2025 Guide to Affordable Online Colleges Near Columbus, Ohio
Are you near Columbus, Ohio looking for an affordable online college or university? Start your search here.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide makes it easy for you to find out about online schools that offer affordable degrees near Columbus, Ohio. Get detailed information about affordable online colleges and universities including the average cost of tuition and fees for four-year public, private, nonprofit and for-profit schools. You'll also get a comparison on how schools within each category rank based on tuition cost. Ultimately, you'll see which schools are the best fit for your budget. Click here to learn more about the guide.
Tuition costs on this page reflect undergraduate rates as self-reported by each institution and may differ based on program of study.
How Much is College Tuition in Columbus, Ohio?
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the average cost of in-state undergraduate degree tuition and fees at online colleges and universities near Columbus, Ohio has been increasing over the past five years. In 2023, the average annual cost of tuition and fees for the 10 online schools near Columbus was $20,551. That represents a 16% increase since 2019.
Number of Schools
Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Last 5 Years)
Sponsored
Best-Value College for Budget-Conscious Adults
Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1902, Franklin University has earned a reputation for affordability among busy adults who want a high-quality degree that doesn't break the bank. With competitive per credit hour tuition rates, online degree programs and the University's Tuition Guarantee, Franklin students can get ahead without falling behind in everything else.
Undergraduate Tuition
PER CREDIT HOUR
Master's Tuition
PER CREDIT HOUR
Doctoral Tuition
PER CREDIT HOUR
Costs of 4-Year Private Nonprofit Online Colleges & Universities Near Columbus, Ohio
$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Franklin University is $9,577, which is lower than 94% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Franklin University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving adult students in Columbus, Ohio, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Franklin University is 71% less than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Franklin University is $9,577, which is lower than 81% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Franklin University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving adult students in Columbus, Ohio, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Franklin University is 62% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Franklin University was $9,577. That was unchanged from $9,577 in 2022.
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Franklin University was $12,060. That was a decrease of 33% from $16,080 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Franklin University, 53% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $5,160. Among undergraduate students, 34% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $3,783 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 44% of students, who, on average, borrowed $5,855.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Franklin University, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend part time. In 2023, 1,429 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 88 associate degrees, 616 master's degrees, and 38 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
2,171
Online Completions by Program Area
$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Mount Carmel College of Nursing is $27,335, which is lower than 61% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving blended students in Columbus, Ohio, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Mount Carmel College of Nursing is 17% less than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Mount Carmel College of Nursing is $27,335, which is lower than 39% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving blended students in Columbus, Ohio, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Mount Carmel College of Nursing is 9% more than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Mount Carmel College of Nursing was $27,335. That was an increase of 6% over $25,762 in 2022.
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Mount Carmel College of Nursing was $21,261. That was a decrease of 21% from $25,700 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, 60% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $7,893. Among undergraduate students, 32% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $5,082 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 62% of students, who, on average, borrowed $8,682.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 254 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 53 master's degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
313
Online Completions by Program Area
$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Pontifical College Josephinum is $30,482, which is lower than 55% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Pontifical College Josephinum is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Columbus, Ohio, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Pontifical College Josephinum is 7% less than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Pontifical College Josephinum is $30,482, which is lower than 34% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Pontifical College Josephinum is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Columbus, Ohio, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Pontifical College Josephinum is 22% more than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Pontifical College Josephinum was $30,482. That was an increase of 3% over $29,449 in 2022.
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Pontifical College Josephinum was $33,416. That was an increase of 4% over $32,136 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Pontifical College Josephinum, 13% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $9,105. Among undergraduate students, 13% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $5,208 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 22% of students, who, on average, borrowed $7,286.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Pontifical College Josephinum, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 1 distance education master's degree was completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Offerings
7%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1
Online Completions by Program Area
$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Ohio Dominican University is $34,370, which is lower than 46% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Ohio Dominican University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Columbus, Ohio, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Ohio Dominican University is 5% more than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Ohio Dominican University is $34,370, which is lower than 29% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Ohio Dominican University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Columbus, Ohio, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Ohio Dominican University is 37% more than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Ohio Dominican University was $34,370. That was an increase of 3% over $33,350 in 2022.
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Ohio Dominican University was $13,748. That was an increase of 14% over $11,790 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Ohio Dominican University, 92% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $21,019. Among undergraduate students, 37% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,869 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 63% of students, who, on average, borrowed $6,621.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Ohio Dominican University, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 106 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 9 associate degrees, 50 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Offerings
42%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
165
Online Completions by Program Area
$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Otterbein University is $34,899, which is lower than 45% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Otterbein University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Columbus, Ohio, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Otterbein University is 6% more than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Otterbein University is $34,899, which is lower than 28% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Otterbein University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Columbus, Ohio, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Otterbein University is 40% more than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Otterbein University was $34,899. That was an increase of 2% over $34,274 in 2022.
