2023 Best Online Community Colleges in Ohio

Sinclair Community College (SCC) is a public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 22% graduation rate. SCC offers 23 online associate degree programs in fields such as computer information systems, communication studies, business administration, and psychology, to name a few areas. The associate degree programs offered by SCC require 64 credit hours and take about two years to complete. It also has online certificate programs that each require 31 credit hours, which students typically finish in one year.

At SCC, students use eLearn, which is powered by Brightspace, to access their coursework virtually. These classes are 100% online and asynchronous, meaning students can study at their own pace. SCC provides online students with tutoring, academic advisors, and the resources of their digital libraries. Students at SCC Online break through the barriers to a college education.

Marion Technical College (MTC) is an institution that understands the importance of online education's convenience. It offers a broad scope of online associate degree programs in the following: business management, health information technology, human resources management, office administration technology, and real estate. These programs can help students develop the skills employers demand to enter the job market, or they can earn transfer credits for bachelor's degrees. Programs follow an eight-week course format, so students take fewer classes but earn credits faster than traditional 16-week semester programs. MTC provides online students remote access to career planning, bookstore and library services, tutoring, and technical support.

Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) educates students across the U.S. and Canada by offering numerous online programs in health, public service, engineering, information technology, and education. EGCC has a robust online business program as well. Online associate degrees — such as healthcare administration, accounting, fire science, paralegal, and teacher education — are also available. Students interested in career readiness can opt for certificate programs, such as medical coding, Linux and security, bookkeeping, and prekindergarten care and education. Those planning on earning a bachelor's degree can also complete their transfer credits online. Online resources include library services, tutoring, advising, career services, and IT support.

As part of the Northeast Ohio Community College system, the Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) offers online associate degrees and certificates, primarily in business. For example, students can a business degree with concentrations in human resources, marketing, international business, and purchasing and supply chain management. These degrees also help prepare students for bachelor's degree programs. Those desiring direct workforce entry can earn online certificates in skills such as web application development, court reporting technologies, and data analytics. Tri-C also offers online professional development certificates in topics such as leadership, Six Sigma, and financial risk management for students interested in career development. Tri-C extends resources to its online student body that includes advising and counseling, library services, and introductory computer skills courses.

Sinclair Community College (SCC) is a public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 22% graduation rate. SCC offers 23 online associate degree programs in fields such as computer information systems, communication studies, business administration, and psychology, to name a few areas. The associate degree programs offered by SCC require 64 credit hours and take about two years to complete. It also has online certificate programs that each require 31 credit hours, which students typically finish in one year.

At SCC, students use eLearn, which is powered by Brightspace, to access their coursework virtually. These classes are 100% online and asynchronous, meaning students can study at their own pace. SCC provides online students with tutoring, academic advisors, and the resources of their digital libraries. Students at SCC Online break through the barriers to a college education.

Lakeland Community College (LCC) is a two-year, public university with a 100% acceptance rate and a 17% graduation rate. LCC offers online associate degree programs, including an emergency management planning degree and a fire science technology degree. Associate degree programs require 63 credit hours and take two years to complete. It also offers 16 certificates, including e-business, financial accounting, IT, and real estate. LCC’s certificate programs require about 34 credit hours and can be completed in one year.

At LCC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Students have access to tutoring services, a remote learning concierge, and the university’s digital library. LCC is committed to providing students with regular and substantive educational experiences.

Stark State College (SSC) is a two-year, public institution in North Canton, Ohio. It was a 100% acceptance rate and a 15% graduation rate. Students begin their online degree programs in a Career Community — such as computer science, health, human services, or liberal arts — and all general education courses are applicable to all majors within the Career Community. For example, the computer science career community prepares students for careers in computer engineering, digital video and media, and video game designs, among others. These programs require 63-66 credit hours and can be completed in 2-3 years.

