Updated November 2, 202625+ min read

Nursing Schools in Cincinnati, OH

Compare ADN and BSN schools you can commute to, with cost, length and NCLEX results

An ADN at a community college can cost a fraction of a BSN at a private university, but the two credentials do not lead to identical careers. Geography sharpens that tradeoff: a campus in Blue Ash, Hamilton or Cincinnati may be a 20-minute drive for one applicant and an hour for another, and clinical rotations start early.

Programs are ranked by first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, the clearest public signal that a school prepares graduates to get licensed.

Ohio issues the same RN license whichever degree sits behind it. The difference shows up later, at hospital systems that now prefer a BSN when hiring and promoting.

Top NCLEX-RN Pass Rates Among Cincinnati Nursing Schools

Below is a ranked list of Cincinnati-area programs whose graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN and pass it. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate sets the order; accreditation status, completion and retention only break ties. Every program here is within commuting distance of the city, and each card names the credential, the reported pass rate and the practical detail that makes the schedule work.

How we ranked these
Factors considered
  • Institution-wide graduation rates first
  • Retention and completion outcomes
  • Accreditation status of each program
  • First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates
  • Program length and delivery format
Data sources
  • Original research on individual programs
  • NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
  • Program-level NCLEX pass rates from the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
  • College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
  • In-house program catalog data

Mount St. Joseph University

#1

Cincinnati, OH · ~$17,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 94.2% (3-yr weighted avg)

Best for: Direct-admit BSN seekers at a small campus

A west-side Catholic university that has taught nurses for more than a century and admits first-year students straight into the BSN, with no second competitive application. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is 94.2% across the three most recent reporting years, and the school graduates 56% of its students overall. Nursing graduates earned a median $68,015 one year after completion. Small cohorts and off-campus clinical placements suit students who want a tight-knit program.

CCNE accredited
  • CCNE accredited
  • Direct admission to the BSN as a first-year student
  • More than 100 years of nursing education
  • Classes, labs and off-campus clinical experiences
  • Scholarships and grants available for nursing students

Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati

#2

Cincinnati, OH · ~$29,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 92.6% (3-yr weighted avg)

Best for: Working adults needing frequent ADN start dates

The Cincinnati campus runs an ADN built for people who need to start quickly, with four entry points a year, a free application and no essay requirement. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is 92.6% across the three most recent reporting years, and the school graduates 57% of its students overall. The ADN is a two-year, campus-based program with hands-on clinical training, and a three-year BSN track runs on the same campus. Nursing graduates earned a median $68,114 one year after completion.

ACEN accredited
  • ACEN accredited
  • Two-year program with four start dates a year
  • TEAS entrance assessment required
  • $0 application fee, no essays
  • Hands-on clinical training and NCLEX-RN preparation
  • Pathway to a BSN after licensure
  • Three-year, full-time on-campus BSN track
  • Four start dates a year
  • No prerequisites required to apply
  • Simulation labs and on-campus clinical learning
  • Transfer credits accepted toward the degree

University of Cincinnati

#3

Cincinnati, OH · ~$26,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 90.8% (3-yr weighted avg)

Best for: Future nurses wanting a large university BSN

UC's direct-admit BSN guarantees a seat in the College of Nursing for admitted first-years, so there is no second gate to clear later. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is 90.8% across the three most recent reporting years, and the school graduates 75% of its students overall. The traditional BSN runs four years on the main campus, with clinical partners and simulation labs across the city. Nursing graduates earned a median $71,105 one year after completion.

CCNE accredited
  • CCNE accredited
  • Direct-admit BSN, no second application to the college
  • Four-year, campus-based program
  • Clinical partners and simulation experiences across Cincinnati
  • Student support and experiential learning built in
  • Associate-level RN pathway offered through a UC regional college
  • Campus-based nursing coursework and clinicals

Xavier University

#4

Cincinnati, OH · ~$33,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 90.8% (3-yr weighted avg)

A Jesuit university offering a four-year, on-campus BSN with rolling admissions and weekly practicum placements at Cincinnati hospitals. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is 90.8% across the three most recent reporting years, and the school graduates 69% of its students overall. The curriculum adds simulation labs, a required capstone, an honors track and a study abroad immersion in Peru. Nursing graduates earned a median $70,473 one year after completion.

