Best Online Colleges in Ohio

Colleges with online classes offer a flexible option to earn your degree while also balancing many of life's other responsibilities. Check out the most popular online programs of 2023 below.

Best Accredited Colleges

#1 Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH

$18042

83%

Founded in 1870 as a land-grant institution, the Ohio State University serves over 61,000 students at its main Columbus campus and five satellite locations. The school also delivers comprehensive distance education through the Canvas platform. Remote undergraduate offerings center on healthcare and include bachelor's degrees in dental hygiene and health sciences. Licensed RNs may enroll in the completion track for a bachelor of nursing that spans three full-time semesters. Similarly, working radiologic technologists may obtain a bachelor of radiologic sciences in two years through a completion program. The remote graduate catalog features 15 master's degrees and one doctorate. Master's options include global engineering leadership, social work, art education, and business analytics. Students can also obtain a master's in plant health management, developing the skills to bolster food production and workforce development while ensuring environmental quality and sustainability. Experienced nurses may earn an online doctor of nursing practice through BSN-to-DNP and postmaster's tracks. All options emphasize the innovative program development and applied research competencies candidates need to improve patient outcomes. Graduate admission requirements differ by program but usually include a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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#2 Ohio University-Main Campus

Athens, OH

$21607

64%

Ohio University was chartered in 1787, making it the oldest higher education institution in the state and the eighth-oldest in the nation. The school maintains its flagship campus in Athens and facilitates distance education through Blackboard. Students can enroll in fully online bachelor's programs in applied mathematics, customer service leadership, psychology, and integrated healthcare studies. Learners may prepare for careers in the manufacturing and logistics sectors by obtaining a bachelor of technical operations management. Undergraduate applicants must display a minimum 2.0 GPA. The majority of the college's online programs target graduate candidates. Offerings include master's degrees in business analytics, organizational communication, civil engineering, and early childhood special education. Through the College of Health Sciences and Professions, distance learners can access tracks for nursing and social work. The college also operates a master's program in global health that trains candidates to develop community-based solutions in resource-poor and underserved communities. Global health students may access travel awards to study abroad. Prospective graduate students generally need a 3.0 GPA or higher.

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#3 Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

$17877

53%

A renowned public research institution, Bowling Green State University delivers over 200 academic programs through eight colleges. Students engage in distance education through Canvas. Online bachelor's programs include quality systems, management and technology, and nursing (RN to BSN). Learners can also pursue an allied health degree that prepares them to work as dental hygienists, dietetic technicians, and medical sonographers. To enroll in this degree-completion track, applicants need an associate degree in a medical technical discipline with at least a 2.0 GPA. Graduate programs cover areas like criminal justice, strategic communication, and food and nutrition. Educators can earn master's degrees that help them design multimedia instructional technologies and develop assistive programs for students with autism spectrum disorders. BGSU also offers a 12-month master of business administration program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. MBA candidates complete 30 credits of coursework, picking from either a generalist track or one of three concentrations. Graduate admission requirements vary by program but usually include a minimum 3.0 GPA and adequate GRE/GMAT scores.

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#4 Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Columbus, OH

$17443

73%

Mount Carmel College of Nursing operates within the eponymous health system and serves over 1,000 students each year. The institution delivers affordable online academic programs through Canvas. Licensed RNs can obtain their bachelor of science in nursing through the fully remote degree-completion track. Coursework includes nursing informatics, research and evidence-based practice, and caring health practices within the community. Full-time candidates may graduate in four semesters. For graduate learners, MCCN delivers a 33-credit master of science in nursing leadership that focuses on clinical operations. The curriculum covers topics like healthy work environments and clinical care delivery that optimizes patient outcomes. The university also offers an online doctor of nursing practice with tracks for executive leader and leader in clinical practice. BSN applicants must possess at least a 2.0 GPA and a current, unencumbered state license. MSN and DNP candidates need a minimum 3.0 and 3.25 GPA, respectively. MCCN maintains programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

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#5 University of Dayton

Dayton, OH

$35077

79%

One of the largest, private higher education institutions in Ohio, the University of Dayton serves 11,000 students annually. The school delivers more than 80 academic programs, many of which learners can complete remotely through Moodle. The online degree catalog contains one undergraduate option: a bachelor's in early childhood leadership and advocacy. The nonlicensure track benefits educators who already possess an associate degree. Students gain skills in program development, curricular assessment, and personnel management in preparation for work as teacher leaders and school administrators. Online graduate students choose from master's programs in technology-enhanced learning, interdisciplinary educational studies, and educational leadership (with generalist and principal licensure tracks). UD also offers a master of applied behavior analysis that prepares candidates for board certification. For distance learners who want to pursue terminal credentials, the university offers a doctor of education in leadership for organizations. Doctoral candidates complete 60 credits over 36 months, developing the advanced skills to apply quantitative research and foster organizational change in a variety of sectors.

