Best Online Colleges in Ohio of 2024
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The Ohio Department of Education reports that over three dozen public universities and community colleges offer fully online programs. Online programs do not require you to relocate and accept out-of-state learners. If you're living in or around the state's capital, consider taking advantage of Columbus' 15 colleges and universities.
Getting a degree online in Ohio offers many potential benefits, such as affordable tuition and internship opportunities with top employers. Consult resources for students in Ohio to determine whether earning a degree in the Buckeye State can help you meet your academic and career goals.
Featured Online Bachelor's Programs
5 Best Online Colleges in Ohio of 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Walsh University
North Canton, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $510
Out-of-State | $510
Credits to Graduate: 120
A small private college in North Canton, Walsh University tops our list of the best online colleges in Ohio. Walsh is a Roman Catholic university offering online programs for working adults. You can transfer up to 88 credits toward your bachelor’s degree to graduate faster.
Choose from accelerated bachelor’s programs in business, computer science, communication, or healthcare. You can also choose from unique majors like esports and gaming management.
Walsh offers cost transparency by not charging additional fees for submitting an application or using career services.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $566
Out-of-State | $581
Credits to Graduate: 120
One of Ohio’s largest universities, the University of Cincinnati stands out for its online programs. Explore fields like public health, substance abuse counseling, or business while taking classes in a convenient online format.
Throughout your time at UC Online, you’ll receive personalized support from a student success team. Enrollment services advisors help with the application process, while student success coordinators help you choose the classes you need for your major. You can also transfer credits toward your degree to graduate in less time.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Ohio University
Athens, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $307
Out-of-State | $312
Credits to Graduate: 120
This public university located in Athens County offers dozens of online programs. At Ohio University, you’ll benefit from flexible schedules at an affordable tuition rate. Undergraduates can choose from six online associate degrees, five bachelor’s completion programs, or 10 full bachelor’s programs. At the graduate level, you have over 35 online options.
Choose an accelerated bachelor’s program to graduate in less time. You can study business, hospitality management, journalism, or psychology. Or choose a unique major, like customer service leadership.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Ashland University
Ashland, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $940
Out-of-State | $940
Credits to Graduate: 121
Founded in 1878, this private college offers numerous online programs today. Ashland University offers associate and bachelor’s programs that use an online learning format.
You can major in business administration, communication, or organizational leadership and development at the bachelor's level. You can also pursue careers in public safety and security with an online degree in criminal justice, homeland security, or cybersecurity.
Submit a free application to apply. If you have prior college credits, AU offers an unofficial transcript evaluation to determine your transfer credits.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $398
Out-of-State | $398
Credits to Graduate: 120
This private Christian college located in central Ohio offers a flat tuition rate, regardless of your state residency. While enrolled in one of their many online programs, you can take online classes one at a time in a fully online format at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Advance your education with popular majors like social work, computer science, or public administration. You can also enroll in the RN-to-BSN program online to move into specialized nursing roles. Or choose a degree in business, education, or leadership.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
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.
Ranking Methodology Summary
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.
How Much Is Online College in Ohio?
In the 2021-22 school year, Ohio residents attending public, four-year schools paid about $10,000 in tuition and fees. Students attending private schools in Ohio, on the other hand, paid an average of about $35,000 in tuition and fees.
If you're an out-of-state student, you can expect to pay considerably more for a college degree at a public school than in-state residents. Out-of-state degree-seekers paid about $15,000 more in tuition than their in-state peers.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can save money by attending college online, both as an in-state or out-of-state student. Your school may exempt you from some fees and meal plans. And you also do not need to budget for transportation or dorm housing, either.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public, Four-Year (In-state) | $10,048 |
| Public, Four-Year (Out-of-state) | $26,881 |
| Private, Four-Year | $36,136 |
10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in Ohio That Require a Degree
Consider the best and worst states to start a career before applying to online colleges. The 10 fastest-growing jobs in Ohio requiring a degree pay a median annual salary exceeding $53,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth in these fields.
Once you select a school, work with academic and career advisors to explore in-demand majors and choose the one that aligns with your career goals.
| Occupation | Projected Growth Rate | Average Annual Wage (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 48.5% | $122,870 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 31.3% | $65,170 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 28.7% | $118,940 |
| Physician Assistants | 28.6% | $119,950 |
| Logisticians | 28.3% | $85,750 |
| Information Security Analysts | 26.7% | $113,610 |
| Data Scientists | 26.6% | $97,530 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 26.5% | $64,280 |
| Interpreters and Translators | 26.2% | $58,910 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | 24.8% | $64,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Ohio
What is the easiest online college to get into in Ohio?
The University of Toledo and Wright State University tie as the easiest online colleges to get into in Ohio. Both universities accept 95% of applicants. Hiram College in Cleveland ranked second with a 93% acceptance rate.
Even schools accepting more than 90% of applicants use basic admission requirements, such as a high school or GED diploma. Make sure to check these requirements closely before applying. Admissions department advisors can answer your questions and help you gather all necessary materials.
Do I need to live in Ohio to attend an online college in Ohio?
No, you do not need to live in the state to attend an online college in Ohio. Online colleges in Ohio feature many 100% remote programs accepting learners worldwide. These programs may include those leading to professional licensure in your home state.
Some programs include on-campus seminars or other in-person experiences. Check these requirements closely before applying.
What is the cheapest online college in Ohio?
Degree-seekers at Central State University pay the lowest annual net price for college in Ohio — only $10,194 as of the 2021-2022 school year. Students at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike pay only $14,502 per year, making the school the most affordable private institution in the state.
You can further lower your cost of attendance by qualifying for federal, state, private, or institutional aid. A generous aid package can make a school outside your price range affordable.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 7, 2024.
