Top 10 Online Schools in Ohio: Columbus

online colleges in columbus ohio

The number of online degrees in Columbus, Ohio, continues to grow exponentially. Students from all over the country are realizing that they have access to online degrees in the city that may be difficult to find elsewhere. But with so many schools providing excellent programs, the question then becomes: which school is the right fit?

Online students need to do a lot of research in order to find the information they require. Factors like class sizes, degree types available, accreditation and tuition rates all play a major role in whether the student decides to apply for one school over another. This is precisely the reason that this ranking has been created.

Methodology

Research for this ranking began with a search for online degrees in Columbus, Ohio, on the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database. Schools within a 50-mile radius that had online programs were selected for the initial group. Once all the schools had been identified, further research was conducted that used information that was found on each individual school’s website. Points were awarded based on the following factors:

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 10 schools that are featured on this ranking are found within a 50-mile radius of Columbus, Ohio. They are listed below in accordance with the total amount of points accrued during the research process.

10. Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon, Ohio

Top 10 Online Schools in Ohio: Columbus, Ohio
Mount Vernon Nazarene University offers associate’s to a graduate degrees online.

Website

Students enrolled at Mount Vernon Nazarene University will have access to some of the city’s best bachelor’s online programs. This school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificates, providing its students with a pathway from an associate’s to a graduate degree, all of which can be earned entirely online. Fields of study include business administration, public administration, early childhood education, and ministry leadership. Licensure, endorsement and dual degrees are also available online. Students will have access to small class sizes and a dedicated online faculty and staff. Online features for this degree include academic and career advising, 24/7 technical support, online office hours, financial aid support, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $838
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 6

9. Ohio Dominican University

Columbus, Ohio

Top 10 Online Schools in Ohio: Columbus, Ohio
Ohio Dominican University offers online bachelor’s degrees.

Website

Ohio Dominican University offers students the chance to complete online degrees in Columbus, Ohio. This school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificates and endorsements. Fields of study include business administration, risk management and insurance, healthcare administration, and sports management; specializations are also available with select degrees. Class sizes are kept extremely small so that students can engage with classmates and professors while the dedicated online staff makes sure that students are supported in all other areas of their degree plan. Online features include 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, smartphone and tablet companion apps, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s
Cost per credit hour: $735
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 6

8. Capital University

Columbus, Ohio

Top 10 Online Schools in Ohio: Columbus, Ohio
Capital University offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Website

There are a variety of online master’s programs available at Capital, which make it a great choice for students who want to finish their education. This school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees; certificates and endorsement programs are also available. Fields of study include business administration, music, law, and nursing. Many programs also hold professional accreditation, leaving students open to the possibility of licensure after graduation. With small class sizes and a dedicated online faculty and staff, students will be well supported on their way to earning an online degree. Online features for this school include academic and career advising, tutoring services, financial aid services, 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $494
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 6

7. Wittenberg University

Springfield, Ohio

Top 10 Online Schools in Ohio: Columbus, Ohio
Wittenberg University offers online master’s programs.

Website

Wittenberg University is a great choice for students interested in online degrees near Columbus, Ohio. This school offers students the chance to complete hybrid and low-residency programs at the graduate level, with stand-alone certificates and endorsement programs also available. Students can study anything from nursing to analytics with a specialization in business analytics. Class sizes are capped at 15 students and all courses are taught by experienced faculty who are trained in the art of online education. Features for this online portal include 24/7 technical support, academic and career services, online office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $399
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 6

6. Cedarville University

Cedarville, Ohio

Top 10 Online Schools in Ohio: Columbus, Ohio
Cedarville University offers online graduate programs.

Website

Students interested in online degrees in Columbus, Ohio, will want to check out Cedarville University. This school offers a variety of online graduate programs and certificates for professionals. Fields of study include business administration, operations management, global public health nursing, and cybersecurity management. Students will find that this school is pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission, making it eligible for endorsements soon. Online features for this degree include academic and career advising, 24/7 technical support, smartphone and tablet companion apps, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $399
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 6

5. Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

Top 10 Online Schools in Ohio: Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University offers online programs at all degree levels.

Website

Ohio State University is home to a large suite of online degrees in Columbus, Ohio. This school confers degrees at all levels of education; certificates and endorsements are also available. Fields of study for this school include dental hygiene, early childhood education, applied clinical and preclinical research, and bioethics. Students will be supported by small class sizes, experienced professors, and a dedicated online staff. Features for this school include academic and career advising, 24/7 technical support, financial aid services, online office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $453
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 7

4. Ohio Christian University

Circleville, Ohio

Top 10 Online Schools in Ohio: Columbus, Ohio
Ohio Christian University offers online undergraduate and graduate programs.

Website

Students at Ohio Christian University will have the option to complete a variety of online degrees. Students can choose from undergraduate and graduate programs; stand-alone certificate programs are also available. Fields of study include business administration, information technology, Christian ministry, and human services. Students will find that the school caps class sizes to be small enough for students to enjoy a familial atmosphere with classmates and professors. Online features include financial aid services, academic and career advising, 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $380
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 7

3. Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio

Top 10 Online Schools in Ohio: Columbus, Ohio
Franklin University offers online degrees, certificates and endorsements at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate level.

