Best Accredited Online Colleges in Ohio 2024
We’ve compiled a list of the best online colleges in Ohio, based on online offerings, affordability, student satisfaction, and student outcomes. Compare online colleges in Ohio below.
Online education is a rapidly growing option for higher education students. Its structure is accessible for working students because it allows for learning that is flexible, affordable, and personalized.
The U.S. News and World Report states that approximately 82% of Ohio’s online learners are in-state students, with only 18% of distance learners being out-of-state students. We’ve put together information about some of the best online schools in Ohio, such as their graduation rates, published rankings, and online services.
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Rankings | Overview | List of Accredited Online Colleges in Ohio
Rankings
EDsmart provides a simple, reliable, and honest ranking of the best online colleges in Ohio.
To be considered for this ranking, schools must offer online courses.
In our analysis of the best online colleges in Ohio, we looked at several factors and ranked our list of schools accordingly.
- Affordability (average net price)
- Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
- Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
- Median Earnings (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 10 years after entering the school)
Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received a weighted overall ranking score for each individual point mentioned above–100 being the highest score possible.
In the case of tie scoring, the average net price was the determining factor for which school received the higher rank–the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.
All data was gathered from College Scorecard and school websites.
Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024
1. Franklin University
- Average Net Price (Private): $29,773
- Graduation Rate: 25.22%
- Retention Rate: 100.00%
- Median Earnings: $52,358
Franklin offers over 75 online degrees and certificates at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level. Online options span fields like business, healthcare, computer science, and more. Franklin has been offering online degrees since 1999 and is one of the more established online colleges. Their online courses use Blackboard as the learning management system.
Online classes are taught by the same faculty that teach on campus. Class sizes are kept small with an average of 15 students. Franklin’s online bachelor’s degrees can be completed in as little as 18 months by taking accelerated 7.5 week classes year-round. Associate’s degrees take around 1 year.
Franklin’s online courses and programs are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This is the same accreditation as the main campus programs.
Franklin has no application fee for online programs. Students need a 2.0 GPA for undergrad admission and completion of prerequisite courses. Online students have access to student advising, library services, career services, and tutoring support. But there are no on-campus activities.
2. University of Dayton
- Average Net Price (Private): $27,407
- Graduation Rate: 79.79%
- Retention Rate: 88.07%
- Median Earnings: $71,015
UD offers over 90 online degrees and certificates, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs.
Online offerings span fields such as education, engineering, business, computer science, and religious studies. Popular options include the online MBA, MEM (engineering management), and bachelor’s in electrical engineering.
UD uses Blackboard as its online learning platform. Classes are taught by the same faculty as on-campus courses. The school has offered distance learning since the mid-1990s and online degrees since 2002. It has significant experience with online education. Regional accreditation is from the Higher Learning Commission, the same as the main campus.
Admission requirements vary but most online bachelor’s programs require a 2.5 GPA. Master’s programs require a 3.0 GPA and prerequisite coursework. Online students get access to UD’s library services, academic advising, career services, and student life activities.
3. Tiffin University
- Average Net Price (Private): $25,722
- Graduation Rate: 45.19%
- Retention Rate: 64.61%
- Median Earnings: $45,499
Tiffin offers over 50 online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs across diverse fields like criminal justice, business, psychology, healthcare, and education.
Tiffin uses Canvas as its online learning management system. Classes are taught by the same faculty as on campus programs. The school has offered online programs since 1997, giving it over 20 years of experience with distance learning. Regional accreditation for all Tiffin programs, including online degrees, comes from the Higher Learning Commission.
Admission requires at least a 2.0 GPA for undergrad programs and 2.5 GPA for graduate programs. Standardized test scores are not required. Online resources include access to library services, tutoring, academic advising, and career services. But there are no on-campus activities. Tiffin offers 4 online undergraduate degree completion programs for students who have some college credits. 8-week accelerated course schedules are available to complete degrees faster.
4. The University of Findlay
- Average Net Price (Private): $22,625
- Graduation Rate: 63.45%
- Retention Rate: 87.87%
- Median Earnings: $54,862
Findlay offers nearly 50 online degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level across subjects like business, education, healthcare, and more. Blackboard Learn is used as the online learning platform. On-campus and online students learn from the same faculty.
