Best Online Colleges in Ohio of 2025
Online degrees are as valuable as degrees earned on campus and can cost less. Explore Ohio’s best online colleges of 2025.
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2025Ohio, the Buckeye State, is home to many excellent colleges. In fact, the University of Ohio System — all of Ohio’s public colleges and universities — enrolled a total of 451,477 students in 2023.
Over a dozen of these schools offer online programs, according to the Ohio Department of Education.
Want to join these numbers? Explore our list of Ohio’s best colleges to find the school that’s right for you.
Best Online Colleges in Ohio of 2025
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$11,892
$27,226
88%
62%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Cincinnati’s (UC) online programs combine high admissions with high graduation and retention rates to land at the top of our list for best online colleges in Ohio.
UC’s student success metrics come alongside numerous accredited online offerings for students. Some online programs include a master of business administration (MBA) with concentrations in high-demand fields, master of science in information technology, and master of engineering at its nationally recognized engineering program.
UC emphasizes flexibility for working students and adult learners in its online programs, making it an ideal option for students who want to get a degree without leaving their job.
Pros
- 72% graduation rate
- 86% retention rate
- High admission rate
Cons
- Higher net price than other schools
- Low four-year completion rate for low-income students
- High student population
$13,224
$24,966
86%
43,976
Public
Yes
$11,892
$27,226
Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$11,892
$27,226
88%
62%
$13,224
$24,966
86%
43,976
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Cincinnati’s (UC) online programs combine high admissions with high graduation and retention rates to land at the top of our list for best online colleges in Ohio.
UC’s student success metrics come alongside numerous accredited online offerings for students. Some online programs include a master of business administration (MBA) with concentrations in high-demand fields, master of science in information technology, and master of engineering at its nationally recognized engineering program.
UC emphasizes flexibility for working students and adult learners in its online programs, making it an ideal option for students who want to get a degree without leaving their job.
Pros
- 72% graduation rate
- 86% retention rate
- High admission rate
Cons
- Higher net price than other schools
- Low four-year completion rate for low-income students
- High student population
Kent State University
Kent, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$12,674
$22,144
87%
61%
Why We Chose This School
Kent State University is highly affordable, with a net price of just over $18,000, as well as a relatively high graduation rate. The university’s affordability, combined with student success metrics and a number of offerings for students, led to its number two spot on our list.
Kent State is known for its education and nursing programs, and offers a number of online degrees at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Students can pursue online degrees in everything from educational psychology to hospitality management, nursing, and more.
Kent State also offers a number of graduate certificates for students, although it has fewer online bachelor’s degrees than other schools on this list.
Pros
- 66% graduation rate
- High admission rate
- Low net price
Cons
- Fewer online bachelor’s offerings
- Lower average earnings for working students six years after enrolling
- No online associate’s programs
$12,071
$22,522
80%
26,106
Public
Yes
$12,674
$22,144
Kent, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$12,674
$22,144
87%
61%
$12,071
$22,522
80%
26,106
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Kent State University is highly affordable, with a net price of just over $18,000, as well as a relatively high graduation rate. The university’s affordability, combined with student success metrics and a number of offerings for students, led to its number two spot on our list.
Kent State is known for its education and nursing programs, and offers a number of online degrees at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Students can pursue online degrees in everything from educational psychology to hospitality management, nursing, and more.
Kent State also offers a number of graduate certificates for students, although it has fewer online bachelor’s degrees than other schools on this list.
Pros
- 66% graduation rate
- High admission rate
- Low net price
Cons
- Fewer online bachelor’s offerings
- Lower average earnings for working students six years after enrolling
- No online associate’s programs
Ohio University
Athens, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$13,352
$23,720
85%
63%
Why We Chose This School
Ohio University offers the most undergraduate and graduate online options of any school on our list for Ohio, and also boasts flexibility for adult learners in many of its programs.
Ohio University is known for its journalism program, as well as its nursing, business, and education programs. The university offers a number of specialized master’s degrees, as well as bachelor’s degrees, in those areas and other fast-growing fields like information technology.
Ohio University has a high retention and admissions rate, so students who land at the school are likely to stay and continue pursuing their degrees.
Pros
- 85% admissions rate
- High retention rate
- Varied degree options options
Cons
- Moderate net price compared with other schools
- Low earnings six years after enrollment compared with other schools
- Asynchronous delivery means you’ll need self discipline
$9,444
$17,436
83%
24,640
Public
Yes
$13,352
$23,720
Athens, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$13,352
$23,720
85%
63%
$9,444
$17,436
83%
24,640
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Ohio University offers the most undergraduate and graduate online options of any school on our list for Ohio, and also boasts flexibility for adult learners in many of its programs.
Ohio University is known for its journalism program, as well as its nursing, business, and education programs. The university offers a number of specialized master’s degrees, as well as bachelor’s degrees, in those areas and other fast-growing fields like information technology.
Ohio University has a high retention and admissions rate, so students who land at the school are likely to stay and continue pursuing their degrees.
Pros
- 85% admissions rate
- High retention rate
- Varied degree options options
Cons
- Moderate net price compared with other schools
- Low earnings six years after enrollment compared with other schools
- Asynchronous delivery means you’ll need self discipline
Walsh University
North Canton, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$30,610
$30,610
73%
40%
Why We Chose This School
Unlike other schools on this list, Walsh University is a small, private institution. Despite its size, the university offers a number of valuable degree programs.
Walsh University has higher post-grad earnings and features online programs in fast-growing fields like nursing, actuarial science, business, and computer science. Many of those programs are offered in an accelerated format, allowing you to finish your degree faster.
