Top Nursing Schools & BSN Programs in Akron, Ohio (2026)

Traditional four-year BSN at a public university or an accelerated direct-entry MSN at a private career college: Akron’s nursing pipeline supports both tracks. Clinical placements at major regional employers like Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Summa Health immerse students in high-acuity settings early. That access shapes hiring pipelines long before graduation. The result: a competitive but well-connected market where program cost and NCLEX performance carry real weight. Ohio faces a projected shortfall of 12,000 registered nurses by 2030, so local hospitals keep a close eye on near-campus talent.

Best Nursing Schools in Akron, Ohio, Ranked

Our ranking of nursing schools in and around Akron identifies programs that combine strong academic outcomes with practical value. While several top institutions are based in other Ohio cities, each has been assessed on factors like net price, graduation rates, and program flexibility to help Northeast Ohio students find the right fit. The list includes both fast-track associate degrees and nationally recognized bachelor’s programs, all offering formats that work for Akron-area learners.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Ohio Institute of Allied Health	Huber Heights, OH	$47,000/yr	LPNs needing a fast-track ADN
Ohio Institute of Allied Health in Huber Heights offers an accelerated 52-week Associate Degree Nursing pathway designed primarily for LPNs and transfer students. The campus-based program emphasizes speed and career readiness, with a total tuition of around $27,687. The school reports a 100% institution-wide graduation rate and a median graduate debt of only $9,500. Associate Degree Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Complete in just 52 weeks of full-time study Requires 64 credit hours of coursework Designed for LPNs and transfer students Multiple start dates offered each year Campus-based with hands-on clinical training High school diploma or GED required for admission Total tuition approximately $27,687
#2	Ohio Medical Career College	Dayton, OH	$15,000 – $20,000/yr	Working adults seeking class flexibility
Ohio Medical Career College in Dayton provides a One Plus One Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that spans 90 weeks and caters to working adults with day and evening class options. Students may sit for the NCLEX-PN after the first 40 weeks, and LPNs can transfer credits to accelerate progress. The net price of $16,456 and 79.1% graduation rate make it an affordable stepping stone. One Plus One Associate of Applied Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Complete in 90 weeks of full-time study Sit for NCLEX-PN after the first year Day and evening class options available LPNs can transfer credits for advanced standing 133 credit hours required for graduation Hands-on clinical experiences in diverse settings Approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing Career-focused curriculum with practical skill development
#3	Ohio State University	Columbus, OH	$17,000/yr (net price)	In-state students targeting a top BSN
The Ohio State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing holds a #4 national ranking and #1 among public programs. It requires 122 credit hours and offers multiple admission pathways, including direct entry for high-achieving students. With a net price of $17,339 for in-state students and median graduate earnings of $60,409, it delivers strong return on investment alongside a 94% retention rate. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Ranked #4 nationally and #1 among public BSN programs Requires a minimum of 122 credit hours Offers multiple admission pathways including direct entry Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam Evidence-based curriculum with a holistic wellness focus Emphasizes clinical reasoning and innovative learning Campus-based with extensive clinical placements
#4	ETI Technical College	Niles, OH	$14,000/yr
ETI Technical College in Niles, OH, offers a five-semester Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing with daytime classes and clinicals. The program accepts new students three times a year and maintains a low 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Its net price of $13,665 and a 94% retention rate position it as an accessible route for Northeast Ohio residents seeking RN licensure. Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Five-semester associate degree program Daytime classes and clinicals only Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam Hands-on clinical experiences in local facilities Requires high school diploma or GED and pre-entrance testing Covers medical-surgical, pediatric, and obstetric nursing Small class sizes with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio Opportunities for further nursing education after completion
#5	Case Western Reserve University	Cleveland, OH	$41,000/yr
Case Western Reserve University’s BSN program offers direct admission with no pre-nursing requirements, allowing students to begin nursing courses and clinical placements in their first semester. The campus-based program features over 1,000 clinical hours and access to advanced simulation labs. While the net price is $41,190, graduates earn a median of $87,989, and the institution has an 87.2% graduation rate. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — On-Campus Visit Website Direct admission with no pre-nursing requirements Nursing coursework and clinicals begin in the first semester Over 1,000 hours of clinical experience Access to state-of-the-art simulation and skill labs Interprofessional education and research opportunities Located in Cleveland with strong hospital partnerships Prepares graduates for a wide range of healthcare careers
#6	Miami University	Oxford, OH	$18,000 – $41,000/yr
Miami University’s BSN program blends a liberal arts foundation with professional nursing education and is available at two campus locations. Clinical experiences are concentrated in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas. With an in-state net price of $28,384 and a 79.8% graduation rate, it offers a solid pathway to RN licensure and roles in community health. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Available at Oxford and Hamilton campuses Blends liberal arts with professional nursing courses Clinical rotations in Cincinnati and Dayton healthcare systems Prepares for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam Community health project opportunities included Strong focus on health promotion for clients and families Opens doors to diverse nursing roles in acute and community settings
#7	Ohio Northern University	Ada, OH	$24,000/yr (net price)
Ohio Northern University’s BSN program emphasizes direct admission, small class sizes, and extensive hands-on training with 810 clinical hours. The school reports a 92.7% NCLEX-RN pass rate and a 100% job placement rate within six months. A net price of $24,478 and median graduate earnings of $80,928 make it a compelling private option. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Direct admission to the nursing program 810 total clinical hours across multiple settings 92.7% NCLEX-RN pass rate reported 100% job placement rate within six months Advanced simulation labs and Anatomage technology CCNE accredited with personalized faculty mentorship Small class sizes and individualized support Opportunities for humanitarian mission trips
#8	University of Dayton	Dayton, OH	$30,000/yr
The University of Dayton partners with Sinclair Community College to offer a unique dual-degree nursing pathway, allowing students to earn both an ASN and a BSN in four years. Admitted cohorts are small, and clinicals take place at top Dayton-area hospitals. The net price is $29,533, and median graduate earnings are $75,537. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Earn a BSN through a four-year dual-degree program Partnership with Sinclair Community College for ASN coursework Accredited by CCNE with a focus on evidence-based practice Prepares students for the NCLEX exam Hands-on clinical experiences at top Dayton-area hospitals Small cohort of 25 students admitted annually Integrates QSEN competencies into the curriculum Associate of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Complete the ASN as part of the dual enrollment pathway Prepares for NCLEX-RN and entry-level nursing roles Blends liberal arts and sciences with nursing fundamentals Clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings Faculty mentorship grounded in Marianist values Opportunities to seamlessly transition to the BSN program
#9	University of Cincinnati	Cincinnati, OH	$26,000/yr
The University of Cincinnati provides both a direct-admission BSN and an accelerated direct-entry MSN for non-nursing bachelor’s holders. Students benefit from clinical placements at a Level I trauma center and the nation’s top pediatric hospital. With a net price of $25,648 for Ohio residents, the programs boast strong graduate earnings and an 85% retention rate. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Direct admission from high school without a second application Clinical rotations at UC Health including a Level I trauma center Access to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, a top pediatric facility Curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration Strong preparation for NCLEX-RN and nursing careers Transfer students can enter the program at the sophomore level Accelerated Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Five-semester accelerated program for non-nursing bachelor’s holders Prepares students for RN licensure and advanced nursing roles Clinical experiences begin as early as the fifth week Built-in NCLEX preparation integrated into the curriculum Technology-enhanced learning with simulated patient care Small class sizes and interdisciplinary collaboration Prerequisite courses required with a B-minus or above
#10	Mercy College of Ohio	Toledo, OH	$18,000/yr (net price)
Mercy College of Ohio in Toledo offers an eight-semester BSN and a five-semester AAS in nursing, with flexible start dates and a distinctive paid clinical final semester for BSN students. The college highlights a potential debt-free education pathway through Mercy Health partnerships. The net price is $17,989, and median graduate earnings are $65,409. BSN Nursing Prelicensure — On-Campus Visit Website Eight-semester bachelor’s program with spring, fall, and summer starts Paid clinical hours in the final semester Direct admit option for high school students Potential debt-free education through Mercy Health partnerships Prepares graduates for RN licensure Comprehensive curriculum with hands-on training Located in Toledo with a strong local healthcare network Associate of Applied Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Five-semester evening/weekend associate degree program State-of-the-art simulation labs for skill development Exceeds national NCLEX pass rates Flexible start dates to accommodate working students Strong network of clinical partners in Northwest Ohio Focus on critical thinking and patient-centered care Financial support options available