UF has offered distance learning since 1996 and online degrees since 2010, so it has over 25 years of experience in online education. Regional accreditation is through the Higher Learning Commission. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA for bachelor’s programs and 3.0 for graduate programs. Standardized test scores are not required.
Online student support includes tutoring, writing assistance, library services, and career counseling. But no on-campus activities. 8-week accelerated courses allow online students to complete bachelor’s degrees in just 3 years by studying year-round. Undergraduate students with some credits can enter the online RN-BSN completion program.
5. Ohio Christian University
- Average Net Price (Private): $22,451
- Graduation Rate: 28.80%
- Retention Rate: 65.35%
- Median Earnings: $40,968
Ohio Christian offers over 60 online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields like business, criminal justice, psychology, ministry, and more. Blackboard is used as the online learning management system. Classes are taught by the same faculty as on-campus courses.
OCU has offered distance learning since 1983 and online degrees since 2005 giving it significant experience in online education. Regional accreditation for all OCU programs comes from the Higher Learning Commission. Admission requires a 2.0 GPA for associate’s and bachelor’s programs. GRE/GMAT scores are not required.
Online student resources include the virtual library, tutoring through TutorMe, counseling services, and access to campus events. Accelerated online programs allow students to complete bachelor’s degrees in as little as 16 months by taking classes year-round. Ohio Christian offers an online degree completion program for students with some college credits.
6. Union Institute & University
- Average Net Price (Private): $22,311
- Graduation Rate: 33.33%
- Retention Rate: 100.00%
- Median Earnings: $58,052
Union Institute & University is a private university based in Cincinnati, Ohio that specializes in distance learning and online programs. The school has been offering distance learning since 1964. UI&U offers over 15 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs across fields like business administration, creative writing, education, leadership, psychology, and more.
These programs are designed for working adults and delivered entirely online through asynchronous coursework. Students can study on their own schedule.
UI&U’s online bachelor’s degrees typically take around 2 years to complete as a full-time student. The master’s degrees take 1-2 years. No GRE/GMAT scores are required. All online students get access to student advising, library services, career assistance, and other support resources. The online platform uses Canvas for course delivery.
UI&U has regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Several programs have additional specialized accreditations. To apply, students will need to complete an online application with transcripts, essays, and other materials. Admissions requirements vary by program.
7. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- Average Net Price (Private): $21,698
- Graduation Rate: 59.21%
- Retention Rate: 77.91%
- Median Earnings: $48,060
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private Christian, liberal arts college that was founded in 1968 by the Church of the Nazarene. The college currently enrolls 1,699 students in undergraduate studies, making the student-to-faculty ratio 18:1. Mount Vernon Nazarene University prides itself on being designed for the working adult learner, encouraging the students to fit their education into just about any work/life schedule, and organizing its class schedule for maximum flexibility. Students can enroll in online courses, on-campus courses, or hybrid courses, and have the freedom to transfer back and forth as necessary. Mount Vernon Nazarene University offers online undergraduate and graduate courses in business, education, ministry, and social work. The school gained accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a member of AdvancED, and the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Further, the U.S. News and World Report ranked Mount Vernon Nazarene University #75 in Regional Universities Midwest.
8. Mount Carmel College of Nursing
- Average Net Price (Private): $19,746
- Graduation Rate: 80.68%
- Retention Rate: 58.06%
- Median Earnings: $64,855
Mount Carmel College of Nursing is located in Columbus, Ohio and affiliated with the Mount Carmel Health System. They offer several online RN-to-BSN and MSN degree tracks, including Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner. The online RN-to-BSN program is designed for current RNs looking to further their education. It can be completed in as little as 16 months.
The MSN programs are also geared towards working nurses. They feature asynchronous online classes and some on-campus immersions. MSN tracks can be completed in around 2 years as a full-time student. Applicants must have a BSN degree and RN license. Courses cover topics like evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, advanced clinical skills, and more. Practicum hours are required.
