Rankings / By State
Best Nursing Colleges in Ohio
- 50
- Schools
- $52,644
- Avg. Earnings
- 52%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,713
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,849
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $35,006 at the low end to $87,989 at the top. That 2.5× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Ohio University-Zanesville Campus offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $52,581 against $5,746 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is North Central State College, at $4,687 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates 88% of its students, well above the 52% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Zane State College: graduates owe only 0.20× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Ohio Northern University ($80,928 earnings), not the highest earner, Case Western Reserve University ($87,989). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. North Central State College ($4,687/yr) and Case Western Reserve University ($41,190/yr) produce graduates earning $38,158 and $87,989 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $36,503 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Ohio University-Zanesville Campus outperforms Case Western Reserve University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Ohio University-Zanesville Campus and Ohio State University-Main Campus. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Healthcare is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $53K within a decade, and registered nurse roles are projected to grow 6%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-08-24
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Ohio Northern University #1 overall | $80,928 ▲ +54% vs avg | $24,478 | 75% | 78 |
| 2 Ursuline College #2 overall | $56,878 ▲ +8% vs avg | $16,164 | 61% | 78 |
| 3 Central Ohio Technical College #3 overall | $39,168 ▼ -26% vs avg | $9,948 | 27% | 77 |
| $38,158 ▼ -28% vs avg | $4,687 | 35% | 76 | |
| $39,612 ▼ -25% vs avg | $7,606 | 23% | 76 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Nursing Colleges in Ohio
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $52,644 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 52% and an average net price of $18,713.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Ohio University-Zanesville Campus — Net Price: $5,746 | Graduation Rate: 20%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Ohio State University-Main Campus — 88% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Case Western Reserve University — Median alumni earnings: $87,989
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Healthcare Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the U.S. healthcare workforce?
$52,581
Median earnings (10yr)
53%
Median graduation rate
$19,783
Median net price
1.1%
Avg. mobility rate
Few sectors of the economy depend more directly on what colleges produce than healthcare. Chronic shortages across nursing and allied health have made workforce training a bottleneck for the entire system. Schools rise on this list by combining rigorous instruction with clinical placements and high licensure pass rates, the bridge between enrolling and actually practicing.
Start with the medians across these 50 schools. Graduates earn a median of $52,581 ten years after enrollment, or about $4,581 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 53%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $19,783 a year with about $23,250 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 28% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.1%.
One pattern runs through this list: programs with deep clinical partnerships move their graduates into the workforce faster. Ohio Northern University tops the ranking, and the median graduate here earns $52,581 ten years after enrollment. Demand outruns supply in this field, so the bottleneck is training capacity and credential attainment rather than hiring.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Ohio Northern University lands at #1 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $80,928 a decade after enrolling, 54% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,478 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Ursuline College lands at #2 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $56,878 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,164 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Central Ohio Technical College lands at #3 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (63/100). Graduates earn a median $39,168 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,948 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
North Central State College lands at #4 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $38,158 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,687 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Lakeland Community College lands at #5 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $39,612 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,606 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Walsh University lands at #6 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $59,764 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,493 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of Dayton lands at #7 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $75,537 a decade after enrolling, 43% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,533 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
The University of Findlay lands at #8 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $56,996 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,221 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Cleveland State University lands at #9 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $52,131 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,764 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Muskingum University lands at #10 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $48,440 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,532 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Belmont College lands at #11 with a 74/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $35,329 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,995 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Xavier University lands at #12 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $64,873 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,997 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Case Western Reserve University lands at #13 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $87,989 a decade after enrolling, 67% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,190 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Otterbein University lands at #14 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $53,313 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,237 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Cedarville University lands at #15 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $55,443 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,468 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Youngstown State University lands at #16 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $41,544 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,767 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Mercy College of Ohio lands at #17 with a 73/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $65,409 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,989 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Shawnee State University lands at #18 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $39,596 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,381 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
University of Toledo lands at #19 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $50,632 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,249 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
University of Rio Grande lands at #20 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $41,478 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,686 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Northwest State Community College lands at #21 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $40,004 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,555 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Canton, OH · 46% accepted · $24,204 net
Why it ranks #22
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences lands at #22 with a 71/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (73/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $63,582 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,204 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Capital University lands at #23 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $54,143 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,576 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Hiram College lands at #24 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $54,311 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,058 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Zane State College lands at #25 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $35,006 a decade after enrolling, 34% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,062 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Southern State Community College lands at #26 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $35,463 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,674 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Ashland University lands at #27 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $52,928 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,988 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Mount Vernon Nazarene University lands at #28 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $49,555 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,421 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Mount St. Joseph University lands at #29 with a 69/100 composite, led by academic quality (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $51,509 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,530 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Wittenberg University lands at #30 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $54,947 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,649 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Ohio University-Main Campus lands at #31 with a 68/100 composite, led by academic quality (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $52,581 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,637 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Steubenville, OH · 58% accepted · $23,589 net
