Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2025

Having a degree can go a long way toward boosting your career opportunities. In Ohio, 68,766 students earned their degrees on campus or online during the 2021-22 school year.

Accredited online degrees are a great way for busy students to finish their higher education. Online college programs allow you to do the work on your schedule, meaning you can take care of other obligations like work or family while you earn your degree.

The best online colleges are flexible, affordable, and supportive of their students, providing them with resources to help them succeed. Keep reading to discover the best online colleges in Ohio.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Ohio

There are over 40 accredited online colleges in Ohio. We've highlighted some of the top options for students below.

1. Ohio State University

Ohio State University is a research institution in Columbus, OH. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online in fields like education, healthcare, management, and technology.

OSU offers individualized support services for each student and offers several financial aid programs, like the Buckeye Affordability Grant. About 75% of students at OSU receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,859

Out-of-State: $38,365

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $12,515

Out-of-State: $40,245

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 51%

Retention Rate: 94%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Cincinnati

At the University of Cincinnati, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, healthcare administration, and social work.

The research university, located in Cincinnati, makes it easy for online students to obtain their degrees without compromising their careers or other responsibilities. It offers several financial aid options, and 87% of students here receive some type of financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $13,570

Out-of-State: $30,582

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $13,224

Out-of-State: $24,996

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Retention Rate: 86%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: HLC

3. Ohio University

Ohio University offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs online in fields like business, communication, nursing, and social sciences. The research institution is based in Athens, OH.

Ohio University's online programs are user-friendly, personalized, and designed to help students achieve their career goals. Roughly 97% of students here receive financial aid, with 91% receiving institutional scholarships. Undergraduate in-state students learning online pay $319 per credit hour while out-of-state online students pay just $5 more per credit.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $13,746

Out-of-State: $24,114

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,444

Out-of-State: $17,436

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Retention Rate: 82%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: HLC

4. Kent State University

Online undergraduate and graduate programs are available through Kent State University. Areas of study include business, information technology, healthcare, and psychology.

The research university has been offering online programs for over 50 years. It offers millions of dollars in scholarships each year, with 96% of students receiving financial aid, and out-of-state students pay just $10 more per credit than Ohio residents for online programs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,846

Out-of-State: $22,316

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $12,483

Out-of-State: $23,352

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 79%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: HLC

5. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University is a public research institution. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online in fields like business administration, criminal justice, healthcare administration, and special education.

Students are given the option to choose between accelerated seven-week courses or traditional 15-week courses. A number of scholarships are available, and 98% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $14,081

Out-of-State: $22,070

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,418

Out-of-State: $14,410

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Retention Rate: 80%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: HLC

6. Walsh University

Students at Walsh University can earn online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Areas of study include business administration, communication, information technology, and social sciences.

Based in North Canton, OH, the Catholic university offers these online learning programs for students in every stage of life. Although online tuition here is lower than at some of the public universities, 99% of students receive financial aid, especially institutional grants and scholarships.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $34,595

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $13,410

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Nonprofit private religious

Accreditation: HLC

7. Ashland University

Ashland University offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online in fields like business, criminal justice, education, and nursing. The private school is located in Ashland, OH.

The university creates its online courses to fit seamlessly into busy schedules, providing both flexibility and excellence for online students. About 100% of students receive financial aid, with all of those receiving grants or scholarships.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $28,910

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $7,776

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Toledo

Online undergraduate and graduate programs are available at the University of Toledo. Areas of study include business administration, computer science, engineering, and public health.

These online education programs offer everything from access to experienced professors and next-level academics to unlimited academic support and a dedicated online team. Comprehensive financial aid packages are also available, with 92% of students receiving some type of aid. Non-Ohio residents pay only $5 more per credit than in-state residents for online degrees.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,377

Out-of-State: $21,737

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $15,354

Out-of-State: $1,910

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 95%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: HLC

9. Ursuline College

Ursuline College is a Catholic school in Pepper Pike, OH. It offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like business, humanities, and social sciences, as well as graduate programs for nurse practitioners.

The accelerated programs at the college were designed for adult learners looking to finish their degree even as they maintain work and family obligations. The college offers several financial aid options to help students pay for their coursework, and 99% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $37,860

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $23,981

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 84%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit religious

Accreditation: HLC

10. Franklin University

Through Franklin University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and healthcare administration.

Franklin University, based in Columbus, OH, is geared toward adult and nontraditional learners. It charges $398 per credit hour for online undergraduate degrees and 91% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $9,577

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $12,060

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 47%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: HLC

Other Featured Online Colleges

While there are plenty of high-quality online college programs in Ohio, there are even more across the country. We've listed a few additional top online colleges below.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers over 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online in fields like business, healthcare, humanities, and technology. ASU is a public research university in Tempe, AZ, and is accredited by the HLC.

The school provides comprehensive student support services and accepts credit for prior learning. Tuition for undergraduate programs is $580 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students.

National University

Online undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online through National University. Areas of study include business administration, education, healthcare administration, and information technology.

The private, nonprofit institution is headquartered in San Diego. Tuition rates vary among programs, but most bachelor's degrees have a rate of $370 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a nonprofit private school in Manchester, NH. It offers over 150 online programs in fields like business, computer science, humanities, and natural science.

SNHU is well-known for its quality online programs and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). It charges $330 per credit for bachelor's degrees and accepts up to 90 transfer credits.

