Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

Erika Riley
By
Updated on February 23, 2024
Edited by

Reasons to Apply to Online Schools in Ohio

  • Some Ohio online schools may offer in-state tuition discounts to online students.
  • Several prestigious Ohio universities offer online programs, including Ohio State.
  • Online degrees provide lots of flexibility, so you can work while you learn.
  • Ohio boasts a low cost of living compared to other states, making it a great choice for students on a budget.
  • Getting an online education is a convenient and inexpensive way to prepare for jobs in the state’s biggest industries, including manufacturing, financial activities, healthcare, and education.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Online Colleges in Ohio

#1 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

University of Cincinnati

  • Location-markerCincinnati, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,099
  • Out-of-state$25,433
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,224
  • Out-of-state$24,966
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate85%
  • Students Enrolled40,329
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

Ohio University

  • Location-markerAthens, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,840
  • Out-of-state$22,810
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,444
  • Out-of-state$17,436
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate89%
  • Students Enrolled24,797
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment78%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

Youngstown State University

  • Location-markerYoungstown, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,196
  • Out-of-state$9,556
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,453
  • Out-of-state$6,633
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled11,298
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment56%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

Bowling Green State University

  • Location-markerBowling Green, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,776
  • Out-of-state$18,765
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,017
  • Out-of-state$14,009
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled17,645
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

Ashland University

  • Location-markerAshland, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$22,000
  • Out-of-state$22,000
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,972
  • Out-of-state$6,972
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled4,929
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment53%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

University of Toledo

  • Location-markerToledo, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,028
  • Out-of-state$18,388
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,758
  • Out-of-state$25,897
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled16,979
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

Tiffin University

  • Location-markerTiffin, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$27,780
  • Out-of-state$27,780
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,600
  • Out-of-state$12,600
  • Retention Rate65%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled2,934
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment59%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

Franklin University

  • Location-markerColumbus, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,552
  • Out-of-state$9,552
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$16,080
  • Out-of-state$16,080
  • Retention Rate100%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled6,815
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment95%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

Walsh University

  • Location-markerNorth Canton, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$30,205
  • Out-of-state$30,205
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,410
  • Out-of-state$13,410
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance Rate80%
  • Students Enrolled2,440
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment79%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

  • Location-markerMount Vernon, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$23,483
  • Out-of-state$23,483
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,674
  • Out-of-state$10,674
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled2,064
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes

Why Accreditation Matters for Online Schools in Ohio

When applying to Ohio online colleges, you’ll want to ensure each school is accredited.

Accreditation shows that an outside agency 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.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is the primary institutional accreditor for schools in Ohio.

If you’re applying to online programs in professional fields like nursing or law, check that your program is programmatically accredited. Often, you can’t qualify for state licensure unless you attend an accredited program and school.

How Much Do Online Colleges in Ohio Cost?

The average tuition and fees for four-year private colleges in Ohio were $35,352 in 2020-2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

If you’re an Ohio resident, you can save money by opting for a public university. Tuition and fees for in-state residents at public schools averaged $10,049 that same year.

You can further lower your college costs by applying for federal financial aid each year you’re in school.

The Ohio Department of Higher Education also offers many grants and scholarships to in-state students, with some specifically targeting nurses, veterans, and returning students.

4 Popular Cities for Online Colleges in Ohio

The four cities below are home to some of Ohio’s biggest colleges and universities. They’re also great places for online students to live and learn.

Columbus


Columbus is the largest city in Ohio, with a population of around 900,000. The city is home to Ohio State’s main campus, which enrolls over 40,000 students. Local attractions include the Columbus Museum of Art, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the Ohio Theatre.

Cleveland


After Columbus, Cleveland is the second largest city in Ohio, with a population of around 370,000. Cleveland is an exciting place for students of the arts and natural sciences. University Circle, which is located downtown, is home to landmarks like the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Cincinnati


Cincinnati is a mid-sized city with a population of just over 300,000. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College has four locations throughout the city and surrounding area. Cincinnati is also rife with fun things to do and see, such as the Cincinnati Zoo and Findlay Market.

Lima


Lima is a smaller city in northwest Ohio, with a population of just 36,000. A prominent regional medical center, the city is also home to PG’s Tide and Downy facilities. Lima is home to three educational institutions: the University of Northwestern Ohio, Ohio State at Lima, and Rhodes State College.

Online Colleges in Popular Ohio Cities
SchoolLocationTypeAccreditation
Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandPrivate, 4-YearHLC
Cincinnati StateCincinnatiPublic, 4-YearHLC
Cleveland State UniversityClevelandPublic, 4-YearHLC
Columbus State Community CollegeColumbusPublic, 2-YearHLC
Cuyahoga Community CollegeClevelandPublic, 2-YearHLC
Franklin UniversityColumbusPrivate, 4-YearHLC
Mount Carmel College of NursingColumbusPrivate, 4-YearHLC
Notre Dame CollegeClevelandPrivate, 4-YearHLC
Ohio Dominican UniversityColumbusPrivate, 4-YearHLC
Rhodes State CollegeLimaPublic, 2-YearHLC
The Ohio State UniversityColumbusPublic, 4-YearHLC
University of CincinnatiCincinnatiPublic, 4-YearHLC
University of Northwestern OhioLimaPrivate, 4-YearHLC
Xavier UniversityCincinnatiPrivate, 4-YearHLC

Did You Know…

Ohio State’s Ohio Stadium in Columbus can fit 102,780 people!

What Are the Most In-Demand Jobs in Ohio?

The most in-demand jobs in Ohio vary widely in education requirements and salary expectations, with some asking for just a high school diploma and others requiring a graduate degree. These jobs also span many industries, from hospitality to healthcare.

Today, some of the fastest-growing jobs in Ohio include nurse practitioner, restaurant cook, and physician assistant.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Ohio
JobMedian Annual Salary in OH (May 2021)Job Growth Rate in OH (2020-2030)Minimum Education Required
Nurse Practitioners$103,31049%Master’s
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$22,86043%None
Restaurant Cooks$28,85042%None
Statisticians$75,23035%Master’s
Occupational Therapy Assistants$61,39031%Associate
Nonfarm Animal Caretakers$22,89029%High school diploma
Medical and Health Services Managers$98,55029%Bachelor’s
Physician Assistants$102,51029%Master’s
Logisticians$77,03028%Bachelor’s
Physical Therapist Assistants$61,56027%Associate

Sources: BLS, Projections Central

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Online Colleges

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