Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio

colleges in cleveland

Students who are trying to find an online degree in Cleveland, Ohio, will have no trouble. There are several universities within a 50-mile radius that have the programs and the options that they are looking for in higher education. In fact, so many have popped up that it became obvious that an updated ranking of the top schools from which to earn an online degree was necessary.

Online students know that there is more to a virtual degree than just the delivery method. They are looking or small class sizes, a wide variety of degrees available, accredited status, and more. That’s why a ranking like, which gives all of this information and more, is required. Students can keep this handy when looking for schools that meet their needs.

Methodology

As a points-based ranking, there was a lot of research that was required for this article to exist. To begin, a search for “online degrees near Cleveland, Ohio,” was done using the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database. Once the starting list was collated, each school’s website was thoroughly reviewed. The following factors were assigned points to help with ranking the schools:

Types of online degree options available (associate, bachelor, master’s, doctorate): 1 point per degree level.

Cost per credit hour:
Under $250 – 4 points
$251 – $350 – 3 points
$351 – $450 – 2 points
Over $451 per credit hour – 1 point

Regional Accreditation:
Present – 1 point

Student to faculty ratio:
10:1 or less – 3 points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 point

The final 10 schools, all of which can be found in and around the greater Cleveland, Ohio metro area, were chosen based on the total points accrued. They can be found listed below in descending order.

10. The University of Akron

Akron, Ohio

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio
The University of Akron offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Website

Students interested in unique online degrees will want to check out the University of Akron. This school offers three exceptional online degrees: the Nursing RN to BSN for registered nurses, Master of Speech-Language Pathology, and the Master of Business in Taxation. All three courses are offered to online students in small class sizes and with the same professors who teach on-campus courses; these professors are also trained in online education. The courses are supported by a growing online faculty and staff, meaning that students will see a significant rise in online services throughout their time in their selected program. With online office hours available to all students, along with tutoring services, students can reasonably expect to have the individualized attention that they deserve. Other online services include academic and career advising, 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, an online bookshop, and mobile apps to support the school’s learning management system.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $740
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 5

9. Baldwin Wallace University

Berea, Ohio

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio
Baldwin Wallace University offers a Master of Education and a Master of Business Administration online.

Website

Baldwin Wallace University is a great place for students interested in earning an online degree in Cleveland, Ohio. This school has a variety of online master’s degrees as well as courses available to students. Right now the school offers a Master of Education and a Master of Business Administration online and in a hybrid mode. Students will find that all of the residency requirements, as well as technical requirements, are offered up straight away so that they don’t have to wonder about what is required of them in their coursework. Students who wish to take individual online courses as non-degree students are also welcome. The online portal is supported by a dedicated online faculty and staff which is growing every year. Online features for this degree include online academic and career advising, online office hours for professors, complementary mobile and tablet apps, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $721
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 5

8. Hiram College

Hiram, Ohio

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio
Hiram College offers online bachelor’s degree programs.

Website

Business-minded students interested in online bachelor’s programs will want to check out Hiram College. This school confers two bachelor’s degrees as well as one master’s degree in management, business, and accounting and financial management. Students will be offered the chance to take on flexible programs, all of which are perfect for working and busy adults; options include live evening or weekend classes, live or on-demand courses, part-time and full-time study, and more. Students will also have access to small class sizes and individualized attention from both faculty and staff. Other online features of this school include academic advising, online office hours, tutoring services, mobile and tablet apps to complement the virtual portal, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s
Cost per credit hour: $519
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 6

7. Malone University

Canton, Ohio

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio
Malone University offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Website

Malone University is an exceptional choice for students interested in an online degree in Cleveland, Ohio. This school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees; teaching endorsements are also available. Fields of study include education, educational leadership, organizational leadership, social work, and business administration. The programs available are either 100 percent online or have low-residency requirements, making them a great choice for students who have other obligations they need to address. The class sizes are kept small so that all students have the chance to have one-on-one interactions with their professors. With a dedicated support staff and 24/7 technical support, students will be well on their way to completing their degree. Additional online features include academic advising, an online career center, an online library, an online bookstore, and tutoring services.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $500
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 6

6. Cleveland State University

Cleveland, Ohio

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland State University offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Website

Some of the best online programs available in Cleveland, Ohio, come from Cleveland State University. This school has a range of popular degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels; bachelor completion degrees are also available. Fields of study include nursing, community health promotion, education, and health sciences. Built for adult and working professionals, this school has dedicated a great number of resources to the school’s online portal. Students will find that the small class sizes, professors trained in the art of online education and 24/7 technical support will help keep them on track to complete their degree. Online features for this school include academic and career advising, tutoring services, online professor office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $401.50
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 6

