Top Nursing Schools in Columbus
Ohio State University, ranked among the best nursing schools nationally, offers a direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing and a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing through its College of Nursing, with the BSN program reporting a first-time NCLEX pass rate above 90% US News Best Nursing Schools. Columbus State Community College provides an affordable Associate Degree in Nursing with open-door admission, a 12-month clinical track, and strong partnerships with local hospitals for hands-on training Columbus State Community College.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, located in Columbus, operates one of the largest academic medical centers in the country, providing nursing students with clinical rotations in specialties such as critical care, oncology, and pediatrics Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Hondros College of Nursing in Columbus offers accelerated practical nursing and associate degree programs with flexible schedules designed for working adults seeking licensure quickly.
Costs, Financial Aid, and Admission Requirements
Annual tuition for in-state students at Ohio State University's nursing programs is approximately $11,000 for undergraduates and $14,000 for graduate students, while Columbus State Community College charges around $4,500 per year for Ohio residents The Ohio State University. Columbus State's nursing program requires a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for admission consideration.
Ohio State's College of Nursing requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for competitive admission to the traditional BSN program, with additional requirements including completion of biology and chemistry prerequisites and submission of SAT or ACT scores for freshman applicants OSU College of Nursing Admissions. Both institutions participate in federal financial aid programs, and Ohio State's Office of Student Life provides nursing-specific scholarships, loan repayment options, and work-study opportunities through the university's partnership with the Wexner Medical Center.
Program Formats and Career Outcomes
Ohio State University offers its BSN degree in traditional on-campus and accelerated second-degree formats, with the accelerated option completing in 12 months for students holding a bachelor's degree in another field OSU Accelerated BSN. Columbus State Community College provides both day and evening cohorts for its associate degree program, with clinical placements at hospitals and clinics across central Ohio, including Mount Carmel Health System and OhioHealth.
Graduates from Columbus nursing programs typically enter the workforce as registered nurses with starting salaries ranging from $60,000 to $75,000 annually in the Columbus metropolitan area, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS Registered Nurse Occupational Outlook. The Columbus region faces a projected nursing shortage, with the Ohio Hospital Association reporting demand for thousands of additional registered nurses through 2030, driven by an aging population and expanded healthcare access.