early year of their career.

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#10

Cedarville University

Cedarville, Ohio
933 Total Awards
$50,578 Average Earnings
$41,863 Avg Student Debt

Cedarville University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Ohio ranking. Cedarville University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Cedarville, Ohio that handed out 933 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $41,863 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $482, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Cedarville graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,578 during the early year of their career.

Full Cedarville University Report

71 Total Awards
$39,998 Average Earnings
$20,270 Avg Student Debt

Ohio University - Southern Campus landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Located in Ironton, Ohio, the small public school awarded 71 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,270 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $422 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, OHIO Southern graduates make an average of $39,998 annually.

Read full report on Ohio University - Southern Campus

9,599 Total Awards
$45,584 Average Earnings
$29,201 Avg Student Debt

Ohio University - Athens Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #12 on the list. Located in Athens, Ohio, the large public school awarded 9,599 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,201 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $422, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, OHIO Athens graduates make an average of $45,584 annually.

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12,161 Total Awards
$49,016 Average Earnings
$33,704 Avg Student Debt

University of Cincinnati - Main Campus came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Ohio ranking. University of Cincinnati - Main Campus is a large public school located in Cincinnati, Ohio that handed out 12,161 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $33,704 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $330. During the early years of their career, UC graduates make an average of $49,016 annually.

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965 Total Awards
$41,374 Average Earnings
$37,225 Avg Student Debt

Baldwin Wallace University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Ohio ranking. Located in Berea, Ohio, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 965 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Baldwin Wallace College accumulate an average of $37,225 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $413, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Baldwin Wallace College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,374 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Baldwin Wallace University

#15

The University of Findlay

Findlay, Ohio
849 Total Awards
$49,793 Average Earnings
$40,748 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, The University of Findlay did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Findlay, Ohio is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 849 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $40,748 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $448, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Findlay graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,793 during the early year of their career.

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#16

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon, Ohio
514 Total Awards
$41,208 Average Earnings
$23,635 Avg Student Debt

Mount Vernon Nazarene University landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Mount Vernon, Ohio that handed out 514 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,635 in student loans. During the early years of their career, MVNU graduates make an average of $41,208 annually.

Read full report on Mount Vernon Nazarene University

829 Total Awards
$37,851 Average Earnings
$27,417 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Franciscan University of Steubenville did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Located in Steubenville, Ohio, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 829 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Franciscan U accumulate an average of $27,417 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $554 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Franciscan U, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,851 during the early years of their career.

Full Franciscan University of Steubenville Report

2,861 Total Awards
$43,588 Average Earnings
$34,441 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Wright State University - Main Campus did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Wright State University - Main Campus is a medium-sized public school located in Dayton, Ohio that handed out 2,861 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $34,441 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $151 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Wright State University - Main Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,588 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Wright State University - Main Campus

#19

Beckfield College - Tri-County

Cincinnati, Ohio
112 Total Awards
$31,768 Average Earnings
$17,828 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Beckfield College - Tri-County did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Cincinnati, Ohio is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 112 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Beckfield College - Tri-County accumulate an average of $17,828 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Beckfield College - Tri-County graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,768 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Beckfield College - Tri-County

#20

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, Ohio
3,933 Total Awards
$44,241 Average Earnings
$31,406 Avg Student Debt

Cleveland State University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Ohio list. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the fairly large public school handed out 3,933 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,406 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $165 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Cleveland State University graduates make an average of $44,241 annually.

Read full report on Cleveland State University

#21

Capital University

Columbus, Ohio
783 Total Awards
$40,866 Average Earnings
$41,563 Avg Student Debt

Capital University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Capital University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Columbus, Ohio that handed out 783 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $41,563 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $448 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Capital graduates make an average of $40,866 annually.

Read full report on Capital University

818 Total Awards
$43,652 Average Earnings
$17,855 Avg Student Debt

University of Cincinnati - Blue Ash College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Ohio list. UC Blue Ash College is located in Blue Ash, Ohio and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 818 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,855 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $211, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UC Blue Ash College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,652 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of Cincinnati - Blue Ash College

200 Total Awards
$38,405 Average Earnings
$23,259 Avg Student Debt

Wright State University - Lake Campus landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Located in Celina, Ohio, the small public school handed out 200 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Wright State University - Lake Campus accumulate an average of $23,259 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $140. Once they receive their degree, Wright State University - Lake Campus graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,405 during the early year of their career.

Full Wright State University - Lake Campus Report

#24

Walsh University

North Canton, Ohio
685 Total Awards
$43,775 Average Earnings
$40,303 Avg Student Debt

Walsh University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Located in North Canton, Ohio, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 685 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $40,303 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $393, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Walsh, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,775 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Walsh University

#25

Lakeland Community College

Kirtland, Ohio
982 Total Awards
$42,671 Average Earnings
$15,472 Avg Student Debt

Lakeland Community College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Ohio list. Lakeland Community College is a small public school located in Kirtland, Ohio that handed out 982 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,472 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Lakeland graduates make an average of $42,671 annually.

Read full report on Lakeland Community College

Best Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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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.

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