How We Ranked Akron's Nursing Programs

Rankings built on College Scorecard data give prospective students a consistent, numbers-based way to compare programs. We prioritized metrics that directly shape a graduate’s financial future: net price after grants and scholarships, institution-wide graduation rates, program-level median earnings after attendance, and median debt at graduation.

What the Data Tells Us (and What It Doesn't)

One important caveat: graduation rates and net prices reflect the entire college, not just nursing students. A school with strong outcomes across all majors may still have room for improvement within its nursing department. The program-level earnings and debt figures are narrower, but they cover all graduates of the institution’s nursing programs where reported.

Separately, we consult Ohio Board of Nursing records for NCLEX first-time pass rates and clinical placement information. These state-level data points from nursing programs in Ohio capture nursing-specific performance and practical training opportunities that federal data sets do not.

Admission Requirements and Flexible BSN Formats in Akron

Minimum GPA thresholds for BSN admission in Akron range from 2.75 to 3.0. The University of Akron requires a cumulative 2.75 GPA, with no grade lower than C in prerequisite courses¹. Direct admission from high school demands a 3.0 GPA and minimum ACT or SAT scores of 22 or 1030, respectively².

Minimum GPA and Prerequisite Requirements

Nursing programs in the Akron area expect solid academic foundations. At the University of Akron, you must complete prerequisite courses with a C or better before applying to the upper-division nursing sequence¹. Common prerequisite courses include: - Anatomy and Physiology: Two semesters with labs - Microbiology: One course with lab - Statistics: An introductory statistics course - Developmental Psychology: A lifespan or human development course Other general education requirements in the sciences and humanities are also required. While the University of Akron sets a 2.75 cumulative GPA minimum¹, nearby programs may set similar bars at or near 3.0. Check with each school for exact thresholds.

