Best Online Colleges in Ohio of 2024
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2024The 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
- In-State$30,205
- Out-of-state$30,205
- In-State$13,410
- Out-of-state$13,410
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled2,440
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$10,099
- Out-of-state$25,433
- In-State$13,224
- Out-of-state$24,966
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled40,329
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$12,840
- Out-of-state$22,810
- In-State$9,444
- Out-of-state$17,436
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled24,797
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$22,000
- Out-of-state$22,000
- In-State$6,972
- Out-of-state$6,972
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled4,929
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon, OH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$23,483
- Out-of-state$23,483
- In-State$10,674
- Out-of-state$10,674
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled2,064
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
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.
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
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.
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.
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