2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Ohio
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Ohio? This list ranks 273 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Nursing Degree Search analyzed 68 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Ohio
Explore the best-value schools below:
James A Rhodes State College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Ohio. James A Rhodes State College is a public school based in Lima, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $4,560, compared with $9,120 for out-of-state students. James A Rhodes State College Nursing students take on a median of $17,070 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,855. Set against $17,070 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on James A Rhodes State College
You'll get strong value at Lakeland Community College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Kirtland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,872, while out-of-state students pay about $9,235. Graduates carry a median of $19,857 in student loans. Lakeland Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,612 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lakeland Community College
Out of the 68 schools in Ohio in this year's value ranking, Clark State Community College landed the #3 spot. Located in Springfield, OH, Clark State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,393, compared with $8,049 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $20,740. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,584 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Clark State Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuyahoga Community College District earned it the #4 place in Ohio. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, while out-of-state students pay about $7,249. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,654 ten years after entry. Set against $14,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Cuyahoga Community College District
Out of the 68 schools in Ohio in this year's value ranking, Washington State Community College landed the #4 spot. Washington State Community College is a public school based in Marietta, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,128, with out-of-state students paying around $4,152. Graduates carry a median of $16,291 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,988 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Washington State Community College report
Central Ohio Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Newark, OH, Central Ohio Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,256, compared with $8,016 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,779. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,168. That is a strong return on a $16,779 median debt. More on Central Ohio Technical College
Ohio University Southern Campus placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in Ohio. Based in Ironton, OH, Ohio University Southern Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,362, with out-of-state students paying around $9,444. Graduates carry a median of $24,542 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ohio University Southern Campus report
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,517, while out-of-state students pay about $10,044. Graduates carry a median of $17,730 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Sinclair Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $37,558 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Sinclair Community College report
Northwest State Community College landed the #10 spot for value in Ohio this year. Based in Archbold, OH, Northwest State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,698, compared with $9,170 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,565. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,004. That is a strong return on a $11,565 median debt. Get the full Northwest State Community College report
Stark State College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,790, with out-of-state students paying around $7,886. Students borrow a median of $17,349 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $34,661 ten years out. Set against $17,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Stark State College profile
Edison State Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Piqua, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,499, compared with $8,346 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $15,406. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,360 ten years after entry. Set against $15,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Edison State Community College
Lorain County Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Elyria, OH, Lorain County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,265 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,860. Graduates carry a median of $17,611 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,837. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lorain County Community College
Ohio University Chillicothe Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Chillicothe, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,362, compared with $9,444 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,542 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,542 median debt. Get the full Ohio University Chillicothe Campus report
Owens Community College landed the #15 spot for value in Ohio this year. Based in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,870, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Students borrow a median of $19,383 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,275 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Owens Community College
University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in Ohio. Set in Blue Ash, OH, University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, compared with $15,904 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $19,408. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College profile
Belmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in St Clairsville, OH, Belmont College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,698, with out-of-state students paying around $7,200. Typical Nursing student debt is $20,524. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,329 ten years after entry. Set against $20,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Belmont College
Wright State University Lake Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Celina, OH, Wright State University Lake Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,372, with out-of-state students paying around $17,072. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,522. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,500. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wright State University Lake Campus report
North Central State College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Mansfield, OH, North Central State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,786 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,374 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,236. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,158 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,236 median debt. See the full North Central State College profile
Kent State University At Tuscarawas came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Kent State University At Tuscarawas is a public school based in New Philadelphia, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,211, compared with $17,969 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,569 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Kent State University At Tuscarawas profile
Southern State Community College placed #21 among the best-value Nursing schools in Ohio. Set in Hillsboro, OH, Southern State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,912, while out-of-state students pay about $10,818. The median Nursing program debt is $15,282. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,463. Set against $15,282 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southern State Community College
Kent State University At Geauga came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Burton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,211, compared with $17,969 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $25,319. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. Set against $25,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Kent State University At Geauga
Kent State University At Ashtabula landed the #23 spot for value in Ohio this year. Set in Ashtabula, OH, Kent State University At Ashtabula is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,211, while out-of-state students pay about $17,969. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,562. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,388. Set against $24,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Kent State University At Ashtabula
