Attending one of Ohio's online colleges is an affordable way to earn a degree that can expand your job prospects in the seventh-largest state economy in the country — and beyond.
Enrolling in an Ohio online college or university can offer cost savings by reducing or eliminating expenses like campus housing and transportation. Schools may also charge lower tuition rates for online programs.
Many reputable higher education institutions in Ohio have online programs that offer the same high-quality education that you can find through a traditional on-campus experience.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in Ohio for 2024
#1 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Ohio State University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $493
Out-of-State | $693
Credits to Graduate: 120
At Ohio State University (OSU), you can choose from over 60 online programs to take advantage of asynchronous delivery, full-time or part-time schedule options, and the same support services you would receive on campus. OSU has distance degrees and certificates at every level, along with fast-track pathways between degrees.
Ohio State Online charges no on-campus fees, and out-of-state students only pay an additional $200 per term. Most military members and veterans, as well as students from states with Ohio tuition reciprocity agreements, pay in-state rates. OSU also provides online learners access to various program, school, and privately funded scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
77%
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
Programmatic Accreditation: ABET, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Undergraduate Cost per Semester:
In-State | $6,785
Out-of-State | $6,965
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Cincinnati (UC) features 19 online bachelor's degrees and many more graduate degrees and certificates. Most of UC's online programs run asynchronously, though some synchronous components may be present.
While you can attend class full time or part time, UC charges a flat-rate tuition for 12-18 credits each semester, allowing you to take a heavier course load and save money. UC's online programs feature no on-campus requirements, and out-of-state students only pay $15 extra per credit.
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Kent State University
- Kent, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: ABET, National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Undergraduate Cost per Program:
In-State | $14,300-$50,700
Out-of-State | $14,300-$50,700
Credits to Graduate: 120
Kent State University brings more than 15 years of online learning experience into its 80-plus online programs and certificates. Kent State's online programs run asynchronously and feature no campus requirements.
The university charges flat-rate tuition for full-time students taking 12-18 credits per semester. Fully online out-of-state students only pay $10 per credit extra as a non-resident fee. In 2023-24 alone, Kent State awarded over $86 million in first-year scholarships and over $415 million in financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Ohio University
- Athens, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $307
Out-of-State | $312
Credits to Graduate: 120
Ohio University lets you choose from over 60 online programs, including degree-completion bachelor's programs in criminal justice, integrated healthcare studies, technical and applied studies, and project management. You can work through the asynchronous programs at your own pace, fast-tracking your degree or studying slowly to maintain your employment.
The university tailors its academic advising, career services, and mental health support specifically for online students. Out-of-state students pay just $5 per credit on top of the in-state tuition rates, and Ohio Online offers scholarships to military members, veterans, alums, and corporate partner employees.
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Gods Bible School and College
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $275
Out-of-State | $275
Credits to Graduate: 120
God's Bible School and College offers six online bachelor's degrees, plus more than 20 online pathway programs through its online college partners. Each online program runs asynchronously, allowing you to study independently within your timeline.
Along with its affordable tuition rates, God's Bible School and College offers a 2% discount if you pay your semester balance in full. They also provide payment plan options, plus financial aid through grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Miami University-Oxford
- Oxford, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, Council on Social Work Education, Council of the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $338
Out-of-State | $350
Credits to Graduate: 124
In 1999, Miami University launched its Regionals E-Campus, with fully online bachelor's programs in English, psychological science, commerce, and information technology. The online degrees run asynchronously and feature no campus requirements.
In addition to Miami's many scholarships, the school offers payment plans and work-study opportunities. The school reports that over 70% of its students receive financial aid, and enrollees can receive 20% discounts on online summer classes if they have Ohio residency.
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
University of Toledo
- Toledo, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs, Council on Social Work Education, ABET
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $335
Out-of-State |$335
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Toledo (UToledo) hosts over 50 online programs and certificates in UToledo Online, including 14 bachelor's programs. With more than 25 years of online learning experience, the school offers online access to the library, career services, and writing support services.
