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���������� Southern is among fewer than 300 universities in the country to have earned designation as an “Opportunity College and University” in the recently released Student Access and Earnings Classification debuted with the updated . Additionally, Carnegie recognized OHIO Southern as a “Special Focus” institution for its large percentage of graduates in nursing and health professions.

An “Opportunity College” designation identifies colleges and universities whose graduates outperform earnings expectations when compared to peers in their region and that successfully enroll Pell-eligible and underrepresented students. The “Special Focus” classification is given to colleges and universities in which the majority of their degrees are awarded in a single academic area or field of study.

“Through its specialty training of nurses, ����������-Southern is continuing to play a critical role in addressing the state’s health care challenges by filling gaps in care and improving health outcomes for communities across Ohio,” said Lewatis McNeal, Vice Provost for Regional Higher Education and Partnerships at OHIO. “The new Carnegie Classifications designations underscore our continued mission to provide students with a high-value education that prepares them for in-demand careers.”

Graduates of ����������’s nursing programs have proven to be well-prepared for careers in healthcare, with many securing positions across Ohio and beyond. The program emphasizes career readiness through hands-on clinical experiences and strong industry connections; with a history of outstanding NCLEX pass rates, ����������’s nursing program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Additionally, its focus on both urban and rural healthcare ensures graduates are prepared to meet the diverse needs of patients in various settings.

Approximately 62 percent of ���������� Southern graduates complete their degrees in nursing or other health-related professions, and more than 9 percent earn degrees in business or related fields.

Additionally, around 46 percent of students at OHIO Southern receive Pell Grants, and many of these students qualify to earn their degree for free through the OHIO Regional Promise Program. The OHIO Regional Promise Award covers the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees for incoming full-time, Pell-eligible freshmen with a minimum 3.0 high school GPA.

More information about the ���������� Southern campus and information on applying for Fall 2025 admission is available at ohio.edu/southern. Additional details about the success of OHIO’s nursing programs, including the lasting impact of its graduates across the health care profession, are also available online.