5. Youngstown State University

Youngstown, Ohio

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio
Youngstown State University offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Website

Youngstown State University is a great place for students who are interested in earning an online degree in Cleveland, Ohio. Situated in Youngstown, just a drive from Cleveland, lies a school that is dedicated to undergraduate and graduate degrees; while there are just over a dozen degrees that have been announced, more on the way soon. Students can study everything from nursing to criminal justice to business administration to health and human services. This school has a relatively small class size cap, meaning that students can expect to have individualized attention from their professors, most of which have been trained to dispense online education. Other online features of this degree include financial aid, academic and career advising, mobile apps to complement the virtual portal, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $370
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 6

4. Ursuline College

Pepper Pike, Ohio

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio
Ursuline College offers over 25 degrees and certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Website

There are a lot of online degrees available at Ursuline College. Students who attend this college will find over 25 degrees and certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Nursing and education programs are among the most popular, but the school is preparing business degrees to hit the online portal in the next few years. Students will find that it is possible to find licensure programs available at this school; even teaching license renewal courses are made possible online. Students will benefit from the small class sizes and a dedicated online faculty and staff. Other online features for this school include academic and career advising, smartphone and tablet apps for the online portal, tutoring services, office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $1,104
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 7

3. Notre Dame College

South Euclid, Ohio

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio
Notre Dame College offers online degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s level.

Website

Notre Dame College offers students the chance to earn an online degree in Cleveland, Ohio. This school prepares students to complete their online education at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s level; certificates and endorsements are also available. Fields of study include business, criminal justice, education, nursing, and education. Students will be able to complete their degrees either entirely online or through low residency programs. All programs are capped at a certain size so the class sizes stay small, ensuring that students have the time and space to engage with their classmates and professors. With a dedicated support staff for the online portal, which includes a mobile app and 24/7 technical support, students are more than set up for success for their degree. Online features include academic and career advising, tutoring services, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s,
Cost per credit hour: $580
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 7

2. Kent State University

Kent, Ohio

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio
Kent State University offers online degrees  at all levels of education.

Website

Some of the best online degrees come from Kent State University. This school offers students the chance to complete an online degree at all levels of education, providing working professionals with a higher education institution that can serve as their gateway to their career at any level. Fields of study at this school include insurance studies, public health, nursing, user experience design, and instructional technology. Students will be able to converse with classmates and professors through the online portal, contact the school’s dedicated online faculty and support for questions, and even engage with 24/7 technical support. Other online features include online registration and academic advising, smartphone and tablet apps for the online portal, an online library, and an online bookstore.

Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $400
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 8

1. Ashland University

Ashland, Ohio

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio
Ashland University offers online programs at all degree levels.

Website

Ashland University enables students to earn an exceptional online degree in Cleveland, Ohio. This school provides students with professionally accredited degrees and certificates at all levels of education, enabling them to move from one level to another in the same online college in which they started their educational journey. This school boasts affordable tuition and small class sizes, making it ideal for working professionals who are ready to move up in their professional career while still maintaining a connection to the university. Fields of study at this school include nursing, education, corporate and strategic communications, and education. Online features include academic and career advising, online tutoring services, 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $430
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 9

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Career Options for an Online Degree?

Online degrees can lead to several careers, including careers in nursing, engineering, project management, business, education, and more. There really is no end to what can be accomplished with an online degree, and with more employers looking for graduate candidates, earning graduate and doctorate degrees have never been easier. In fact, more online degrees are coming online every year, making it easier than ever for a student to find the program that will fit their career goals.

Although online education can lead to most careers, there are somewhere it cannot help a professional. Medical and law professionals will need to complete their graduate, doctorate or specialist degrees on-campus. This is due to the specialization of the field and the necessity that students have supervised learning in a controlled environment.

Is Finishing an Online Degree Difficult?

Finishing an online degree can be easier or more difficult than an on-campus degree, but it depends on the student. Since online degrees are more focused on a student’s dedication and commitment to the program than on-campus programs, some students may find it more difficult to complete the coursework.

For example, a student who fares better in a structured environment, one in which they have a schedule to go to school, may not fare so well in an online environment. This is because most online programs expect students to be self-motivated and offer on-demand classes, meaning that live participation is not required. This can lead students to not attend class and possibly failing out, simply because they do not have the same deadlines that are required in on-campus courses.

Students who have several obligations, such as a family life and a full-time career, may find it difficult to balance school among everything else. Most online programs have part-time options, but some online students may push for full-time status, even though they will be overextending themselves. It is far better to complete a part-time degree than a full-time degree because this ensures that students will be able to complete all of the requirements on a longer timeline.

