2023 Best Online Colleges in Ohio

University of Cincinnati (UC) is a public institution located in the heart of Cincinnati, OH. Their program catalog features 53 online degrees in fields such as special education, nursing, management, and liberal arts. Additional examples include an Associate of Applied Business in Business Applications Technology, a Bachelor's in Social Work, and an Application Software Support Specialist Certificate. For advanced students, UC offers several master's, doctoral, and graduate certificates in a wide variety of fields, ranging from nutrition to taxation.

All online coursework is taken through the Canvas learning management system (LMS), which allows for a flexible online study experience. Distance learners may receive grants and financial support, along with personalized support and guidance that begins before a student enrolls.

Franklin University is a private university in Columbus, OH that specializes in online learning. In fact, nearly 80% of the student body takes online courses. Franklin's programs cover a wide variety of fields — such as business, education, healthcare, social science, and technology. Within the business field alone, Franklin offers 18 online bachelor's degrees, where students can study sports, marketing, communications, and more. Master's and doctoral degrees are also included in their slate of offerings. Students may choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Data Analytics.

Students can take online courses on a flexible schedule through the BlueQuill LMS, which includes a combination of live streams, pre-recorded lectures, interactive assignments, and online tests. Online students also have access to credit transfer support, along with free tutoring and writing research assistance, personal advising, and 24/7 digital libraries and catalogs.

Ohio State University (OSU) is a public institution located in Columbus, OH. There are 47 online programs available for students, both in-state and out-of-state. However, non-resident students are subject to a surcharge. OSU offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and even online doctoral degrees. There are a wide array of subjects to choose from within healthcare, agriculture, public affairs, and science. Some options include an Environmental Assessment Certificate, an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education, and a Master of Arts in Bioethics.

Online courses are delivered through the popular LMS Canvas, allowing students to study on a flexible part-time or full-time schedule. Remote students also receive academic advising, career services, and telehealth services for in-state residents.

Tiffin University (TU) is a private university in Tiffin, OH. They offer five online bachelor's degrees and five online master's degrees. For undergrads, there's a Bachelor in Business Administration and a Bachelor in Criminal Justice, along with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. TU even features an associate to bachelor's completion program. The school's master's programs cover fields such as education, science, and the humanities; their most advanced degree is the Doctor of Philosophy in Global Leadership and Change. Coursework for these online programs is completed through the LMS Moodle.

Tiffin University focuses on being an affordable option for students, with 80% of students taking advantage of at least one form of financial aid. Individual career coaching is available for online students as well, which includes resume and cover letter critiques, mock interviews, networking opportunities, and professional development workshops.

Ohio Christian University (OCU) is a private, Christian university situated in Circleville, OH. They integrate faith with learning, even featuring a handful of ministry-based and theological online programs, such as a Master of Arts in Ministry and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Missions. Additional programs are in fields such as emergency management, healthcare, information technology, and finance. Some examples include an Associate of Science in Information Technology, a Bachelor of Arts in Business - Emergency Management, and a Certificate in Healthcare Management. Classes are 100% online through the Brightspace LMS.

OCU offers a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) to assist students and their parents who have an income below $45,000 and don't immediately gain employment upon graduation.