At SSC, students use both eStarkState and Blackboard for their online learning platform. Most courses are asynchronous and 100% online. However, some courses may offer live sessions using Blackboard Collaborate. Stark State College boasts over 200+ majors but not all of them are online. In terms of online degrees, SSC only offers online technical degrees in accounting and finance that are 100% online.

James A Rhodes State College (JRSC) is a small, public institution located in Lima, Ohio. It has a 100% acceptance rate, and a 43% graduation rate. It offers 15 online associate degrees and certificates. JRSC’s certificate programs include esports management and coaching, cybersecurity fundamentals, and project management. These online degrees require 16 credit hours and can be completed in just one year. For the associate degree programs, 64 credit hours are required, and they take two years to complete. These programs include accounting, business administration, human resources, and digital marketing and media.

At JRSC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, and Zoom to attend classes and advising. Online students have access to tutoring, accommodative services, and the Center for Distance & Innovative Learning. Most associate degree programs have embedded certificates, so graduates are able to work directly after graduation.

Lorain County Community College (LCCC) is a two-year, public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 22% graduation rate. LCCC focuses on providing students with the skills and certifications that will help them improve their current careers or begin new ones. Providing associate degree programs and several types of certificates, LCCC offers programs in accounting, management, real estate, cybersecurity, and more. The online associate programs require 60-62 credits and can be completed in two years, but students who complete a certificate may apply it to an associate degree and shorten the program’s length to one year. LCCC offers technical and general certificates that take one year, and 32-33 credit hours, to complete. There are also fast track certificates and certificates of completion that require 7-20 credit hours, prepare students for licensure examinations, and can be completed in a single semester.

At LCCC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is 100% online and asynchronous. Online students have access to the university’s digital library, etutoring services, and academic advising. Lorain County Community College is committed to providing career-changing training around their students’ schedules.

Columbus State Community College (CSCC) is a public institution that offers several types of online associate degrees in a range of fields and certificate programs. CSCC’s Associate of Applied Science prepares students to enter the workforce immediately, the Associate of Arts meets all the requirements for the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with guaranteed transfer to any Ohio public school and many private institutions, and the Associate of Technical Studies allows students to combine two or more degree programs into one two-year degree. All associate degrees require 63-66 credit hours and may be completed in 2-3 years. CSCC also offers several apprenticeship and work-study programs.

CSCC students use Blackboard to access their coursework online. The acceptance rate at Columbus State Community College is 100%, and the graduation rate is 21%. The school offers academic advising, accessibility services, and tutoring. CSCC focuses on preparing students to work right out of school or helping them transition to a four-year institution.

Clark State Community College (CSCC) is a public institution located in Springfield, Ohio. It has a 100% acceptance rate and a 21% graduation rate. CSCC offers online associate and bachelor’s degree programs, along with professional certificates. Associate degrees require two years to complete and 60 credit hours. They can be directly transferred into a bachelor’s degree program, which requires four years and 122 credit hours. Many degree programs have embedded certificates, so students can graduate with these as well to advance their career prospects.

At CSCC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, and online students use the system to complete asynchronous classes. There are no specified class times, but there may be online group projects, depending on the course. CSCC gives online students access to their digital library, tutoring services, and academic advising. Clark State Community College believes that having a diverse community of students enriches classroom experiences.

Kent State University at Trumbull is a two-year, public school located in Trumbull, Ohio. It has a 100% acceptance rate and a 17% graduation rate. At Kent State Trumbull, online students can earn online degrees, such as an Associate of Applied Business with several concentration options, or a Bachelor of Science. The online associate degree programs — such as cybersecurity and business management technology — require 61 credit hours and take two years to complete. The online bachelor’s programs require 120 credit hours, can be completed in four years, and includes degrees in information technology, insurance studies, and public health, among others.

At Kent State Trumbull, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is 100% online and asynchronous. Kent State Trumbull also worked with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to design the Public Safety Training and Police Academy, which trains individuals to become police or corrections officers.