Finally, many students take on accelerated programs with the goal to complete the degree in about half the time as a degree would normally take. However, accelerated programs may be more difficult because the coursework must be taught and understood in less time. Students who are not passionate about earning their degree may find this overwhelming and may be better off taking on a traditional online degree.

What is a Learning Management System?

A learning management system, also known as LMS or an online portal, is the technical name for the online school. This is an application embedded into a school website that hosts all of the school’s online courses, certificates, and programs. It is the home of an online student’s workflow for their degree.

Learning management systems vary by school, but most use Blackboard, Canva, or Moodle. Most of these learning management systems offer students classrooms, chatrooms, access to online office hours, technical support, exams, quizzes, and more. Many also come with complementary smartphone and tablet apps so that students can take their learning on the go.

All online programs that are offered by accredited colleges and universities in America use a learning management system. In the simplest of terms, it’s the online classroom. Students who have more questions about what it means to use a learning management system are encouraged to speak with the school’s online learning department.

Is it Possible to Earn Licensure with an Online Degree?

Yes, it is possible to earn a pathway to licensure with an online degree. Most programs that offer this pathway will state as much on their program website so that students are aware of what the degree can do for them and their career. These programs have both regional and professional accreditation, meet the criteria of the licensing or certification boards, and are approved to provide students with the necessary education to lead to licensure.

Licensure programs are known as such because they offer the proper education and work experience requirements needed to sit for licensure. Students will find that these programs are rigorous and more time-consuming than non-licensure programs but will give them the benefit of sitting for licensure. In most cases, these schools will also offer prospective students a look at how well previous graduates have fared on the licensure exam for that program.

Any program that does not lead to licensure will state this on their program website. In many cases, they are listed as “non-licensure programs.” If students have any doubt about whether a degree will lead to licensure for them in their resident state, they will need to call the school directly to ensure that the program meets the requirement for licensure.

What are the Requirements for Earning an Online Degree?

Online degrees have the same requirements as their on-campus counterparts. The only difference between the two is the method of delivery. This means that online students will need to have access to a few key things that may not be necessary for all on-campus students.

The first is regular access to the internet. While most people consider daily use of the internet commonplace, some people do not have access all the time. For these individuals, finding a way to access their coursework is crucial, as all of the work is delivered and handed in online. Students may find it difficult to complete the degree if they cannot turn in their assignments online.

The second is the choice of browser. Many Americans use the browser that comes with their computer, but some learning management systems do not play nice with all browsers. The most popular browser is Google Chrome, which is free to download and is media-friendly, something that online students will want to keep in mind since lectures and audio are normal for online degrees.

The third is obvious, albeit necessary. Access to a computer regularly is necessary. All assignments, papers, projects, quizzes, and exams must be turned electronically, so students need to either have their own computer or are able to borrow a computer so they can turn their work in on time.

The fourth is a bit of specialty: software. Some students will take on science and math courses that require the download of special software. This is especially true for design and computer science students. Because they need to be able to complete projects in special software, most schools provide it for free; it is up to the student to complete the download and ensure everything is working normally.

Are Online Degrees Flexible Enough to Fit Into a Working Professional’s Schedule?

Yes, online degrees are more than flexible enough to fit into a working professional’s schedule. Students will find that online programs are a better fit for them if they work full-time than an on-campus program for several reasons, including course delivery options, study options, and even accelerated programs. In fact, most working professionals choose to complete online degrees simply because they are easier to incorporate into their busy schedule.

Online degrees have the benefit of having different delivery options. These come in the form of live or on-demand courses. Students can choose to either take courses in the evening or the weekend that require live participation; these are the live courses. The more popular option is on-demand courses. These are courses that do not require live participation during the live lecture and can be studied at any time, anywhere. This is perfect for working professionals who may have odd working hours or are accustomed to working overtime.

Online students also have the option to study part-time or full-time, an option that is not always available to on-campus students, especially if they are graduate or doctorate candidates. Part-time options are often best for working professionals because it eases the load of schoolwork while the student works full-time. It’s also a great way to ensure that a student can keep up with the coursework while still being their best at work.

The last reason that online schools are a great choice for working professionals is that many programs come with accelerated options. Accelerated programs generally take about half the time as regular online programs; this is possible due to the fact that courses are truncated into four, six, seven or eight-week terms instead of the traditional 16 weeks. These programs also offer courses all year round, making it a great choice for students who want to complete the program as quickly as possible.

There has never been a better time to research online schools. With so many employers encouraging their employees to go back to school by taking on a virtual degree, and with so many career options available, it has become much easier for a student to recommit to their schooling. With this ranking of the best schools for a student to research for an online degree in Cleveland, Ohio, working professionals will be in a great position to find the best school that fits their needs.

This concludes our ranking of the Top 10 Colleges for an Online Degree in Cleveland, Ohio.

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