Why it ranks #32
Franciscan University of Steubenville lands at #32 with a 68/100 composite, led by academic quality (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $50,030 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,589 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Marietta College lands at #33 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $57,180 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,083 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
University of Mount Union lands at #34 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $53,217 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,280 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Mount Carmel College of Nursing lands at #35 with a 68/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (32/100). Graduates earn a median $75,103 a decade after enrolling, 43% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,420 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Lourdes University lands at #36 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $48,150 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,206 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Ohio State University-Main Campus lands at #37 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $60,409 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,339 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Baldwin Wallace University lands at #38 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $54,122 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,603 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Heidelberg University lands at #39 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $48,466 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,556 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Bluffton University lands at #40 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $49,547 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,943 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus lands at #41 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (38/100). Graduates earn a median $52,581 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $5,746 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Marion Technical College lands at #42 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $41,495 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,417 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Malone University lands at #43 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,909 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,948 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Tiffin University lands at #44 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $35,942 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,500 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Franklin University lands at #45 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (31/100). Graduates earn a median $51,892 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,243 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cincinnati, OH · 46% accepted · $19,622 net
Why it ranks #46
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science lands at #46 with a 64/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $66,111 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,622 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College lands at #47 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (32/100). Graduates earn a median $54,810 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,803 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Ohio University-Southern Campus lands at #48 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (37/100). Graduates earn a median $52,581 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $5,993 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Miami University-Hamilton lands at #49 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $55,076 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,286 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Defiance College lands at #50 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $49,351 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,337 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Registered Nurses and related roles — a field with $86,070 median pay and 6% projected growth.
See the Registered Nurse career guide →Choosing the right nursing college can be a pivotal decision for aspiring nurses. In Ohio, a mix of public and private institutions offers a range of programs designed to prepare students for this demanding field. With average nursing program earnings around $53,138, prospective students are weighing their options carefully as they consider factors like graduation rates and debt levels.
What sets the top nursing colleges apart in this list are their outcomes: earnings, graduation rates, debt loads, and overall program effectiveness. Schools that excel in these areas provide pathways to not only secure good jobs but also a manageable financial future. The data below highlights how each institution stacks up, helping you make an informed choice based on what matters most to you.
For example, Mount Carmel College of Nursing leads with an impressive $75,103 in average earnings, but it also comes with a 64% graduation rate and lower debt levels compared to Kettering College, which has $67,492 in earnings and a slightly higher graduation rate of 65%. This contrast illustrates a tradeoff between potential earnings and the financial commitment required, key considerations as you explore these options further.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 38 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.1%. Franklin University leads the group at 3.5%, with Case Western Reserve University (1.8%) and Ursuline College (1.7%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 7.1% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Belmont College leads at 18.1%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 19.4% across this list. Case Western Reserve University posts the highest success rate at 54.7%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.47 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Otterbein University reaches 1.73, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When you look closely at the data, a key pattern emerges: schools with higher graduation rates often correlate with better earnings outcomes. Take Ohio State University, for example; it has an outstanding graduation rate of 88%, leading to higher earnings of $60,409 post-graduation. In contrast, Central Ohio Technical College has a much lower graduation rate of 27% and significantly lower earnings at $39,168. This highlights the importance of choosing a program where students are supported to complete their degrees.
As you sift through this list of 50 nursing colleges, consider your own priorities. Think about location, program fit, and campus culture alongside the financial data. For instance, if lower debt is crucial for you, Central Ohio Technical College may seem appealing, but weigh that against its lower graduation rate and post-graduation earnings. Finding the right balance between financial considerations and educational quality is key.
Ultimately, the right nursing college can set the stage for a stable life and fulfilling career. A solid education in nursing not only opens doors to employment but also alleviates financial stress down the road. Each choice you make now lays the foundation for your future in healthcare, influencing both your career trajectory and your financial wellbeing.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Nursing Colleges in Ohio: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Nursing Colleges in Ohio ranking? +
Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Nursing Colleges in Ohio ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $80,928 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 75% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Case Western Reserve University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $87,989 ten years after enrollment, well above the $52,644 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Ohio University-Zanesville Campus leads: graduates earn a median $52,581 against net price of about $5,746 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Ohio State University-Main Campus has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 88%, compared with a 52% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $18,713 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. North Central State College is among the most affordable at roughly $4,687. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Nursing Colleges in Ohio ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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