In order to provide prospective students with the best chance at having a great education, we have compiled this list of the top universities and colleges in Ohio. Some schools may excel at online programs while others may focus exclusively on the traditional, on-campus aspect of higher education. Regardless of the delivery format, these schools excel at providing a quality education for their students.
College students rely on the internet daily for many different purposes. Today, more and more people are even turning to online resources to obtain a college degree. Universities have picked up on this trend, and not only offer many different online programs but many quality online programs. Ohio provides some of the best education in the country and we’ve rounded up some of the very best online colleges in Ohio.
Top 5 Colleges in Ohio
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio State University Online | Columbus, Ohio |
| 2 | Tiffin University | Tiffin, Ohio |
| 3 | Ohio University | Athens, Ohio |
| 4 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 5 | Cleveland State University | Cleveland, Ohio |
Whether you’re already working full-time, have to care for family, or simply want to study at your own pace, pursuing a degree through an online university can provide you with the convenience and flexibility you need to earn a degree in a field you love.
We know that choosing to attend college is a big decision. It may even be slightly overwhelming. That’s why we’ve hand-picked the best schools in Ohio based on the factors most important for you. Each of these schools not only provides high-quality education, but gives you the flexibility, support, and guidance to take a major step educationally and professionally.
The Best 22 Colleges in Ohio in 2021
Ohio State University Online
Ohio State University has many online opportunities for students; students can receive Bachelor’s degrees through the Ohio State Online program with emphases in nursing, health science, and dental hygiene. Online graduate programs include nursing, social work, dental hygiene, art education, and many others. Upon graduation, online students receive the exact same diploma as on-campus students.
Tuition varies based on how many credits the student enrolls in–this way students can go at their own pace and budget. Each online student, however, receives the in-state tuition price.
The Number of Programs Offered:
3 bachelor’s degrees
10 master’s degrees
1 doctoral degree
Tiffin University
Tiffin University’s online program offers unique opportunities for students. Online courses have small classes of less than 20 students, to maximize the student’s accessibility to the professor. Tiffin University’s online program even allows high school students to enroll in some of the online college courses to help prepare them for a higher education later on. Online chat rooms allow students to communicate with one another and their professors. There are many different undergraduate emphases for students, and plenty of options for graduate studies, including; Master’s of Business Administration, Education, Science, and Humanities.
For students taking a full semester load (12-16 credits), there is a flat semester tuition rate of $11, 400. For students taking less than 12 credits, their tuition is charged based on the number of enrolled credits.
The Number of Programs Offered:
3 associate degrees
2 bachelor’s degrees
3 master’s degrees
Ohio University
The online courses at Ohio University offer students a flexible yet demanding schedule that gives them a similar experience they would have at another college. Ohio University even seeks to help transfer students maximize their previous college credit. With their online program, students can receive Associate and Bachelor’s degrees. Undergraduate online programs include applied management, applied communications, and criminal justice. There are online tutoring services just at your fingertips.
Tuition rates are credit based. The price is $353 per credit for an Ohio resident and $356 per credit for out-of-state students.
The Number of Programs Offered:
5 associate degrees
7 bachelor’s degrees
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is known for offering a wide breadth of different online programs. Students can choose from over 70 different online degree and certificate programs. Their unique graduate certificate program is offered as college credit for those who desire additional training, or certification in their field of work. Some of these online certificate programs include different emphases like; cosmetic science, animal audiology, corporate taxation, and teaching English as a second language. The University of Cincinnati distance learning opportunities is a great option for those seeking specialized study paths.
Tuition varies based on credit and program.
The Number of Programs Offered
3 associate degrees
11 bachelor’s degrees
18 master’s degrees
>40 online certificates
Cleveland State University
The online program at Cleveland State University seeks to offer students the most traditional and professional experience. The online courses are taught by the same on-campus professors, 90% of whom hold the highest degree in their field of study. There are 5 different undergraduate online programs, and 12 different online master’s programs available. Cleveland State University is the first AASCB accredited university to offer an accelerated one-year MBA entirely online. The cost of tuition for online programs is the same as the on-campus rate.
A flat rate of $4,818 per semester is for Ohio residents enrolled in 12-17 credits (out-of-state students have a different rate).
