Top Nursing Schools and Program Types in Columbus Ohio
Columbus Ohio hosts multiple public and private institutions offering ADN, BSN, and accelerated BSN pathways. The Ohio State University College of Nursing, located at 370 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, is the largest nursing school in the state and holds CCNE accreditation for its BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. For working adults, Franklin University at 1000 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215 offers an online and hybrid BSN completion program designed for RNs with an associate degree. The Columbus State Community College nursing program at 550 W Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215 provides a practical nurse and ADN pathway with clinical rotations at local hospitals including Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Riverside Methodist Hospital.
Admission competitiveness varies by program type. The Ohio State University College of Nursing reported an acceptance rate of approximately 18% for the traditional BSN cohort in recent admissions cycles, with incoming students averaging a 3.7 GPA and competitive TEAS scores. Franklin University BSN completion accepts transfer credits from accredited ADN programs and requires a current, unencumbered RN license. Columbus State Community College uses a selective admissions process that considers prerequisite GPA, TEAS scores, and healthcare experience. All three schools require background checks, immunization records, and CPR certification before clinical placement.
Costs, Financial Aid, and NCLEX Pass Rates
Tuition and fees for Columbus Ohio nursing programs differ significantly by institution type. Ohio State University in-state BSN tuition is approximately $11,000 per academic year for Ohio residents, with total program costs including fees and textbooks reaching roughly $45,000 over four years. Out-of-state tuition exceeds $33,000 per year. Franklin University charges approximately $580 per credit hour for its BSN completion program, totaling around $23,000 for the full degree for a student transferring with an associate degree. Columbus State Community College in-state tuition is approximately $4,200 per year for Ohio residents, making the ADN pathway one of the most affordable routes to licensure.
Financial aid and NCLEX outcomes are key decision factors. Ohio State University BSN students qualify for institutional scholarships, federal Pell Grants, and the Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP). Franklin University accepts federal financial aid and offers employer tuition reimbursement partnerships. Columbus State Community College participates in the Ohio Nurse Education Initiative and provides access to the Ohio Means Jobs scholarship for eligible students. NCLEX pass rates for first-time takers in recent testing cycles show Ohio State University at above 90%, Franklin University at above 85%, and Columbus State Community College at above 80%, with all three programs exceeding the national average.
Career Outcomes and Employment Demand in Columbus
Graduates from Columbus Ohio nursing programs enter a regional healthcare market with strong demand. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Riverside Methodist Hospital, and Mount Carmel Health System are among the largest employers of new BSN and ADN graduates in the Columbus metropolitan area. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services projects registered nurse employment in the Columbus region to grow faster than the national average through 2032, driven by an aging population and expanded Medicaid coverage. BSN-prepared nurses in Columbus typically start at salaries between $60,000 and $75,000 annually, with ADN-level positions starting in the $50,000 to $60,000 range depending on the employer and unit specialty.
Licensure and advanced practice pathways are well established in Ohio. Graduates from CCNE or ACEN accredited programs in Columbus are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam administered by the Ohio