10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Ohio 2025

Make the most of the time and money you put into your education by considering one of the affordable online degrees in Ohio from the top universities in the state.

Many cheap colleges in Ohio offer high-quality online learning opportunities from expert instructors. Tuition rates for these undergraduate programs range from $319 to $530 per credit hour.

Below, we explore affordable online colleges and other Ohio residents seeking a flexible and attainable degree path. Keep reading to learn more about program types, financial aid opportunities, and frequently asked questions.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Ohio

Are you ready to find a degree program that's right for you? Let's explore the cheapest colleges in Ohio that offer a quality education at a great price.

1. Kent State University

Kent State University is a public research institution, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and offers excellent online programs.

Ohio residents pay a flat rate of $13,053.60 per academic year for an online bachelor's degree. Out-of-state students pay almost $10,000 more per year.

Over 95% of students receive financial aid. The school accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and offers several institutional scholarships and grants.

2. Ohio Christian University

Students can receive a high-quality Christian education at Ohio Christian University. This four-year school offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in various majors, from Christian ministry to criminal justice.

Tuition for online undergraduate degrees is $450 per credit hour, while a Master of Business Administration (MBA) costs $565. Several scholarships, including alumni and business partner scholarships, are available to online learners.

Students may apply for Ohio-based grants. The Second Chance Grant Pilot awards $2,000 to students re-enrolling to finish their degrees after spending at least three semesters away from school. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant is available for some Ohio residents who received the Pell Grant.

3. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo offers many online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Some of the majors available include healthcare administration, marketing, and finance.

The school offers a tuition guarantee to ensure affordability for students throughout their degree program. The 2024-2025 in-state tuition rate is $5,296.68 per semester; out-of-state residents pay $9,976.68.

4. Franklin University

Franklin University is a private college located in Columbus. It offers many online bachelor's programs, such as cybersecurity, computer science, and psychology ?and numerous online master's degrees.

Online students can lock in their tuition rates for the duration of their studies. Undergraduates pay $398 per credit hour, while graduate students pay $670.

Students may apply for institutional aid and scholarships. The Schell loan program offers up to $220 per credit hour for Ohio, Kentucky, or West Virginia students aged 25 and under. Students may qualify for academic merit scholarships up to $2,000.

5. University of Cincinatti

The University of Cincinnati is a public research institution founded in 1819. It offers many online programs, though, there are also on-campus learning opportunities. From a bachelor's degree in health science to a master's degree in finance, online learners have their choice of majors.

Tuition varies by program. Bachelor's degree programs range from $377 to $513 per credit hour. Online students may apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants to help reduce tuition costs.

6. Ohio State University

Ohio State University is a nationally ranked public university with over 75 online degree programs. Students complete academically rigorous online courses with the support of expert faculty.

Tuition for part-time undergraduates is $507.50 per credit hour. Full-time Ohio residents pay $6,090 per semester. Students may apply through FAFSA for federal aid, scholarships, and grants.

7. Tiffin University

Tiffin University is a private, non-profit school that offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online. Students benefit from the free academic and career advisors who provide guidance.

All undergraduate online programs during the 2025-2026 academic year cost $530 per credit hour. Tuition discounts are available for active-duty military personnel and those participating in corporate partnership discounts.

8. Ohio University

At Ohio University, students may pursue various online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Many online programs offer an asynchronous learning delivery, making degree paths flexible and affordable for working adults and others wanting adjustable learning schedules.

Ohio residents pay $319 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $324. Scholarships and financial aid are available to online students.

9. University of Akron

The University of Akron is a highly regarded public university that offers several online degree programs. Online learners access the same quality education and student success services as those pursuing degrees on campus.

Undergraduate tuition at Ohio is $4,47.32 per credit hour. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), about 97% of first-time full-time students received financial aid.

10. Youngstown State University

At Youngstown State University, students may earn a bachelor's or master's degree online. Some of the programs available include:

psychology
graphic and interactive design
sociology
criminal justice

The tuition rate for in-state undergraduate students is $460 per credit hour. The school accepts up to 90 transfer credits and offers financial aid to help make these degrees more attainable.

Our Selection Criteria

We selected the schools on this list based on several ranking factors. Some of the factors we considered include:

Accreditation: We chose schools with strong academic reputations. All online schools listed above are accredited and offer robust learning experiences.
Learning Format: The chosen schools offer fully online degree programs.
Affordability: We found the top online schools in Ohio and ranked them by affordability. We selected schools with low tuition rates, discounts, scholarships, and grants.

How Much Do Online Schools in Ohio Cost?

Tuition costs vary by program, degree level, and school. An online undergraduate degree in Ohio ranges from $319 to $1,000 per credit hour. Some of the factors that may affect your total degree cost include:

financial aid
scholarships
discounts
transfer credits

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

There are many aspects of online education that already make your education more affordable ?lack of room and board or meal plan costs, cheaper or free virtual textbooks, and lower tuition rates at some colleges are a few.

But there are other ways to make an online degree affordable. Searching out the colleges with the lowest rates, applying for scholarships and grants through the FAFSA, and attending your program full-time can shorten the time to graduate.

With these tips, you can save even more while pursuing your bachelor's education. Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:

FAQs About the Cheapest Online Colleges in Ohio

Do you have questions about the cheapest schools in Ohio? We answer the top questions about Ohio higher education.

Can You Do College Online in Ohio?

Yes, many online colleges are available to Ohio residents. Students may choose from bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across academic various disciplines.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Ohio?

There are many cheap online colleges in Ohio; however, Ohio University offers one of the lowest tuition rates for Ohio undergraduates at $319 per credit hour. Note that financial aid, business partnership discounts, and scholarships can make schools with higher tuition rates the best value.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get into in Ohio?

According to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, Ohio Christian University has a 100% acceptance rate. The school has an open admissions policy, ensuring that every applicant with a high school diploma can enroll.

Is Online College Free in Ohio?

College degree programs from accredited schools are not free to students; however, they can reduce the cost of tuition ?sometimes to the point where it is fully covered. From institutional scholarships to FAFSA, online learners have several options that may help pay for college.

Find Accredited Online Degree Programs

Students ready to begin their academic journeys can find more inexpensive accredited online universities here on Learn.org. Contact any school that interests you to find information about enrollment and financial aid.