Best Online Colleges in Ohio

The best online colleges in Ohio can prepare you for a career at an affordable price. Learn more about the best online degrees in Ohio.
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Updated on February 12, 2024
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Best Online Colleges in Ohio

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

We use datasets from sources like 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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

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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#1 Best Online Colleges in Ohio

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,205
Out-of-state
$30,205
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,410
Out-of-state
$13,410
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
2,440
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
79% 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

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,099
Out-of-state
$25,433
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,224
Out-of-state
$24,966
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
40,329
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges in Ohio

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,840
Out-of-state
$22,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,444
Out-of-state
$17,436
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
24,797
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges in Ohio

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$22,000
Out-of-state
$22,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,972
Out-of-state
$6,972
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
4,929
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges in Ohio

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$23,483
Out-of-state
$23,483
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,674
Out-of-state
$10,674
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
2,064
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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

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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.

Cost of College in Ohio (2021-22)
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
Source: NCES

More Featured Online Bachelor's Programs

Top 5 Most Popular Bachelor's Degrees in Ohio

Online colleges in Ohio offer the most popular college majors in the United States. BestColleges chose the majors on this ranking using the latest National Center for Education Statistics data.

1. Business

In 2021, Ohio colleges and universities awarded nearly 14,000 business degrees. The business field includes business management, marketing, and related support services; and personal and culinary services.

The best online business degrees feature core classes in macroeconomics, accounting, and decision sciences. Online colleges in Ohio may also offer specializations. You can explore many careers with a business degree, including financial analyst, personal financial advisor, and human resources specialist.

  • Median Salary (BLS, 2021): $69,000

2. Health and Healthcare Professions

Nearly 12,000 Ohio students earned a healthcare degree in 2021. The most popular online healthcare programs include nursing, healthcare administration, and public health. The latter major requires classes in wellness in chronic conditions, dimensions of wellness, and the science of human nutrition.

Your career opportunities in healthcare depend on your major. A bachelor's in nursing may qualify you for licensure and a career as an RN.

  • Median Salary (BLS, 2021): $65,000

3. Humanities

Just over 7,000 college students in Ohio earned a humanities degree in 2021. Many related fields make up the humanities, such as gender studies, English, liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and religious studies.

The most popular online humanities degrees include English, foreign language, and philosophy.

Job opportunities depend on your major. Earning a bachelor's in history or English and completing student teaching can qualify you for a career as a public school teacher.

  • Median Salary for the Field of English (BLS, 2021): $56,000
  • Median Salary for the Field of Liberal Arts (BLS, 2021): $54,000
  • Median Salary for the Field of History (BLS, 2021): $63,000

4. Engineering

Just over 6,800 students in Ohio graduated with an engineering degree in 2021. Their specializations included civil, chemical, and mechanical engineering. Other popular engineering degrees, such as electrical and industrial engineering, attract many degree-seekers.

The engineering field features many well-paying careers, such as environmental, biomedical, or systems engineering. These jobs may require an advanced degree or many years of training.

  • Median Salary (BLS, 2021): $97,000

5. Natural Sciences and Mathematics (Biological Sciences)

About 6,000 Ohio students earned a natural sciences or mathematics degree in 2021. Graduates in the latter group chose from many popular majors, such as actuarial science, data science, or math computing. Other graduates specialized in mathematics education or statistics.

The natural sciences fields include biological and biomedical sciences, physical sciences, and science technologies. You can explore many careers with a bachelor's in the natural sciences, such as educator, physician assistant, or biologist. These and other jobs may require extra education or training.

  • Median Salary for the Field of Biology (BLS, 2021): $70,000
  • Median Salary for the Field of Mathematics (BLS, 2021): $78,000

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.

Fastest-Growing Jobs in Ohio 2020-2030
Occupation Projected Growth Rate Median Annual Wage (2022)
Nurse Practitioners 48.5% $125,900
Occupational Therapy Assistants 31.3% $63,450
Medical and Health Services Managers 28.7% $104,830
Physician Assistants 28.6% $126,010
Logisticians 28.3% $77,520
Information Security Analysts 26.7% $112,000
Data Scientists 26.6% $103,500
Physical Therapist Assistants 26.5% $57,240
Interpreters and Translators 26.2% $53,640
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers 24.8% $60,800
Note: This table only includes occupations that require at least an associate degree and have at least 250 total annual openings.
Source: Ohio Labor Market Information

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Ohio

What is the easiest online college to get into in Ohio?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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