When you want to pursue a nursing career in Ohio, obtaining a degree can become expensive. Although it is a rewarding vocation, the overall cost of studying and completing a nursing degree can feel overwhelming to anyone aspiring to be a healthcare professional.
Fortunately, there are affordable online nursing programs in Ohio that can help fast-track your nursing career. These programs can reduce the financial burden of getting a nursing degree while giving you a more flexible schedule than a traditional on-campus degree. Taking the fast-track option can also let you enter the workforce sooner and put you on the path to success in the healthcare industry faster.
In this post, we’ll explore a variety of affordable online nursing programs in Ohio that enable students to fast-track their education without breaking the bank. Whether you’re starting your nursing journey or looking to advance your qualifications, these programs offer a flexible and cost-effective path to achieving your goals.
Criteria for Selecting Nursing Programs
Aside from the budget, you also need to make sure that the affordable online nursing programs in Ohio you select can provide you with quality education. However, with so many options out there, choosing from the affordable online nursing programs in Ohio can be challenging. To help you narrow down what to look for, keep these considerations in mind:
Accreditation: Always remember to check and make sure that the program is accredited by recognized organizations, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). If your program is accredited, it guarantees that employers and licensing boards will recognize it.
Clinical Experience Opportunities: Look for programs that can facilitate clinical placements or internships with healthcare facilities for you. After all, hands-on experience will help you develop practical skills and meet state licensure requirements.
Credit Transferability: If you plan to continue your education or have prior college credits, choose a program that allows for credit transfers. This can save you time and money, especially if you're pursuing an advanced degree later on.
Program Flexibility: For those balancing work or family commitments, selecting an online program with flexible scheduling options can help you manage your time better. Check if the program you want offers part-time, full-time, or accelerated tracks that fit your lifestyle.
Top Affordable Online Nursing Programs in Ohio
There are many affordable online nursing programs in Ohio that are accredited and flexible enough to allow you to manage your health for a fulfilling life.
Here are some of the top choices:
1. Accelerated BSN at Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is an online program designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a non-nursing field. This CCNE-accredited program enables students to fast-track their nursing education and become registered nurses in just 16 months. The curriculum includes online coursework, two in-person residencies, and 764 clinical hours. With a strong focus on clinical placement support and NCLEX exam preparation, the ABSN program offers a flexible, affordable pathway to a nursing career in Ohio.
Tuition: $20,860.80 (in-state), $29,745.60 (out-of-state)
Degree Highlights:
Tailored for non-nursing degree holders
Clinical placements in local areas
Comprehensive student support
2. MSN at Ohio University
Ohio University’s Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed for registered nurses looking to advance their careers in a flexible, online format. The program offers five tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator, all of which include a combination of online coursework and hands-on practicum experiences. Each track is CCNE-accredited, preparing students to sit for certification exams relevant to their chosen specialty. With financial aid options available, this program provides a comprehensive path for nurses seeking leadership or advanced practice roles.
Tuition: $512 to $668 per credit
Degree highlights:
Five MSN tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator
Online coursework with practicum hours
750 clinical/practicum hours for most tracks
3. RN to BSN at Youngstown State University
Youngstown State University’s online RN to BSN program is designed for working nurses aiming to advance their careers in healthcare. This program emphasizes developing practical skills, leadership, and evidence-based practices to meet the demands of modern nursing. With 28 core credit hours, it can be completed in as few as ten months and prepares graduates for various elevated roles, including Nurse Manager and Public Health Nurse. The program is accredited by both the CCNE and ACEN, ensuring a high-quality education aligned with industry standards. With only 10% of RNs taking a BSN in Ohio, completing this degree can place you in a better position than your colleagues without a bachelor's.
Tuition: $7,700
Degree highlights:
28 core credit hours
As few as ten months to complete
Prepares for leadership roles like Nurse Manager and Public Health Nurse
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Along with choosing the right affordable online nursing programs in Ohio, you should also try to lower the cost by taking advantage of financial aid that you are eligible for.
Types of Financial Aid
Federal and state aid options provide significant financial assistance for nursing students. More than $140 billion of student relief for four million Americans was approved by the national government in 2024, relieving graduates of the pressure of a student loan.
Some of the most common and accessible ones are:
Pell Grants are a form of need-based federal aid that does not require repayment, making them a popular choice for eligible students pursuing their degrees.
Federal Direct Loans, available to both undergraduate and graduate students, offer flexible repayment options and low interest rates, helping cover tuition and other educational expenses.
At the state level, the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) offers financial support to low-income students attending eligible institutions within Ohio.
Scholarship Opportunities
Nursing students in Ohio have access to several scholarship opportunities designed to help reduce the financial burden of their education.
The Ohio Nurses Foundation Scholarship is specifically aimed at nursing students pursuing various levels of nursing degrees, including those enrolled in online programs. This scholarship supports students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to the nursing profession, helping them offset tuition and other costs.
The Choose Ohio First Scholarship is another option for nursing students, particularly those pursuing STEM fields, including nursing. This scholarship promotes education in high-demand areas, providing financial aid to students who are likely to enter the Ohio workforce after graduation, contributing to the state's healthcare sector.
Moreover, national programs like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nursing Scholarship offer substantial financial support to nursing students across the country. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational costs in exchange for a commitment to work in underserved communities after graduation.
Fast-Track Your Nursing Career On A Budget
In conclusion, by selecting one of these top affordable online nursing programs in Ohio, you can fast-track your nursing career and enter the healthcare workforce sooner. By choosing programs with with lower tuition rates and taking advantage of the available financial aid, you can pursue your nursing goals without the overwhelming financial stress.
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