Best Online Colleges in Ohio

We've ranked the best online colleges in Ohio. Compare programs and admission requirements for online colleges in Ohio.
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Ohio houses over 130 universities and colleges. The state is home to one of the largest universities in the nation, The Ohio State University, along with many specialized and mid-sized colleges.

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Graduates often find that Ohio's growing economy offers lucrative job prospects. Between 2016 and 2026, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services projects significant job growth for healthcare occupations. Positions in this sector include physician assistant and nurse practitioner, both of which come with high annual salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), physician assistants in Ohio earned an average annual salary of $107,430 in 2019 and nurse practitioners earned $103,780.

Most well-paying healthcare occupations will require candidates to hold a bachelor's degree. Explore our list of the best online colleges in Ohio to find a program that can help you achieve your career aspirations.

Why Study in Ohio?

Ohio ranked second in Forbes' quality of life metric due to the abundance of top-rated colleges, cultural and recreational opportunities, and the low cost of living.

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Ohio ranked second in Forbes' quality of life metric due to the abundance of top-rated colleges, cultural and recreational opportunities, and the low cost of living. All major Ohio cities offer a cost of living below the national average.

For example, Cincinnati's cost of living is 10.6% lower than the national average. The UC Economics Center projects 6.2% job growth in Cincinnati between 2018 and 2028.

Forbes also credits an improved economy and low business costs for the large companies that make Ohio their home. A few of these businesses include Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and Cardinal Health.

Graduates with a bachelor's or graduate degree experience better job opportunities when entering this growing economy. The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio reports that Ohio's most high paying, in-demand jobs require a bachelor's.

These lucrative positions include financial manager, operations manager, software developer, registered nurse, and market research analyst. The BLS reports that market research analysts in Ohio earned an average annual salary of $66,500 in 2019.

Students enjoy Ohio's abundant cultural offerings, including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and The Cleveland Orchestra. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Ohio's 20 state forests and 110 natural lakes.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Ohio

Top Degree Programs in Ohio

Ohio Employment Outlook

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services projects about 664,000 annual job openings and an additional 253,000 new jobs between 2016 and 2026. The healthcare and social assistance sector should experience the highest growth rate during this period.

Healthcare practitioners, technical workers, and healthcare support positions account for one-third of all new jobs. Within these groups, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, and social and community service managers are some of the fastest growing occupations.

To qualify for these positions, candidates need a bachelor's degree, which they can earn at one of the many online colleges in Ohio. A projected 47% of Ohio's job growth from 2016 to 2026 will occur in occupations requiring bachelor's or graduate degrees.

Popular Career Paths in Ohio

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How We Rank Schools

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At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

Best Online Colleges in Ohio

  1. Ohio State University-Main Campus
    Location

    Columbus, OH

    Tuition

    $18042

    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.

  2. Mercy College of Ohio
    Location

    Toledo, OH

    Tuition

    $18160

    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.

  3. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
    Location

    Cincinnati, OH

    Tuition

    $21050

    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.

  4. The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
    Location

    Cincinnati, OH

    Tuition

    $17343

    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.

  5. Ashland University
    Location

    Ashland, OH

    Tuition

    $20201

    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.

  6. Kettering College
    Location

    Kettering, OH

    Tuition

    $18569

    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.

  7. Kent State University at Kent
    Location

    Kent, OH

    Tuition

    $18156

    Founded in 1910 as a teacher training school, Kent State University now offers comprehensive certificates and degrees to 40,000 students every year. Learners can access affordable academics at one of the seven regional campuses or pursue distance education through Blackboard.

    The online catalog contains bachelor's credentials like information technology, insurance studies, and radiologic and imaging science. Licensed RNs can earn their bachelor of nursing in as little as 12 months.

    KSU delivers fully online master's programs for journalism and mass communication, user experience design, and aviation management and logistics. Graduate students may also pursue a master of business administration that comes with three concentration options. Furthermore, the university offers an innovative public health program accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

    MPH candidates learn to implement health services programming and conduct policy analyses that enhance population health at local and national levels. Graduate admission criteria include a minimum 3.0 GPA and adequate GRE/GMAT scores.

  8. Youngstown State University
    Location

    Youngstown, OH

    Tuition

    $10637

    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.

  9. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
    Location

    Mount Vernon, OH

    Tuition

    $20880

    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.

  10. Ohio University-Main Campus
    Location

    Athens, OH

    Tuition

    $21607

    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.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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