More than 200 colleges and universities throughout Ohio offer online education, many of which feature bachelor’s and graduate degrees with distance learning options.
Ohio was among the first states to adopt the Quality Matters (QM) process to assess and certify online and hybrid programs. Currently, Ohio has the largest pool of faculty trained in accordance with the QM rubric, which may contribute to 30% of postsecondary students in the state receiving some amount of education in digital form.
Before exploring the best online colleges in Ohio, this guide covers the current state of higher education and online learning in Ohio.
Featured Online Programs
A Brief Overview of Higher Education in Ohio
During the 2021-2022 school year, Ohio hosted 156 degree-granting institutions; only five other states had more schools. These include 60 public institutions, 67 nonprofit institutions, and 29 for-profit institutions. Enrollment for the 156 institutions surpassed half of a million students, with a total of 646,311 students.
in 2013, Ohio had 156 degree-granting institutions
- 60 public
- 67 non-profit
- 29 for-profit
During the 2023-2024 school year, in-state students at public four-year universities in Ohio paid, on average, $13,016 for tuition and fees. Out-of-state students at public four-year schools in the state paid about triple that amount. At Ohio’s flagship university, Ohio State University, in-state students paid an average of $12,859 for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students paid $38,365.
To help students pursue postsecondary education, including at online colleges in Ohio, the state issued over $150 million in financial aid during the 2021-22 school year. Of this, it dedicated $104,307,033 to programs serving students who exhibited financial need.
From the remaining funds, $45,548,808 went to non-need-based grant programs such as the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Grant Program, the War Orphans Scholarship, and Ohio National Guard Tuition Grants. Collectively, these programs served more than 50,000 students in Ohio.
The State of Online Higher Education in Ohio
Two key organizations continue to drive success for online colleges in Ohio: OhioLearns and the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. OhioLearns is the definitive catalog of online programs and courses currently available throughout the state.
The site’s database is highly filterable, allowing students to narrow their choices by subject, school, method of delivery and start dates, to name only a few criteria. The tool makes it incredibly simple to identify single courses they’d like to audit remotely or to plan for the specific fully online program they’d like to pursue.
The Midwest Higher Education Compact, meanwhile, is an organization that facilitates affordable online education opportunities for students residing in states throughout the region. Ohio has partnered with 11 other states, giving its students greater access to the entirety of the region’s excellent online opportunities.
One of the compact’s biggest draws is decreased tuition, which lets students pursue online courses and programs outside Ohio at heavily reduced rates, bordering on in-state level pricing.
Ohio boasts a healthy population of online learners. As of 2019, 274,039 students took at least one distance course at an online college in Ohio. These numbers represent 41.7% of the total population of enrolled students in the state, ranking Ohio 23rd for the proportion of students taking at least one distance course.
The number of students who took all their courses at a distance sat at 108,019, or 16.4% of the enrolled student body in Ohio. This population of distance learners comprised 85,522 undergraduates and 22,497 graduate students. While 66% of these students came from Ohio, the remaining students lived out-of-state but enrolled in a course through an online school in Ohio.
Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Explore a ranked list of Ohio’s best online four-year programs below. These profiles cover how schools approach accredited online education and list their services for distance students. After reviewing the best online schools in Ohio, explore our state resources, which include a database of every college and university in Ohio or our index of popular in-state scholarships.
