Online Colleges in Ohio
Ohio isn’t relying on luck when it comes to higher education.
The Buckeye State has developed an array of policies, practices and programs to help improve college readiness, improve the time it takes students to earn a degree, and incentivize program completion. The state’s goal is that by 2025, 65% of Ohioans ages 25-64 will have a degree, certificate or other postsecondary workforce credential of value.
The Ohio Department of Higher Education, and indeed the state as a whole, is deeply committed to providing superb postsecondary institutions that result in a qualified and successful workforce for Ohio’s future.
Overview of Higher Education in Ohio
In Ohio there are 208 degree-granting institutions, according to a 2015-2016 report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Of those, 60 are public schools, 72 are non-profit private schools, and 76 are for-profit private schools.
Collegeboard.org’s 2016-2017 report indicates that Ohio residents will pay about $10,270 to attend one of the 4-year public, which is slightly above the national average. Nonresidents will pay around $23,620, slightly below the national average.
Students in the Midwest may be able to save on tuition, thanks to Ohio’s partnership in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP). MSEP allows students to enroll at public universities within the 10 participating states for no more than 150% of the in-state tuition rate. This opens the door to a much wider selection of programs.
About Online Colleges in Ohio
In 2012 the NCES reported that 9.6% of students in Ohio were enrolled in fully online degree programs, and another 13.9% were enrolled in one or more online courses. The numbers continue to rise as colleges amp up their online course offerings.
Ohio’s second largest public university, Kent State, introduced its first online programs more than 15 years ago, and now offers more than 30 degree and certificate programs online. At the University of Cincinnati, students can choose from over 15 online degree programs across their 7 schools.
Ohio State University (OSU) was recognized as one of the best – US News and World Reports ranked the school #1 in the 2018 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and #2 in 2018 Best Online Nursing Programs. OSU’s online portfolio is small – just three undergraduate programs (dental hygiene, health sciences and nursing) and around a dozen upper level programs – but they continue to grow. The school’s strong focus on quality faculty, low student-to-instructor ratios, and reasonable costs are what sets them apart.
In addition to the schools themselves, Ohio has another excellent resource for online learning: OhioLearns. The site provides a searchable catalog of all online courses, degrees and certificates available within the state.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in Ohio
Ohio students are fortunate to have great financial aid programs available to them. The first step to accessing this aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
It’s important to fill out the FAFSA as early as possible, since many funds are awarded on a first come, first served basis. The application becomes available on October 1st of each year.
To complete the FAFSA, you will need to provide income, assets and other financial information for both you and your parents (unless you’re considered independent). The information you provide will be used to determine what financial aid is offered to you.
The ideal type of financial aid is a grant or scholarship, which is money that does not have to be repaid.
The state of Ohio offers the following grant programs to qualifying students:
- Choose Ohio First – For students majoring in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) and STEMM education at participating schools
- Opportunities For Veterans – For active service members, veterans, and sometimes family members of all branches of military
- John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program – For state and federal public defenders and state prosecutors who agree to remain employed in the field for at least three years
- Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program — For students planning to become
- Ohio College Opportunity Grant – For students in associate’s degree, first bachelor’s degree or nurse diploma program at eligible school; Must have EFC (Expected Family Contribution) of $2190 or less and maximum household income of $96,000
- Ohio War Orphans Scholarship – For the children of deceased or severely disabled veterans who served in the armed forces during declared war or conflict
- Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund – For the children and spouses of peace officers, fire fighters and other safety officers killed in the line of duty, or children and spouses of a member of the armed forces who was killed in the line of duty during specific combat (if not eligible for Ohio War Orphans Scholarship)
- Forever Buckeyes – For students who leave the state but return to enroll in undergraduate or graduate program and establish residency
- Geological Survey Grant Program (ODNR) – For graduate-level earth science students
Be sure to click the links to learn about the specific requirements and how to apply.
Ohio schools also have their own aid programs, which may be awarded based on any number of factors. To find out about these opportunities, you will need to contact the financial aid office at the school you have chosen.
Students in Ohio may also apply for private scholarships to help pay for their education. Here are a few examples:
| Scholarship Name | Details |
Scholarship amount |
| Beat the Odds® scholarship program | High school seniors who have overcome significant adversity; Must demonstrate participation in school activities, community, employment and community service; Must have GPA of 3.0 or higher |
(5) $5000 + laptop |
| Layton Family Foundation | High school seniors in Shelby County; Must be first-generation college student; Must have GPA of 2.5 or higher |
$1000 |
| Ohio Troopers Coalition Memorial Scholarship | High school seniors whose parents meet requirements; Awarded based on merit, test scores, extra-curricular activities, involvement in school government and community service and life goals |
$100 per year up to 4 years |
| David J. Clarke Memorial Scholarship | Full-time undergraduate with a journalism, multimedia broadcast or production-related major in designated market areas; Must demonstrate academic excellence, involvement in television media, high integrity and character |
$3000 |
| Perry county Computer / Business / Technology Scholarship Award | High school senior in Perry County; Must plan to pursue a degree in computers, business and/or technology |
$1000 |
You can find many more scholarship opportunities online using search sites like Fastweb.com. Simply enter some basic information about yourself, and the site will match you with a variety of scholarships that you might be eligible for.
Ohio also has its own scholarship search site for residents. Enter your intended major and other basic information to search over 15 million scholarships!
List of Online Colleges in Ohio
| Online Colleges in Ohio | Location | Annual Tuition | Accreditation | Application Fee |
| Ohio University | Athens, Ohio | $11,744 | Regional | $50 |
| Baldwin Wallace University | Berea, Ohio | $30,776 | Regional | $25 |
| Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green, Ohio | $11,057 | Regional | $45 |
| Malone University | Canton, Ohio | $29,422 | Regional | $20 |
| Mount St. Joseph University | Cincinnati, Ohio | $28,300 | Regional | $25 |
| Union Institute & University | Cincinnati, Ohio | $12,416 | Regional | $0 |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, Ohio | $11,000 | Regional | $50 |
| Ohio Christian University | Circleville, Ohio | $19,540 | Regional | $25 |
| Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, Ohio | $46,006 | Regional | $50 |
| Cleveland State University | Cleveland, Ohio | $9,768 | Regional | $40 |
| Notre Dame College | Cleveland, Ohio | $28,300 | Regional | $0 |
| University of Dayton | Dayton, Ohio | $40,940 | Regional | $0 |
| University of Findlay | Findlay, Ohio | $32,402 | Regional | $0 |
| Kent State University | Kent, Ohio | $10,012 | Regional | $45 |
| University of Northwestern Ohio | Lima, Ohio | $10,440 | Regional | $20 |
| Stark State College | North Canton, Ohio | $3,686 | Regional | $95 |
| Tiffin University | Tiffin, Ohio | $23,125 | Regional | $20 |
| University of Toledo | Toledo, Ohio | $9,547 | Regional | $40 |
| Antioch University | Yellow Springs, Ohio | $9,000 | Regional | $50 |
| Youngstown State University | Youngstown, Ohio | $8,317 | Regional | $45 |
Conclusion
Ohio is working hard to provide a top-notch higher education system, and it shows.
With many well-respected colleges and universities, plenty of online programs, and generous financial aid opportunities, the buckeye state is an excellent place to earn your postsecondary degree.
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