The Number of Programs Offered:
3 bachelor’s degrees
7 master’s degrees
Ohio Northern University
At Ohio Northern University, there are just over 3,0oo students enrolled. There are over 70 programs to decide from, an average class size of 18 students, and almost 500 faculty members (student-to-faculty ratio 11:1). There are a total of 5 colleges at Ohio Northern University. ONU’s main goal is to provide an education to their students that prepare them for their future careers, communities, and the world.
Tuition rates range between $30,000-$40,000 per year.
The Number of Programs Offered:
Over 100 bachelor’s degrees
Hiram College
Hiram College offers two online Bachelor’s programs: Accounting and Financial Management, and Business Management. Hiram College is aware of the busy schedules of college students, so they seek to provide flexible opportunities for their online students. Students who take at least 6 credits can also qualify for financial aid.
Tuition rates for Hiram College’s online program are credit-based for $445 per credit hour.
The Number of Programs Offered:
2 bachelor’s degrees
God’s Bible School & College
God’s Bible School & College offers online Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees. Their non-denominational online programs use the Aldersgate Distance Education Program to offer their students majors in Ministerial Education, Bible and Theological Studies, and Church and Family Ministries. Generous financial aid is offered to both on-campus, and online students through the Student Work Program.
Tuition is $6,000 per year or $225 per credit.
The Number of Programs Offered:
2 associate degrees
3 bachelor’s degrees
Kent State University
Kent State University online maintains the same traditional, professional experience that on-campus students receive. Online students can join the extensive network of the Kent State University community. Undergraduate students can receive their Bachelor’s degree in different fields like Nursing, Computer Science, and Environment Management. Graduate students have many options as well, which include a Master’s in Music Education, User Experience Design, Public Health and others. For both the baccalaureate and graduate programs, tuition is credit-based.
Depending on the online program that students choose, students pay between $400-$830 per credit.
The Number of Programs Offered:
3 associate degrees
4 bachelor’s degrees
22 master’s degrees
16 certificate programs
Youngstown State University
For students seeking a variety of online degrees, Youngstown State University provides that. Students can choose between four different undergraduate programs like Nursing, Public Health, and more. Master’s programs include fields of study including Early Childhood Education, Financial Economics, and Engineering. Youngstown State University does offer a tuition estimator for online students.
Tuition rates depend on the program and amount of credits the student is enrolled in.
The Number of Programs Offered:
4 bachelor’s degrees
7 master’s degrees
University of Toledo
The online program of the University of Toledo offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and even doctoral degrees. Students can choose from over 8 different fields of study within each degree-type. Individual departments provide individual support for each student. Online students also receive access to the University of Toledo’s library and research tools.
Tuition varies based on credit and program. Rates start at $1,264 for online undergraduate courses, or $1,909 for graduate courses.
The Number of Programs Offered:
8 associate degrees
10 bachelor’s degrees
8 master’s degrees
1 doctoral degrees
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers an entirely online and accredited nursing program. Once students have fulfilled all of the usual prerequisite courses, a student can complete the RN-BSN program in just 4 semesters. These four semesters are broken up into “units”. Mount Carmel College of Nursing seeks to make their program as convenient and flexible as possible. Because of this, students can start during the fall, spring or summer. Part-time enrollment is also available for students.
Based on the courses included in each unit, the tuition fee ranges per unit from $3,300-5,800.
The Number of Programs Offered:
1 bachelor’s degree
1 master’s degree
1 doctoral degree
Ohio Wesleyan University
At Ohio Wesleyan University, nearly 97% of students that have graduated have a job or have continued on to graduate school. At OWU there are 1,600 students currently enrolled who benefit from a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, giving students more one-on-one time in class. There are 90 majors ranging from accounting to zoology. An interesting fact about OWU is that it’s a test-optional school for students who have received a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher before the end of their junior year. First-year students across the United States can benefit from the nearly $14 million dollars awarded each year in financial aid and scholarships that help offset the cost of tuition.
There are no graduate programs, but there are several partnerships with universities around the world.
Tuition is $44,430 per year.
The Number of Program Offered:
90 bachelor’s degrees
University of Findlay
The online programs at the University of Findlay are largely technical and designed to accompany someone living life in the work field already. Within the online college, students can interact with professors and other online students alike. The same professors who teach on-campus are those who teach the online courses. The University of Findlay offers a bachelor’s degree in business management with varying emphases. Graduate students can choose between an MBA, a Master in Environmental Management or in Health Informatics. A unique PET/CT program is available for students interested in radiologic technology. Financial aid is offered for many students and all inquiries can be answered by visiting their site and speaking with a Live-Chat operator.