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#6 University of Toledo

Toledo, OH

$16281

41%

Founded as a trade school in 1872, the University of Toledo now provides comprehensive academics in over 250 areas of study. Students can enroll in campus-based programs or pursue flexible distance education through Blackboard. For learners interested in technical career placement, UT offers associate programs for computer network administration and accounting technology. Undergraduate candidates can also pursue fully online bachelor's degrees in marketing, criminal justice, and communication studies. Furthermore, they may design a major through the interdisciplinary studies track. Remote graduate degrees covers fields like energy engineering, nurse education, sales leadership, and special education. UT is one of the few schools to deliver a master's program in human donation science. Through a 40-credit curriculum, students learn to oversee the organ donation and transplantation process with respect to sociocultural, legal, and ethical dimensions. Graduate admission requirements differ by program but usually include a minimum 3.0 GPA, three recommendation letters, and relevant prerequisite coursework. The university requires standardized test scores only from international applicants.

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#7 Walsh University

North Canton, OH

$19417

61%

Located in North Canton, Walsh University is a private liberal arts institution that serves over 2,600 students each year. The school offers 70 undergraduate majors and seven graduate degrees, which include online programs powered by Moodle. Distance learners may obtain bachelor's credentials in cybersecurity, accounting, and organizational leadership and development. They can also enroll in a communication program, pursuing a generalist track or picking from concentrations like digital media and corporate communications. At the graduate level, remote options include master's degrees in family nursing and educational leadership with principal licensure. Walsh also delivers an online master of business administration accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The MBA program operates accelerated eight-week classes that allow candidates to graduate in as little as 12 months. Students personalize their degree plans by picking a speciality in management, marketing, data analytics, or healthcare management. MBA applicants do not need to submit GMAT scores. The university offers six start dates per year.

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#8 Mercy College of Ohio

Toledo, OH

$18160

58%

Mercy College of Ohio was established in 1917 as a nursing school and carries on this tradition by offering quality health sciences programs at its Toledo campus. Students can earn three undergraduate degrees online through completion tracks powered by the Desire2Learn system. Active RNs may enroll in the bachelor of science in nursing program, developing the generalist skill set necessary to facilitate patient services across the healthcare continuum. Full-time students can graduate in one year. BSN applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA and unencumbered RN licensure. The remaining online bachelor's degrees cover healthcare administration and medical imaging. The former option prepare learners for careers as healthcare consultants and midlevel hospital supervisors through a management-focused curriculum. The latter track emphasizes technical imaging specialties and culminates in an applied capstone experience. Medical imaging candidates gain the theoretical knowledge to pursue post-primary certifications from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. To enroll in these two programs, applicants must possess at least a 2.3 GPA.

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#9 Union Institute & University

Cincinnati, OH

$17297

Union Institute & University is a leader in distance education, providing comprehensive online degrees to 1,000 students annually. The undergraduate catalog features bachelor's programs for emergency services management, social work, and business management. Childcare professionals can advance their careers by obtaining credentials education and educational administration. The university also offers three online bachelor's degrees in education that lead to initial teacher certification in Florida. Graduate candidates pick from remote master's credentials in fields like health and wellness, clinical mental health counseling, and literature and writing. UI&U also offers a 12-month master of healthcare leadership program that comes with one-on-one mentoring throughout. For students who want to obtain terminal degrees, the university delivers five research-intensive doctoral programs. Any doctoral candidate can take on the Dr. Martin Luther King studies specialization, learning how to transform dysfunctional institutions to advance racial and social justice. Graduate admission criteria vary by program but usually include a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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#10 Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

$15320

43%

Established in 1921 as a small technology school, Cleveland State University now enrolls 17,000 students in over 130 academic programs. The institution powers distance education with Blackboard. Online learners may enroll in bachelor's degree completion tracks for business administration and organizational leadership. Licensed RNs can earn a bachelor of science in nursing in as little as 12 months. To enroll in the BSN program, applicants must possess an active Ohio nursing license and complete prerequisite coursework with a minimum 2.0 GPA. The graduate catalog contains online master's degrees in community health promotion, educational research and assessment, and adult learning and development. CSU boasts the first online accelerated master of business administration program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Totaling 32 credits, the MBA curriculum covers topics like financial policies, IT for competitive advantage, and strategic entrepreneurship. MBA applicants undergo a holistic admissions process that factors their GRE/GMAT performance and undergraduate GPA.

