Home › All States › Ohio

🎡 LPN Programs in Ohio With No Waitlist and Multiple Start Dates

Most nursing programs in Ohio have waitlists that stretch 6–18 months. But Hondros College — Ohio's largest private nursing school — accepts students with no waitlist and offers 4 start dates per year in Columbus, Westerville, Independence (Cleveland), West Chester (Cincinnati), and Toledo. The tradeoff is price: Hondros costs significantly more than community colleges. This page breaks down whether the convenience premium is worth it compared to Ohio's public options, and what financial aid can do to close the gap.

Find Out What LPN Programs Cost in Your Zip Code

Enter your zip code to see accredited programs near you.

By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.

No-Waitlist vs. Waitlist Programs — The Real Tradeoff

No Waitlist (Private)

Start within weeks. Multiple entry points per year. Evening/weekend options. Higher tuition ($18,000–$25,000). Examples: Hondros College, Fortis College.

Waitlist (Public)

6–18 month waitlist typical. 1–2 start dates per year. Lower tuition ($5,000–$12,000). Examples: Hocking College, Eastern Gateway CC, EHOVE Career Center.

The income math: if you earn $45,000/year as an LPN, a 12-month waitlist costs you $45,000 in lost wages. Hondros costs $10,000–$15,000 more than a community college. In pure math, starting sooner at Hondros and earning LPN salary 12 months earlier more than covers the tuition premium.

Hondros College — Ohio's No-Waitlist Option

Hondros College of Nursing

Columbus / Westerville / Independence / West Chester / Toledo

~$18,000–$25,000

4 start dates per year. No waitlist. Day and evening programs. 12-month completion. NCLEX-PN prep integrated into curriculum. 5 Ohio locations covering the Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo metros. Financial aid and federal student loans accepted.

Public LPN Programs in Ohio (Lower Cost, Longer Wait)

Hocking College

Nelsonville — Southeast Ohio

~$8,000–$12,000 total. 12-month program. Rural setting with lower cost of living. Strong clinical partnerships in the Hocking Valley.

Eastern Gateway Community College

Steubenville — Eastern Ohio

~$6,000–$10,000. Hybrid options available. Close to the Pittsburgh healthcare market for clinical placements and post-graduation employment.

EHOVE Career Center

Milan — North Central Ohio

~$10,000–$14,000. Adult education practical nursing program. 12-month completion. Between Cleveland and Toledo with access to both job markets.

Ohio LPN Salary by Metro

Columbus
$50,000–$55,000
Cleveland
$48,000–$54,000
Cincinnati
$48,000–$53,000
OH Statewide
$50,820

Financial Aid for Ohio LPN Students

Federal Pell Grant — Up to $7,395/year. Covers most or all community college tuition. Significantly reduces Hondros cost.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant — State need-based aid for residents at eligible institutions.

Choose Ohio First Scholarship — STEM/healthcare focused state scholarship program.

WIOA Workforce Grants — Contact OhioMeansJobs career centers for training grants.

VA / GI Bill — Wright-Patterson AFB and multiple Ohio veteran populations. All programs accept GI Bill.

Compare LPN Program Costs in Ohio

Enter your zip code to see accredited programs near you.

By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.

Ohio is an NLC compact state. Your Ohio LPN license is valid in all other NLC member states without a separate application.
📝

Prepare for the NCLEX-PN — 50 Free Practice Questions With Answers

Passing the NCLEX-PN is your final step to becoming licensed in Ohio. 50 free practice questions with full answer explanations.

Take 50 Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions →

Ohio LPN Questions

+ Are there LPN programs in Ohio with no waitlist?
Yes — Hondros College of Nursing offers LPN programs with no waitlist and 4 start dates per year at 5 Ohio locations. Tuition is $18,000–$25,000 — higher than community colleges but you start immediately.
+ How much do LPNs earn in Ohio?
Ohio LPNs earn a median of $50,820/year. Columbus pays $50,000–$55,000, Cleveland $48,000–$54,000. Ohio's cost of living is 10% below the national average.
+ Is Ohio an NLC compact state?
Yes — Ohio is an NLC member. Your license works in all other compact states including neighboring Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Ready to Start Your LPN Career in Ohio?

Enter your zip code to see accredited programs near you.

By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.