CCNE accredited
  • CCNE accredited
  • Four-year, on-campus BSN with rolling admissions
  • Weekly clinical practicum placements at Cincinnati hospitals
  • Clinical simulation labs and a required capstone
  • Honors track for nursing majors
  • Study abroad immersion in Peru
  • Partnerships with more than 30 healthcare agencies

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

#5

Cincinnati, OH · ~$5,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 92.5% (3-yr weighted avg)

A community college running both a five-semester ADN and a fully online RN to BSN, which makes it a practical stop for students at either end of the pipeline. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is 92.5% across the three most recent reporting years, and the school graduates 16% of its students overall. Clinical entry is selective and separate from general admission, with a TEAS exam and a 2.8 GPA required. Nursing graduates earned a median $68,156 one year after completion.

ACEN accredited
  • ACEN accredited and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing
  • Five-semester program, 65 credit hours
  • TEAS entrance exam and 2.8 GPA required for clinical entry
  • Clinical partnerships with eight healthcare systems
  • Transfer agreements with five universities
  • LPN to RN to BSN pathway available
  • Fully online, asynchronous RN to BSN
  • Three semesters built from eight-week sessions
  • 45 clinical hours, one onsite experience
  • Full-time and part-time options; work while enrolled
  • Students can keep working while enrolled

The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences

#6

Cincinnati, OH · ~$18,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 89.4% (3-yr weighted avg)

A hospital-affiliated college tied to The Christ Hospital, offering a BSN on a three-year accelerated or four-year traditional plan with day, evening and weekend classes. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is 89.4% across the three most recent reporting years, and the school graduates 56% of its students overall. Admission is test optional and clinical placement is guaranteed. Nursing graduates earned a median $68,214 one year after completion.

CCNE accredited
  • CCNE accredited
  • Three-year accelerated or traditional four-year plan
  • Day, evening and weekend class options
  • No entrance exam required; test optional
  • Guaranteed clinical placement
  • Clinical rotations at The Christ Hospital
  • Faculty NCLEX success mentors
  • Board-admitted associate nursing program in Ohio
  • Hospital-affiliated campus with clinical rotations

Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science

#7

Cincinnati, OH · $20,000/yr (est. net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 82.7% (3-yr weighted avg)

A TriHealth-affiliated college offering a five-semester ADN with an LPN to RN advanced standing option, plus an online RN to BSN for nurses already licensed. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is 82.7% across the three most recent reporting years, and the school graduates 73% of its students overall. The ADN runs 72 credit hours with clinical practice across partner settings, and TriHealth employees get a tuition discount. ADN graduates earned a median $63,646 one year after completion.

ACEN accredited
  • ACEN accredited and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing
  • 72 credit hours across five semesters
  • TEAS entrance exam and 2.8 GPA minimum
  • LPN to RN advanced standing option
  • TriHealth employee tuition discount
  • Clinical practice across partner health care settings
  • Online RN to BSN for licensed nurses
  • 120 total credit hours
  • Seven-week sessions
  • Capstone course required

Fortis College-Cincinnati

#8

Cincinnati, OH · ~$30,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 77.4% (2-yr weighted avg)

A career-focused college offering an ADN that blends online coursework with on-campus skills labs, on a two-year timeline. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is 77.4% across the two most recent reporting years, and the school graduates 50% of its students overall. Qualified LPNs and LVNs can earn credit for prior practical nursing training and finish faster. Graduates earned a median $69,200 one year after completion.

