Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for every accredited BSN program near Akron
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.
Our ranking of nursing programs in the Akron area evaluates schools on cost, graduation rates, and program flexibility. The following schools offer accredited pathways to RN licensure, with options ranging from fast-track associate degrees to traditional BSNs. All are within a 30-mile radius of downtown Akron.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Akron | Akron, OH | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | Akron residents seeking lowest net price | |
The University of Akron offers both a traditional BSN and an associate-degree nursing program on its main campus. With a net price around $13,950, it is one of the most affordable options, and the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and local clinical rotations. The ADN partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital provides a direct path to RN licensure. Graduates benefit from strong ties to the region’s healthcare employers.
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| #2 | Kent State University | Kent, OH | ~$21,000/yr (est.) | LPNs and paramedics seeking RN bridge programs | |
Kent State University provides a BSN with four concentration tracks and an associate-degree program for LPNs or paramedics seeking RN licensure. The program boasts a 92% licensure pass rate and 99% job placement. Clinical experiences take place at major hospitals and in advanced simulation labs, and the program is accredited by the CCNE. Multiple campus locations offer flexibility for commuters.
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| #3 | Baldwin Wallace University | Berea, OH | $28,000/yr | Career-changers needing an accelerated BSN program | |
Baldwin Wallace University’s nursing program includes a traditional BSN and an accelerated 15-month track. The accelerated option requires 700 clinical hours and features a concept-based curriculum with small clinical groups. Clinical partnerships with Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, plus a 100% NCLEX pass rate on the accelerated track, make it a strong choice. The university’s DNP-prepared faculty provide close mentorship.
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| #4 | Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Canton, OH | $24,000/yr (net price) | ||
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a specialized college in Canton offering a five-semester associate of science in nursing. Students complete clinical rotations at Aultman Health System, Stark County's largest healthcare provider, and benefit from small class sizes. The program has a clear pathway into Aultman’s BSN completion, making it an appealing stepping stone for aspiring RNs.
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| #5 | Walsh University | North Canton, OH | $20,000/yr (net price) | ||
Walsh University in North Canton offers a four-year BSN pre-licensure program with faith-based values and state-of-the-art simulation. An accelerated 24-month hybrid Fast Track BSN caters to career changers with evening and weekend sessions. The nursing school is known for high NCLEX pass rates and personalized faculty attention.
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| #6 | Hiram College | Hiram, OH | $21,000/yr (net price) | ||
Hiram College’s BSN program combines a liberal arts foundation with early clinical experiences starting sophomore year. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate for three consecutive years and offers a locked tuition guarantee for four years. An optional minor in biomedical humanities and direct entry for qualified students add to its appeal.
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| #7 | University of Mount Union | Alliance, OH | $23,000/yr | ||
The University of Mount Union in Alliance offers a direct-entry BSN with over 1,000 clinical hours and a 92% NCLEX pass rate. An accelerated 15-month BSN track is available for students with a prior degree, touted as one of the most affordable in the region at $500 per credit. Small class sizes and high-fidelity simulators enhance the learning experience.
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| #8 | Malone University | Canton, OH | $21,000/yr (net price) | ||
Malone University in Canton integrates Christian principles into its BSN program, with early clinical opportunities and multiple tracks including an accelerated option. The nursing school reports high board licensure pass rates and strong job placement success. Students benefit from individual faculty mentorship and a holistic approach to nursing education.
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| #9 | Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | $23,000/yr | ||
Fortis College in Cuyahoga Falls offers a hybrid associate degree in nursing, combining on-campus labs with online coursework. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and provides an LPN-to-RN bridge option. Career services help graduates transition into the workforce in Akron-area healthcare facilities.
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| #10 | Stark State College | North Canton, OH | $5,000 – $8,000/yr | ||
Stark State College in North Canton provides an affordable four-semester ADN program with day and evening classes, plus an online RN-to-BSN completion track. The college advertises tuition up to 83% less than other area schools, making it one of the most budget-friendly options. Clinical experiences span hospitals, long-term care, and clinics throughout the region.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 in Akron presents a compelling picture of stability and opportunity, with competitive wages that mirror statewide figures and a steady demand for skilled practitioners.
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.
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.
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.
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.