MCCN is accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Admissions requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, resume, essay, letters of recommendation, and more. Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualifying online nursing students.
9. Malone University
- Average Net Price (Private): $18,203
- Graduation Rate: 59.67%
- Retention Rate: 72.25%
- Median Earnings: $48,729
Malone University is a private Christian university located in Canton, Ohio. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Friends tradition. Malone offers over 30 different online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in fields like business, education, ministry, psychology, and more.
Most of the online bachelor’s degree programs can be completed in around 4 years through part-time or full-time study. The master’s programs take 1-2 years. Undergraduate online program options include RN-to-BSN, business administration, criminal justice, marketing, and organizational leadership.
At the graduate level, they offer master’s degrees in business administration, education, organizational leadership, and more.
Malone’s online courses are delivered asynchronously through their learning management system. Some programs may require occasional on-campus immersion.
Admissions requirements include official transcripts, 2 letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and minimum GPA. GRE/GMAT scores are not required. Malone University has regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Certain programs have additional specialized accreditation.
10. Hiram College
- Average Net Price (Private): $17,639
- Graduation Rate: 53.13%
- Retention Rate: 71.49%
- Median Earnings: $51,578
Hiram College is a private liberal arts college located in Hiram, Ohio. It has an enrollment of around 1,200 students. Hiram offers several online bachelor’s degree completion programs designed specifically for adult and transfer learners.
Online program options include business management, criminal justice, healthcare administration, psychology, sociology, and integrative studies. These programs can be completed entirely online in a flexible format. Most students finish in around 2 years. Courses are delivered asynchronously through Hiram’s learning management system. No on-campus requirements.
Students have access to advising, library services, and other support resources online. Admission requires at least 12 transferable credits. Hiram also accepts credit for prior learning and work experience.
Hiram College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The business programs have ACBSP accreditation. To apply, students submit official transcripts, a personal essay, and additional application materials.
Further Reading: Cheapest Online Colleges
Congratulations on making this year’s Best Online Colleges in Ohio rankings! If your school information is not up-to-date, please notify [email protected]. All information is gathered from online resources, including school websites, US News, and other reputable online sources.
Overview
With Lake Erie to the north and the Ohio River to the south, Ohio has long acted as a transportation hub connecting the Midwest with the Northeast. The diverse economy relies on agriculture, energy, medicine and bioscience, manufacturing, and many more interests. Major employers headquartered in Ohio include Kroger, Procter & Gamble, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., Goodyear, and the Cleveland Clinic Health System.
Ohio is the biggest producer of Swiss cheese in the United States, and it’s also a leading producer of eggs, tomatoes, soybeans, and grain. The state has more than 14 million acres of farmland, and its dairy outputs are increasing. A Heinz ketchup plant in Fremont is the biggest ketchup processing facility in the world. Ohio is also home to the Cedar Point amusement park, with more rides than any other park. The state also hosts several pro sports teams, including two MLB teams, two NFL teams, and an NBA team.
In the state of Ohio, there is an array of choices when it comes to higher education, including public and private universities. The state’s public university system is the University System of Ohio, which includes 13 state universities, 23 community and technical colleges, 24 branch and regional campuses, and a public medical college. With the total enrollment of each of these institutions combined, the University System of Ohio ranks among the most extensive public university systems in the country. The flagship institution of this system is Ohio State University, which is also the third-largest university campus in the United States and the only public university in the state to be a member of the Association of American Universities. Several of Ohio’s private institutions are among some of the nation’s top universities, including Xavier University, University of Dayton, and Case Western Reserve University.
National or regional accrediting agencies accredit universities and colleges in Ohio. To obtain regional accreditation, institutions of higher education must apply with the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which accredit schools in Ohio as well as those in the surrounding North Central region.
Schools with national accreditation are accredited by agencies like the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, Distance Education and Training Council, Accrediting Commission, and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. For a school to be accredited in the state of Ohio, it should hold accreditation from regional or national bodies, such as these. For programs such as education training, law, health care, and community and social services, schools may also have specialized secondary accreditation.