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#11 Malone University

Canton, OH

$20917

49%

Malone University is located in Canton and serves 1,600 students each year. The institution delivers distance education through the Moodle platform. In addition to a transfer-focused associate of general studies, online learners can pursue bachelor's credentials in fields like business administration, marketing, organizational management, and nursing (RN to BSN). They may also obtain a social work degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Coursework delves into human behavior, professional ethics, and applied psychology. Graduate candidates can enroll in four fully remote master's programs. Options include organizational leadership, educational leadership, and clinical mental health counseling. Malone also delivers a 20-month master of business administration accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The curriculum totals 36 credits and covers crucial topics in data analysis and operations management. Malone does not maintain undergraduate GPA requirements. Graduate admission criteria differ by program but usually include a minimum 3.0 GPA. Distance learners benefit from affordable, per-credit tuition prices based on their program.

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#12 Wright State University-Main Campus

Dayton, OH

$14769

36%

Wright State University is a public research institution that hosts 10 colleges and schools. Over 15,500 students attend WSU, many of whom pursue distance education powered by Canvas. Undergraduate candidates can enroll in the bachelor of science in nursing program provided they possess an active nursing license and a minimum 2.0 GPA. The BSN curriculum contains classes like applied management concepts and critical reasoning in complex healthcare settings. Most candidates graduate in 15 months. WSU offers online master's credentials in fields like information systems, logistics and supply chain management, and rehabilitation counseling. The university also provides a variety of education programs that prepare candidates for careers as school principals and educational technology specialists. Additionally, distance learners may pursue a master of science in industrial and human factors engineering. This 30-credit program teaches students to synthesize computer science and engineering competencies to create more effective technology-centric systems. Graduate applicants need a minimum 2.7 GPA and adequate GRE/GMAT scores.

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#13 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH

$21050

69%

The University of Cincinnati serves more than 37,000 students each year as the second-largest higher education institution in Ohio. Learners access comprehensive online academics through Blackboard. In addition to four technical associate degrees, undergraduate candidates may pursue baccalaureate credentials in 16 fields. These options include information technology, substance abuse counseling, and behavior and occupation studies. Students can also earn a nationally lauded bachelor of criminal justice, which prepares them for careers in law enforcement and policy reform. At the graduate level, online programming covers areas like electrical engineering, taxation, and educational leadership. UC also delivers a one-year master of business administration accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Additionally, the university offers a variety of master's credentials for life sciences and allied health professionals. Students learn to improve healthcare services through data-supported strategies by earning a health informatics degree. They may prepare for pharmaceutical careers by enrolling in the drug development sciences or cosmetic science track. UC maintains a 2.5 and a 3.0 minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate and graduate applicants, respectively.

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#14 The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Cincinnati, OH

$17343

46%

Based in Cincinnati, the Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a private, nondenominational higher education institution that enrolls about 1,000 students each year. The school offers a fully online bachelor of science in nursing program for licensed RNs. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the RN-to-BSN track helps learners gain the skills needed to work as patient-centered nurse generalists. Full-time candidates earn their credentials in one year, while part-time students obtain their degrees in two years. The degree completion plan totals 42 required credits. Coursework includes wellness and health promotion, legal ethical issues in nursing, and healthcare policy. Students also delve into population-based nursing and learn how to care for older adults and advocate for the needs of at-risk and underserved communities. To enroll, applicants need a fully accredited associate degree in nursing with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Prospective students must also have an active, unencumbered RN license in the state where they work. TCCNHS offers an affordable per-credit tuition rate and generous merit scholarships.

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#15 Ashland University

Ashland, OH

$20201

60%

A private institution, Ashland University delivers career-focused certificates and degrees through five schools and colleges. In addition to flexible campus-based programs, students may pursue distance education powered by Blackboard. Undergraduate candidates can earn an associate degree in general studies and complete the core requirements necessary for transfer. Alternatively, learners may obtain fully online bachelor's credentials in fields like criminal justice, communication studies, and nursing (RN to BSN). The university also offers a business degree that examines interrelated concepts in finance, data management, marketing, and employee relations. Graduate degrees cover fields like applied exercise science and strategic communication. Students can also enroll in master's programs in education that lead to endorsement and specialty licensure in educational technology, reading and literacy instruction, and mild/moderate needs intervention. For professionals seeking terminal credentials, Ashland provides a doctor of nursing practice accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Candidates choose from three concentrations and complete over 1,000 hours of clinical training. DNP applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and an RN/APRN license with at least one year of work experience.

