Attending one of Ohio's online colleges is an affordable way to earn a degree that can expand your job prospects in the state with the seventh-largest economy in the United States — and beyond.
Enrolling in an Ohio online college can also result in cost savings, considering that you wouldn't have to pay for campus housing, transportation, and other expenses. Many universities charge a lower tuition price for online programs.
Many reputable schools in Ohio have online programs that offer the same high-quality education that you should find through a traditional on-campus experience.
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Best Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Online Colleges in Ohio
Read About Our Methodology
#1 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Youngstown State University operates a public campus in Ohio and offers degrees in person and online. The school's online programs enroll students from across the country. The college meets the needs of many different students by offering online programs in top-choice majors such as healthcare, business, and STEM.
The school's remote learners enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduate degree-seekers take general education classes and foundational courses. Enrollees also complete advanced classes in their major. Graduate learners attend seminars and develop high-level skills in online classes.
To learn more about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates, prospective students can reach out to the school. To explore opportunities for financial aid, applicants can work with the accredited institution.
Youngstown State University Numbers:
Student Pursuing Degrees Online: 4,475
Online Bachelor's Programs Available: 6
Percent of Students Admitted: 67%
Rate of Graduation: 41%
Transfer Credits Allowed: No
Percent Online Enrollment
37%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Ohio, the University of Cincinnati offers 459 total programs. Learners at the public institution choose from on-campus and online programs. A 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and flexible format make the online programs appealing to many degree-seekers. The top-ranking programs at the school suit busy students and working professionals.
Learners in online programs interact with each other and their teachers in a remote classroom space. They gain foundational and advanced skills within their major. Developing in-demand skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, is one of the many benefits of general education classes. The online school supports distance learners through academic advising, tutoring services, and career counseling. Enrollees graduate with a degree from an accredited institution.
University of Cincinnati Fast Facts:
Associate Degrees Available Online: 1
Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 11
Total Online Master's Programs: 21
Average Price Per Credit: $732
Student Admission Rate: 77%
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
University of Toledo
- Toledo, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public Ohio institution, the University of Toledo offers degrees online and on campus. Students all over the country enroll in online programs at the school. Graduates with many different needs and career paths choose from online programs in top fields, such as STEM, healthcare, and business.
The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs for its distance learners. Undergraduate degree-seekers gain foundational knowledge in general education classes. Enrollees also take advanced classes in their field of study. Participation in seminars and online classes help graduate learners build advanced skills.
Reaching out to the school can help prospective students learn more about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates. The accredited institution helps enrollees find opportunities for financial aid.
University of Toledo Fast Facts:
Students Enrolled in Online Programs: 7,874
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Kent State University
- Kent, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
An Ohio school, Kent State University ranks among the top schools for in-person and online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Online enrollment at the accredited college currently totals 15,098. Degree-seekers choose from two online bachelor's programs and 23 online master's programs at the public institution.
Business, healthcare, and STEM are just some of the diverse fields covered by programs at the online school. In an online program, virtual learners complete work for their courses in a remote classroom setting. Learners benefit from the individualized study plans they design in collaboration with faculty mentors and academic advisors. The school also supports online learners through tutoring services, financial aid counseling, and career services.
Enrollees generally need to complete 120 credits for a bachelor's program or 30 credits for a master's program. Distance learners often meet the eligibility requirements for many forms of financial aid, including scholarships and federal aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Ohio University
- Athens, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ohio University, a public school, enrolls students on campus and online. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs. Distance learners choose from a catalog of 350 online degrees. Students receive a comprehensive education in the liberal arts and professional areas. Students complete degrees in various disciplines.
Instructors blend theoretical learning and practical experience such as internships and fieldwork. Some degrees require limited residencies during which students meet with faculty and peers. Degree-seekers can complete bachelor’s degrees online with no campus visits. Learners acquire practical skills applicable to the real world. The college provides services such as online tutoring in various subjects. The admission rate at Ohio University is 82%. Competitive tuition rates and financial aid help make students’ education affordable. Residents and nonresidents pay the same online tuition rate. Learners receive an average total aid package of $5,956.
