Online Colleges in Ohio

Become Team

Become Team

November 10, 2021

Top Online Programs

Online colleges in Ohio prepare students for career opportunities and professional advancement alike. With a college degree, residents of Ohio increase their employment options and individuals moving into the state can find higher-paying jobs. While the unemployment rate in Ohio remains above the national average, employment opportunities and earning potential increase with education level.

Colleges and universities in Ohio offer in-state tuition comparable to the national average. Out-of-state tuition in Ohio is lower than the national average, making school more affordable for non-residents. Online colleges in Ohio may be cheaper than their counterparts around the country, increasing their appeal. Financial aid options for learners enrolled in online colleges in Ohio can mitigate costs and make pursuing an education in the state more feasible.

Job Outlook for Students with College Degrees in Ohio

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), unemployment levels decrease as education levels increase. Individuals with high school diplomas saw unemployment levels of 6.5% in 2017 while workers with professional and doctoral degrees experienced unemployment at 1.5%. Workers with associate degrees saw 3.4% unemployment but, with a bachelor's degree, wage earners experienced unemployment at almost a full percentage point lower, at 2.5%.

Like the relationship between unemployment and education level, earning potential increases among individuals with undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Workers with high school diplomas earned annual weekly wages of $520 during 2017, far below the national average of $907. Employees with associate degrees earned closer to the national average at $836. Bachelor's degrees brought workers an average weekly salary over $1,100. Masters, professional, and doctoral degrees resulted in much higher weekly salaries, with professional degrees garnering weekly annual wages over $1,800.

In Ohio, occupations that require college degrees earn higher than the state's annual mean wage of almost $47,000. Licensed practical nurses, a field that requires an associate degree, earn about $42,000 while registered nurses, a position that requires a bachelor's degree, earn more than $65,000 annually. Nurse practitioners, positions which require a master's degree or higher, earn an annual mean wage above $100,000.

Unemployment Rate, August 2018

Ohio 4.6%
United States 3.8%

Source: BLS

Annual Mean Wage, May 2017

Ohio $46,950
United States $50,620

Source: BLS

Cost of Online Colleges in Ohio

Many colleges and universities charge the same tuition and fees for online and on-campus programs. Learners pay per-credit hour tuition for part-time status, but full-time learners pay tuition based on a per semester cost. Some online colleges and universities charge flat-rate tuition per credit hour regardless of course load while others set per-semester tuition guidelines. These factors impact the overall cost of a degree.

Online learners can save money by avoiding transportation, parking, and lodging costs. Schools that charge facility and recreational fees may exempt online students from these costs. Additionally, online learners may be able to avoid purchasing textbooks if they have access to electronic materials.

Online colleges and universities provide full-time professionals the flexibility to continue working while earning a degree. Individuals with children, especially single parents, may save on childcare costs by taking online classes.

In-state tuition and fees at colleges and universities in Ohio exceed the national averages for both two- and four-year public institutions. Public out-of-state tuition in Ohio falls below the national average, however, making Ohio colleges and universities appealing to out-of-state learners.

Average Price for In-State Tuition and Fees by Institution Type, 2018-19

Public Two-Year Public Four-Year
Ohio $4,720 $10,790
U.S. Average $3,660 $10,230

Source: The College Board

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in Ohio

In-state students receive lower tuition because they pay state taxes, often contributing to the funding of the institution itself. Public colleges and universities receive state subsidies, but private schools do not. This often results in higher tuition at private institutions. States and schools define residency differently and may offer reciprocity agreements with institutions in neighboring states. Ohio has reciprocity agreements with Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia.

Average in-state tuition in Ohio exceeds the national average but the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition falls short of the U.S. average. In Ohio, in-state students pay an average $14,000 less in tuition and fees than their out-of-state counterparts.

Average Tuition and Fees, 2018-19

Public Two-Year Public Four-Year
Ohio $10,790 $24,880
U.S. Average $10,230 $26,290

Source: The College Board

Financial Aid in Ohio

Students can apply for financial aid by completing a Free Applicant for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA assesses a student's economic background and need based on information provided. Through the FAFSA, learners become eligible for loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study. Students may receive subsidized loans, which are loans that do not accrue interest or need to be repaid until after graduation. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest and require repayment sooner.

The Ohio Department of Higher Education offers several scholarship and tuition repayment opportunities for students within the state. Students that study human services, law, or comparable fields may also receive tuition forgiveness upon graduation by working for the state or with specific populations. In Ohio, public defenders can apply for loan forgiveness through the state's Department of Higher Education John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program. The Ohio Dental Association and the Ohio Department of Public Health also offer loan repayment programs to dental professionals who work in underrepresented communities. Learners enrolled in online degree programs may also receive tuition reimbursement from their employers.

State Grant Aid per Full-Time Equivalent Undergraduate Student, 2016-17

Ohio $290
U.S. Average $820

Source: The College Board

Scholarships and Grants for Ohio College Students

Financial aid for online students in Ohio includes scholarships and grants, which do not require repayment. Students from around the country can apply to many of these programs, but several are exclusively for Ohio residents.


Best Majors for Online Students in Ohio

According to state statistics, the fields in highest demand in Ohio include nursing, management, and accounting. More than 4,000 openings for registered nurses in the state accompany thousands of openings for nursing assistants and vocational nurses, creating many jobs for nurses at all levels. Openings for business, office, and agricultural managers also indicate a need for administrators and leaders in those fields. Most of these roles require college coursework, college degrees, and significant work experience.

Online nursing programs in Ohio include RN-to-BSN degrees that allow practicing nurses the opportunity to work while earning an undergraduate degree. The Ohio Board of Nursing lists approved programs in the state. Management and business programs online provide working professionals options for earning a degree to build communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Nursing

Associate and certificate programs in nursing prepare students to become licensed nurses. Registered nurses who continue to a bachelor's program build skills and knowledge for professional growth and to continue to graduate studies. To become a nurse practitioner, nurses need a master's or doctoral degree in the field.

Management

Management degrees include information on organizational behavior, communication, and strategic planning applicable to a variety of industries. With a bachelor's degree in management, learners can pursue entry-level careers in retail, business, healthcare, and sports. A bachelor's degree prepares students for master's programs in areas such as business administration, healthcare administration, and organizational leadership.

Accounting

An accounting program includes coursework on economics, mathematics, statistics, and business, preparing learners for careers in bookkeeping, public accounting, and auditing. Learners study theories and practices of accounting which are applicable across various industries and organizational structures. With a bachelor's degree in accounting, students can take a certified public accounting exam.

Resources for Online College Students in Ohio

Ohio Department of Higher Education: The Ohio Department of Higher Education provides comprehensive resources for students and educators. Resources include campus security assessments and transfer credit information. Parents, guardians, and students can also find information on Ohio's CollegeAdvantage 529 savings plan program.

Ohio Department of Education: The Ohio Department of Education offers resources including College 101 Magazine to students as they research and apply to post-secondary institutions. The Ohio Department of Education also has a College Access Information Hotline for students and families to call for information about college planning.

Ohio Means Jobs: One of the databases on the Ohio Means Jobs website offers students access to a scholarship search tool. Learners can search based on their major, institution, ZIP code, GPA, and school year. The website also offers information about trainings, career pathways, and job openings in the state of Ohio.

Ohio Aspire Program: The Ohio Aspire program offers adult learners and working professionals information on career development. Aspire includes local and county resources that offer transition services, English-language training, life skills and basic skills classes, and corrections education.

LearnHowToBecome.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.

View the most relevant programs for your interests and compare them by tuition, acceptance rate, and other factors important to you.