Cost of Nursing School in Ohio: Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid Options

Ohio is home to a diverse mix of nursing schools, from nationally ranked universities to affordable community colleges, making it an attractive place to begin a nursing career. No matter which path you choose, one question remains at the top of every student's mind: How much will nursing school actually cost?

Understanding the true cost of nursing school goes beyond just tuition. There are hidden expenses, residency-based differences, and program-specific fees that can quickly add up. This article breaks down the costs of nursing education in Ohio—from associate degrees to BSN programs—so you can confidently plan your finances as you take your first steps toward a career in healthcare.

Factors Affecting Nursing School Costs in Ohio

Nursing school costs in Ohio can differ significantly from one student to the next. What you’ll pay depends on the school you choose, the degree you're earning, and how you handle additional expenses. Below are some of the key factors that shape the total cost of your education:

1. In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition

Public colleges and universities in Ohio often offer significantly reduced tuition rates for residents. If you live in Ohio or can establish residency before enrolling, you could save thousands of dollars throughout your program. Out-of-state students typically pay higher rates unless they attend private institutions, where tuition is the same regardless of residency.

2. Type of Institution

The kind of school you attend plays a huge role in cost. Community colleges and public universities are generally more affordable than private colleges or specialized nursing schools. For example, a BSN from a public institution like the University of Cincinnati might cost less per credit hour than a private school like Xavier University, even before factoring in fees.

3. Level of the Program

Costs increase with the level of education. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will almost always be cheaper than a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which in turn is less expensive than a Master's or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Advanced programs often include extra clinical hours, capstone projects, and associated fees.

4. Credit Hours and Program Length

Nursing programs differ in both length and the number of credit hours needed to graduate. Accelerated options can help you finish faster, but they often come with higher tuition costs per term. On the flip side, part-time programs let you pace your studies over several years, though this can increase overall expenses due to additional semesters and recurring fees.

5. Additional Fees

Don't forget about the extras. Nursing school involves more than classroom instruction. Beyond tuition, several required expenses, like lab fees, clinical supplies, simulation training, background checks, uniforms, textbooks, liability insurance, and exam fees, such as the NCLEX-RN, can quickly add up. Together, these can cost several thousand dollars throughout your program.

6. Financial Aid Opportunities

Paying for nursing school doesn’t have to fall entirely on you. Many nursing programs in Ohio offer financial aid options like scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers to help ease the cost. National programs such as FAFSA and the Nurse Corps Scholarship can provide even more support. Since each school handles financial aid differently, applying early gives you the best shot at getting the help you need.

7. Living Expenses

Your day-to-day living costs can add up quickly while you’re in nursing school. Rent, transportation, groceries, and health insurance will vary depending on your location. For example, attending school in a bigger city like Columbus might mean paying more for housing or parking than in a smaller town. Whether you’re commuting or living on campus, building these costs into your budget from the start is essential.

Understanding these variables helps you estimate the sticker price and the whole financial picture of attending nursing school in Ohio. Next, we'll break down specific tuition rates across popular undergraduate programs.

Cost of Undergraduate Nursing Programs (BSN) in Ohio

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in Ohio offers a range of options to fit different budgets and educational needs. Below is a breakdown of tuition costs at several notable institutions across the state:

1. The Ohio State University (Columbus)

Ohio State's College of Nursing tuition is based on the number of credit hours and residency status. Although the exact costs can differ, the university offers tools and guidance to help students estimate their expenses and understand what financial aid they might qualify for.

2. University of Cincinnati (Uptown Campus)

University of Cincinnati tuition depends on your program location and cohort, but your rate is locked in once you enroll. That means you’ll pay the same tuition throughout your program, which makes it easier to plan and avoid unexpected cost increases.

3. Xavier University (Cincinnati)

Tuition is $26,215 per semester for full-time students (12–18 credit hours). Additional fees include a $250 course materials fee, a $140 student activity fee, and an annual $1,025 BSN program fee. Here is the 2025-2026 undergraduate tuition and fee structure. 

4. Mount Carmel College of Nursing (Columbus)

Mount Carmel tuition includes charges of $335 per credit hour for its RN/BSN program. This rate applies to both in-state and out-of-state students. View more information about the cost of attendance here.

5. The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences (Cincinnati)

The 4-Year BSN program costs $18,300 annually in tuition. Program fees vary by year, with first-year fees at $1,230 and subsequent years slightly lower. Here is the full tuition and fee structure for the BSN program.

6. Galen College of Nursing (Cincinnati)

Galen's BSN program tuition is based on a per-credit-hour model: $430 for general education courses and $515 for nursing education courses. Check out the cost of attendance (COS) for all nursing programs at Galen. 

7. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

For in-state students, tuition is $188.64 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay $377.28 per credit hour. Additional fees may apply based on specific courses and lab requirements. 

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities in Ohio

Paying for nursing school doesn't have to be overwhelming. Ohio offers a wide variety of financial aid options to help students manage the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses. From federal programs to state-specific scholarships, here's how you can make nursing school more affordable:

1. Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step for most students seeking financial support. By completing the FAFSA, you may qualify for:

🗸 Pell Grants – Up to $7,395 per year (need-based, does not require repayment)

🗸 Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans – Low-interest loans with flexible repayment options

🗸 Federal Work-Study – Part-time jobs offered through your school to earn money while studying.

Start the application for FAFSA 2025-26 now.

2. Ohio-Specific Grants and Programs

Ohio offers targeted financial aid to nursing students through several programs:

✅ Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) – Available to low-income students attending eligible institutions 

✅Choose Ohio First Scholarship – Supports students in STEM and healthcare fields, including nursing, to encourage workforce retention in Ohio. 

✅Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP) – Provides financial assistance in exchange for working in Ohio after graduation 

Making the right financial choice 

Nursing school in Ohio can be surprisingly affordable—or fairly expensive—depending on the program you choose, whether you qualify for in-state tuition, and how you handle extra costs like supplies and living expenses. Whether you’re starting a traditional BSN, fast-tracking through an accelerated program, or coming back for your RN to BSN, having a solid financial plan in place is key. From tuition and textbooks to licensing exams and scrubs, understanding the full scope of what you'll need to invest will help you avoid surprises and focus on succeeding in your nursing journey.

The good news? Plenty of financial aid opportunities, scholarships, and cost-saving strategies are available, especially for students studying in Ohio, where healthcare careers are in high demand.