Colleges in Ohio
Why Go to College in Ohio?
Ohio is home to over 130 colleges and universities, including Kenyon and Oberlin College. Students enrolled in Ohio colleges have access to academic resources such as funding and research opportunities. There are also several online colleges in the state. Whether you attend class on-campus or online, Ohio has an array of opportunities for many different students.
What are the Options for Campus Programs and Online Colleges in Ohio?
On-Campus
Students enrolling in traditional, on-campus classes in Ohio will find schools in urban and rural settings. Oberlin College is located in the small town of Oberlin, while the University of Cincinnati is located just north of the downtown area. Students looking to experience school athletics, clubs, Greek life, and the dormitory lifestyle should attend in person. An on-campus education provides hands-on experience and access to labs, studios, and other experiential spaces. Online Programs
Online programs are taught through educational platforms like Blackboard and Canvas. Students usually take programs in a self-paced or cohort format. In cohort learning, students begin and complete their program along with a group of peers, and in self-paced programs, students can start and complete coursework on their own schedule. Many online schools in Ohio still offer tutoring, internships, extracurricular activities, and other academic resources. Online programs are ideal for students who can manage their own schedules and are independent.
Hybrid Programs
Most online colleges in Ohio offer the opportunity to complete programs in a hybrid format, which includes on-campus and online requirements. Weekly assignments are usually completed online; students come to campus to complete labs and exams. In some hybrid programs, there might be classes offered only online or only on-campus. The exact structure of a hybrid program depends on which online school in Ohio you choose. This learning format offers more hands-on learning opportunities than a completely online program.
Popular Degree Programs in Ohio
Ohio is known for its steel, agriculture, manufacturing, and aerospace industries. The state is home to General Electric, General Motors, and Ford. Ohio State University, which began as an agricultural and mechanical institution, is known for its STEM research in biomedical sciences, aeronautical and astronomical research, and bioengineering. The school reflects the state's commitment to these thriving industries by offering related programs. Below are two of the most popular programs in the state.
Biomedical Engineering This interdisciplinary degree integrates medicine, engineering, science, and technology. Students learn how to apply the latest technology to complex medical care issues.
Business Management and Administration Ohio's steel, agriculture, and automotive industries offer many career opportunities in management and administration. A business management and administration student studies accounting, marketing, finance, and economics. Graduates are prepared for business leadership positions.
What are the Best Online Colleges in Ohio?
Ohio schools include private universities, public universities, and community and vocational colleges; most of these schools offer online programs. It's important to research which online colleges in Ohio fit your academic goals, learning style, financial needs, and work and family commitments. It's also important to check how a program is taught, as some programs are only taught in a specific format.
Below you will find a list of the best online colleges in Ohio, with information about what each school offers. This convenient resource will help you get started researching online colleges in Ohio.
Top 20 Online Colleges in Ohio for 2019
Admissions Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
79%
Online Enrollment
4%
Retention Rate
91%
Default Rate
3%
Plenty of online colleges in Ohio offer web-based teaching degrees, but the University of Dayton's online early childhood leadership program is among the most innovative and comprehensive. Rooted in the Marianist Catholic teaching tradition, the university takes a holistic approach to education that includes community service and an in-depth examination of the natural and social sciences. This online program is intended for professionals currently employed in early childhood education. Graduates will be prepared to teach children aged three to eight. Coursework provides students with a solid foundation in teaching methodology and the psychology of learning. Students are able to pursue the concentration of their choice. Applicants must transfer in at least 76 credit hours from another institution before completing the remaining 30 credit hours at the University of Dayton. Completion times vary according to number of transfer credits.
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What are the Best Online Community Colleges in Ohio?
In general, universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, while community colleges offer associate degrees and certifications. Community colleges are nonresidential, while universities usually offer students on-campus residence options.
Many students earn their associate degree then transfer to a four-year school, completing the general education requirements at a lower cost. By doing this, they are allowed to quickly enter their bachelor's program after being accepted. To help you decide which educational path is right for you, below you will find more information about the best online community colleges in the state.
Top 10 Online Community Colleges in Ohio
Graduation Rate
15%
Online Enrollment
14%
Retention Rate
67%
Default Rate
17%
LCCC has a national reputation for excellence in two-year education, and hosted former President Barack Obama in both 2010 and 2012. The school also opened the first permanent campus among community colleges in the state. LCCC has become one of the best online community colleges in Ohio, offering an online associate of arts degree that does not include any in-person requirements. The college also offers online courses for individual programs in addition to blended learning options.
LCCC delivers coursework in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. Most of the students enrolled in LCCC's online courses are working professionals with significant familial or professional obligations. As a result, many distance learners opt primarily for asynchronous coursework, which the college distinguishes in the course catalog with a "W" prefix.
