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 attainment. The state’s goal is that by 2025, 65% of Ohioans ages 25-64 will have a degree, certificate, or another postsecondary workforce credential of value. Progress reports show impressive growth, but the state will need to prioritize adult learners, under-represented minorities, and women in order to meet its goal.
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 169 degree-granting institutions, according to a 2018-2019 report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Of those, 60 are public schools, 72 are non-profit private schools, and 37 are for-profit private schools.
The NCES further indicates that Ohio residents will pay about $10,068 to attend one of the 4-year public, which is above the national average. Nonresidents will pay around $24,454, which is 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 9 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
2018 data from the NCES showed that 14.2% of students in Ohio were enrolled in fully online degree programs, and another 22.7% 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 University, introduced its first online program more than 15 years ago, and now offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs online.
At the University of Cincinnati, there are dozens of undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs offered online. U.S. News and World Reports have recognized many of the school’s online programs, including those in nursing, computer information technology, criminal justice, engineering, education, and business.
Ohio State University (OSU) is also nationally recognized, having earned the #1 spot in the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. OSU offers more than 40 online degrees and programs. At the undergraduate level, there are just a handful of online programs, but at the graduate level students can choose from a wide variety of fields including medicine, engineering, social work, business, and more.
In addition to all of the state’s excellent schools, 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 Scholarship Program – 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 nurses or nursing instructors
- 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 & Severely Disabled Veteran’s Children 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, firefighters 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
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 | For outstanding high school students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic commitment and given back to their communities |
(5) $5000 + laptop |
| The Community Foundation of Shelby County Scholarships | A variety of awards for adults, college students and high school students in the Shelby County |
Varies |
| 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 |
(4) $1,000 |
| David J. Clarke Memorial Scholarship | Full-time undergraduate student 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 | Resident of Perry County; Must plan to pursue a degree in computers, business and/or technology |
$500 |
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 for 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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