The school has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
University of Akron
- Akron, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Featuring undergraduate and graduate degrees offered online and on its Ohio campus, the University of Akron ranks among the top schools. A total of 6,530 students are currently enrolled in the accredited college's online programs.
The online school's enrollees choose from diverse programs, such as those in business, STEM, and healthcare. Virtual learners complete classwork in an online learning environment. Students create a personalized study plan with the help of faculty mentors and academic advisors. The school's online degree-seekers get access to tutoring services, financial aid counseling, and career services.
Earning a bachelor's degree typically takes 120 credits, while earning a master's usually takes 30. Financial aid, such as scholarships or federal aid, are usually available to online learners.
Percent Online Enrollment
37%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Ashland University
- Ashland, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Nontraditional online learners at Ashland University earn the same high-quality degrees as on-campus students. Enrollees at Ashland University, a private school, can earn one of 24 online degrees. Many of the institution's online programs rank among the nation’s best. The school offers a comprehensive catalog of undergraduate and graduate programs. Online degrees attract students for various reasons, including flexible learning and affordability.
Working students can transfer credits to finish degrees faster. Distance learners need not submit test scores for application to many institutions. Degree-seekers can expect a 71% admission rate. Ashland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ashland University Statistics:
School Status: Private
Number of Distance Learners: 2,604
Degrees Available Online: 24
Bachelor’s Programs Available Online: 5
Undergraduate Tuition In State: $20,950 a year
Undergraduate Tuition Out Of State: $20,950 a year
Admission Rate: 71%
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Steubenville, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Franciscan University of Steubenville runs an Ohio-based campus. Many of the accredited school's programs are offered both online and in person. The number of students enrolled online at the college totals 1,320. Besides just taking a few classes online, degree-seekers can earn an entire bachelor's degree 100% virtually.
The school offers college degrees in many of the top-choice majors. Remote classroom spaces often make it easier for degree-seekers to fit a program into their lives. Workers trying to climb the corporate ladder find many programs at the school designed exactly for that. The academic catalog at the institution includes four online bachelor's programs and six online master's programs.
Pursuing a bachelor's degree often takes about four years. Students with prior college experience can transfer credits toward a four-year degree to graduate in less time. The school should list admission requirements and application deadlines on its website.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Walsh University
- North Canton, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
One of the top-ranked schools, Walsh University offers undergraduate and graduate programs on its North Canton, Ohio, campus and online. Online programs at the accredited college enroll a total of 1,416 students. Degree-seekers at the private institution enjoy a large academic catalog with six online bachelor's programs and seven online master's programs.
The online school offers degrees in diverse fields, including business, healthcare, and STEM. In an online program, distance learners complete coursework in a virtual classroom space. By collaborating with faculty mentors and academic advisors, students create a course of study tailored to their needs. The school gives online degree-seekers access to tutoring services, financial aid counseling, and career services to help them on their academic journey.
Learners need 120 credits to earn most bachelor's degrees and 30 to earn most master's. Scholarships, federal financial aid, and other forms of funding are often available to online learners.
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- Mount Vernon, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution located in Ohio, Mount Vernon Nazarene University ranks among the best online schools. The accredited institution teaches a total of 895 distance learners through its undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution offers six bachelor's programs and 10 master's programs for online degree-seekers.
The school delivers online programs in popular fields like business, STEM, and healthcare to meet the diverse needs and career goals of students. The online programs use an engaging virtual classroom environment. Remote learners fulfill in-person requirements with local internships, practicums, clinicals, or other placements. Online students benefit from support services tailored specifically for them, such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring.
In four years, many degree-seekers graduate with their bachelor's. Enrollees can complete their program faster by bringing credits from previous college experiences. Some programs offer accelerated options as well.
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Price Check
College Credit Plus allows Ohio high school students to take a college course from a public school for free if they attend college in the state.