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#16 Kettering College

Kettering, OH

$18569

52%

Kettering College was established in 1967 as a private postsecondary school specializing in the health fields. Today, the institution enrolls over 850 students in affordable undergraduate and graduate programs. For students who want to earn their degree remotely, Kettering delivers a bachelor of science in health sciences completion track through Canvas. Designed for working health professionals, the online BSHS offers accelerated classes year-round, enabling learners to accommodate busy work and family lives. On top of core classes, BSHS candidates complete coursework in a chosen emphasis area. Options include advanced imaging, sonography, education, and management. Students may also focus their degree plan on respiratory care, developing in-depth knowledge on invasive/noninvasive cardiopulmonary monitoring and cardiopulmonary assessment. They examine the role therapists occupy in critical care, rehabilitation, and pediatric settings. To enroll in the BSHS program, applicants must possess a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. Kettering offers a low per-credit tuition price that ignores residency status. Financial aid opportunities include general merit-based awards and scholarships specifically for respiratory care majors.

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#17 Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

$10637

34%

Youngstown State University serves more than 12,600 students through 170 undergraduate degrees and 50 graduate programs. YSU powers remote education with Blackboard and offers a fully online bachelor of applied science in public health. Degree candidates personalize their curriculum by choosing a concentration in environmental health, behavioral science/health education, or health services administration. The university also delivers remote bachelor's degree completion tracks in criminal justice, allied health, and nursing. At the graduate level, online programs cover fields like engineering management and business administration. Learners can also enroll in five master of education programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Candidates who want to occupy leadership positions within K-12 schools may pursue the educational administration degree, which comes with a principal licensure option. YSU also offers tracks that prepare students for careers as resource teachers, intervention specialists, and e-Learning developers. Graduate applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA and, depending on their program, may need an active teaching license.

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#18 Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon, OH

$20880

63%

Established as a private liberal arts institution in 1968, Mount Vernon Nazarene University serves more than 2,200 students annually. Learners may enroll in affordable campus-based programs or opt for online degree opportunities facilitated by Moodle. Remote offerings include bachelor's programs in public administration, ministry leadership, and elementary education. Students can also earn bachelor of business administration credentials that come with four concentration options. Designed as a completion pathway, this BBA track requires applicants to transfer 56 credits earned with at least a 2.0 GPA. The graduate catalog offers fully online master's degrees in business administration, ministry, and education. Learners may also enroll in a healthcare administration program that operates accelerated six-week classes, which enables them to graduate in 19 months. Through a 36-credit curriculum, candidates learn to influence organizational behavior and assess the quality of patient services. Graduates may pursue careers as hospital managers, policy researchers, and pharmaceutical project managers. To enroll in a master's program, applicants need a regionally accredited bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.8 GPA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best online colleges in Ohio?

Some of the best online colleges in Ohio include Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Kent State University, and Miami University. These institutions offer a wide range of online programs and have a strong reputation for academic excellence.

2. How do I choose the right online college in Ohio?

When choosing an online college in Ohio, consider factors such as accreditation, program offerings, faculty qualifications, student support services, and tuition costs. It's important to research and compare multiple institutions to find the one that best fits your educational goals and needs.

3. Are online degrees from Ohio colleges respected by employers?

Yes, online degrees from reputable Ohio colleges are generally respected by employers. It's important to choose an accredited institution and ensure that the online program you pursue aligns with your career goals. Employers often value the skills and knowledge gained through online education.

4. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to an online college in Ohio?

Many online colleges in Ohio accept transfer credits from other accredited institutions. However, the transferability of credits depends on factors such as the similarity of coursework, accreditation status, and the specific policies of the receiving institution. It's best to consult with the admissions office of the online college you're interested in for accurate information.

5. How long does it take to complete an online degree in Ohio?

The duration of an online degree program in Ohio varies depending on the level of the degree and the program's structure. Generally, an associate degree takes around two years, a bachelor's degree takes four years, and a master's degree takes one to two years to complete. However, some programs may offer accelerated options or allow students to study at their own pace.

6. Can I receive financial aid for online programs in Ohio?

Yes, many online colleges in Ohio offer financial aid options for eligible students. To determine your eligibility, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet the specific requirements of the institution. Financial aid may include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.

7. Are online classes in Ohio conducted in real-time?

Online classes in Ohio can be conducted in real-time or asynchronously, depending on the program and course structure. Some courses may require students to attend virtual lectures or participate in live discussions at specific times, while others offer recorded lectures and flexible assignment deadlines. It's important to review the course syllabus to understand the expectations and requirements.

8. What support services are available for online students in Ohio?

Online colleges in Ohio typically provide a range of support services for online students, including academic advising, library access, technical support, tutoring services, and career counseling. These services are designed to help online students succeed academically and make the most of their educational experience.

9. Can I access online resources and materials from anywhere?

Yes, online resources and materials provided by Ohio colleges can generally be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility allows students to study and complete coursework at their convenience, making online education a convenient option for those with busy schedules or geographical constraints.

10. How do I apply to an online college in Ohio?

To apply to an online college in Ohio, you typically need to complete an online application form and submit required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Each institution may have specific application requirements, so it's important to review the admissions guidelines provided by the college you're interested in.