Most UToledo classes run asynchronously, allowing you to fit education into your schedule. Students can also earn transfer credit for work experience. Additionally, first-time students receive automatic consideration for a merit scholarship. Toledo charges the same flat-rate tuition at 12-18 credits for all students, plus an extra $5 per credit for out-of-state students.
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Undergraduate Cost per Semester:
In-State | $5,361
Out-of-State | $5,541
Credits to Graduate: 120
Youngstown State University (YSU) offers asynchronous and synchronous online learning options for its online degrees. With five bachelor's degree-completion programs available, you can choose from programs such as nursing, general studies, or respiratory care.
There's a bulk tuition rate at YSU when taking between 12-18 credits in a semester, letting you save money if you decide to take on more classes per term. At YSU, you have the same financial aid options as on-campus students, including grants, scholarships, and federal work-study programs. The school also welcomes out-of-state learners with no campus requirements and a $15 per-credit fee.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
- Bowling Green, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $445
Out-of-State | $456
Credits to Graduate: 120
At Bowling Green State University (BGSU), you have 10 bachelor's program options available and many master's and certificate programs. Your online courses run asynchronously through 7- or 15-week sessions.
BGSU provides financial aid to over 90% of new students, giving you access to numerous grants and scholarships. The school also cuts certain fees for you and other online students, including application fees. If you're studying from out of state, you pay a low non-resident fee of only $11 per credit.
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Wright State University-Main Campus
- Dayton, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Council on Education for Public Health
Undergraduate Cost per Semester:
In-State | $5,569
Out-of-State | $10,278
Credits to Graduate: 120
Wright State University offers four fully online bachelor's degrees, along with many graduate degrees and certificates. Wright State's online programs allow you to study independently with asynchronous delivery. Classes run year-round in half and full terms, which can help to accelerate your program.
With the flat-rate tuition at Wright State, you can take 18 credits each semester for the same price as 11. The school reports that about 70% of Wright State students receive financial aid, and it awards over $27 million annually in scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.
You can learn more about our school ranking methodology here.
Price Check
College Credit Plus allows Ohio high school students to take college courses from public higher education institutions in the state. Public school enrollees can take classes for free, while homeschool students may pay fees. Private colleges and universities who participate in the College Credit Plus program may also charge fees.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Ohio
The following table includes some of Ohio's most in-demand careers based on state projections. Many of these options fall into the technology and healthcare sectors, two industries experiencing rapid expansion in Ohio. In fact, home healthcare services, specialty hospitals, data processing services, and computer systems design services are among the industries the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services projected would experience the fastest growth from 2018 to 2028.
Fast-Growing Careers in Ohio
| Job |
Projected Growth, 2020-2030 |
Average Annual Wage in Ohio, 2023 |
| Nurse Practitioners |
48.5% |
$122,870 |
| Statisticians |
34.6% |
$88,410 |
| 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 and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other |
26.6% |
$97,530 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants |
26.5% |
$64,280 |
| Interpreters and Translators |
26.2% |
$58,910 |
| Epidemiologists |
25.7% |
$73,610 |
Source: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Ohio's Job Market
If you need help deciding what major to pursue to give yourself the best opportunities in Ohio's job market, consider the following options, which can lead to careers in some of the Buckeye State's fastest-growing sectors.
-
Business Administration
Business administration degrees help prepare learners for various roles essential to business operations, including marketing, analysis, and consultancy. Programs in this field typically offer specializations, like healthcare administration or logistics, which can lead students to top Ohio careers.
-
Nursing
Ohio's expanding healthcare sector offers a variety of medical careers, making nursing an ideal major. Nursing program enrollees can become registered nurses, nurse practitioners, medical and health services managers, nurse educators, or case managers.
-
Data Science
Data science students at online colleges in Ohio learn to manage, organize, collect, and analyze data. Graduates with data science degrees can pursue top careers in Ohio like data scientist, statistician, and information security analyst.