Cost of Living in Ohio
In many ways, attending college in Ohio can be cost-effective for students. Compared to the national average, housing, utilities, food, and healthcare costs tend to be lower in the state.
Despite the affordability of attending college in Ohio, transportation costs are usually higher than the national average. However, students can take advantage of university-subsidized transportation and student discounts.
Cost of Living in Ohio vs. National Average
| Cost of Living Category |
Compared to National Average |
| Housing (Buy and Rent) |
27% lower |
| Utilities (Monthly) |
5% lower |
| Food |
2% lower |
| Healthcare |
8% lower |
| Transportation |
1% higher |
| Goods & Services |
4% lower |
Source: RentCafe
Ohio Scholarships
Scholarships represent one of the many ways to make a college education more affordable. Students attending Ohio online colleges can apply for many of the same scholarships on-campus students do.
Remember that scholarships typically have eligibility criteria and deadlines, making it crucial to read all the instructions and criteria before applying.
- Choose Ohio First: Several Ohio schools award this scholarship to STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) students to increase the state's STEM competitiveness nationwide. Awardees receive $3,000-$5,250 per year.
- Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund: Qualifying applicants include children, spouses, or qualifying former spouses of police officers, firefighters, and other safety officers killed in the line of duty in the U.S. Public school attendees receive scholarships to make up 100% of tuition and fees, and students in private colleges receive about $10,000 per year.
- Ohio State University Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship: Students applying to Ohio State University who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement receive the full cost of attendance, approximately $50,000 per year. About 176 students in Ohio typically receive this award.
- William D. Squires Scholarship: Ohio high school students needing financial assistance to attend college can apply for this award. Recipients receive a renewable amount of $3,000-$5,000 each year.
- Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program: This scholarship is open to current or past qualifying members of the Ohio Army or Air National Guard. The award covers 100% of tuition for an associate, bachelor's, nursing, or other qualifying program.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Ohio
Attending an online college in Ohio can expand your employment prospects in the state. Many of Ohio's fastest-growing careers will require a degree.
Job growth is projected to increase in healthcare, computer and information systems, and scientific research. Nurse practitioners are expected to see 48.5% job growth through 2030.
Other fast-growing occupations include statisticians, medical and health service managers, physician assistants, logisticians, and information security analysts. Pursuing a degree in healthcare or tech can prove a lucrative path in Ohio.
Fast-Growing Careers in Ohio 2020-2030
| Job |
Projected Growth |
| Nurse Practitioners |
48.5% |
| Statisticians |
34.6% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
28.7% |
| Physician Assistants |
28.6% |
| Logisticians |
28.3% |
| Information Security Analysts |
26.7% |
| Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other |
26.6% |
| Interpreters and Translators |
26.2% |
| Epidemiologists |
25.7% |
| Genetic Counselors |
24.6% |
Source: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Ohio
What is the cheapest online college in Ohio?
The most affordable online college in Ohio is Central State University in Wilberforce. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual net price is $10,200. Central State University also reports an 89% acceptance rate.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Ohio?
Based on a 100% acceptance rate, the following schools, which offer online programs, are typically the easiest in Ohio to get into:
How much does online college cost in Ohio?
Online colleges in Ohio typically charge the same tuition for online programs as they do for on-campus programs. There are some universities that may charge a discounted rate for online programs. On average, in-state tuition for four-year public colleges is $10,049 in Ohio.
Online students often save on expenses like transportation, housing, and on-campus student services.
Is online college free in Ohio?
Some college courses are free to Ohio high school students who take them alongside their postsecondary coursework. The Ohio Department of Education offers College Credit Plus, which allows students to accumulate free college credits from public institutions before they graduate high school, promoting their readiness for college study.
Do I need to be a resident of Ohio to attend an online college in Ohio?
Just like traditional, on-campus programs, many online colleges in Ohio accept non-resident applicants, assuming they meet all relevant admissions criteria. At some universities, you'll pay out-of-state tuition. At others, you may find a discounted online program tuition.
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