  • Two-year ADN with hybrid online and on-campus training
  • Credit for prior LPN or LVN education
  • NCLEX-RN preparation built into the curriculum
  • Career services with local employer connections
  • RN to BSN and MSN pathways through a sister school
  • Provisional state board approval granted January 2026

University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College

#9

Blue Ash, OH · $17,000/yr (est. net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 77.4% (3-yr weighted avg)

A regional UC college running an associate nursing program on a two-year timeline, which is a shorter and lower-cost route to an RN license than a four-year BSN. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is 77.4% across the three most recent reporting years, and the school graduates 16% of its students overall. Admission is selective, and clinicals require CPR certification plus health insurance. Graduates earned a median $61,271 one year after completion.

ACEN accredited
  • ACEN accredited and Ohio Board of Nursing approved
  • Accredited continuously since 1969
  • Two-year program with hospital and simulation clinicals
  • Selective admission process
  • CPR certification and health insurance required for clinicals

Miami University-Hamilton

#10

Hamilton, OH · $7,000 – $19,000/yr (est.)

A commuter campus in the northern suburbs offering a four-year BSN that uses the same curriculum as Miami's residential program. The school graduates 25% of its students overall, and admission requires a 3.3 GPA plus prerequisite courses. Students get clinical placements at accredited hospitals, simulation labs, study abroad in Belize and Luxembourg, and access to a Nursing Innovation Hub. Nursing graduates earned a median $71,404 one year after completion.

CCNE accredited
  • CCNE accredited
  • Four-year BSN starting each fall
  • 3.3 GPA minimum plus prerequisite courses
  • Same curriculum on the regional and Oxford campuses
  • Study abroad in Belize and Luxembourg
  • Direct admission for high school students; transfer students accepted
  • Commuter campus with flexible schedules
  • Access to the Nursing Innovation Hub

Most Affordable Nursing Schools Near Cincinnati

Most local guides rank by sticker price, but this table sorts the lowest-cost options by average net price after aid, drawn from the U.S. Department of Education's 2024 IPEDS and College Scorecard data. Net price is an institution-wide average after grants and scholarships, so treat it as a planning estimate rather than a quote: your figure will run lower or higher depending on household income, and program-level median debt and the typical 10-year monthly payment show what borrowing looked like for nursing graduates where that figure is reported. The takeaway is that public campuses own the low end, and the list leans toward BSN routes, with UC Blue Ash's two-year associate degree the only ADN path here and Mount St. Joseph showing how aid can pull a private school's high sticker price into range.

SchoolCityDegreeProgram LengthAvg. Net Price After AidIn-State Tuition & FeesMedian Nursing DebtEst. Monthly Payment (10-Year)
Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegeCincinnatiBSN3 semesters$4,968$5,517N/AN/A
Miami University-HamiltonHamiltonBSN4 years$11,286$7,491$24,807$263
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash CollegeBlue AshADN (Associate of Applied Science)2 years$16,508$7,200$17,769$188
Mount St. Joseph UniversityCincinnatiBSNN/A$16,530$38,150$27,000$286
The Christ College of Nursing and Health SciencesCincinnatiBSN3 or 4 years$18,378$16,836$25,500$270

ADN vs. BSN in Cincinnati: Time, Cost and Where Each Degree Leads

Both degrees lead to the same NCLEX-RN and the same RN license, so the real differences are time, cost and long-term options. In Cincinnati, an ADN is typically the faster, cheaper way in, and many graduates add a BSN later while they work. Tuition figures below come from federal IPEDS and College Scorecard data for the schools ranked here.

FactorADNBSN
Typical lengthAbout 2 years of nursing coursework (Galen and Fortis list 2-year programs)About 4 years (Xavier and Miami University Hamilton list 4-year programs); The Christ College offers 3-year or 4-year completion options
Published annual tuition and feesAbout $7,100 (UC Blue Ash, in-state) to about $18,000 (Galen)About $7,500 (Miami University Hamilton, in-state) to about $50,600 (Xavier); The Christ College lists $75,000 total program tuition
NCLEX-RN eligibilityGraduates sit for the same NCLEX-RNGraduates sit for the same NCLEX-RN
Entry roleStaff RN at the bedside after licensureStaff RN at the bedside after licensure, with a stronger fit for hospitals that prefer a BSN
Hiring and advancementMany ADN graduates plan an RN to BSN within a few years, since BSN-preferred hiring is common at Magnet-designated hospitalsOpens leadership, case management and graduate study (MSN, nurse practitioner) without a bridge step
Learning onlineSome classes may be hybrid or partly online, but clinical rotations happen in person at local hospitalsSome classes may be hybrid or partly online, but clinical rotations happen in person at local hospitals
Best fitCareer changers and working adults who want a lower-cost route and an earlier paycheck, then an RN to BSN while employedStudents who can commit to a full four-year plan, or second-degree students who want the BSN credential up front

Getting Into Good Samaritan, Christ College, Galen and Cincinnati State

Nursing admissions in Cincinnati now turn on layered screens rather than one GPA cutoff: recency windows on science prerequisites, timed entrance exams, and, at some schools, a patient-care credential.

Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science

The Spring 2027 application was open as of 2026 and asks for official high school or GED transcripts plus any college transcripts.1 Beyond that, the requirements are mostly compliance: a BCI background check, drug screen, health assessment, and immunizations for MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, Tdap, influenza, and TB. No published acceptance rate settles how hard Good Samaritan is to get into, so treat the published bar as non-academic screening rather than a stated GPA or TEAS cutoff, and confirm academic minimums with an admissions counselor before you file.

Galen and Cincinnati State: Two Different Gates

  • Galen Cincinnati: No prerequisite courses, since general education sits inside the curriculum. You need a high school diploma, GED, or college degree, and an ATI TEAS of at least 58.7 taken within five years. The 2.5 GPA figure is listed for applicants arriving from a PN/VN program. Applications ran through July 15, 2026 for a September 2, 2026 start, and the college publishes no acceptance rate.
  • Cincinnati State: A two-step selective process, and general college admission does not guarantee a nursing seat. Biology and chemistry at a C or better, earned within seven years of applying, plus a TEAS within two years. A 2.75 GPA applies from Cincinnati State or your most recent institution, and you must hold it overall and in math and science. The experience exception is narrow: active Ohio STNA registry, an active unencumbered LPN license, or military corpsman service within the previous two years with proof of corps school.

Seats are limited, so an applicant who clears every minimum can still be ranked behind stronger files.

Christ College and One Practical Tip

The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences runs its own cycle, so verify current prerequisites, exam expectations, and deadlines with the college before you build a timeline around them.

At any of the four, finish biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology early. Those recency clocks, more than the entrance exam, push applicants out of a competitive pool.

LPN to RN Programs Near Cincinnati

Licensed practical nurses have a shorter route into registered nursing in Cincinnati: advanced placement into an associate degree program that awards credit for LPN training, paired with a bridge course that refreshes clinical judgment before RN coursework begins. Both options here are associate-level routes, and admission is selective, so timing and prerequisites are worth comparing before you apply. Plan on roughly one to two years of full-time study at Cincinnati State depending on how many general education prerequisites you still need, and treat Christ College's three-credit transition course as a low-risk first step back into the classroom.

The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
A three-credit LPN to RN transition course with no prerequisites, blending classroom, online and laboratory work. Students refresh client assessment, clinical judgment and professional communication, then enter the college's registered nursing program. Tuition and fees run about $16,800.
  • LPN to RN Transition Course
Cincinnati, OH · On-Campus
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
The LPN to RN Progression track awards advanced standing for LPN training across 65 credit hours, with spring and summer start dates plus bridge courses in pediatric care and RN competencies. Classes meet three to four days or evenings weekly, and in-state tuition and fees run about $5,500 a year.
  • Nursing (LPN to RN Progression)
Cincinnati, OH · On-Campus

Accelerated BSN and Entry-Level MSN Programs Near Cincinnati

Yes, Cincinnati has accelerated nursing programs, and they serve a specific reader: adults who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and want RN licensure without repeating four years of college. The pathways below split into two types. An accelerated BSN ends with a bachelor's degree, while an entry-level or direct-entry MSN ends with a master's degree and generally runs a semester or two longer. Both are full-time, cohort-based schedules with little room for outside work.