Pros
- High earnings for working students six years after enrollment
- High completion rates for low-income students
- Low net price
Cons
- Fewer master’s options
- More selective
- 58% graduation rate
$13,410
$13,410
76%
2,309
Private
Yes
$30,610
$30,610
North Canton, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$30,610
$30,610
73%
40%
$13,410
$13,410
76%
2,309
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Unlike other schools on this list, Walsh University is a small, private institution. Despite its size, the university offers a number of valuable degree programs.
Walsh University has higher post-grad earnings and features online programs in fast-growing fields like nursing, actuarial science, business, and computer science. Many of those programs are offered in an accelerated format, allowing you to finish your degree faster.
Pros
- High earnings for working students six years after enrollment
- High completion rates for low-income students
- Low net price
Cons
- Fewer master’s options
- More selective
- 58% graduation rate
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$9,303
$18,662
95%
58%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Toledo is the most accessible institution on our list in terms of admittance. The university has a 95% acceptance rate, and more than half of students who attend graduate.
Toledo offers online degrees in fields like management and technology, and features a number of programs tailored for the fast-growing healthcare sector, such as healthcare administration. The school reports relatively high average earnings for working students six years after initially enrolling.
Toledo’s degrees in high-demand fields, coupled with its high acceptance rate, makes it a good option for people who want to break into a growing field. With a net price of under $18,000, it is the most affordable school on this list.
Pros
- High acceptance rate
- Highly affordable
- Degrees in high demand fields
Cons
- Low graduation rate
- Lower retention rate than other schools on this list
- Low four-year completion rates for low- and middle-income students.
$15,053
$26,415
76%
14,939
Public
Yes
$9,303
$18,662
Toledo, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$9,303
$18,662
95%
58%
$15,053
$26,415
76%
14,939
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Toledo is the most accessible institution on our list in terms of admittance. The university has a 95% acceptance rate, and more than half of students who attend graduate.
Toledo offers online degrees in fields like management and technology, and features a number of programs tailored for the fast-growing healthcare sector, such as healthcare administration. The school reports relatively high average earnings for working students six years after initially enrolling.
Toledo’s degrees in high-demand fields, coupled with its high acceptance rate, makes it a good option for people who want to break into a growing field. With a net price of under $18,000, it is the most affordable school on this list.
Pros
- High acceptance rate
- Highly affordable
- Degrees in high demand fields
Cons
- Low graduation rate
- Lower retention rate than other schools on this list
- Low four-year completion rates for low- and middle-income students.
Why You Should Get a Degree in Ohio
Increase your income: Earn a bachelor’s degree, and you’ll make 1.2 million more in your lifetime than someone with just a high school diploma.- Lower your unemployment rate: Those with bachelor’s degrees have lower unemployment rates than those without one.
- Keep up with demand: Between 2018 and 2028, 58% of job growth in Ohio will be in fields that require at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Lengthen your lifespan: Research shows that those with a college education live around seven years longer than those with just a high school diploma.
Benefits of Getting a Degree Online
Most (97%) online college students and program graduates say they would recommend online education to others.- 83% of online college students and program graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- 73% of these graduates say their education prepared or will prepare them for their first job after graduation well, very well, or extremely well.
- Student perception of the potential return on investment (ROI) of online learning continues to be strong — 93% of all students say their online degree has or will have a positive ROI.
How Much Does Online College Cost in Ohio?
The typical cost of college in Ohio for the 2022-2023 school year was $10,922 for public, in-state tuition. The same year, out-of-state tuition was $27,441, while private institution tuition was $37,610.
Financial aid, including grants and scholarships, can help offset some of these costs. Apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you’re in school to receive financial aid.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees (2022-23) |
|---|---|
| Public, In-State | $10,922 |
| Public, Out-of-State | $27,441 |
| Private | $37,610 |
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Accreditation for Online Colleges in Ohio
Why does college accreditation matter? Because accreditation ensures the school is legitimate and will provide a high quality education. If you enroll in an accredited college, you can get financial aid and transfer credits you’ve earned from previous institutions.
Legitimate accrediting agencies have been recognized by one of two organizations: the Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The Higher Learning Commission accredits colleges and universities in Ohio.
Fastest-Growing Careers in Ohio
Ohio hosts several fast-growing industries. In healthcare, registered nurses and nurse practitioners are in high demand, with salaries ranging from $77,000 to $113,000 each year, according to the Ohio’s Governer’s Office of Workforce Transformation.
Jobs for nurse practitioners are projected to grow by 40% by 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while jobs for registered nurses are projected to grow by 6%.
The tech industry continues to boom, with software developers earning around $131,000 annually. This role is projected to grow at 18% by 2033.
Managers in finance, healthcare, and business operations are seeing salaries of between $88,000 and $129,000.
Online programs can help you prepare for one of these careers. Learning remotely will give you the flexibility to gain new skills and prepare to switch careers while continuing to work.
| Job | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $77,000 |
| Software Developers | $103,000 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $113,000 |
| Market Research Analysts | $63,000 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $100,000 |
| General Operations Managers | $88,000 |
| Financial Managers | $129,000 |
| Secondary School Teachers | $74,000 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $64,000 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $63,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Ohio
Our current rankings show list the University of Cincinnati as the best school in Ohio.
This university was founded in 1819 and has a student body of over 53,000 students.
UC offers online degrees in business, education, athletics, nursing, law, and many other disciplines. The school charged in-state, off-campus students $39,032 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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