Top Nursing Schools and Programs in Columbus Ohio
Columbus Ohio hosts multiple accredited nursing schools offering ADN, BSN, and graduate pathways. The Ohio State University College of Nursing, located at 370 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, is the largest provider in the region and holds CCNE accreditation for its BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. For 2024, the OSU College of Nursing reported a BSN first-time NCLEX pass rate of approximately 90% and a graduate employment rate above 95% within six months of graduation. Columbus State Community College offers a public ADN program at 550 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, with a 2024 NCLEX first-time pass rate near 86% and a practical nurse bridge option. Franklin University, a private institution at 1050 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, provides a 100% online RN-to-BSN completion program with open enrollment and a focus on working adults. These three schools represent the primary public and private pathways for nursing education in Columbus Ohio.
Admission requirements vary by program type and institution. The Ohio State University BSN typically requires a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, completion of prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, and submission of TEAS or HESI scores. Columbus State Community College ADN applicants must complete prerequisite science courses with a grade of C or higher and meet a competitive GPA threshold set each cycle. Franklin University RN-to-BSN accepts active, unencumbered RN licensure and transfer credits from accredited institutions. All programs require current CPR certification and background checks before clinical placement. The Ohio Board of Nursing, accessible at Ohio Board of Nursing, maintains the official list of approved programs and licensure requirements.
Costs, Financial Aid, and Program Duration
Tuition and fees for nursing programs in Columbus Ohio differ by institution and residency status. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Ohio State University in-state tuition for the College of Nursing was approximately $11,000 per year, with additional fees and textbook costs bringing total annual expenses to roughly $16,000. Columbus State Community College charges in-district tuition of about $4,200 per year for its ADN program, with total costs including fees and supplies around $7,500 annually. Franklin University RN-to-BSN tuition is approximately $450 per credit hour, with the full program requiring 120 credit hours and total costs around $54,000. Financial aid options include federal Pell Grants, Ohio Nurse Scholarship Program funds, and institutional aid. The U.S. Department of Education provides federal aid details at StudentAid.gov.
Program duration depends on the degree pathway and prior education. A traditional BSN at Ohio State University spans four academic years for full-time students. Columbus State Community College ADN program length is approximately four semesters, or 21 months, for full-time students starting in the fall cohort. Franklin University RN-to-BSN can be completed in as few as 12 to 18 months for full-time transfer students with an active RN license. Part-time enrollment extends these timelines proportionally. Clinical rotations are required in all programs and are arranged through partnerships with hospitals and healthcare systems in the Columbus metro area, including Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Mount Carmel Health System.
Career Outcomes, Licensure, and Continuing Education
Graduates from Columbus Ohio nursing schools enter a strong regional job market. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services projects registered nurse employment in the Columbus metro