In 2013, 161 colleges in Ohio offered distance learning degrees, including two schools that held their online programming to the highest academic standards: Ohio State and Franklin University. Many of the state's online programs were originally offered by private schools, but today are provided by many of Ohio's top four-year accredited universities. There are a vast number of online programs offered in Ohio, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer sciences, criminal justice, nursing and business.
The overall cost of obtaining a degree in Ohio is above the fold in comparison to other states, but tuition costs are increasing at a slower pace. Two-year public school tuition costs rose 10.1% between 2004 and 2014, and four-year public school tuition actually decreased 2.5% during the same time period. Tuition fluctuation is partially due to a 21.7% decrease in Ohio's educational budget between 2008 and 2014. Another contributing factor to the slowed progression of tuition hikes is the Board of Regents tuition cap for public schools, which was set in 2008. In the 2014 to 2015 fiscal year, public state universities may not exceed a 2% or $188 increase in tuition fees (whichever is higher).
Find information on Ohio's best online degree programs through our extensive database below. In the Higher Education Initiatives section you can also find resources for scholarships, and links for financial assistance programs offered through the state.
Featured Online Programs
154 Colleges in Ohio
Baldwin Wallace University
Berea, OH · Tuition & fees: $28,814
Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH · Tuition & fees: $26,420
Miami-Jacobs Career College-Columbus
Columbus, OH · Tuition & fees: $11,964
Muskingum University
New Concord, OH · Tuition & fees: $24,676
South University-Cleveland
Cleveland, OH · Tuition & fees: $16,360
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College
Batavia, OH · Tuition & fees: $5,316
Additional Resources
Official State Links
College Savings
- College Advantage Direct 529 Plan: Ohio's Direct 529 plan is rated as one of the best in the country by Morningstar. With four age-based options and a flexible investment scheme that allows students and families to adjust their savings to their financial abilities, this plan gives Ohio students a good way to save efficiently and effectively.
- College Advantage Advisor 529 Plan: For those looking for a 529 plan with a financial advisor, Ohio also offers this version of its college savings plan. Run by BlackRock, this plan includes personalized support, a range of investment options, and tax benefits.
Education Nonprofits
- Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education: This advocacy nonprofit works on several fronts to advance the ability of Ohio's students to access higher education. NOCHE works with state legislators, the business community, and schools to ensure that the state's students are finding ways to get to college, and that the education they receive, once they get there, is of the highest quality.
- GAR Foundation: This nonprofit supports low income children, in particular, as they progress from the beginnings of their educational careers all the way through college or university. GAR makes education its highest funding priority and provides support services for students as they complete high school, connecting low income students with college preparatory materials and transition advice.
Higher Education News
- Ohio Higher Ed News: The state university system provides news releases and trend analyses on member schools.
- StateImpact Ohio: This NPR news source covers education news across Ohio, providing analysis of college and university trends as well as discussing other topics.
- Education Week Ohio: This national publication filters its news by state, so readers can browse education news specific to Ohio.