Ohio offers six quality AGPCNP programs with costs ranging from $16,355 to $100,409.
Completion times from 1.5 to 3 years, providing options from affordable state universities to prestigious private institutions with specialized features like comprehensive clinical placement support and competency-based learning models.
High Level Overview Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kent State University | MSN: ~$16K Certificate: ~$16K | – lowest published in-state MSN and certificate pricing. – online coursework with CCNE accreditation. – AGPCNP clinical hours in outpatient adult primary care settings. |
| University of Cincinnati | MSN: $33K–$37K BSN→DNP: ~$63K Certificate: $10K–$15K | – MSN primary care curriculum with 500+ clinical hours. – DNP includes AGPCNP practicum work and DNP project sequence. – certificate uses 12–18 credits for APRNs needing AGPCNP specialty. |
| Ohio State University | MSN: $52K–$65K BSN→DNP: $75K–$96K Certificate: $972–$1,860/credit | – online model with on-campus intensives for BSN→DNP students. – 600+ primary care clinical hours across older adult populations. – strong national rankings and broad elective access. |
| Ursuline College | MSN: ~$51K Certificate: ~$37K | – values-based model with strong Ohio rankings. – AGPCNP courses cover ethics, population focus, and adult care. – smaller cohort structure for more direct faculty contact. |
| Case Western Reserve University | MSN: ~$100K Certificate: $24K–$100K | – research environment with large academic medical center ties. – MSN can finish in ~1.5 years with campus trips. – certificate based on individual gap analysis for APRNs. |
Ohio AGPCNP Program Directory
This is a list of all schools with AGPCNP program summaries that nurses in Ohio can apply to, including national online programs (increases rolling admissions opportunities).
Case Western AGPCNP Programs
Cleveland | 2449 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Chamberlain University AGPCNP Programs
Fully Online | 760 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Kent State University AGPCNP Programs
Kent | 567 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Ohio State University AGPCNP Programs
Columbus | 829.75 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Rasmussen University AGPCNP Programs
Fully Online | 915 cpc | Certificate / MSN
University of Cincinnati AGPCNP Programs
Cincinnati | 836 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Ursuline College AGPCNP Programs
Pepper Pike | 1312 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Walden University AGPCNP Programs
Fully Online | 788 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Wilkes University AGPCNP Programs
Fully Online | 755 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Choosing the Best AGPCNP Program for You
TLDR: Quick Program Match
Choose Ohio State University if you want a top-ranked DNP program (#9 among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report), entirely online distance learning with clinical experiences in your area, and holistic admissions reviewing leadership, innovation, and community engagement.
Choose Case Western Reserve University if you want a prestigious private research university MSN program (ranked among top programs nationally by U.S. News) with approximately eight campus trips to Cleveland and comprehensive gerontological assessment training.
Choose Kent State University if you want Ohio’s most affordable program ($16,355 for 29 credits), a three-time NLN Center of Excellence designation, and 96.3% board certification pass rates (2021 graduates).
Choose University of Cincinnati if you want flexible online coursework with in-person precepted clinical practice, on-campus immersions, and programs emphasizing social, economic, and environmental factors in holistic care.
Choose Ursuline College if you want a value-based framework program ranked #34 nationally and #3 in Ohio by U.S. News, designated as an NLN National Center of Excellence, with flexible online and in-person delivery options.
Ohio AGPCNP MSN Program Comparison
Ohio offers nine MSN AGPCNP programs with dramatic cost variation from $16,355 to $100,409.
Kent State University delivers Ohio’s lowest-cost MSN at just $16,355 ($564.13/credit for 29 credits), making it exceptionally affordable for Ohio residents while also achieving impressive 96.3% board certification pass rates and earning three consecutive NLN Center of Excellence designations (2013-2026).
Case Western Reserve University commands the highest price at $100,409 ($2,449/credit for 41 credits) but delivers prestigious Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing credentials recognized by U.S. News among the top programs nationally, with a condensed 1.5-year full-time completion timeline—the fastest option for those prioritizing speed over cost.
Ohio State University offers strong value at $51,845-$65,475 with its #9-ranked public institution DNP program extending to MSN offerings, while out-of-state online options like Chamberlain, Rasmussen, Walden, and Wilkes provide competency-based and flexible alternatives for students seeking self-paced learning models.
| School | Total Cost (OH Residents) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kent State University | $16,355 | 2 years FT |
| University of Cincinnati | $32,604–$36,784 | 2 years FT |
| Ohio State University | $51,845–$65,475 | 2 years FT (3 years PT) |
| Ursuline College | $51,168 | 2 years FT (2.5-3 years PT) |
| Case Western Reserve | $100,409 | 1.5 years FT |
Ohio AGPCNP DNP Program Comparison
Only two Ohio institutions offer BSN-to-DNP AGPCNP pathways, providing limited but quality options for nurses seeking terminal doctoral degrees.
Ohio State University offers the more affordable DNP at $74,911-$95,682 for Ohio residents (79 credits over 3-4 years), ranked #9 among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report with entirely online delivery and 1,012.5 total practice hours (600 clinical + 412.5 immersion hours).
University of Cincinnati charges $62,700-$63,536 for its 75-76 credit DNP (3 years full-time) with 504 AGPCNP clinical hours plus DNP project practicum hours, combining flexible online coursework with required on-campus immersions.
Both programs require three on-campus visits during final semesters, though Ohio State pre-schedules dates for advance travel planning.
Several national online universities (Walden, Rasmussen) also offer BSN-to-DNP pathways for Ohio residents seeking additional options outside traditional in-state institutions.
| School | Total Cost | Practice Hours | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cincinnati | $62,700–$63,536 | 504 clinical + project hours | 3 years FT |
| Ohio State University | $74,911–$95,682 | 1,012.5 hrs (600 clinical + 412.5 immersion) | 3 years FT (4 years PT) |
Ohio AGPCNP Post-Master’s Certificate Comparison
Ohio offers six post-master’s/post-graduate certificate programs with costs ranging from approximately $10,032 to $36,894, all requiring gap analysis to determine final credit requirements.
University of Cincinnati provides the lowest certificate cost at approximately $10,032-$15,048 (12-18 credits at $836/credit for Ohio residents) for a streamlined program requiring only AGPCNP-specific coursework, though applicants must live in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana.
Kent State University follows closely at $16,355 (29 credits at $564.13/credit) with the same comprehensive curriculum as its MSN program but potential course waivers for previously completed advanced practice coursework.
Case Western Reserve charges $24,490-$100,409 depending on gap analysis results, while Ursuline College requires the full 39-credit MSN curriculum at $36,894 for certificate seekers.
National online options from Chamberlain ($25,080), Walden ($31,580 standard or Fast Track available), and Wilkes ($20,277) provide additional pathways with varying clinical placement support models.
| School | Cost Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cincinnati | $10,032–$15,048 | ~2 years |
| Kent State University | $16,355 | 1.5-2 years |
| Case Western Reserve | $24,490–$100,409 | Varies |
| Ursuline College | $36,894 | 1.5-2 years |
Clinical Hours: All certificates require approximately 500-640 clinical hours depending on program structure.
Gap Analysis Notes:
University of Cincinnati: Most streamlined with 12-18 credits for those with strong prior coursework
Kent State: 29 credits with possible waivers for “3 Ps” (pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment) if completed within 5 years
Case Western Reserve: Highly individualized based on prior graduate nursing education and certifications
Ursuline College: Requires full 39-credit MSN curriculum regardless of prior coursework
Prerequisite Requirements:
All Programs Require:
- MSN or higher from accredited institution
- Current unencumbered RN license (certificate programs require APRN license for most)
- Completion of “3 Ps” with specific timeframes (typically 5-6 years for pharmacology)
Ohio-Specific Restrictions:
- University of Cincinnati: Applicants must live in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana
- Kent State: Graduate-level “3 Ps” must be within 5 years if not practicing as APRN within past 2 years
- Ursuline College: Not available to students in CA, ID, LA, NY, OR, TN, TX, WA
Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | 3.0 recommended | Autumn 2026: Round 1 Oct 16, 2025; Round 2 March 1, 2026 |
| Case Western Reserve | 3.0 (2.5 for APRN courses) | Priority: March 15 for fall |
| Kent State University | 2.750 (starting Spring 2026) | Rolling |
| University of Cincinnati | 3.0 recommended (3.25 DNP) | Summer 2026: March 15; Fall 2026: July 1 (DNP only) |
| Ursuline College | 3.0 recommended | Fall: July 1; Spring: December 1 (encouraged) |
Additional Requirements Common Across Programs:
- Active, unencumbered RN license in state where clinical coursework will be completed
- Statistics course (undergraduate or graduate level) – some programs eliminated this requirement
- Three professional letters of recommendation (most programs)
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Personal statement/essay addressing career goals and program fit
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Unique Requirements:
Ohio State: Holistic review includes leadership, interprofessional collaboration, resiliency, critical thinking, community engagement, emotional intelligence
Case Western Reserve: Three recommenders preferably RNs in supervisory positions or nursing instructors familiar with clinical work
University of Cincinnati: Minimum one year RN experience in United States required
Ursuline College: Nursing experience must be within past two years
Clinical Placement Support Comparison
Ohio programs offer varying levels of clinical placement assistance, from full coordination to student-secured with faculty approval:
Ohio State University: Preceptors available in wide variety of geographic locations; students complete in local area for distance learning
Case Western Reserve: Students complete practicums in hospitals, primary care, community clinics, long-term care, private practice
Kent State University: Direct patient care in collaboration with healthcare teams; students secure sites with faculty approval
University of Cincinnati: In-person precepted clinical practice; students work with faculty advisor
Ursuline College: Clinical experiences with faculty guidance; not available in 8 states due to APRN distance education requirements
Total Clinical Hours Required:
- Most MSN programs: 500-640 hours
- Ohio State MSN: 600 hours minimum
- University of Cincinnati MSN: 504 hours
- Case Western Reserve MSN: ~600 hours
- Kent State MSN: 7 credit hours (hours not specified)
- DNP programs: 1,000+ hours total including project practicum