Affordable Degree Guide

Affordable Colleges and Tuition Costs in Ohio

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This guide covers schools in Ohio offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs.

Ohio, located in the Midwest, features a diverse landscape that ranges from the shores of Lake Erie to the rolling Appalachian foothills in the southeast. The state’s strategic position along major waterways and highways makes it a vital hub for commerce, transportation, and logistics.

Ohio’s economy is powered by manufacturing, healthcare, education, finance, and technology, with major metropolitan areas like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati driving growth and innovation. The state is also home to nationally recognized universities such as The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, and Miami University, as well as a strong network of community and technical colleges that provide affordable pathways to higher education and workforce development opportunities statewide.

In this guide

Tuition and Fee Overview in Ohio

Community Colleges & Technical Colleges

Ohio’s community colleges provide some of the most affordable online options for associate degrees. Based on an analysis of four programs, tuition costs range from $9,545 at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) to $11,597 at Sinclair Community College, with an overall average of $10,868.

Associate degree programs in Ohio

  1. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Tuition: $9,545
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $159 in-state | $296 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $9,545 - $18,956
    Credits: 60-64
    Number of degree programs: 19
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Columbus State Community College

    Columbus and Delaware, Ohio
    Tuition: $10,976
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $183 in-state | $374 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $10,976 - $24,693
    Credits: 60-66
    Number of degree programs: 25
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Lorain County Community College

    Elyria, Ohio
    Tuition: $11,353
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $189 in-state | $341 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $11,353 - $22,151
    Credits: 60-65
    Number of degree programs: 12
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Sinclair Community College

    Dayton, Ohio
    Tuition: $11,597
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $193 in-state | $349 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $11,597 - $22,362
    Credits: 60-64
    Number of degree programs: 23
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Public and Private Institutions

Bachelor’s degree tuition in Ohio shows wide variation across public and private institutions. An evaluation of 23 online programs found that tuition averages $70,245, with the lowest cost at $21,890 from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and the highest at $219,010 from the University of Dayton.

Bachelor’s degree programs in Ohio

  1. Mount Vernon Nazarene University

    Mount Vernon, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $398
    Total tuition per credit: $18,308 - $21,890
    Credits: 46-55
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Miami University

    Oxford, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $312 in-state | $350 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $16,229 - $34,300
    Credits: 52-98
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Clark State College

    Springfield, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $187 in-state | $340 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $22,480 - $40,759
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Ohio University

    Athens, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $319 in-state | $324 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $38,280 - $41,148
    Credits: 127
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Shawnee State University

    Portsmouth, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $314 in-state | $346 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $37,622 - $41,501
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Sinclair Community College

    Dayton, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $193 in-state | $349 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $23,160 - $42,229
    Credits: 120-121
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Cedarville University

    Cedarville, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $375
    Total tuition per credit: $36,750 - $48,000
    Credits: 98-128
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Franklin University

    Columbus, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $298 - $398
    Total tuition per credit: $35,760 - $49,352
    Credits: 120-124
    Number of degree programs: 40
    Learn more: Program details

  9. University of Toledo

    Toledo, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $405 in-state | $425 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $48,640 - $51,040
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Kent State University

    Kent, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $433 in-state | $443 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $25,980 - $53,160
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 23
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Ohio Christian University

    Circleville, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $450
    Total tuition per credit: $54,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 14
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Youngstown State University

    Youngstown, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $460 in-state | $465 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $55,200 - $55,800
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 16
    Learn more: Program details

  13. Bowling Green State University

    Bowling Green, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $447 in-state | $458 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $53,604 - $55,839
    Credits: 120-122
    Number of degree programs: 11
    Learn more: Program details

  14. Ohio Dominican University

    Columbus, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $930
    Total tuition per credit: $47,430 - $61,380
    Credits: 51-66
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  15. The University of Akron

    Akron, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $447 in-state | $547 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $53,678 - $66,226
    Credits: 120-121
    Number of degree programs: 12
    Learn more: Program details

  16. Ashland University

    Ashland, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $630
    Total tuition per credit: $38,430 - $76,230
    Credits: 61-121
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  17. Franciscan University of Steubenville

    Steubenville, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $620
    Total tuition per credit: $76,880
    Credits: 124
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  18. University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $625 in-state | $640 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $37,500 - $77,440
    Credits: 60-121
    Number of degree programs: 21
    Learn more: Program details

  19. Xavier University

    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $755
    Total tuition per credit: $90,600
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  20. Cleveland State University

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $561 in-state | $837 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $67,362 - $100,488
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  21. Wright State University

    Dayton, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $516 in-state | $963 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $61,920 - $115,560
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  22. Walsh University

    North Canton, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,190
    Total tuition per credit: $142,800
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 22
    Learn more: Program details

  23. University of Dayton

    Dayton, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,810
    Total tuition per credit: $217,200 - $219,010
    Credits: 120-121
    Number of degree programs: 2
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

A review of 23 Master’s degree programs in Ohio reveals significant tuition variations. 

Graduate education in Ohio is also diverse in cost. A review of 23 online master’s degree programs shows an average tuition of $35,111. The most affordable option is Youngstown State University at $13,650, while the University of Akron ranks highest at $86,600.

