Online colleges in Ohio prepare learners for various careers. In 2020, most Ohio residents worked in the educational services, retail trade, and professional services industries, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Professionals in these fields often need a college education. However, Ohio state data indicates that only 72% of college students graduate.
Learners can increase their chances of earning a degree by exploring online colleges in Ohio.
These schools use the same admission requirements as on-campus programs. Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees.
This page lists online colleges in Ohio, including degree costs. Read on to explore the benefits of online learning and to browse Ohio jobs. Students should check with their prospective schools' admissions departments for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Ohio
What Ohio colleges offer online programs?
Public and private colleges in Ohio offer online programs. These schools include Miami University, Cleveland State University, and Youngstown State University.
Can Ohio residents attend college for free?
Most residents cannot attend college for free. However, many colleges and universities offer free courses and degrees for residents ages 60 and older.
How many colleges and universities are in Ohio?
Ohio features 14 public universities and 23 community colleges. There are also dozens of private colleges and universities throughout the state. Many public and private schools offer online programs.
Do I need to live in Ohio to attend an online college in Ohio?
Many top colleges and universities consider out-of-state applicants. Some programs limit enrollment to in-state students. Please check admission requirements before applying.
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Online Colleges in Ohio 2022
#1 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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
Why Get an Online Degree in Ohio?
Online colleges in Ohio help students increase their salary potential. Workers with a bachelor's degree earn about $25,000 more annually than those with only a high school diploma. Degree-holders also experience lower unemployment rates than their peers.
Online learning offers many benefits, including flexibility and convenience. Asynchronous courses allow learners to schedule their education around other responsibilities. This advantage opens up higher education to students who would not attend college otherwise.
Cost of Attending an Online College in Ohio
Many factors influence a college's cost of attendance (COA), including learners' residency and program fees. Many programs charge online enrollees the same tuition as on-campus students. Online learners do not pay for campus housing or meal plans. This can save them thousands of dollars each year.
The following sections discuss tuition and fees for the 2019-20 school year. Check schools' websites to learn the latest figures and calculate COA.
In-State Tuition in Ohio
Ohio residents paid an average of $9,900 in tuition and fees in 2019-20. This cost is less than the previous year's average tuition cost of $10,070. Ohio learners saved about $12,000 by learning online.Out-of-State Tuition in Ohio
In 2019-20, out-of-state students in Ohio paid an average $24,830 for tuition. The national average for out-of-state tuition exceeds this rate somewhat, making Ohio colleges more attractive for out-of-state learners. Out-of-state students can lower their tuition burden by selecting a school with generous financial aid programs.Public College Tuition
Like all states, Ohio public schools offer residents the most affordable tuition. In 2021-22, first-year students at The Ohio State University paid $11,940 per year. Out-of-state learners paid $35,020. At Kent State University (KSU), in-state degree-seekers paid $11,920. Unlike Ohio State, KSU uses a separate tuition formula for online programs.Private College Tuition
Private online colleges in Ohio charged an average $34,010 tuition rate in 2019-20. However, many schools cost much more. Kenyon College charged $63,060 for the 2021-22 academic year. Oberlin College undergraduates paid $59,380 for the same year. These figures suggest that prospective out-of-state students can save money by attending public online colleges in Ohio.
Additional Online Student Fees
Some Ohio online colleges attract applicants with affordable tuition rates. However, prospective students should research whether schools charge extra fees. Some programs charge graduation and technology fees. Online learners may need to attend in-person practicums or seminars. These can add commuting and lodging costs.
Online learners may need to buy a new computer or upgrade their internet. Fortunately, many computer companies offer discounts to college students. Degree-seekers should also budget for professional certification fees. Career counselors can help students select certifications leading to career advancement.
Fastest-Growing Careers in Ohio
Ohio's Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation projects some Ohio jobs to grow faster than others. For example, the most in-demand jobs include personal and home care aid, home health aid, and occupational therapy assistant. Some careers require a college education and significant experience. Please use the embedded links to learn more about each profession.
These workers help clients with mobility, perform housekeeping tasks, and arrange transportation. Nearly 45% of aides work for family services companies. These professionals need a high school diploma and some training. Students can gain the necessary skills in certificate programs.
These assistants help patients with mobility exercises and socialization skills. They also record patients' progress, move patients, and maintain physical therapy equipment. Workers need an associate degree from an accredited program. A typical program features at least 16 weeks of hands-on experience.
Companies hire these analysts to protect sensitive data. These professionals install software, test systems for vulnerabilities, and train employees on security issues. Professionals need a bachelor's in computer science and relevant experience. Workers can boost their salary by earning one or more certifications.
These professionals need a master's degree from an accredited program and healthcare experience. They also need professional certification. Physician assistants record patients' medical histories, diagnose illnesses, and monitor patients' progress. They may also prescribe medications. Most physician assistants work in hospitals or doctors' offices.
Source: BLS
What Jobs Are in Demand in Ohio?
Colleges in Ohio prepare learners for in-demand jobs that require a college education. Professionals can boost their salary by exploring openings in Ohio's largest cities.
Salary Potential and Growth Rate
| Job Title |
Median Annual Salary |
Required Education |
| Registered Nurses |
$67,580 |
Bachelor's Degree |
| Nurse Practitioners |
$105,420 |
Master's Degree |
| Medical Assistants |
$34,150 |
Postsecondary Non-Degree |
| Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses |
$46,450 |
Postsecondary Non-Degree |
| Nursing Assistants |
$28,310 |
Postsecondary Non-Degree |
| Preschool Teachers |
$28,470 |
Associate Degree |
| Physical Therapists |
$89,680 |
Doctoral/Professional Degree |
| Physical Therapist Assistants |
$60,720 |
Associate Degree |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers |
$46,590 |
Bachelor's Degree |
| Respiratory Therapists |
$59,380 |
Associate Degree |
Source: Ohio Top Jobs
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