Top Accredited Nursing Programs in Columbus Ohio
Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College, and Franklin University are among the primary nursing schools in Columbus Ohio offering ADN, BSN, and graduate pathways. OSU's College of Nursing reports a BSN first-time NCLEX pass rate above 90% for recent cohorts, with total in-state tuition around 11,000 dollars per year for the 2024-2025 cycle. Columbus State Community College offers an ADN program with a 2024 in-state tuition of roughly 5,500 dollars per year and a clinical placement network across central Ohio hospitals. Franklin University provides an online RN-to-BSN completion track with a per-credit cost near 600 dollars and a six-term schedule, and details are available at Franklin University.
The Ohio Board of Nursing maintains a public directory of approved programs, and the National League for Nursing lists several Columbus institutions among its Center of Excellence designations. U.S. News and World Report ranks the OSU College of Nursing among the best graduate nursing schools nationally, with its master's and doctoral programs receiving national recognition for research and primary care training.
Admissions Requirements and Application Timelines
Most BSN programs in Columbus require a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0, and TEAS or HESI exam scores. OSU's BSN program uses a holistic review that considers GPA, TEAS scores, healthcare experience, and residency status, with application windows opening in autumn for fall enrollment. Columbus State's ADN program uses a selective admissions process based on prerequisite GPA and TEAS performance, and the college publishes annual application deadlines and cohort start dates on its website at Columbus State Community College.
Graduate programs such as the MSN and DNP at OSU typically require a BSN, a current RN license, a minimum GPA of 3.0, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some advanced practice tracks also require one to two years of clinical experience, and application deadlines usually fall between January and March for fall entry. The Ohio Board of Nursing website provides current licensure requirements, application forms, and fee schedules for both initial and renewal applicants.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Career Outcomes
In-state tuition for OSU's BSN program is approximately 11,000 dollars per year, while out-of-state tuition is near 31,000 dollars per year, with additional costs for fees, books, and clinical supplies. Columbus State charges roughly 5,500 dollars per year for in-district ADN tuition, and Franklin University's online RN-to-BSN costs around 600 dollars per credit, with institutional scholarships and federal aid available through the FAFSA process. The Ohio Department of Higher Education lists statewide grant and scholarship programs, and students can check current award amounts and eligibility at Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Graduates from Columbus nursing schools work in major employers such as OhioHealth, Mount Carmel Health System, and Nationwide Children's Hospital, with entry-level BSN salaries in the Columbus metro area averaging between 65,000 and 75,000 dollars per year according to recent salary surveys. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects registered nurse employment growth of several percent through 2032, and OhioHealth's career pages list current openings, residency programs, and tuition reimbursement details at OhioHealth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also publishes