
Cincinnati, OHprivate nonprofitwww.gscollege.edu/
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science is a tightly focused, hospital-based institution in Cincinnati that punches above its weight in nursing education. With an intimate 9:1 student-faculty ratio and an 80% graduation rate—more than double the national average for two-year colleges—it delivers rigorous, hands-on training with a mission-driven emphasis on compassionate care. The college’s location inside Good Samaritan Hospital provides unparalleled clinical access, though its selectivity (acceptance rates range from 17% to 46% across sources) reflects its reputation for producing highly skilled healthcare professionals.
Good Samaritan College maintains a selective admissions process, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 16.93% (per College Board) to 45.7% (Data USA 2024), likely reflecting fluctuations in applicant pools for its specialized programs. Accepted students typically submit ACT scores between 19-22 or SAT scores of 1,010-1,110, though test submissions are optional for some applicants. The college requires transcripts from high school and any prior colleges, emphasizing academic preparedness for its intensive health science curricula. Notably, its 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention from admissions through graduation.
The college specializes exclusively in healthcare education, offering:
With only 4 majors total, the curriculum is laser-focused on practical skills, leveraging its 8th-floor location within Good Samaritan Hospital for immersive clinical training. The RN-to-BSN program emphasizes leadership and evidence-based practice, catering to working nurses seeking advancement. A 130-year LegacyAn applicant whose parent (or sometimes other close relative) attended the college. Some schools give a small edge to legacy applicants. (since 1896) underscores its deep roots in Cincinnati’s medical community.
Life at GSC revolves around its hospital-embedded campus, fostering a 'caring and compassionate environment' (per the catalog) that prioritizes professional development over traditional college socializing. Niche notes a 'home-like atmosphere' with strong peer bonds, though limited extracurriculars due to the program’s intensity. The college provides:
With no on-campus housing, students typically live off-site in Cincinnati, balancing rigorous coursework with real-world clinical experience.
GSC’s 80% graduation rate (College Scorecard) crushes the 35% national average for two-year colleges, with nursing program completion rates ranging from 70%-93% annually. Key outcomes:
The college’s hospital affiliation ensures strong local employer connections, with graduates often transitioning directly into roles at Good Samaritan and other TriHealth system facilities.
At $15,470 in tuition/fees (U.S. News), GSC sits below many private colleges but requires careful financial planning:
The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. Calculator helps estimate costs, though students should note additional expenses like uniforms, stethoscopes, and clinical fees. While not the cheapest option, the high graduation rate and strong earnings potential improve ROI for graduates.
Good Samaritan College is one of the few hospital-based nursing schools left in the U.S., offering: 1. Unmatched clinical access: Students train where they’ll work, with rotations in a major urban hospital. 2. Mission-focused rigor: The 130-year-old program blends technical skill with compassionate care ethics. 3. Outsize outcomes: An 80% graduation rate defies norms for two-year colleges, proving its support systems work.
Ideal for students who want a no-frills, high-touch education with direct pathways into Cincinnati’s healthcare workforce—but less suited to those seeking a traditional college experience.