Best Online Colleges in Ohio of 2025
Online degrees are as valuable as degrees earned on campus and can cost less. Explore Ohio’s best online colleges of 2025.
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Ohio, the Buckeye State, is home to many excellent colleges. In fact, the University of Ohio System — all of Ohio’s public colleges and universities — enrolled a total of 451,477 students in 2023.
Over a dozen of these schools offer online programs, according to the Ohio Department of Education.
Want to join these numbers? Explore our list of Ohio’s best colleges to find the school that’s right for you.
Start Your Journey Now
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Ohio of 2025
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$11,892
$27,226
88%
62%
$13,224
$24,966
86%
43,976
Public
Yes
$11,892
$27,226
Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$11,892
$27,226
88%
62%
$13,224
$24,966
86%
43,976
Public
Yes
Kent State University
Kent, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$12,674
$22,144
87%
61%
$12,071
$22,522
80%
26,106
Public
Yes
$12,674
$22,144
Kent, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$12,674
$22,144
87%
61%
$12,071
$22,522
80%
26,106
Public
Yes
Ohio University
Athens, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$13,352
$23,720
85%
63%
$9,444
$17,436
83%
24,640
Public
Yes
$13,352
$23,720
Athens, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$13,352
$23,720
85%
63%
$9,444
$17,436
83%
24,640
Public
Yes
Walsh University
North Canton, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$30,610
$30,610
73%
40%
$13,410
$13,410
76%
2,309
Private
Yes
$30,610
$30,610
North Canton, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$30,610
$30,610
73%
40%
$13,410
$13,410
76%
2,309
Private
Yes
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$9,303
$18,662
95%
58%
$15,053
$26,415
76%
14,939
Public
Yes
$9,303
$18,662
Toledo, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$9,303
$18,662
95%
58%
$15,053
$26,415
76%
14,939
Public
Yes
Why You Should Get a Degree in Ohio
Increase your income: Earn a bachelor’s degree, and you’ll make 1.2 million more in your lifetime than someone with just a high school diploma.- Lower your unemployment rate: Those with bachelor’s degrees have lower unemployment rates than those without one.
- Keep up with demand: Between 2018 and 2028, 58% of job growth in Ohio will be in fields that require at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Lengthen your lifespan: Research shows that those with a college education live around seven years longer than those with just a high school diploma.
Benefits of Getting a Degree Online
Most (97%) online college students and program graduates say they would recommend online education to others.- 83% of online college students and program graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- 73% of these graduates say their education prepared or will prepare them for their first job after graduation well, very well, or extremely well.
- Student perception of the potential return on investment (ROI) of online learning continues to be strong — 93% of all students say their online degree has or will have a positive ROI.
How Much Does Online College Cost in Ohio?
The typical cost of college in Ohio for the 2022-2023 school year was $10,922 for public, in-state tuition. The same year, out-of-state tuition was $27,441, while private institution tuition was $37,610.
Financial aid, including grants and scholarships, can help offset some of these costs. Apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you’re in school to receive financial aid.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees (2022-23) |
|---|---|
| Public, In-State | $10,922 |
| Public, Out-of-State | $27,441 |
| Private | $37,610 |
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Accreditation for Online Colleges in Ohio
Why does college accreditation matter? Because accreditation ensures the school is legitimate and will provide a high quality education. If you enroll in an accredited college, you can get financial aid and transfer credits you’ve earned from previous institutions.
Legitimate accrediting agencies have been recognized by one of two organizations: the Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The Higher Learning Commission accredits colleges and universities in Ohio.
Fastest-Growing Careers in Ohio
Ohio hosts several fast-growing industries. In healthcare, registered nurses and nurse practitioners are in high demand, with salaries ranging from $77,000 to $113,000 each year, according to the Ohio’s Governer’s Office of Workforce Transformation.
Jobs for nurse practitioners are projected to grow by 40% by 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while jobs for registered nurses are projected to grow by 6%.
The tech industry continues to boom, with software developers earning around $103,000 annually. This role is projected to grow at 17% by 2033.
Managers in finance, healthcare, and business operations are seeing salaries of between $88,000 and $129,000.
Online programs can help you prepare for one of these careers. Learning remotely will give you the flexibility to gain new skills and prepare to switch careers while continuing to work.
| Job | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $77,000 |
| Software Developers | $103,000 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $113,000 |
| Market Research Analysts | $63,000 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $100,000 |
| General Operations Managers | $88,000 |
| Financial Managers | $129,000 |
| Secondary School Teachers | $74,000 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $64,000 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $63,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Ohio
Our current rankings show list the University of Cincinnati as the best school in Ohio.
This university was founded in 1819 and has a student body of over 53,000 students.
UC offers online degrees in business, education, athletics, nursing, law, and many other disciplines. The school charged in-state, off-campus students $39,032 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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The 75 community colleges in Ohio feature on-campus and online programs. Learn more about how these schools can help you advance your career.
Updated October 12, 2023
Private Colleges in Ohio: A Complete List
Private colleges in Ohio come with prestigious reputations and vibrant campus communities. Discover the top private colleges in the heart of the Midwest.
by James Mielke
Updated October 6, 2023
Public Universities in Ohio: A Complete List
The Buckeye State attracts students from across the world to its renowned public universities. We’ve compiled a list of all Ohio public colleges.
Updated October 6, 2023
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