Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Ohio offers a wealth of academic and career opportunities for students and professionals. The state is home to many thriving industries that create numerous jobs in growing sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services. It also has a higher education system that focuses on providing online learning and financial support, making it accessible to all types of learners.
With a strong professional outlook and commitment to higher education, Ohio is an ideal place to live, study, and work for many people.
Ohio at a Glance
- There are 122 nonprofit four-year institutions in Ohio.
- About 32% of adults in the state hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- In fall 2023, 55.2% of students at Ohio institutions were enrolled in online courses.
- In fall 2023, over 163,000 students aged 25 and were over enrolled at Ohio colleges.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges and Universities in Ohio
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Founded 115 years ago as a school for adult learners, Franklin University is now one of Ohio's largest private universities. At Franklin, you can choose from over 95 online bachelor's and master's programs.Â
Highlights
- Enrolls nearly 80% of its students in online courses in business, nursing, and other career-ready fieldsÂ
- Offers a free application
- Provides a generous transfer-friendly policy for community college graduates
Know Before You Apply
- Some programs are only available to students in certain states.
- You must apply at least six weeks before you plan to start classes.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
95%
$9,552
50%
$9,552
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 8,044
- Institution Type
- Private
Ashland University
- Ashland, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Ashland University offers 11 undergraduate and 17 graduate degrees entirely online. The private university has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1, and 90% of its undergraduates receive grants or scholarship aid. Â
Highlights
- Boasts an 86% job placement rate for its graduates
- Extends credit for many different prior learning experiences
- Provides college credit for concurrently enrolled high school students
Know Before You Apply
- Ashland University is affiliated with the Brethren Church.
- Applicants must have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation
62%
$23,000
70%
$23,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,201
- Institution Type
- Private
Kent State University at Kent
- Kent, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Kent State University, which claims 273,500 alumni worldwide, now enrolls about 33,000 students across eight campuses (including online) and graduates more than 9,000 students each year. The university has over 90 online degree and certificate programs.
Highlights
- Offers you a chance to test-drive a course before you enroll
- Requires only a $10-per-credit surcharge for nonresident students
- Provides non-degree licensure programs online
Know Before You Apply
- Admission requirements differ for select programs.
- Tuition costs vary by program, with a $20,000 difference between some online bachelor's programs.
Programmatic Accreditation
- ABET
- American Library Association
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Education for Public Health
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
61%
$12,674
80%
$22,523
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,106
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Toledo
- Toledo, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Founded in 1872, the University of Toledo now has more than 171,000 living alumni. The university offers more than 60 academic programs online, including accounting, cannabis management, nursing, and material science and engineering.Â
HighlightsÂ
- Allows you to design your own online program
- Lets you transfer up to 90 credits
- Offers out-of-state tuition benefits for nonresident students
- Provides almost 100 online courses with Quality Matters certification
Know Before You Apply
- The school retains just 42% of part-time students pursuing their first bachelor's degree.
- Admission to the Jesup Scott Honors College requires a minimum high school GPA of 3.5.Â
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
58%
$10,285
76%
$19,645
- Acceptance Rate
- 95%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,939
- Institution Type
- Public
Walsh University
- North Canton, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Walsh University enrolls nearly 2,350 students from 42 states and 35 countries. The school emphasizes character and leadership qualities and offers over 40 online bachelor's and online master's programs. Nearly 90% of undergraduate students received grants or scholarship aid in 2022-2023.
HighlightsÂ
- Awards credit for life experience through assessments and other methods
- Offers application option after six semesters of high school
- Features accelerated degrees in business, communication, cybersecurity, nursing, and healthcare administration
Know Before You Apply
- Walsh University identifies as an independent Catholic university.
- The school only retains 20% of part-time students pursuing their first bachelor's degree.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Council for the Association of Educator Preparation
40%
$30,610
76%
$30,610
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,309
- Institution Type
- Private
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Youngstown State University currently offers 47 academic programs in an online format. Online degree-seekers can study business, criminal justice, education, healthcare, and more. In 2022-2023, in-state undergraduates paid a low net price of $11,740, and 78% of all undergraduates received grants or scholarship aid.Â
HighlightsÂ
- Provides access to an e-tutoring center, academic success resources, and a writing center
- Offers reduced out-of-state tuition, with nonresident students paying just $400 per year more than in-state learners
- Allows online students access to on-campus resources like the recreation and health centers
Know Before You Apply
- The application process requires first-year applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores.
- Youngstown State University charges a $45 application fee for all undergraduate students.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
58%
$9,426
78%
$9,786
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,071
- Institution Type
- Public
Bowling Green State University
- Bowling Green, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Bowling Green State University (BGSU) aims to improve the public good through research, creativity, partnerships, belonging, and service through more than 60 online academic programs. Over 90% of full-time, first-time undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, and 77% return to BGSU for their second year.
HighlightsÂ
- Offers the same annual tuition rate to residents and nonresident students
- Waives application fees for domestic students in seven-week and 15-week online programs
- Extends up to 30 credits for prior learning assessment experiences
Know Before You Apply
- Only 14% of part-time, first-time undergraduates receive their bachelor's degree within eight years at the school.
