Attending one of Ohio's online colleges is an affordable way to earn a degree that can expand your job prospects in the seventh-largest state economy in the country — and beyond.
Enrolling in an Ohio online college or university can offer cost savings by reducing or eliminating expenses like campus housing and transportation. Schools may also charge lower tuition rates for online programs.
Many reputable higher education institutions in Ohio have online programs that offer the same high-quality education that you can find through a traditional on-campus experience.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Price Check
College Credit Plus allows Ohio high school students to take college courses from public higher education institutions in the state. Public school enrollees can take classes for free, while homeschool students may pay fees. Private colleges and universities that participate in the College Credit Plus program may also charge fees.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Ohio
The following table includes some of Ohio's most in-demand careers based on state projections. Many of these options fall into the technology and healthcare sectors, two industries experiencing rapid expansion in Ohio. In fact, home healthcare services, specialty hospitals, data processing services, and computer systems design services are among the industries the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services projected would experience the fastest growth from 2022-2032.
| Job | Projected Growth, 2023-2033 | Average Annual Wage in OH, May 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 48.5% | $122,870 |
| Statisticians | 34.6% | $88,410 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 28.7% | $118,940 |
| Physician Assistants | 28.6% | $119,950 |
| Logisticians | 28.3% | $85,750 |
| Information Security Analysts | 26.7% | $113,610 |
| Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other | 26.6% | $97,530 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 26.5% | $64,280 |
| Interpreters and Translators | 26.2% | $58,910 |
| Epidemiologists | 25.7% | $73,610 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Ohio's Job Market
If you need help deciding what major to pursue to give yourself the best opportunities in Ohio's job market, consider the following options, which can lead to careers in some of the Buckeye State's fastest-growing sectors.
Business Administration
Business administration degrees help prepare learners for various roles essential to business operations, including marketing, analysis, and consultancy. Programs in this field typically offer specializations, like healthcare administration or logistics, which can lead students to top Ohio careers.Nursing
Ohio's expanding healthcare sector offers a variety of medical careers, making nursing an ideal major. Nursing program enrollees can become registered nurses, nurse practitioners, medical and health services managers, nurse educators, or case managers.Data Science
Data science students at online colleges in Ohio learn to manage, organize, collect, and analyze data. Graduates with data science degrees can pursue top careers in Ohio like data scientist, statistician, and information security analyst.Biology
Epidemiologists and genetic counselors often have a biology degree. Many biology programs offer concentrations in epidemiology or genetics to develop pinpointed knowledge and skills in these areas.
What Is the Cost of College in Ohio?
In Ohio, college costs are near the national average. In-state students at public four-year schools pay slightly more than this average. In contrast, out-of-state students typically pay a bit less. Private universities tend to charge more than the national average as well.
Online students can find ways to lower costs or make them easier to handle, such as saving on commuting costs by taking classes from home. You can look into scholarships, financial aid, and loans. Another option is to begin your degree at a more affordable two-year school.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in OH | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $10,456 | $9,596 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $26,881 | $27,457 |
| Private Four-Year | $36,136 | $34,041 |
Scholarships & Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Ohio
Scholarships can help make a college education more affordable. Students attending online colleges in Ohio can apply for many of the same scholarships on-campus learners do.
Remember that scholarships typically have eligibility criteria and deadlines, so read the instructions and criteria carefully before applying.
Choose Ohio First
Several Ohio schools award this STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) scholarship to increase the state's STEM competitiveness nationwide. Scholarship recipients receive financial support to complete degrees in STEM-related disciplines and are required to maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher and complete a work-based learning experience prior to graduation.
The Ohio State University Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship
This scholarship covers the whole cost of attendance for 176 students each year, with an effort to award two students from each Ohio county.
Anthony Muñoz Scholarship Fund
High school seniors who attend an eligible high school and plan to attend specific institutions in the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana tri-state area can receive a $20,000 scholarship from the Anthony Muñoz Foundation. Applicants must submit proof of financial need and a personal essay.
Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program
This scholarship is open to current or past qualifying Ohio Army or Air National Guard members. The award covers 100% of tuition charges for an associate or bachelor's degree, diploma-granting nursing program, or approved trade certification, credential-certifying, or licensing program at participating public colleges and universities (and 100% of the state public college average tuition rate at private colleges and universities).
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Ohio
Tuition reciprocity gives out-of-state students access to in-state or reduced tuition rates. Ohio has tuition reciprocity agreements with Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Students from these states can receive reduced or in-state tuition rates at participating Ohio colleges and universities, including Bowling Green State University, Ohio University, and the University of Cincinnati.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Ohio
With current NCES data, that honor goes to Eastern Gateway Community College, which offers a number of online-only associate degree programs. EGCC cost $4,385 per semester for the 2023-2024 school year.
