Best Nursing Schools in Cincinnati: Programs, Tuition & Rankings for 2026
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
February 15, 2026
Compare 12 Cincinnati nursing programs with real tuition and graduate earnings data.
Why Study Nursing in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati is a growing healthcare market with strong demand for nurses across hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities. The metro area has 12 institutions offering nursing programs at various levels, from affordable ADN degrees to doctoral programs.
Top University Nursing Programs
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus (Cincinnati) — 87.7% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: $13,570/year. Nursing graduates earn $105,967/year (Graduate Certificate).
Miami University-Oxford (Oxford) — 82.1% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: $17,809/year. Nursing graduates earn $59,181/year (Bachelor's Degree).
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (Cincinnati). In-state tuition: $5,400/year. Nursing graduates earn $53,847/year (Associate's Degree).
Xavier University (Cincinnati) — 87.7% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: $48,125/year. Nursing graduates earn $74,949/year (Master's Degree).
Miami University-Hamilton (Hamilton). In-state tuition: $7,278/year. Nursing graduates earn $59,181/year (Bachelor's Degree).
Mount St. Joseph University (Cincinnati) — 56.5% acceptance rate. In-state tuition: $36,650/year. Nursing graduates earn $145,361/year (Doctoral Degree).
Community College & Affordable Nursing Programs
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (Cincinnati): $5,400/year, nursing graduates earn $53,847/year
- Fortis College-Cincinnati (Cincinnati): $14,283/year, nursing graduates earn $57,316/year
How to Choose
Consider your budget, career goals, and timeline. Community college ADN programs offer the fastest and cheapest path to an RN license. University BSN and graduate programs lead to higher earnings and more career options. Many nurses start with an ADN and bridge to BSN while working.
Financial Aid
Check your state's grant programs, federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year), and HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarships for nursing-specific aid. Many hospitals also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees.
Next Steps
Compare Cincinnati nursing programs on GradeToGrad.
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