- BGSU charges an average net price of over $20,000 for in-state undergraduates.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science
- National Association of Schools of Music
40%
$13,520
80%
$19,261
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 17,027
- Institution Type
- Public
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- Mount Vernon, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) offers a diverse learning experience focused on meaning and potential. You can pursue one of 38 online degrees, choosing among subjects like leadership, marketing, and logistics management. MVNU maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1 and retains 70% of its first-time, full-time bachelor's enrollees.
Highlights
- Delivers classes one at a time to keep tuition manageable
- Reports that 94% of graduates are employed or enrolled in advanced studies within one year of graduation
- Enrolls a diverse student body: 56% female, 11% students of color, and 40-plus Christian denominations
Know Before You Apply
- MVNU was founded by the Church of Nazarene and offers a Christ-centered curriculum and learning experience.
- Despite delivering coursework virtually, some programs require in-person practicum hours at approved sites.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Council on Social Work Education
58%
$23,953
70%
$23,953
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,941
- Institution Type
- Private
Muskingum University
- New Concord, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Muskingum University allows you to complete your bachelor's degree in as little as one year by utilizing transfer credits and online courses. The university offers six majors and seven minors through MAP, the Muskingum Adult Program. The school also has a low 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Highlights
- Enrolls 209 students in the MAP program
- Has generous transfer and credit-for-prior-learning policies
- Offers accelerated online and hybrid programs in education and nursing
Know Before You Apply
- Muskingum University maintains a connection with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
- Its pre-licensure majors may not meet state licensure requirements outside of Ohio.
- All admitted students must submit a $50 enrollment deposit.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association for Advancing Quality on Educator Preparation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
31%
$29,900
68%
$29,900
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,117
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Cincinnati's academic programs include 27 online bachelor's and 29 online master's degrees in subjects such as counseling, pre-law, respiratory therapy, and business administration. The school maintains an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and an overall graduation rate of 72%.
HighlightsÂ
- Pioneered cooperative education that links the workplace with the classroom
- Accepts some students even if their GPA does not meet the minimum requirements
- Participates in VetSuccess, an online program that helps military students transition to college life
Know Before You Apply
- University of Cincinnati charges higher tuition for out-of-state students than in-state learners.
- Some online degrees require in-person practicums.
- Certain programs may not meet professional board licensure requirements in states outside of Ohio.
Programmatic Accreditation
- ABET
- Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Social Work Education
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
62%
$11,892
86%
$27,226
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 43,976
- Institution Type
- Public
Who Accredits Online Colleges in Ohio?
When applying to Ohio online colleges, you should ensure all of your target schools are accredited.
The Higher Learning Commission is the primary institutional accreditor for colleges and universities in Ohio.
Accreditation shows that a third party has reviewed the school and confirmed its academic quality. In other words, accreditation is a stamp of approval indicating that the school meets certain standards.
How Much Does College Cost in Ohio?
Although degree-seekers at public colleges and universities in Ohio pay slightly more than the national average, learners attending private institutions pay a little less. Even so, public online colleges in Ohio offer significant cost savings compared to private schools.
Additionally, Ohio residents may qualify for one of many state-funded financial aid programs, including:
- College Comeback: Ohio partnered with public colleges and universities to provide debt forgiveness to residents who return to school to finish their associate or bachelor’s degree. Forgiveness amounts go up to $5,000, depending on the institution.
- Governor’s Merit Scholarship: Ohio high school students in the top 5% of their graduating class receive $5,000 per year toward college expenses. The scholarship automatically renews as long as learners maintain a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and attempt at least 20 credits per academic year.
- Second Chance Grant: Ohio started this grant program to help qualifying residents finish their bachelor’s degrees. The program awards a one-time $3,000 grant on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enrollment and financial aid advisors can help you explore and apply for these and other state financial aid programs.
Career Opportunities in Ohio
$48,060
Median annual wage in OH (May 2024)
+1.0%
Projected job growth in OH (2022-2032)
5.0%
Unemployment rate in OH (August 2025)
The latest economic figures show that Ohio has a higher unemployment rate than the national average (4.3%). Residents also earn slightly less than the national median salary ($49,500). However, Ohio’s cost of living is less than the national average. You can try to make the most of your college education in Ohio by preparing for a career in one of the state’s fastest-growing industries, which include:
- Finance
- Insurance
- Life sciences and healthcare
- Semiconductor manufacturing
These fields require highly trained and educated workers to fill many new positions. Throughout your online education, use your school’s career center resources to choose the right major, keep track of the job market, and research employers.
Popular Cities for Recent Grads
Columbus
- Key industries include fashion and retail, finance, and healthcare.
- The Smart Columbus initiative aims to increase economic innovation by partnering government agencies with private companies and nonprofits.
- Residents enjoy a cost of living 5% lower than the national average, according to Payscale.
Cincinnati
- In 2025, Cincinnati overtook Columbus as the state’s top city for business development.
- Job creation tax credits make the city attractive to many small business owners.
- Companies with headquarters in Cincinnati include Kroger, Fifth Third Bank, and GE Aerospace.
Cleveland
- Key economic sectors include healthcare, advanced materials manufacturing, and IT.
- Cleveland’s Brownfields Program aims to increase business investment by redeveloping rundown city-owned properties.
- Top employers include the Whirlpool Corporation, Peyton’s Southeaster, and Tennova.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to NCES, Ohio has 282 colleges and universities, including 107 public colleges, 80 private nonprofit schools, and 95 private for-profit schools. Of the 282 colleges, 133 are four-year schools and 110 are two-year institutions.