Website

Franklin University confers a variety of online programs in Columbus, Ohio. This school confers degrees, certificates and endorsements at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate level. Fields of study include nursing, education, business administration, and engineering. Students can choose how flexible their degree is, including live and on-demand courses plus programs that are offered fully online or with minimal residency requirements. With small class sizes, faculty trained in the art of online education, and a dedicated online staff, students will find that completing their education has never been easier. Features for this degree include academic and career advising, 24/7 technical support, financial aid services, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $526
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 8

2. Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Columbus, Ohio

Top 10 Online Schools in Ohio: Columbus, Ohio
Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Website

The suite of online degrees available at Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a great place for students interested in completing their nursing education. Students can opt to complete the RN to BSN bachelor’s program, a Master of Science in Nursing Education, or earn an online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate, all with minimal residency requirements. Class sizes are capped at ten students, enabling the experienced faculty to ensure that every student is given individualized attention. Online features include 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, financial aid services, online office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $448
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Total Points: 8

1. Ashland University

Ashland, Ohio

Top 10 Online Schools in Ohio: Columbus, Ohio
Ashland University offers online degrees and certificates are available at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels.

Website

Ashland University confers a group of online degrees in Columbus, Ohio, that is perfect for just about every professional. Degrees and certificates are available at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels. Fields of study include business administration, multidisciplinary studies, criminal justice, and communication studies. With an online portal as big as this school has, it is no wonder why the school has a dedicated online faculty and staff. Students are also supported with services such as 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, online office hours, financial aid 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?

The great thing about online education is that it can open the doors to every career imaginable in the United States. Students can complete degrees at every level, including doctorate and specialist degrees, all online so that they can continue in their career while completing their education for better opportunities in the future. And, with so many employers backing online education as a way to help their employees, it has become a mainstream way for working professionals to complete their graduate education.

Some professions, however, require residency at an on-campus school for specialist degrees. Medical and law professionals must complete their graduate specialist degree on a campus because the degree requires an intensive amount of hands-on instruction, something that is not possible online. But students can still complete their undergraduate degrees online or even go back to school to earn another graduate degree online after they complete their education.

Can Employers Help Online Students with Their Education Goals?

Yes, employers can help online students with their education goals. Employers understand that many of their employees have goals of advancing in their career and online education makes it easier for them to do that without having to quit their job to do it. Many employers, including the United States government and several non-governmental organizations, may work with the student to subsidize their tuition or give them field experiences in the same place that they work.

Employers can pay for their employee’s education through a program that is known as “employer reimbursement program.” This is a process in which the employer reimburses the student, or pays the school directly, for the tuition fees. This can substantially lower the amount a student has to pay for their education and provides the employer with the knowledge that the student is training to take on higher positions within the company. Students interested in this program will want to speak with their employer and the school to see if the program is available to them.

Another way employers can support their employees is to offer them the chance to complete their field experience, if one is required for their online degree, in the workplace. This enables a student to still work while shadowing a supervisor or manager. It also demonstrates a professional’s ability to do that job, which is great for employers who are looking for evidence that the professional can shoulder the responsibility from that job.

Other employers may do simple things to make it easier for online students. Employers may offer students the chance to change their work schedule, cut back on hours, or provide them with days off to complete residency trips to their school. This supports an online student in that it shows them that their employer wants them to succeed in earning their degree as much as they themselves do, making it easier for them to find the determination to graduate.

What are Asynchronous and Synchronous Courses?

Asynchronous and synchronous courses are terms that distinguish the different types of delivery methods for courses within an online program. These terms are often used during the registration process for programs, so knowing what the terms mean and how the course operates is critical for students. It will also provide students with the knowledge necessary to pick one or the other, depending on their needs.

An asynchronous course is a course that is delivered on-demand. Lectures, guest speakers, syllabi and assignments are all uploaded to the learning management system so that students can engage with their coursework whenever they have the time to do so. Because the course does not require live participation, it may be a great choice for busy adults and those that have other responsibilities that may require their attention during the traditional school day. Many online schools utilize this delivery method because online students do not have the same schedule as most on-campus students.

A synchronous course is a course that is delivered live. Much like an on-campus class, students will be required to attend lectures and participate in class; most live courses record the lectures for later viewing in case students have to miss class for something important. However, these courses have hard deadlines for assignments and quizzes, so students will have to keep an eye on the syllabi to ensure that they turn everything in on time.

Most schools favor one delivery method over another, but many provide the same class in both delivery methods. Therefore, it is important that students pay attention to these terms during the registration process. If a live class is impossible for a student to attend, chances are that an asynchronous is also offered.

What is the Difference Between a Bridge Online Program and an Accelerated Online Program?

A bridge online program is a program that bridges a student’s experience in a particular field with a degree in that same field. These programs work on the idea that a student will have an understanding of the fundamentals of the field and therefore require just advanced knowledge in order to graduate. The most popular bridge program in the United States is nursing, as it is possible for a working professional to become a registered nurse without an online degree; however, it is nearly impossible for them to advance in their career without, at the minimum, an undergraduate degree.

An accelerated online program is a program that takes about half the time to complete online as it would in a traditional school setting. These programs utilize short term lengths and intensives in order to prepare a student to work in the field after graduation. These programs can be found at nearly every level of education with the exception of the doctorate level, although some schools make it easy for a student to graduate early under special circumstances.

The main difference between the two programs is that students in an accelerated program are not required to have any experience in the field that they are studying while bridge programs mandate that a student have at least a qualification in the field in order to be accepted into the program. Students will find also that bridge programs are generally only found at the undergraduate level while accelerated programs can be found at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Another distinction is that bridge programs exist for professional programs while accelerated programs can be academic or applied in nature. This means that students will not find a bridge program for the humanities or an accelerated program for engineering. The best way to be sure of the type of program that a student is signing up for is to contact the school directly.

Finding a way to balance school with professional career responsibilities can be difficult, even for the most ambitious student. What makes it easier is an online school that can work around a student’s schedule. While there are many schools that may be the right choice, students need more information in order to make a decision. This ranking of the top online degrees in Columbus, Ohio, will help make that decision easier, providing students with the peace of mind that they have made the right decision.

This concludes our ranking of the Top 19 Online Schools Columbus, Ohio.

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