Entrance Exams and Direct Admission Options

The University of Akron does not require the TEAS or HESI entrance exam for its traditional¹ or accelerated BSN tracks³. However, other Akron-area nursing schools may use these exams to evaluate readiness. Direct admission from high school is available at the University of Akron for students who meet the higher GPA and test-score requirements², guaranteeing a seat in the clinical nursing major upon successful completion of prerequisites.

Accelerated and Flexible BSN Pathways

The University of Akron offers an Accelerated BSN for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in any field³. This full-time, on-campus program lasts 16 months and requires a 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 2.75 GPA in science prerequisites³. RN-to-BSN students with a valid RN license can complete the program online or on campus with a 2.0 minimum GPA⁴. Several nearby institutions also provide flexible options, including evening, weekend, or hybrid BSN formats designed for working adults. Contact schools directly for scheduling details and program lengths.

Clinical Placement Partnerships

BSN students in Akron gain hands-on experience at major regional hospitals. Clinical rotations are routinely conducted at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Summa Health, and Akron Children's Hospital. These partnerships provide exposure to diverse patient populations and medical-surgical, pediatric, and community health settings, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX and professional practice.

How to Become a Nurse in Akron, Ohio

Becoming a registered nurse in Akron, Ohio, requires completing a board-approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN, and obtaining state licensure. Ohio mandates background checks and specific fees. Follow this pathway to start your nursing career.

Nursing Salaries and Job Outlook in Akron

Nursing in Akron presents a compelling picture of stability and opportunity, with competitive wages that mirror statewide figures and a steady demand for skilled practitioners.

Regional Salary Snapshot

According to the most recent BLS data, registered nurses in the Akron metropolitan area earn a median annual salary of $81,520.¹ This places Akron's median slightly above Ohio's statewide median of $81,250.¹ While the national median is somewhat higher, the lower cost of living in Northeast Ohio allows these wages to stretch further.

The full salary range includes: - Top earners (90th percentile): $99,280 per year¹ - Entry-level (10th percentile): $65,560 per year¹

For comparison, Ohio's 90th percentile reaches $103,650¹, suggesting that higher earnings may be more attainable outside the Akron metro. However, local healthcare employers consistently report strong demand, supporting salaries near the top of the range.

School Nurse Compensation

If you’re considering a career as a school nurse in the Akron area, pay scales vary by district and experience. The BLS does not track school nurses as a separate category in the metro, but RNs in educational services across Ohio tend to earn near the statewide median, often with benefits like a school-year schedule and pension plans. Checking recent postings on SchoolSpring or individual district websites can provide current salary grids for Akron Public Schools or surrounding systems.

Job Growth and Major Employers

Ohio’s RN workforce of over 138,000¹ is projected to grow in the coming years as the population ages and healthcare needs increase. In Akron, hiring is driven by major systems such as Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, and Akron Children’s Hospital, as well as numerous long-term care and home health agencies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates faster-than-average growth for registered nurses through 2033¹, making now an excellent time to complete your nursing degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Schools in Akron

Still have questions about nursing programs in Akron? Below are answers to the most common inquiries from prospective students, covering admissions, timelines, and career pathways.

What are the best nursing schools in Akron, Ohio?

The University of Akron offers a strong BSN program with high NCLEX pass rates. Other top options include Stark State College for ADN-to-BSN pathways and Herzing University for flexible RN programs. All hold accreditation from ACEN or CCNE.

How long does it take to complete a BSN program in Akron?

A traditional BSN typically takes four years of full-time study. Accelerated tracks at nearby universities can be completed in 12-18 months for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field.

What GPA do you need to get into nursing school in Akron?

Most programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75-3.0, though competitive applicants often have higher. Some schools also require minimum grades in science prerequisites like anatomy and microbiology.

Are there accelerated BSN programs near Akron, Ohio?

Yes, several universities within driving distance offer accelerated BSN (ABSN) tracks for career changers. Kent State University and Ursuline College have programs that can be finished in as few as 15 months.

How do I become a registered nurse in Ohio?

Complete an approved nursing program (ADN or BSN), pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and apply for licensure through the Ohio Board of Nursing. A background check is required.

How much do school nurses make in Akron, Ohio?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school nurses in Ohio earn a median annual wage of about $64,780. Individual salaries depend on the school district, years of experience, and additional certifications.

More Nursing Programs Near Akron, Ohio

Beyond the top-ranked picks, our search tool surfaced more accredited nursing programs within 75 miles of Akron. The directory below includes BSN, ADN, and bridge pathways with a mix of campus, online, and hybrid formats. Net prices and program details come from the latest federal data.

Northeast Ohio

Central Ohio

North Central Ohio

Northwest Ohio

Southwest Ohio

Southeast Ohio