Master’s degree programs in Ohio

  1. Youngstown State University

    Youngstown, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $450 in-state | $455 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $13,500 - $13,650
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 19
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Mount Vernon Nazarene University

    Mount Vernon, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $498
    Total tuition per credit: $14,940
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 23
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Bowling Green State University

    Bowling Green, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $508 in state | $519 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $15,246-$15,576
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 30
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Ohio University

    Athens, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $508 - $527
    Total tuition per credit: $15,240 - $18,972
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 45
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Cleveland State University

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $618
    Total tuition per credit: $18,548 - $20,402
    Credits: 33
    Number of degree programs: 21
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Franciscan University of Steubenville

    Steubenville, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $550 - $600
    Total tuition per credit: $16,500 - $21,600
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Xavier University

    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $722
    Total tuition per credit: $21,660
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Ashland University

    Ashland, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $650 - $730
    Total tuition per credit: $19,500 - $21,900
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 14
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Shawnee State University

    Portsmouth, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $487 - $525
    Total tuition per credit: $15,096 -$21,903
    Credits: 31-38
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Franklin University

    Columbus, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $670
    Total tuition per credit: $22,110 - $24,120
    Credits: 33-36
    Number of degree programs: 65
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Cedarville University

    Cedarville, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $436 - $680
    Total tuition per credit: $14,388 - $24,480
    Credits: 33-36
    Number of degree programs: 23
    Learn more: Program details

  12. University of Toledo

    Toledo, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $567 - $587
    Total tuition per credit: $17,022 - $26,432
    Credits: 30-45
    Number of degree programs: 17
    Learn more: Program details

  13. Ohio Christian University

    Circleville, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $430 - $565
    Total tuition per credit: $24,510 - $32,205
    Credits: 36-57
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  14. Kent State University

    Kent, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $695 - $705
    Total tuition per credit: $20,850 - $32,430
    Credits: 30-46
    Number of degree programs: 26
    Learn more: Program details

  15. Wright State University

    Dayton, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $680 in-state | $1,145 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $20,400 - $34,350
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  16. University of Dayton

    Dayton, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,175
    Total tuition per credit: $35,250 - $38,775
    Credits: 30-33
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  17. Ohio Dominican University

    Columbus, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $540 - $1,147
    Total tuition per credit: $18,360 - $45,880
    Credits: 34-40
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  18. Case Western Reserve University

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,500
    Total tuition per credit: $45,000 - $51,750
    Credits: 30-34.5
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  19. University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $746 - $1,000 in-state | $761 - $1,015 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $22,380 - $51,765
    Credits: 30-51
    Number of degree programs: 40
    Learn more: Program details

  20. Walsh University

    North Canton, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $745 - $775
    Total tuition per credit: $22,350 - $53,640
    Credits: 30-72
    Number of degree programs: 18
    Learn more: Program details

  21. Miami University

    Oxford, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $598 in-state | $1,475 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $17,937 - $58,982
    Credits: 30-40
    Number of degree programs: 9
    Learn more: Program details

  22. Ohio State University

    Columbus, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $806 – $1574
    Total tuition per credit: $24,169 - $75,552
    Credits: 30-48
    Number of degree programs: 32
    Learn more: Program details

  23. The University of Akron

    Akron, Ohio
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $916 - $1,443
    Total tuition per credit: $27,480 - $86,600
    Credits: 30-60
    Number of degree programs: 14
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Notable Statewide Initiatives in Ohio

Ohio has several programs designed to make college more affordable for students and their families:

  • Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG): This is a key financial aid program for Ohio residents attending public and private colleges. It provides grants to students with an eligible household income and Student Aid Index (SAI) to cover tuition and fees.
  • Second Chance Grant Program: This program, funded by the ODHE, offers a one-time grant of $2,000 to students who previously attended a qualifying Ohio institution but “stopped out” before earning a bachelor’s degree. It’s intended to encourage and assist residents in completing their education.
  • Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program: This initiative provides financial aid to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and STEM education fields. The scholarships are administered by individual colleges and universities.
  • Ohio State Tuition Guarantee: At Ohio State University (OSU), this program freezes tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board for four years for incoming Ohio residents, providing cost certainty for students and their families.

Financial Aid & Sponsorship in Ohio

Ohio students can access several financial aid programs that make college more affordable. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) provides need-based aid, while the Choose Ohio First Scholarship supports students in STEM and healthcare. Military families may benefit from the Ohio War Orphans & Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship.

Federal options like the Pell Grant and FSEOG add further assistance, and programs such as Teach Ohio Loan Forgiveness help future educators. Together, these resources make earning an affordable online degree in Ohio more attainable.

For step-by-step assistance with completing the FAFSA, visit the FAFSA resource. To discover scholarship opportunities in Illinois, be sure to explore this guide: Finding Scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the average tuition costs for associate degree programs in Ohio?

The average tuition for online associate degree programs in Ohio is about $10,868 per year, with costs ranging from $9,545 at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) to $11,597 at Sinclair Community College.

How much does it cost to earn a bachelor’s degree in Ohio?

Online bachelor’s degree tuition in Ohio varies widely. Programs average around $70,245 total, with the most affordable option at $21,890 from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, while the University of Dayton ranks among the highest at $219,010.

What is the tuition range for master’s degree programs in Ohio?

Master’s degree programs in Ohio average $35,111, with the lowest cost at $13,650 at Youngstown State University and the highest reaching $86,600 at The University of Akron.

What financial aid options are available for Ohio students?

Ohio students can apply for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG), the Choose Ohio First Scholarship, and the Ohio War Orphans & Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship. Federal aid programs like the Pell Grant and FSEOG also provide additional support.

Which Ohio universities are known for affordable online programs?

Institutions such as Youngstown State University, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and Cuyahoga Community College are recognized for offering some of the most affordable online degrees in Ohio.

Can military families in Ohio receive additional education benefits?

Yes. Military-affiliated students may qualify for the Ohio War Orphans & Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship, along with federal programs like the GI Bill.