Xavier University
Designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree, Xavier's accelerated BSN builds on prior academic work with clinical simulation labs and interprofessional learning experiences. The university also offers a campus-based, 20-month Direct Entry MSN that requires no BSN and prepares students for the NCLEX.
  • Nursing, B.S.N. (Accelerated BSN)
  • Direct Entry MSN Degree (MIDAS Program)
Cincinnati, OH · On-Campus
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
A 16-month, full-time accelerated BSN for people who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, with guaranteed clinical placements at The Christ Hospital and other regional health systems. The Career Pathways Program allows students to work in hospital support roles while enrolled, and faculty mentors focus on NCLEX preparation.
  • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Cincinnati, OH · On-Campus
Mount St. Joseph University
The MAGELIN graduate entry-level MSN admits students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree into a four-semester hybrid program, with a part-time eight-semester option and high-fidelity simulation labs. The university also runs an accelerated three-year BSN pathway for students who enter with college credits already completed.
  • Accelerated 3-Year BSN Pathway
  • MSN-MAGELIN: Master's Graduate Entry-Level into Nursing
Cincinnati, OH · Hybrid
Miami University-Hamilton
The Early Access BSN 1+3 pathway admits students during high school, with Miami nursing faculty teaching the first-year coursework, and finishes the 124-credit degree three years after high school graduation. Students need a 2.70 cumulative GPA to progress to sophomore year.
  • Butler Tech/Miami University Early Access BSN 1+3 Pathway
Hamilton, OH · On-Campus
University of Cincinnati
A five-semester accelerated direct-entry MSN for people with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Clinical placements include a leading pediatric hospital and the region's only Level I trauma center, and four courses count toward a specialty MSN for students who continue to advanced practice.
  • Accelerated Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Cincinnati, OH · On-Campus

Where Cincinnati Nursing Graduates Work

Cincinnati's nursing job market is anchored by six large systems: UC Health, TriHealth, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, The Christ Hospital Health Network, Mercy Health (part of Bon Secours Mercy Health), and St. Elizabeth Healthcare across the river in Northern Kentucky. Each system onboards new graduates differently, and that difference matters when you pick a school.

School and Employer Ties

The University of Cincinnati's College of Allied Health Sciences lists Cincinnati Children's, UC Health and University of Cincinnati Medical Center, The Christ Hospital, TriHealth, Bon Secours Mercy Health and St. Elizabeth as clinical partners.1 TriHealth also serves as a clinical education site for the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University.2

The clearest school-to-employer link runs between The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences and The Christ Hospital Health Network, which offers employee tuition reimbursement.2 Christ Hospital's new-graduate tracks cover behavioral health, critical care, medical-surgical, oncology, perinatal and perioperative care, and a separate track exists for graduates of schools outside its network.2 You do not need to attend Christ College to apply.

Residencies Worth Asking About

  • TriHealth: A yearlong paid residency open to all new-graduate RNs.2
  • Mercy Health: The GROWStrong RN Nursing Residency Program, accredited by the ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program.3 It requires graduation from an accredited school, under one year of acute-care experience, and an NCLEX pass before the start date. New graduates are enrolled automatically, with tracks in critical care, emergency, medical-surgical, peri-operative and perinatal care.3
  • Christ Hospital: The tracks listed above, plus BSN-advancement support through its college.

Magnet Status and BSN Preference

The Christ Hospital and St. Elizabeth Healthcare both hold Magnet recognition. St. Elizabeth's designation covers its Edgewood, Covington, Grant, Florence and Fort Thomas campuses.4 It first earned the designation in 2006 and received its fifth consecutive designation in 2025.4 Magnet organizations emphasize nursing education, so a BSN, or a plan to finish one, tends to give applicants an advantage. If you hold an ADN, ask any hospital you apply to about its tuition help for completing a BSN.