| Rank | School Name | School Logo | City | Cost | Address & Contact Info | School Links | Acclaim for Online Programs | School Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franklin University | Columbus | $$$$$ | 201 S Grant Ave Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 797-4700 | School Website | Since its founding in Columbus in 1902, Franklin University has strived to make postsecondary education accessible to all student types, including working professionals. The private university offers more than 20 online business degrees, over 20 online accounting and finance degrees, and several online computer science programs. At Franklin, more than 80% of the student body takes online classes through asynchronous or synchronous delivery in classes lasting 6-8 weeks. While you can visit or take classes at the campus, Franklin's online programs feature no mandatory residencies, though in-person internships may be required. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 124 credits Cost per Credit: In-State $398 | Out-of-State $398 School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation | ||
| 2 | Ashland University | Ashland | $$$$$ | 401 College Avenue Ashland, OH 44805 (800) 882-1548 | School Website | Ashland University (AU) was founded in 1878 and has grown into a private school with more than 6,400 students and over 65 programs at various levels. In addition to its traditional campus programs, AU offers 14 online programs, including bachelor's programs in business, criminal justice, and emergency management and homeland security. At AU, you'll enjoy intimate eight-week online classes with a 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. The university reports an 86% employment placement rate. You can access the same resources, financial aid options, and support services as on-campus students. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120+ credits Cost per Credit: In-State $610 | Out-of-State $610 School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation | ||
| 3 | Ohio University-Southern Campus | Ironton | $$$$$ | 1804 Liberty Ave Ironton, OH 45638 (740) 533-4600 | School Website | Ohio University Southern began in 1956 by offering evening courses to teachers. More than 65 years later, the school features bachelor's degrees in 13 disciplines, including psychology, sociology, and nursing. The school's online options include fully online degrees, degree-completion pathways, and hybrid programs. Ohio University Southern provides full-time students with a guaranteed flat-rate tuition rate that locks in for four years. Eligible learners may even qualify for the OHIO Regional Promise Award, which covers all tuition costs and fees. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 credits Cost per Credit: In-State $267 | Out-of-State $403 School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Commission on Sport Management Accreditation | ||
| 4 | Baldwin Wallace University | Berea | $$$$$ | 275 Eastland Rd. Berea, OH 44017 (440) 826-2900 | School Website | Founded in 1845 as one of the most inclusive schools of its time, Baldwin Wallace University (BW) now features more than 85 undergraduate programs for over 3,000 students. BW also offers online bachelor's degree-completion programs and fully online master's degrees. As an online student, you'll take courses in flexible eight-week sessions with an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Most classes run asynchronously, but some programs offer interactive and synchronous components or hybrid study options. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 credits Cost per Semester: In-State $19,416 School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, ABET, Accreditation Council for Business Schools | ||
| 5 | Cleveland State University | Cleveland | $$$$$ | 2121 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 (216) 687-2000 | School Website | Cleveland State University (CSU) was founded in 1964 and now enrolls more than 14,000 students in over 175 programs. CSU also offers flexible online programs, including bachelor's degrees in social work, nursing, and business. While the online classes at CSU run asynchronously, you can still meet up with your peers and instructors virtually. You also receive access to student success coaches, online tutoring, and library services. About 70% of CSU students receive financial aid. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 credits Cost per Credit: In-State $536 | Out-of-State $766 School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Social Work Education, American Bar Association | ||
| 6 | The University of Findlay | Findlay | $$$$$ | 1000 N. Main St. Findlay, OH 45840 (800) 472-9502 | School Website | The University of Findlay, founded in 1882, has grown to offer more than 100 programs to over 3,500 students. For more than 25 years, the school has featured online programs, including an online bachelor's in business management, plus eight other online programs at the graduate level. Online classes at Findlay start every eight weeks and typically use asynchronous delivery. Compared to on-campus students, Findlay's online learners pay lower tuition rates and still enjoy access to financial aid — something 99% of the school's students receive. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 124 credits Cost per Credit: In-State $529 | Out-of-State $529 School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs | ||
| 7 | Ohio State University | Columbus | $$$$$ | 281 W Lane Ave Columbus, OH 43210 (614) 292-2141 | School Website | In addition to its six in-state campuses, Ohio State University (OSU) offers online degrees at every level, including six online bachelor's programs. At OSU, you can pursue programs in radiologic sciences, health sciences, and nursing, primarily through asynchronous delivery. OSU's rolling admissions allow you to start at multiple points throughout the year. You can also access financial aid in most of OSU's programs and pay no campus fees as an online student. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 credits Cost per Semester: In-State $7,114 | Out-of-State $7,314 School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education | ||
| 8 | Kent State University | Kent | $$$$$ | 800 E. Summit St. Kent, OH 44242 (330) 672-3000 | School Website | Kent State University has eight campuses, over 33,000 students, and more than 15 years of online education experience. The school offers more than 80 online programs, including bachelor's degrees in public health, aviation maintenance management, and information technology. At Kent State, online classes may run asynchronously or synchronously through eight-week or 15-week sessions. Online learners can access the same academic success center, libraries, and financial aid opportunities as on-campus learners. Kent State's out-of-state online students only pay an additional $10 per credit. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 credits Cost per Program: In-State $30,500+ | Out-of-State $31,700+ School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, National League for Nursing, National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) | ||
| 9 | University of Dayton | Dayton | $$$$$ | 300 College Park Dayton, OH 45469 (937) 229-1000 | School Website | University of Dayton (UD) began with 14 students in 1850 and now enrolls more than 11,000 learners in over 130 programs, including 39 online graduate programs. Online learners can pursue master's degrees in business administration, pastoral ministry, and engineering management. UD's online classes have an average of 26 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-1. Courses may run completely asynchronously, synchronously, or in a mix of both modalities. An enrollee can pursue a fully online degree or a hybrid program and enjoy the best of both formats. Credits to Earn Master's: 30+ credits Cost per Credit: In-State $750-$1,460 | Out-of-State $750-$1,460 School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs | ||
| 10 | Lourdes University | Sylvania | $$$$$ | 6832 Convent Blvd Sylvania, OH 43560 (419) 885-3211 | School Website | Founded in 1958, Lourdes University offers several self-paced online programs, including business and nursing bachelor's degrees. You can take asynchronous classes in four-month terms, filling your schedule with as it permits. You also pay a flat-rate tuition that is considerably lower than the on-campus tuition rate. Lourdes provides a success coach and academic support services, which, in turn, helps the school achieve its reported 90% employment rate. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 credits Cost per Term: In-State $5,000 | Out-of-State $5,000 School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Social Work Education |
Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students
Students who live outside of Ohio but want to attend school in the Buckeye State can take advantage of helpful programs to receive reduced tuition.