Kent State University at Ashtabula is a small, public university located in Ashtabula, Ohio. The local community founded the Ashtabula regional campus of Kent State University. Kent State Ashtabula offers a wide range of online program options, from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The online program options cover a wide range of fields, including healthcare, journalism, and business, to name just a few. While an online associate degree requires 61 to 64 credits and takes two years to complete, an online bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours and can take around four years.

At Kent State Ashtabula, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is asynchronous and 100% online. Online students have access to academic coaching, all university libraries, and tutoring at the writing center. The university has a 100% acceptance rate and a 25% graduation rate.

Kent State University at East Liverpool is a two-year, public institution with an acceptance rate of 100% and a graduation rate of 20%. Kent State East Liverpool offers online undergraduate degrees, including an Associate of Applied Business in either information technology or office technology. Both require 63 credit hours and take two years to complete. There are also several online bachelor’s degree programs, such as insurance studies and public health, which require 120 credit hours and can be completed in two years. Kent State East Liverpool was originally an academic center in the International Brotherhood of Pottery building, before becoming a regional campus of Kent State University in 1968.

At Kent State East Liverpool, students use Blackboard to access their 100% online coursework. In-person classes can be joined via Zoom, but all required work can be completed through Blackboard. All online students have access to all university libraries, tutoring services, and academic coaching.

Kent State University at Salem (Kent State Salem) is a two-year, public institution with an acceptance rate of 100% and a graduation rate of 23%. Kent State East Liverpool offers two online associate degrees and several online bachelor's degrees. The associate programs each require 63 credit hours and take at least two years to complete. The online bachelor’s degree programs, such as insurance studies and public health, require 120 credit hours. Students can complete these in around two years. Kent State Salem recently added a multimillion-dollar Health and Science Wing, and it is located in the center of downtown Salem, Ohio.

At Kent State Salem, students use Blackboard to access their 100% online coursework. In-person classes can also be joined via Zoom, but all required work can be completed through the Blackboard learning platform online. All remote students have access to all university libraries, tutoring services, and academic coaching.

Edison State Community College (ESCC) is a small, public institution located in Piqua, Ohio. ESCC has an acceptance rate of 100% and a graduation rate of 68%. It offers online associate programs, such as an Associate of Applied Business, and these are entirely online in fields like accounting, banking, marketing, web design, and more. These programs require approximately 64 credit hours and can be completed in two years. ESCC also offers certificate programs that require 32 credit hours that take about one year to complete. There are also two associate degree transfer programs and many short-term certificate programs.

At ESCC, students use Blackboard to access their course, which is asynchronous and almost entirely online. Some programs require internships or in-person capstone projects. ESCC promotes diversity, teamwork, critical thinking, and a lifelong respect for learning.

Ross College (RC) is a private medical education center with a 100% acceptance rate and a 57% graduation rate. RC offers online associate degree programs and certificates for medical assisting, medical billing administration, and health care administration. RC's associate degrees require 20 courses and take about two years to complete. The medical office administration certificate program requires 14 courses and takes between 1-2 years to complete. RC teaches students the fundamentals of administrative office work, effective communication, and computer basics.

At RC, students use the school’s learning management system to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Online students have access to mental health resources, tutoring services, and career services. Ross College works to motivate individuals to seek an exciting, fulfilling career in the healthcare industry.

North Central State College (NCSC) is a public institution located in Mansfield, Ohio. It has a 100% acceptance rate and a 23% graduation rate. Students may pursue their associate degree online at NCSC, as well as several online certificates. The online associate degree programs, such as the business analytics and criminal justice programs, require 63-65 credit hours and take roughly 1-2 years to complete. Meanwhile, the online certificates require 20 credit hours and can be completed in about one year. NSCS believes in giving students the opportunity to gain workforce experience as they earn their degrees.

At NCSC, students use the learning management system Canvas to access their 100% online and asynchronous coursework. Some courses may require students to attend a live class using Zoom. Online students have access to tutoring, the NCSC library and personal counseling services. NCSC also partners with Ohio State University’s Broomfield Library to provide students with even more research materials.