How We Rank Schools

Using the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, we looked for schools that met the following parameters:

• Location: All online college programs in the first list come from schools in Ohio.
• Accreditation: Both the online universities in Ohio and those nationwide hold regional accreditation.
• Type: We specifically focused on four-year public and nonprofit private schools.
• Online programs: We looked for schools that offer a variety of high-quality online degrees, especially at the bachelor's degree level.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Ohio

While online learning can be a great way to earn your degree, it's not for everyone. Below, we've listed a few pros and cons of online degrees in Ohio.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Work on your own time: Online college programs allow you to complete your coursework on your own schedule, without set meeting times like on-campus programs have.
• No commute: You don't have to worry about making it to campus for online programs. Learn from home or complete your coursework on the road.
• Greater variety: Because you don't have to appear in person, you have the opportunity to attend a college from clear across the U.S. if you want.
• Stay focused on other responsibilities: The flexible nature of online programs allows you to continue working or caring for your family while you earn your degree.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Not as structured: Because online programs are more flexible, it can be harder for students to stick to a routine that ensures they get their work done on time.
• Harder to network: Learning online can make it more difficult to connect with professors and other students.
• Some coursework can be trickier: Some types of projects, like group projects and labs, can be harder to complete in an online setting.

How To Choose an Online Degree Program in Ohio

When choosing an online college in Ohio, there are a few things you'll want to consider. First is accreditation since whatever school you choose needs to be accredited, preferably regionally accredited.

Additionally, not all colleges offer the same online majors. When choosing accredited online colleges in Ohio, look at the majors they offer.

Other things to consider include:

• Admissions requirements: Some schools require only a high school diploma or equivalent, while others require things like a minimum GPA or ACT/SAT scores.
• Scheduling: In addition to a traditional full-time format, some schools offer programs part-time or in an accelerated schedule.
• Reputation: Look at reviews from current and former students to find out what their experience was like.
• Student resources: Many colleges offer things like career guidance, tutoring, and mental health resources to online students.
• Cost: Cost can vary significantly between institutions.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer scholarships and grants to help students pay for their degrees.
• Transfer friendliness: If you have previous college experience already, you'll want a school that will accept those transfer credits.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Ohio Cost?

Most online colleges in Ohio charge between $500 and $600 for undergraduate degrees. However, the price can range from just over $300 per credit to over $1,000 per credit hour.

Your cost will depend on several factors, including what financial aid you qualify for.

Tips on How To Make Online College More Affordable in Ohio

There's no doubt that college can be expensive. Two of the best things you can do are to choose an affordable school and apply for financial aid.

As we showed above, the tuition costs can vary wildly between schools. Public schools often have lower rates than private ones, but not always. It's wise to do your research since there are many affordable online colleges in Ohio.

All students who need help paying for school should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This allows you to qualify for state and federal programs.

We've listed some resources for finding affordable online programs below.

• online colleges that accept financial aid
• online colleges with monthly payment plans
• online colleges that accept Pell Grants
• online colleges that accept the most transfer credits
• online colleges with free applications
• scholarships for online college

Ohio Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are types of financial aid that you do not need to pay back. These can be a great way to lower the cost of your tuition, and we've listed a few options for Ohio residents below

Ohio College Opportunity Grant

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is a program from the state that provides grant money to Ohio residents who demonstrate the highest levels of financial need. This can be used at any Ohio public or private school.

Award Amount: Up to $5,000

Deadline: October 1, 2025

Governor's Merit Scholarship

The Governor's Merit Scholarship (GMS) is a program for Ohio residents who are in the top 5% of their high school graduating class and are attending a college or university in Ohio. There is no specific application; each school will receive a specified number of scholarships to award to the top 5% of the graduating class.

Award Amount: $5,000

Deadline: N/A

Second Chance Grant Program

The Second Chance Grant Program is for Ohioans with some college credit but no bachelor's degree who want to return to finish their higher education. There is no specific application for this, as they are dispersed by the colleges.

Award Amount: $3,000

Deadline: N/A

Top Majors for Ohio Graduates

According to the NCES, the top fields of study for Ohio graduates are:

• Business: Business is an incredibly common major. Many students choose a specialization that aligns with their career goals, like accounting, human resources, management, or marketing.
• Healthcare: Degrees in health sciences, healthcare administration, and nursing are common at the bachelor's level. For jobs like physician, nurse practitioner, or surgeon, you'll need a graduate degree.
• Humanities: Humanities includes areas like art, English, cultural studies, and foreign languages. These degrees can lead to careers like designer, journalist, translator, museum curator, and more.
• Engineering: Many students choose an engineering major that aligns with their intended career path, like civil engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or software engineering.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: Degrees in the natural sciences, like geology, chemistry, and physics, can lead to a variety of careers in academia, research, or fieldwork.

FAQs About Ohio Online Programs

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about accredited online colleges in Ohio.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Ohio?

Most bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study to complete. However, there are accelerated online degrees in Ohio for students who want to finish more quickly, as well as part-time programs for those who need a lighter credit load.

Do I Need To Live In Ohio To Attend an Online College in Ohio?

You generally do not need to live in Ohio to attend an online college in the state. Most online colleges in Ohio will accept students from across the U.S.

What Is the Easiest Online University in Ohio To Get Into?

Of the programs above, Franklin University is the easiest to get into. It has an open admissions policy and accepts nearly all students so long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Which Accredited Online Colleges in Ohio Have the Best Graduation Rates?

Of the programs above, Ohio State University has the best graduation rate at 88%. However, keep in mind that graduation rate only looks at first-time, full-time students and does not include transfer students or part-time students.

What Can You Do With an Online Degree in Ohio?

With an online degree, you can do pretty much anything you'd do with an on-campus degree. Your specific career options will depend on your field of study.

Discover Online Degrees in Ohio

Discover more about online colleges in Chicago by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, financial aid, and more.