3 accredited schools across the Columbus metro area trained 554 nursing assistants in 2023–24. Here’s how they compare on cost, length and size, plus what the job pays locally.
Updated October 2026 · Data: IPEDS 2023–24, BLS May 2025
Sorted by number of 2023–24 graduates (IPEDS), a proxy for program size and stability.
This public four-year institution in Franklin County graduated 333 CNA students in 2023–24, the most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $5,338 ($10,917 out of state).
138 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public career school, the 5th-most in the state. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $911 for a program of about 2 weeks.
This public four-year institution in Licking County graduated 83 CNA students in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $5,136 ($7,896 out of state).
3 accredited schools in the Columbus, OH metro area graduated 554 CNA students in 2023–24. The largest was Columbus State Community College with 333.
Among schools that published a program price, Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County in Newark listed the lowest total: $911 for tuition, books and supplies.
Certified Nursing Assistants in the Columbus, OH metro earn a median $42,970 a year ($20.66/hour), per BLS May 2025 data. That compares with $39,010 statewide and $42,260 nationally.
Federal rules require at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Many states require more.