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Ohio State University vs Cleveland State University

MSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Cleveland State University
$11,118 vs $48,000
Faster to complete
Cleveland State University
24 months vs 48 months
Easier to get into
Cleveland State University
95.5% vs 22% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Ohio State University
Clinical Nurse Leader (MSN)
Cleveland State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeMSNMSN
Formatin personin person
LocationColumbus, OHCleveland, OH
Length48 months24 monthsBEST
NCLEX pass rate95%
Acceptance rate22%95.5%BEST
Avg accepted GPA3.6
Min GPA
Entrance examHESI
Total tuition$48,000$11,118 in / $18,821 outBEST
In-state tuition$11,118
Out-of-state tuition$18,821
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Ohio State University or Cleveland State University?

Cleveland State University is the more affordable option at roughly $11,118, compared to $48,000. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Ohio State University and Cleveland State University the same type of program?

Both are MSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Ohio State University and Cleveland State University?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.