-
Biology
Epidemiologists and genetic counselors often have a biology degree. Many biology programs offer concentrations in epidemiology or genetics to develop pinpointed knowledge and skills in these areas.
Cost of Living in Ohio
Attending college in Ohio can be cost-effective for students — the state's healthcare, housing, utilities, and food costs are lower than national averages, according to World Population Review. The table below uses data from MIT to calculate the average price of monthly expenses for a childless adult in Ohio.
Average Cost of Living in Ohio, 2024
| Cost of Living Category |
Average Cost per Month |
| Housing |
$774 |
| Groceries & Food |
$347 |
| Transportation |
$826 |
| Medical Care |
$255 |
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator, using data for one adult without children
Scholarships & Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Ohio
Scholarships can help make a college education more affordable. Students attending online colleges in Ohio can apply for many of the same scholarships on-campus learners do.
Remember that scholarships typically have eligibility criteria and deadlines, so read the instructions and criteria carefully before applying.
Several Ohio schools award this STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) scholarship to increase the state's STEM competitiveness nationwide. In the 2021-22 school year, awardees received an average of $4,324 for one year at four-year institutions and $2,226 for one year at two-year colleges.
Pell Grant-eligible students applying to the Ohio State University who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement receive an award equal to the full cost of attendance. The scholarship program aims to award at least two students annually from each Ohio county — 176 students total.
This scholarship encourages Ohio's high-achieving students to attend college or university and begin their careers in Ohio. To qualify, students must be in the top 5% of their graduating class. Recipients get up to $5,000 per year for four years.
High school seniors who attend an eligible high school and plan to attend specific institutions in the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana tri-state area can receive a $20,000 scholarship from the Anthony Muñoz Foundation. Applicants must submit proof of financial need and a personal essay.
This scholarship is open to current or past qualifying Ohio Army or Air National Guard members. The award covers 100% of tuition for an associate degree, bachelor's program, nursing degree, or other qualifying program.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Ohio
Tuition reciprocity gives out-of-state students access to in-state or reduced tuition rates. Ohio has tuition reciprocity agreements with Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Students from these states can receive reduced or in-state tuition rates at participating Ohio colleges and universities, including Bowling Green State University, Ohio University, and the University of Cincinnati.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Ohio
What is the cheapest online college in Ohio?
With current NCES data, that honor goes to Eastern Gateway Community College, which offers a number of online-only associate degree programs. EGCC cost $4,385 per semester for the 2023-2024 school year.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Ohio?
The following four-year schools have the highest acceptance rates in the state, according to data from College Navigator. These high acceptance rates mean these schools are typically the easiest online colleges to get into in Ohio. This list does not include schools with open admission.
- Art Academy of Cincinnati
- Bluffton University
- Columbus College of Art & Design
- Herzing University-Akron
- Hiram College
- Rabbinical College Telshe
- The Modern College of Design
- University of Toledo
- Wittenberg University
- Wright State University
How much does online college cost in Ohio?
Online colleges in Ohio typically charge the same tuition for online programs as they do for on-campus degrees. Some schools may offer discounted rates for online programs, including in-state tuition for out-of-state learners. According to NCES data for the 2021-22 school year, the average cost of in-state tuition for four-year public schools in Ohio was $10,456, while private schools' average tuition was $36,136. Online students often save on transportation, housing, and fees related to on-campus student services.
Are online colleges in Ohio free?
The Ohio Department of Education offers College Credit Plus, which allows public high school students to accumulate free college credits from in-state institutions before they graduate high school, promoting their readiness for college study.
Do I need to be a resident of Ohio to attend an online college in Ohio?
Like traditional on-campus programs, many online colleges in Ohio accept students from other states who meet relevant admissions criteria. At some universities, you must pay out-of-state tuition. At others, you may find discounted online program tuition. Check reciprocity agreements to see if you qualify for in-state tuition as an out-of-state resident.
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