The Midwestern Higher Education Compact oversees the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), an agreement between Ohio and seven other states, to offer out-of-state learners a tuition break on their education at participating schools. On average, eligible learners save about $7,000 per year.
Ohio residents can also participate in MSEP to enjoy reduced tuition at participating schools in member states.
Through the Forever Buckeyes program, Ohio high school graduates who leave the state but return to start or finish their degree in Ohio do not need to establish residency again to pay in-state tuition. All public higher learning institutions, including in-person and online colleges in Ohio, participate in the program.
Job Opportunities in Ohio for College Graduates
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services projects a 1% increase in employment from 2022-2024, with potentially more than 28,000 new jobs for Ohio residents. However, as of March 2024, Ohio’s unemployment rate of 3.8% falls below more than half the states, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Still, income data from the U.S. Census Bureau is promising for degree-seekers. In 2022, bachelor’s degree-holders in Ohio earned a median salary of $62,605, with some of the highest wages reserved for those with engineering, computing, and business degrees. To compare, the median salary in Ohio for people with high school diplomas but without college degrees is $36,920.
Ohio employment growth is soaring in several industries, creating plenty of potential career paths for students. However, the healthcare, personal care services, and computer and mathematical sectors are projected to experience the fastest growth from 2018-2028.
Healthcare practitioners, including dietitians, veterinarians, and medical records specialists, are among the most employed healthcare employees, holding over 388,000 jobs in Ohio as of May 2023.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in Ohio
Choose Ohio First Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES
Ohio residents and students pursuing degrees in STEM at participating schools may apply. Candidates must meet the school’s eligibility criteria to receive the scholarship. Application deadlines vary by school.
College Adoption Grant
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,500
Ohio residents who were adopted and attend qualifying Ohio schools can qualify for this grant. The deadline is on Sept. 1 of each year as long as funds are available.
Community Foundation of Shelby County Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES
This foundation awards various scholarships to students from Shelby County and surrounding areas. Awards assist students based on their major, community involvement, and academic achievements. Application deadlines are in March and May.
Ohio College Opportunity Grant
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES
Ohio residents who demonstrate a high level of financial need can qualify for this grant. Applicants must attend or plan to attend two-year or four-year public or private colleges in Ohio. Candidates need to apply by Oct. 1 each year.
Governor’s Merit Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: UP TO $5,000 PER YEAR
Ohio residents who graduated within the top 5% of their high school may qualify for this scholarship, which pays an award each year for up to four years. Applications close each year on May 31.
Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,650
The state of Ohio grants loans to learners who plan to study nursing at schools in Ohio. Graduates who serve as nurses in Ohio for five years qualify for 100% loan cancellation. Application deadlines vary annually.
Ohio Hidden Heroes Scholarship Program
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES BY SCHOOL
This scholarship provides financial assistance to veteran caregivers enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. An applicant must be an Ohio resident, attend a participating school, and not be in student loan default. Students should submit applications within one week after their first semester of the academic year.
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: UP TO 83% OF TUITION
The state of Ohio awards these scholarships to the children of disabled or deceased Ohio war veterans. Each applicant must attend a school in Ohio full time and maintain a 2.0 GPA to qualify. The annual application deadline is May 15.
Ohio Safety Officers Memorial Fund
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: UP TO FULL TUITION
The state of Ohio awards scholarships to the children of peace officers, firefighters, safety officers, and select armed service members killed during service. Candidates can submit applications to their schools anytime during the academic year.
Ohio EPA Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: UP TO $5,000
The Ohio Academy of Science rewards Ohio college students who demonstrate academic excellence. Candidates must be entering their junior or senior years of study in environmental sciences or environmental engineering. Applications must be submitted by April 17.
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