Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2025
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.
Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2025
Franklin University
Columbus, OH- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$9,552
- Out-of-state$9,552
- In-State$16,080
- Out-of-state$16,080
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,044
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Ashland University
- Ashland, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$23,000
- Out-of-state$23,000
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$7,656
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled6,201
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Kent State University at Kent
- Kent, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,674
- Out-of-state$22,523
- In-State$12,071
- Out-of-state$22,522
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled26,106
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
University of Toledo
- Toledo, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,285
- Out-of-state$19,645
- In-State$15,053
- Out-of-state$26,415
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled14,939
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Walsh University
- North Canton, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,610
- Out-of-state$30,610
- In-State$13,410
- Out-of-state$13,410
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled2,309
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,426
- Out-of-state$9,786
- In-State$6,494
- Out-of-state$6,674
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled11,071
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Bowling Green State University
- Bowling Green, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,520
- Out-of-state$19,261
- In-State$8,418
- Out-of-state$14,410
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled17,027
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- Mount Vernon, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$23,953
- Out-of-state$23,953
- In-State$10,674
- Out-of-state$10,674
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled1,941
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Muskingum University
- New Concord, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,900
- Out-of-state$29,900
- In-State$10,440
- Out-of-state$10,440
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled2,117
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,892
- Out-of-state$27,226
- In-State$13,224
- Out-of-state$24,966
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled43,976
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- 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.
| School | Location | Type | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
| Cincinnati State | Cincinnati | Public, 4-Year | HLC |
| Cleveland State University | Cleveland | Public, 4-Year | HLC |
| Columbus State Community College | Columbus | Public, 2-Year | HLC |
| Cuyahoga Community College | Cleveland | Public, 2-Year | HLC |
| Franklin University | Columbus | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
| Mount Carmel College of Nursing | Columbus | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
| Notre Dame College | Cleveland | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
| Ohio Dominican University | Columbus | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
| Rhodes State College | Lima | Public, 2-Year | HLC |
| The Ohio State University | Columbus | Public, 4-Year | HLC |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Public, 4-Year | HLC |
| University of Northwestern Ohio | Lima | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
| Xavier University | Cincinnati | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
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.
| Job | Median Annual Salary in OH (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate in OH (2020-2030) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | $103,310 | 49% | Master’s |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $22,860 | 43% | None |
| Restaurant Cooks | $28,850 | 42% | None |
| Statisticians | $75,230 | 35% | Master’s |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | $61,390 | 31% | Associate |
| Nonfarm Animal Caretakers | $22,890 | 29% | High school diploma |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $98,550 | 29% | Bachelor’s |
| Physician Assistants | $102,510 | 29% | Master’s |
| Logisticians | $77,030 | 28% | Bachelor’s |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $61,560 | 27% | Associate |
Sources: BLS, Projections Central