Miami University Hamilton ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Miami University Hamilton is a public school based in Hamilton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Students borrow a median of $23,763 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. That is a strong return on a $23,763 median debt. Read the full report on Miami University Hamilton
Marion Technical College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Marion Technical College is a public school based in Marion, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $6,595, while out-of-state students pay about $11,225. The median Nursing program debt is $11,828. Median earnings reach $41,495 ten years out. Set against $11,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Marion Technical College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Ohio
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Hocking College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Nelsonville, OH, Hocking College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $10,290. The median Nursing program debt is $16,535. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,791. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Hocking College report
Eastern Gateway Community College placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in Ohio. Located in Steubenville, OH, Eastern Gateway Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,225, with out-of-state students paying around $6,071. Graduates carry a median of $10,642 in student loans. Median earnings reach $34,127 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,642 median debt. Read the full report on Eastern Gateway Community College
Miami University Middletown offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Middletown, OH. Students from in state pay about $7,012 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Miami University Middletown Nursing students take on a median of $23,575 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $23,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Miami University Middletown
Terra State Community College placed #29 among the best-value Nursing schools in Ohio. Terra State Community College is a public school based in Fremont, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,748, compared with $8,544 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $24,070. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,612 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,070 median debt. Get the full Terra State Community College report
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #30 spot for value in Ohio this year. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,053 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Wright State University Main Campus landed the #31 spot for value in Ohio this year. Located in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Graduates carry a median of $25,836 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,500. That is a strong return on a $25,836 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Wright State University Main Campus
Youngstown State University placed #32 among the best-value Nursing schools in Ohio. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Youngstown State University Nursing students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Akron Institute Of Herzing University placed #33 among the best-value Nursing schools in Ohio. Akron Institute Of Herzing University is a private not-for-profit school based in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,450 in tuition and fees. Akron Institute Of Herzing University Nursing students take on a median of $32,277 in debt. Akron Institute Of Herzing University alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Akron Institute Of Herzing University
Cleveland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,336 in student loans. Cleveland State University alumni report median earnings of $52,131 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Cleveland State University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,546. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Kent State University At Kent ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Students borrow a median of $25,174 to complete their Nursing program here. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $25,347 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Beckfield College Tri County came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Beckfield College Tri County is a private for-profit school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,250. Beckfield College Tri County Nursing students take on a median of $25,244 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,577. Set against $25,244 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Beckfield College Tri County
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Nursing program here. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
University Of Toledo landed the #40 spot for value in Ohio this year. Set in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,923 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,632. Set against $24,923 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Toledo
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #41 among the best-value Nursing schools in Ohio. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Nursing students take on a median of $25,449 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Shawnee State University landed the #42 spot for value in Ohio this year. Shawnee State University is a public school based in Portsmouth, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,448 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,032. Students borrow a median of $25,233 to complete their Nursing program here. Shawnee State University alumni report median earnings of $39,596 a decade after entry. Set against $25,233 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Shawnee State University
Otterbein University placed #43 among the best-value Nursing schools in Ohio. Otterbein University is a private not-for-profit school based in Westerville, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $35,548. Otterbein University Nursing students take on a median of $25,282 in debt. Otterbein University alumni report median earnings of $53,313 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Otterbein University admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Otterbein University profile
Fortis College Centerville ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Centerville, OH, Fortis College Centerville is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,440. Fortis College Centerville Nursing students take on a median of $24,327 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,327 median debt. See the full Fortis College Centerville profile
Ohio Christian University landed the #45 spot for value in Ohio this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Circleville, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,190. Students borrow a median of $30,947 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,813. That is a strong return on a $30,947 median debt. Ohio Christian University admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio Christian University
Cedarville University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Cedarville, OH, Cedarville University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,150. Students borrow a median of $22,110 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $55,443 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cedarville University
Eti Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Niles, OH, Eti Technical College is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,060. The median Nursing program debt is $18,902. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,017 ten years after entry. Set against $18,902 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Eti Technical College
Walsh University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in North Canton, OH, Walsh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,030. The median Nursing program debt is $28,064. Walsh University alumni report median earnings of $59,764 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,064 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Walsh University
Stautzenberger College Maumee landed the #49 spot for value in Ohio this year. This private for-profit school is set in Maumee, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,699. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,219. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,104 ten years after entry. Set against $21,219 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Stautzenberger College Maumee report
Franciscan University Of Steubenville landed the #50 spot for value in Ohio this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Steubenville, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,100. Students borrow a median of $25,029 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,030 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Franciscan University Of Steubenville
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 68 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 273 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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