Beyond the Urban Core

Northern Kentucky offers real options, with St. Elizabeth campuses in Covington and Florence. North of the city, Hamilton and Middletown, and Mason and West Chester, form a second job corridor along the I-75 and I-71 routes. Mercy Health's Fairfield and Kings Mills hospitals are part of that northern ring. Dayton is a longer drive up I-75, so weigh the daily commute against any pay difference before you commit.

What Registered Nurses Earn in the Cincinnati Metro

This is a metro-wide figure for all working RNs, not earnings for graduates of any program on this page.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Cincinnati, OH

If you already hold an RN license, you can skip the pre-licensure programs covered earlier on this page and start with a bridge degree. The Cincinnati-area options below are built for working nurses, most of them fully online. For broader statewide options, registerednursing.org also maintains separate directories of RN to BSN, MSN and nurse practitioner programs in Ohio.

University of Cincinnati
Nine core nursing courses run in seven-week terms with spring, summer and fall starts, and online coursework is paired with in-person precepted clinicals. A dedicated support team follows you from enrollment to graduation, an optional public health minor is available, and there is no application fee.
  • RN to BSN
Cincinnati, OH · Online
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science
This online completion program requires 120 total credits, including nursing research, leadership and a capstone, delivered in seven-week sessions. An unencumbered RN license is required, and credit transfer, financial aid and scholarships are available.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program
Cincinnati, OH · Online
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Coursework is 100% online with full-time and part-time options and no mandatory login times, which suits nurses working rotating shifts. The college's affiliation with The Christ Hospital gives students access to real-world expertise and networking.
  • RN to BSN
Cincinnati, OH · Online
Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati
ADN-prepared nurses can complete this online RN to BSN in 12 to 16 months of full-time study, with six start dates each year. There is no application fee, transfer credits are accepted, and free tutoring from nursing educators is included.
  • Online RN to BSN
Cincinnati, OH · Online
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Asynchronous online courses run in eight-week sessions, plus one onsite clinical of 45 hours scheduled flexibly, and the degree can be finished in as few as three semesters. Total program tuition is listed at $9,400, the lowest cost among the bridge options here.
  • Nursing RN-to-BSN Completion Program
Cincinnati, OH · On-Campus

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Cincinnati, OH

Advanced practice is a later step, not a first one: the programs below are built for registered nurses who already hold a BSN and want a nurse practitioner, educator or leadership credential. Cincinnati-area options run from online MSN tracks you can finish while working to practice doctorates for nurses aiming at the top of the clinical ladder. Most nurse practitioner and DNP admissions expect a BSN, a competitive GPA and at least a year of RN experience before you apply.

University of Cincinnati
The College of Nursing offers online MSN tracks in family, adult-gerontology primary care, women's health and psychiatric-mental health practice, plus nurse midwifery and a hybrid acute care track. Graduate tuition is $836 per credit for Ohio residents, and most specialties ask for a BSN, a 3.0 GPA and a year of RN experience.
  • Nursing Education
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Midwifery
  • Systems Leadership MSN
  • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Systems Leadership DNP
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult-Gero Acute Care NP)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
  • Public Health Nursing
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (Nurse Anesthesia)
Cincinnati, OH · Online
Mount St. Joseph University
Master's options include nursing education, clinical nurse leader and nursing administration, delivered part time in blended or online formats built around working nurses. A post-master's DNP in health systems leadership is also offered online, with synchronous and asynchronous class options.
  • Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education)
  • Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) (clinical nurse leader)
  • Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice: Health Systems Leadership
Cincinnati, OH · Online
Miami University-Hamilton
The family nurse practitioner MSN runs 21 months with online coursework, in-person clinicals, 630 clinical hours and guaranteed clinical placement; applicants need 1,000 hours of RN experience. Psychiatric-mental health NP, MSN/MBA and nurse executive leadership tracks round out the graduate offerings at the Hamilton campus.
  • Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) MSN
  • MSN-MBA Dual Degree (Family Nurse Practitioner)
  • Master of Science in Nursing (Nurse Executive Leadership)
  • MSN-MBA Dual Degree (Nurse Executive Leadership)
Hamilton, OH · Online or On-Campus
Xavier University
Online MSN tracks cover family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health, nursing education and forensic nursing at $739 per credit, with 600 clinical hours in the NP tracks. A DNP in population health leadership is offered online at $778 per credit.
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Education Track
  • Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP)
  • MSN/MBA
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Forensics Track (Forensic Nursing)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice in Population Health Leadership
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership and Population Health
Cincinnati, OH · Online