Tuition varies depending on the online program a student chooses.
The Number of Programs Offered:
1 bachelor’s degrees
3 master’s degrees
Stark State College
At Stark State College there are 34 online certificates and degrees for students who need flexible schedules. Some of these include an associate in business with emphases in accounting and business management. All online classes can be accessed through the Blackboard online learning platform. Like most colleges, these online classes have beginning and end dates.
In-state tuition is $153.60 per credit hour.
The Number of Programs Offered:
10 career-enhancement certificates
8 one-year certificates
16 associate degrees
Kettering College
An affordable plan is created for the students who attend Kettering College. Students will also benefit from small class sizes which also means more one-on-one time with the professor. There are many different types of degrees ranging from health science to nursing. Classes have a 90% pass rate and the school has 100% placement for students after graduation.
Tuition varies based on the program and usually costs between $440- $517 per credit hour.
The Number of Programs Offered:
8 bachelor’s degrees
Wright State University
Wright State University offers online students flexibility and convenience. There are programs for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even Doctoral degrees. This allows students of all backgrounds and collegiate experience to pick up right where they left off. Wright State University is known for its nursing programs–the distance education program maintains the acclaimed reputation for nursing. Without enrolling in a college, students can also receive certificates for digital learning.
Tuition is a flat semester rate, $4,365 for Ohio residents and $8, 549 for non-residents.
The Number of Programs Offered:
1 bachelor’s degree
14 master’s degrees
1 doctoral degree
University of Akron
The University of Akron offers a unique experience that helps its students get ahead of their competition as they look for jobs after graduation. At Akron, there are just over 23,00o students from places all over the world. The school’s diversity offers lifetime experiences and skills that will help students in the future.
Tuition for 16 credits ranges between $27,002 for residents and $35,534 for students living out-of-state.
The Number of Programs Offered:
Over 200 bachelor’s degrees
Over 100 master’s and doctoral degrees
University of Dayton
The University of Dayton offers an online program that focuses on small class sizes and programs flexibility. Graduate students can enroll in University of Dayton’s award-winning online School of Education and Health Services. The University of Dayton also offers many different online certificates and education licensures depending on the program a student needs.
Tuition varies based on credit.
The Number of Programs Offered:
1 bachelor’s degree
10 master’s degree
Miami University
Miami University offers online students a range of academic programs, and with MU’s growing number of degrees, they can meet the needs of each and every student. Classes at MU are very flexible and allow students who have busy schedules to still work and receive a degree. Everything you need is right there in front of you. Online classes typically have a student-to-faculty ratio of 1:25. All students who live in Ohio receive a 20% off tuition discount during summer and winter sessions.
Tuition is $35.00 per credit hour.
The Number of Programs Offered:
2 associate degrees
2 bachelor’s degrees
2 graduate degrees
Union Institute and University
At Union Institute and University, there are plenty of different options to further students’ education from certificates to doctorates. Each program is made to fit each individual’s needs and schedule. There are over 400 staff members ready to help the 15,000 students that are enrolled here.
Tuition for an undergraduate program is credit based and costs around $530 per credit. For graduate students, the cost ranges from $700-$1200 per credit.
The Number of Programs Offered:
5 bachelor’s degrees
5 master’s degrees
4 doctoral degrees
Ohio Dominican University
Ohio Dominican University is a Catholic college in Columbus Ohio. Their focus is to help each student improve their spiritual and intellectual growth while furthering their education. Over $37 million is offered to students here each year. Students seeking degrees and not seeking degrees have opportunities in credentials and programs to further their education.
Tuition for a full-time student pursuing an undergraduate degree is $15,250 per semester. Part-time tuition is $720 per credit hour.
The Number of Programs Offered:
2 associate’s degrees
3 bachelor’s degrees
11 master’s degrees
If you’re interested in pursuing a college degree, any of these schools is a great place to start. Every school here works to provide the best possible atmosphere for students and gives you the greatest chance for success in your educational and professional goals.
We know that finding the best school to fit your unique needs is a huge challenge. For that reason, we work hard to develop lists of the best schools based on the characteristics most important for you. Whether that be the cost of attendance, student success, resources available, the flexibility of schedule, or any other number of important factors, we’ve got you covered. For more information about our ranking process and to find lists of schools based on specific characteristics, check out our methodology page.
If your school isn’t included on this list but deserves consideration for a future update, please contact us today!