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Education Trends in Ohio
Ohio spends, on average, a little over $5,000 per year on each full-time student at the postsecondary level, which is less than the U.S. average of $6,954. For adults over the age of 25, 8.2% hold at least an associate degree, 16.4% have bachelor's degrees, and 9.7% have a graduate degree or higher. The table below compares these statistics against the national averages.
| Ohio | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Education Spending per Full-Time Student | $5,078 | $6,954 |
| Percent of Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education | 4.25% | 5.8% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with associate degree | 8.2% | 8.1% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with bachelor's degree | 16.4% | 18.5% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with graduate degree or higher | 9.7% | 11.2% |
| Source: SHEEO and U.S. Census | ||
Paying for College in Ohio
When choosing between online schools in Ohio, cost is an important factor to consider. The cost of a program will vary by length, degree type, and school. Below you can find more information about the average tuition and financial aid opportunities for colleges in Ohio.
Tuition Prices
The following table provides average prices for tuition and fees at public two- and four-year colleges in Ohio. These totals do not include costs such as textbooks, transportation, and rent.
Financial Aid
Students must complete the FAFSA to acquire financial aid; the U.S. Department of Education and its financial aid office is the largest source of student financial aid in the country. In addition to federal student loans, students can also apply for funding through their university or through other government agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services and Americorps.
Students can apply for scholarships, grants, and loans. Loans are borrowed money, which students are required to pay back along with interest. Learners are not required to repay money earned through grants and scholarships. Students can also apply to participate in work-study programs, in which they work a part-time job that is related to their field. The money earned is used as necessary. It's smart to accept funding in the form of scholarships and grants before taking out loans.
Cost for Online Programs in Ohio
Online and on-campus students receive similar financial aid opportunities. Some online colleges in Ohio and higher education agencies offer funding opportunities specifically for distance learners and nontraditional students.
The tuition for online and on-campus programs is usually the same, although distance learners can save money on transportation, books, and child care. Most online students are not required to pay the same fees that on-campus learners do. Some schools offer special pricing for their online programs.
Cost of Living by Region
Cost of living includes rent, food, transportation, and other daily expenses; school location has an effect on these factors. How much you spend on living costs can affect how much student debt you accrue. Online colleges in Ohio offer students the opportunity to save on living expenses, as online students save on the cost of commuting and are not required to live near campus, allowing them to find more affordable housing.
Scholarships for Ohio College Students
Can All Scholarships Be Used for Online Programs?
Most scholarships, such as those listed above, can be used for any format of higher education learning, whether it is online or on-campus. To ensure eligibility, always check a scholarship's requirements. Some scholarships require students to be in a specific program or enrolled in a specific Ohio university.
Employment Outlook in Ohio
Ohio is home to several large corporations. With 173 stores, five distribution centers, and 50,500 employees in the state, Walmart is currently the largest employer in Ohio . Other state employers include Kroger, which is headquartered in Cincinnati, and the Cleveland Clinic, which is a nonprofit academic medical center that specializes in research and education. Ohio is home to several automotive companies that specialize in manufacturing motor vehicle parts, including Ford. The automotive industry relies on the steel, fabricated metal, plastics, and rubber industries. Below, you will find more data about these industries and general employment in Ohio.
| Ohio | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate, May 2017 | 5.4% | 4.3% |
| Annual Mean Wage, May 2016 | $45,930 | $49,630 |
| Source: BLS and BLS | ||
Top Employers and Industries in Ohio
Top Industries in Ohio
Manufacturing: Manufacturing produces 17% of Ohio's gross domestic product, making it the largest industry in the state. Ohio's largest manufacturing industries are transportation equipment, fabricated metal, plastics and rubber, and steel.
Transportation and Trade: Ohio's main exports are motor vehicles and machinery. General Electric, General Motors, and Ford all have a presence in the state. Additionally, Ohio's trucking industry is the fourth largest in the country.
Business Services: Ohio's private sector is comprised of over 700,000 self-employed firms, nearly 200,000 employer firms, and nearly 4,000 firms with 500 or more employees. Cleveland Clinic is the largest employer in Ohio's private business sector.
Top Employers in Ohio
Accreditation for Colleges in Ohio
Accreditation involves a rigorous, university-wide evaluation process that ensures that the college or university meets certain academic and professional standards. Both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation are responsible for recognizing the professional agencies that accredit universities.
The most common forms of accreditation are regional and national. Regional accreditation is seen as more prestigious. Regionally accredited schools are usually nonprofit institutions with an academic focus, such as Ohio State University and Bowling Green State University. Nationally accredited schools are often for-profit, career-based colleges. When researching online schools in Ohio, look for regionally accredited schools, because degrees and credits from these programs are more widely accepted. Often, regionally accredited universities do not accept transfer credits from nationally accredited schools. Look for online colleges in Ohio that are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Resources for Students in Ohio
OhioLearns: This resource is designed for students interested in online schools in Ohio. The site features a catalogue of Ohio's two and four-year online programs, as well as certificate programs.
Ohio Means Internships: Ohio Means, part of the state's Department of Higher Education, connects students with internship opportunities. Learners can use this site to search for positions, post resumés, and communicate with potential employers.
Ohio Transfer to Degree Guarantee: This resource helps Ohio students transfer credits between institutions. The site also helps students find the best pathways for completing their degrees and make sure that they meet the education requirements for their programs.
Ohio Department of Veteran Services: This agency partners with Ohio's Department of Higher Education to help veterans enroll in college programs and succeed in the classroom. The department's website provides links to several other education resources for veterans, such as financial aid, job opportunities, veteran services on Ohio campuses, and more.