Questions to Ask Yourself

A single strong year can be a fluke from a small cohort. Look for a consistent record over multiple testing years, since steady results suggest the curriculum and clinical support are reliable, not just lucky.

Many Cincinnati commuters cross the river from Northern Kentucky. Ask each school whether a reciprocity agreement or special rate applies, because out-of-state tuition can change which program is actually the most affordable.

Clinical rotations and labs often follow set daytime hours. Confirm which courses can be taken in the evening or online and how flexible clinical placements are before you count on working while you study.

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Cincinnati, OH

10 schools within 20 miles, grouped by city. Select a program to see its highlights, and use the Website link for the school's own program page.

Blue Ash, OH

University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College

  • Associate - Associate of Applied Science Nursing
    • ACEN accredited
    • 2-Year program
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Ohio Board of Nursing approved
    • Clinical experience in hospitals and simulation
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure exam
    • Selective admission process
    • AHA CPR certification required
    On-Campus · Website

Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 65 total credit hours
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • 5-semester program
    On-Campus · Website
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • $9,400 total program tuition
    • 3-Semester program
    • Apply by 2026-07-01
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • 45 clinical hours
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    On-Campus · Website

Fortis College-Cincinnati

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
    • 2-Year program
    • Entry-Level Salary Range $67,636
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Hybrid online and on-campus training
    • Career services with local employer connections
    • Credit for prior LPN/LVN education
    • RN to BSN and MSN pathways
    Online or On-Campus · Website

Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 2-Year program
    • 4 start dates per year
    • $0 application fee
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    On-Campus · Website
  • Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 3-Year program
    • Full-time enrollment
    • 4 start dates per year
    • $0 application fee
    • Financial aid available
    • No prerequisites required to apply
    • Free application, no essays required
    On-Campus · Website

Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science

  • Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 72 total credit hours
    • 95% licensure pass rate
    • 80% job placement rate
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    On-Campus · Website
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program
    • ACEN accredited
    • 120 total credit hours
    • 85% job placement rate
    • Capstone required
    • RN to BSN program
    • Online program format
    • Seven-week sessions
    • Capstone course included
    Online · Website

Mount St. Joseph University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • CCNE accredited
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Direct admission to BSN program
    • 100 years of nursing education
    • Classes, labs, and off-campus clinicals
    • Nursing is Ohio's most in-demand job
    • Prepares ethical, patient-centered nurses
    On-Campus · Website

The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • CCNE accredited
    • No entrance exam required
    • Test optional
    • $75,000 total program tuition
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Guaranteed clinical placement
    On-Campus · Website

University of Cincinnati

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • CCNE accredited
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Direct-admit BSN program
    • Legacy of excellence
    • Immersive hands-on experiences
    • Clinical partners
    • Simulation experiences
    • Student support
    On-Campus · Website

Xavier University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • CCNE accredited
    • 4-Year program
    • Complete in four-year
    • Rolling admissions
    • 82% licensure pass rate
    • 98% job placement rate
    • Capstone required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    On-Campus · Website

Hamilton, OH

Miami University-Hamilton

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • CCNE accredited
    • 4-Year program
    • Starts fall
    • 3.3 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Same curriculum on both campuses
    • Clinical opportunities and simulation experiences
    On-Campus · Website

Program data from the schools and the National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS).