Stark State College Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
Public community college serving Northeast Ohio from North Canton and Akron, with TEAS-based admission to ADN, practical nursing (LPN), an LPN-to-RN bridge, and a fully online Ohio RN-to-BSN completion. Figures below come from Stark State’s nursing, TEAS, tuition, and student-achievement pages—confirm every deadline with Stark State Nursing and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Stark State clusters concept-based ADN coursework at the North Canton main campus, runs practical nursing primarily at Akron, and publishes Northeast Ohio–focused tuition and NCLEX-RN snapshots on its nursing student achievement page—useful when you want multiple RN entry points (generic ADN vs. LPN-to-RN) plus an online RN-to-BSN finish for Ohio residents.
Overview & Why Students Choose Stark State College
Stark State College is a public community college headquartered in North Canton, Ohio, with a growing Akron location that houses the practical nursing program. Nursing pathways include a concept-based Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with day or evening/weekend options, a certificate LPN track, an LPN-to-RN bridge for licensed practical nurses, and a fully online RN-to-BSN completion for Ohio residents who already hold RN licensure.
Pre-licensure programs use the TEAS exam and online application materials published on each program page. Seats are limited and pathways differ by campus (North Canton vs. Akron), so treat deadlines in the current information packets as authoritative—not this guide.
Stark State’s nursing student achievement page lists a 93.22% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024 and shows an Ohio average of 92.07% in the same table for that year. For regulatory benchmarking, also review the Ohio Board of Nursing Calendar Year 2024 NCLEX pass rate report (PDF) and confirm definitions with the Board and the college.
Reasons students choose Stark State College
Published NCLEX-RN snapshot
The student achievement page tracks first-time NCLEX-RN percentages year over year and places Stark State beside Ohio and national averages compiled in the same display.
Campus-flexible LPN & ADN
Practical nursing runs at Akron with day or evening/weekend cohorts; ADN emphasizes the North Canton campus with published articulation to RN-to-BSN partners.
LPN-to-RN bridge
Licensed LPNs can pursue a dedicated bridge that builds on prior nursing coursework instead of repeating every generic ADN milestone.
Low published tuition tier
Stark State advertises “lowest tuition in northeast Ohio” on nursing marketing pages and posts per-credit instructional and general totals effective spring 2026.
Online RN-to-BSN for Ohio RNs
The BSN completion route keeps coursework online with arranged practica—separate from pre-licensure ADN courses.
Nursing Programs Offered
Stark State describes each pathway on its program microsites linked below. Pre-licensure tracks lead to NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. The LPN-to-RN bridge serves licensed practical nurses. The RN-to-BSN completion is for already licensed RNs—not an entry-level BSN.
Pre-licensure
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing on the North Canton main campus: concept-based curriculum integrating classroom, lab, and clinical experiences; day or evening/weekend tracks; fall application deadline March 31 per the ADN page. The program names continued ACEN accreditation for the main-campus ADN.
Practical nursing (LPN certificate)
Akron campus program with fall and spring day starts plus a spring-only evening/weekend track; 46 seats per cohort; applications to the Akron Gateway with June 15 (fall) or December 1 (spring) deadlines per the PN page; clinical sites within about 75 miles.
Bridge & post-licensure
LPN-to-RN (ADN completion)
For currently licensed Ohio LPNs; delivered at North Canton and Akron with day or evening/weekend scheduling; requires TEAS per Stark State nursing materials.
RN-to-BSN completion
Fully online coursework with arranged practica; requires an active Ohio or compact RN license and Ohio residency per the RN-to-BSN page. As of February 9, 2026, Stark State reports ACEN candidacy—candidacy is not full accreditation; confirm status with the college and ACEN before enrolling.
This guide lists only the four Stark State pathways above. Stark State offers other health programs outside nursing; use the official catalog to confirm prerequisites, transfer rules, and any additional certificates. There is no generic pre-licensure BSN on campus—only ADN/LPN pathways plus RN-to-BSN completion.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to Stark State’s nursing student achievement data table, the college’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 93.22% in 2024. That same page lists a 92.07% Ohio average and 93.34% national average for 2024 in adjacent columns—use those comparisons only as presented by Stark State’s table, then verify cohort definitions in the Ohio Board of Nursing CY 2024 NCLEX pass rate report (PDF).
NCLEX-PN (practical nursing)
Stark State’s public student achievement excerpt we reviewed focuses on NCLEX-RN trend lines; it does not restate PN percentages in the same block. For NCLEX-PN outcomes, check Stark State’s practical nursing disclosures and the Ohio Board of Nursing school-level PN tables rather than inferring numbers from RN data.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2024) | 93.22% — Stark State nursing student achievement page |
| Ohio & national averages shown alongside (2024) | 92.07% Ohio and 93.34% national per the same Stark State table; confirm with Ohio BON methodology. |
| NCLEX-PN | Not reproduced on the RN achievement snippet we reviewed — verify with Stark State PN materials and Ohio Board of Nursing reports. |
| Source | Stark State — Nursing student achievement; Ohio BON CY 2024 pass rate report (PDF). Confirm current cohort data with the school and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Ohio Board of Nursing and Stark State.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Stark State College and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- Ohio Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Stark State College’s admissions or international office and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Stark State’s nursing pathways are selective and require the TEAS exam for both the ADN and LPN programs per the Testing Center TEAS page. Applicants submit program-specific packets (PDF forms and online Microsoft Forms links) referenced on the ADN, LPN, and LPN-to-RN pages—always download the newest packet before you apply.
Application timeline
Deadlines below appeared on Stark State nursing pages during our March 2026 review.
| Program | Deadline / window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADN (day or evening/weekend) | March 31 for fall start | Published on the ADN program page; submission via online nursing application form. |
| LPN-to-RN bridge | March 31 for fall start (per program overview materials) | Requires active Ohio LPN license and TEAS; confirm on the live LPN-to-RN page. |
| Practical nursing (Akron) | June 15 (fall cohort) / December 1 (spring cohort) | Application materials go to the Akron Gateway Center as a complete packet with TEAS scores. |
| RN-to-BSN | July 31, 2026 for fall 2026 (posted on RN-to-BSN FAQs) | Separate college application plus RN-to-BSN application PDF; Ohio residency and RN license required. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS | Required for ADN and LPN; registrants pay $70 and email testcenter@starkstate.edu per the TEAS page. ADN retakes: 60-day wait and max two attempts per calendar year; LPN allows multiple attempts but proctors need retake counts. |
| Minimum GPA / prerequisites | Use the current ADN information packet (PDF) and PN packet for GPA, science, and prerequisite rules—not summarized here because editions change. |
| Background checks | Required before nursing courses and annually; fingerprinting required for NCLEX per Ohio law (see ADN “Additional info”). |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Stark State’s Tuition and fees page—marked effective spring 2026—publishes combined instructional and general totals per credit hour for Ohio residents and notes that out-of-state residents add $129 per credit hour. Nursing students should also budget TEAS fees ($70 on the TEAS page), the one-time $95 processing fee, $35/semester maintenance/security fee (for four or more hours), possible distance-learning surcharges for online courses, and clinical expenses such as uniforms and immunizations.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Ohio resident (per credit, instructional + general) | $209.60 for 1 credit (same per-credit rate continues through Stark State’s published credit ladder; 12 credits = $2,515.20 per table). |
| Out-of-state surcharge | Add $129 per credit hour to the in-state totals noted on the tuition page. |
| Other common charges (examples) | One-time processing $95; security/maintenance $35/semester (4+ hours); TEAS $70; optional distance fees ($5–$10/credit depending on section type). |
| Source | Stark State — Tuition and fees; Costs & disbursement. Confirm current totals with the Cashier’s Office. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Stark State’s nursing student achievement page aggregates NCLEX outcomes, graduation rates, graduates employed in major, and average yearly salary by year. Treat each row as a school-published snapshot and confirm methodology before comparing programs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2024) | 93.22% — Stark State nursing student achievement page |
| Graduates employed in major (2024) | Reported 97% — school table; confirm cohort definition with Stark State and the Ohio Board of Nursing. |
| Average yearly salary (2024) | Reported $82,400 — school table; confirm whether this reflects program survey data or graduate-reported averages. |
| Source | Stark State nursing student achievement. Cross-check licensure exam data with the Ohio Board of Nursing. |
Is Stark State College the Right Fit for You?
Stark State fits learners who want multiple RN entry points in Northeast Ohio, TEAS-based admissions clarity, and published tuition tied to a community-college mission. It may be a weaker fit if you need a direct four-year BSN, cannot attend North Canton or Akron reliably, or are an RN-to-BSN seeker living outside Ohio (the completion program requires Ohio residency per Stark State).
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want ACEN-accredited ADN coursework with concept-based sequencing and flexible day/evening tracks.
- Prefer earning an LPN certificate in Akron before bridging to RN.
- Are licensed RNs seeking an online Ohio RN-to-BSN while working—after confirming ACEN candidacy status.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect rolling, open-enrollment nursing admission without TEAS or competitive file review.
- Cannot satisfy background check, drug screen, and clinical health mandates that Stark State outlines for nursing students.
- Need a non-Ohio RN-to-BSN (Stark State’s program currently requires Ohio residency per the RN-to-BSN FAQ).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Stark State sits between the Canton/Cleveland corridor and Akron’s hospital networks. Practical nursing students should expect clinical assignments up to about 75 miles from the Akron campus, while ADN students work through Stark State’s contracted acute, outpatient, and community partners—specific site lists rotate each term and are typically shared after admission.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Clinic & Akron Children’s corridor | Large referral networks within driving distance of North Canton and Akron—common destinations for Northeast Ohio nursing programs. |
| Mercy Health / Catholic Health (regional) | Faith-based systems operating hospitals and ambulatory centers across Stark and Summit counties. |
| Aultman Health / local Stark hospitals | Canton-area employers that recruit Stark State graduates; Aultman also appears in Stark State’s RN-to-BSN articulation list. |
| Community & long-term care partners | Clinical rotations often include skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and community clinics; confirm current partners with the nursing department. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Stark State’s North Canton campus anchors most ADN coursework, while Akron hosts practical nursing labs and advising through the Gateway Center. Program marketing emphasizes simulation labs, small cohort experiences for PN, and student services such as the Testing Center for TEAS administration (Main Campus and College Store payment options). Student clubs exist college-wide—check with the nursing department for NSNA or specialty groups active this year.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- North Canton, OH
- Address
- 6200 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720, US
- Telephone
- +1-330-494-6170 (main; Testing Center/cashier extensions listed on TEAS page)
- Admissions email
- admissions@starkstate.edu
- TEAS registration email
- testcenter@starkstate.edu
- Website
- starkstate.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the latest ADN information packet or PN materials and read every checklist item.
- Create your ATI account, pay the $70 TEAS fee, and email testcenter@starkstate.edu with the receipt and preferred date.
- Review prerequisites in the Stark State catalog and map a term-by-term plan with an advisor.
- Complete a background check only through the process Stark State Security publishes for nursing students.
- If you are an LPN, confirm your Ohio license is active and gather transcripts for the bridge or generic ADN pathway.
- For RN-to-BSN, verify Ohio residency, RN license, and ACEN candidacy language on the official BSN page before depositing.
- Calendar the exact application deadline (for example March 31 ADN / June 15 or December 1 PN) and set phone/Cortana reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stark State College’s ADN nursing program ACEN-accredited?
Stark State states the Associate Degree Nursing programs at the North Canton main campus hold continued ACEN accreditation and publishes the next evaluation visit (2031) on its ADN page. Confirm wording, branch-campus approvals, and Ohio Board of Nursing status whenever you apply.
What first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate does Stark State publish?
According to the nursing student achievement table, Stark State posted 93.22% for 2024 and shows 92.07% Ohio and 93.34% national averages beside it. Confirm cohort size and definitions with Stark State and cross-check the Ohio Board of Nursing CY 2024 NCLEX report (PDF).
Does Stark State use TEAS for nursing admission?
Yes. The TEAS page states the exam is required for both ADN (RN) and LPN applicants, details the $70 fee, and explains retakes (60-day spacing and max two attempts per calendar year for ADN). Register only after confirming open seats with the Testing Center if your test date is within two weeks.
Where is Stark State’s practical nursing program delivered?
The PN program page states classes and labs occur at Stark State Akron, with clinical assignments generally within 75 miles. Fall and spring day cohorts plus a spring-start evening/weekend track have published seat counts (46 per cohort).
When are Stark State nursing applications due?
The ADN page cites March 31 for fall day/evening tracks. Practical nursing uses June 15 (fall) and December 1 (spring) deadlines for packets submitted to the Akron Gateway Center. RN-to-BSN applications list July 31, 2026 for fall 2026 in the program FAQ—verify each page before you submit.
How much is Stark State tuition per credit in 2026?
The Tuition and fees page effective spring 2026 lists $209.60 per credit for Ohio residents (instructional + general) and notes out-of-state residents add $129 per credit before other fees.
Can licensed LPNs bridge to RN at Stark State?
Yes—the LPN-to-RN pathway serves current Ohio LPNs with North Canton and Akron scheduling options and still requires TEAS. Confirm every prerequisite in the bridge packet.
What should I know about Stark State’s RN-to-BSN ACEN status?
Stark State’s RN-to-BSN page states the program reached ACEN candidacy on February 9, 2026, with a site visit expected Spring 2027. Candidacy is not accreditation; students should read the candidacy disclosure verbatim on the official page and monitor ACEN updates.
Where else can I verify Stark State nursing outcomes?
Beyond the student achievement dashboard, use the Ohio Board of Nursing NCLEX reports and the NCES College Navigator entry (unit ID 205841) for institutional consumer metrics.
References
- Stark State — Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)starkstate.edu/academics/programs/adn
- Stark State — Practical Nursing (LPN)Practical nursing program
- Stark State — LPN-to-RNLPN-to-RN bridge
- Stark State — RN-to-BSN completionRN-to-BSN page
- Stark State — TEAS testingTEAS information
- Stark State — Nursing student achievement / outcomes tableStudent achievement data
- Stark State — Tuition and fees (effective spring 2026)Tuition and fees
- Ohio Board of Nursing — home / licensure resourcesnursing.ohio.gov · CY 2024 NCLEX pass rate report (PDF)
- NCES College Navigator — Stark State CollegeIPEDS unit 205841
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX and employment figures on Stark State’s nursing student achievement page, spring 2026 tuition disclosures, TEAS requirements, and ACEN status language for ADN versus RN-to-BSN candidacy.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-31 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy