10 Most Flexible Online Colleges in Ohio 2025

Making time for traditional on-campus programs is a major challenge for adults with busy work schedules and other commitments in their personal lives. Fortunately, Ohio is home to flexible online colleges that let students access coursework and complete assignments when their schedules permit.

If you're looking for flexible online degree programs, numerous options are available in schools throughout the state. Below, we'll highlight the best online schools for students seeking flexibility. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about enrollment and tuition at these colleges.

Flexible Online Degree Programs in Ohio

Several accredited online colleges in Ohio have programs with flexible schedules for busy students. Review the list of schools below to discover where you can earn a degree while keeping your personal and work schedules intact.

1. Ohio University

Ohio University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), offers over 60 online programs, including 10 full bachelor's degrees, five bachelor's completion programs, and six online associate degrees. Students can also choose from nearly three dozen online graduate options. Areas of study include business management technology, equine studies, nurse practitioner studies, and social work.

These flexible degrees feature support services like academic advising, mental health counseling, and career guidance. Per-credit tuition is highly affordable costing as little as $319 per credit hour for undergraduates and $508 for graduate students.

2. University of Cincinnati

At the University of Cincinnati, online learners earn degrees on a timeline that matches their work-life schedule. Flexible programs are available for associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree seekers interested in business administration, criminal justice, legal studies, clinical laboratory sciences, and more.

Distance learners don't have to navigate their online programs alone. This HLC-accredited school connects students with an academic advisor and student success coordinator who guide them through each term. Students seeking affordable options will find low-cost programs starting at $3,632 per semester for full-time undergraduate Ohio residents.

3. Ohio Christian University

Students looking for flexible, self-paced online degrees with no set log-in times can choose from over two dozen programs at Ohio Christian University. Associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees explore emergency and disaster management, human resources, leadership, information technology, ministry, and more.

Short five-week courses and the ability to earn college credits for work experience and self-study help online students speed up degree completion. Success coaching, advising, tutoring, and low-cost tuition rates starting at $430 per credit hour for degrees make this HLC-accredited school an even more attractive online learning option.

4. Kent State University

Kent State University is an HLC-accredited school offering dozens of undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs for students interested in online classes with flexible scheduling. Enrollees study addiction counseling, business administration, cybersecurity, nursing (RN to BSN), accounting, criminology, nonprofit management, and beyond.

Online tutoring, mental health services, library access, and career guidance give remote learners valuable academic and personal support. Affordability is a major bonus of attending Kent State Online. Students in traditional online bachelor's programs pay as little as $31,100 in total costs or about $260 per credit. Grad students could pay as low as $13,100 for a master's degree.

5. University of Toledo

Flexibility is a priority at the University of Toledo, an HLC-accredited school that enables working students to learn on their own schedules anytime and from any location. Online learners interested in nursing, higher education, accounting, healthcare administration, and beyond can choose from over 60 online graduate and undergraduate programs.

UToledo Online lets students from community colleges or four-year schools transfer up to 90 college credits for faster degree completion. Financial aid, scholarships, an out-of-state tuition benefit, and other perks complement the school's affordable tuition, which starts at $5,296.68 per semester.

6. Franklin University

Franklin University is a great choice for students interested in self-paced online colleges

with flexible degree options for busy working adults. Learners can navigate coursework when desired and utilize a generous transfer credit policy to complete their online education in their desired timeframe.

At this HLC-accredited school, enrollees choose from undergrad and grad programs in computer science, data analytics, instructional design leadership, and nursing. The school's Tuition Guarantee ensures students' first-term tuition, which starts at $298 per credit hour, never changes while enrolled.

7. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University's online degrees offer 24/7 accessibility for students seeking flexible programs that make balancing work, family, and school life easy. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are available in teacher education, psychology, graphic design, and nurse education.

Online learners at this HLC-accredited school benefit from library access, career help, writing center access, and financial aid. Low-cost tuition is another huge perk. Rates start at $275 per credit hour for bachelor's degrees and $415 for graduate programs.

8. Miami University

Miami University is home to Miami Online where students can choose from flexible online bachelor's degrees, graduate programs, certificates, and microcredentials. Fields of study at this HLC-accredited school include digital commerce, pre-k education, learning technologies, nursing, and biology.

Distance learners receive many of the same support services as in-person students, including writing assistance, tutoring, advising, and counseling. Undergrad online Ohio residents and non-residents pay just $282.94 (plus a distance learning fee) and $350 per credit hour, respectively. Most graduate programs cost $597.89 per credit hour.

9. Tiffin University

At Tiffin University, which is accredited by the HLC, working adults create a flexible academic roadmap from enrollment to graduation. With guidance from a dedicated advisor, students design the fastest route to degree completion using credits for prior learning, transfer credits, dual enrollment, and other accelerated pathways.

Students can choose from online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees exploring psychology, accounting, film studies, crime science, global leadership, and more. Scholarships, discounts, and tuition starting at $530 per credit hour help make online learning at Tiffin affordable.

10. Walsh University

Students interested in starting new programs from scratch, completing bachelor's degrees, or earning graduate degrees to advance their careers can find accelerated options at Walsh University. Programs for busy working adults seeking flexible schedules are available in web design, health sciences, counseling, nursing, and education.

The HLC-accredited school offers a discounted tuition rate starting at $510 per credit hour for its adult accelerated degree programs. Nearly all enrollees (98%) receive financial aid, including scholarships and grants, to make programs more affordable at Walsh.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team used rigorous vetting to select the colleges in the rank list above. Every school has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education:

• Accredited: All colleges have received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a nationally recognized organization.
• Reputable: We confirmed that the schools above offer quality online programs in numerous fields of study.
• Accessibility: Several colleges make learning accessible for busy students by offering financial aid, generous transfer policies, and flexible coursework.

Online Courses and Asynchronous Learning for Online Programs

You might wonder how online courses differ from traditional in-person courses. Instead of traveling to the campus for in-class meetings, you typically log into an online learning platform that houses lectures, discussion boards, assignments, exams, and other course materials.

Depending on your program's learning format, you might participate in live synchronous classes. However, most flexible online colleges follow an asynchronous format that lets you access pre-recorded lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule.

How To Choose Online Degrees With Flexible Schedules

Online colleges with flexible schedules are ideal for students with little time to commute to on-campus classes. But how can you find these schools? Here's what to look for when conducting research:

• Asynchronous courses: Look for schools offering programs that let students access coursework anytime and don't require attendance to live classes.
• Self-paced learning: Consider schools enabling students to navigate courses at their own pace instead of following a set schedule.
• Competency-based education: Find colleges that let students demonstrate their mastery of subject matter through exams and navigate coursework at their pace from enrollment to completion.

If saving money on tuition is a priority, consider expanding your search to include flexible online colleges that accept financial aid. Also, look for schools that provide online support like tutoring, advising, and success coaching.

FAQs About Enrollment and Costs at Flexible Online Colleges in Ohio

Are you interested in attending one of Ohio's flexible online colleges? Before beginning your online learning journey, explore the following FAQs to learn more about these schools.

What Flexible Online Colleges Are Available in Ohio for Working Adults?

Numerous online colleges with flexible schedules are available throughout the state. Top schools enabling students to access coursework anytime and from any location include the University of Cincinnati, Ohio Christian University, and Ohio University.

How Does an Online Course Work?

Many online courses present learning materials on an online learning platform (e.g., Canvas or Blackboard). Students log into the platform, watch pre-recorded lectures (or attend live classes), and complete assignments, exams, discussions, and other required work. Courses often have weekly deadlines; however, students in self-paced and competency-based programs might set their own deadlines.

How Much Does Online College Cost in Ohio?

Ohio is home to many affordable online degree programs. The average cost of attending a public school in Ohio and earning an online bachelor's degree is just under $415 per credit hour.

Find Online Bachelor's Degree Programs With Accreditation Online

Take steps toward an exciting journey in higher education by exploring the accredited online programs featured on Learn.org. Contact one of your schools of interest to learn about their programs and how to enroll.