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Otterbein University was $14,628. That was an increase of 2% over $14,398 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Otterbein University, 95% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $22,024. Among undergraduate students, 31% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,965 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 82% of students, who, on average, borrowed $8,492.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Otterbein University, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 6 distance education doctoral degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees, were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Offerings
1%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
6
Online Completions by Program Area
Costs of 4-Year Private For-Profit Online Colleges & Universities Near Columbus, Ohio
$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at DeVry University-Ohio is $15,032, which is lower than 52% of all 4-year private for-profit schools in the United States.
DeVry University-Ohio is a 4-year private for-profit school serving adult students in Columbus, Ohio, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at DeVry University-Ohio is 18% less than the 4-year private for-profit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at DeVry University-Ohio is $15,032, which is lower than 57% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
DeVry University-Ohio is a 4-year private for-profit school serving adult students in Columbus, Ohio, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at DeVry University-Ohio is 40% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at DeVry University-Ohio was $15,032. That was unchanged from $15,032 in 2022.
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at DeVry University-Ohio was $17,552. That was unchanged from $17,552 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at DeVry University-Ohio, 94% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $10,681. Among undergraduate students, 54% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,185 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 71% of students, who, on average, borrowed $7,730.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at DeVry University-Ohio, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend part time. In 2023, 77 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 3 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Offerings
96%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
80
Online Completions by Program Area
Costs of 4-Year Public Online Colleges & Universities Near Columbus, Ohio
$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Ohio State University-Main Campus is $12,859, which is lower than 22% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
Ohio State University-Main Campus is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in Columbus, Ohio, where minimal programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Ohio State University-Main Campus is 23% more than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Ohio State University-Main Campus is $12,859, which is lower than 66% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Ohio State University-Main Campus is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in Columbus, Ohio, where minimal programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Ohio State University-Main Campus is 49% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at Ohio State University-Main Campus was $12,859. That was an increase of 3% over $12,485 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state undegraduate tuition and fees at Ohio State University-Main Campus was $38,365. That was an increase of 4% over $36,742 in 2022.
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at Ohio State University-Main Campus was $13,497. That was an increase of 4% over $12,997 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at Ohio State University-Main Campus was $41,227. That was an increase of 4% over $39,598 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Ohio State University-Main Campus, 72% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $11,125. Among undergraduate students, 20% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $5,024 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 31% of students, who, on average, borrowed $6,214.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Ohio State University-Main Campus, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 1,120 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 7 associate degrees, 484 bachelor's degrees, and 37 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Offerings
10%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,648
Online Completions by Program Area
Costs of 2-Year & Other Private Nonprofit Online Colleges & Universities Near Columbus, Ohio
$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Valor Christian College is $9,892, which is lower than 79% of all 2-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Valor Christian College is a 2-year private nonprofit school serving adult students in Columbus, Ohio, where most programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Valor Christian College is 41% less than the 2-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Valor Christian College is $9,892, which is lower than 31% of all 2-year schools in the United States.
Valor Christian College is a 2-year private nonprofit school serving adult students in Columbus, Ohio, where most programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Valor Christian College is 16% more than the 2-year national average.
Undergraduate (UG) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Valor Christian College was $9,892. That was unchanged from $9,892 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Valor Christian College, 84% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $6,410. Among undergraduate students, 54% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $5,361 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 62% of students, who, on average, borrowed $8,874.
Enrollment & Programs
Associate degree programs are the most popular at Valor Christian College, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 39 distance education associate degrees were completed. In addition, 25 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Offerings
85%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
64
Online Completions by Program Area
Costs of 2-Year & Other Private For-Profit Online Colleges & Universities Near Columbus, Ohio
$$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Felbry College is $25,730, which is lower than 4% of all 2-year private for-profit schools in the United States.
Felbry College is a 2-year private for-profit school serving adult students in Columbus, Ohio, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Felbry College is 56% more than the 2-year private for-profit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Felbry College is $25,730, which is lower than 2% of all 2-year schools in the United States.
Felbry College is a 2-year private for-profit school serving adult students in Columbus, Ohio, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Felbry College is 201% more than the 2-year national average.
Undergraduate (UG) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Felbry College was $25,730. That was an increase of 6% over $24,117 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Felbry College, 80% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $5,020. Among undergraduate students, 50% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $6,057 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 45% of students, who, on average, borrowed $5,851.
Enrollment & Programs
Associate degree programs are the most popular at Felbry College, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 70 distance education associate degrees were completed. In addition, 3 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
73
Online Completions by Program Area
Costs of 2-Year Public Schools Offering Online Near Columbus, Ohio Including Community Colleges
$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Columbus State Community College is $5,338, which is lower than 35% of all 2-year public schools in the United States.
Columbus State Community College is a 2-year public school serving traditional students in Columbus, Ohio, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Columbus State Community College is 11% more than the 2-year public national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Columbus State Community College is $5,338, which is lower than 55% of all 2-year schools in the United States.
Columbus State Community College is a 2-year public school serving traditional students in Columbus, Ohio, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Columbus State Community College is 38% less than the 2-year national average.
Undergraduate (UG) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Columbus State Community College was $5,338. That was an increase of 3% over $5,188 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Columbus State Community College, 44% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $4,783. Among undergraduate students, 26% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $3,607 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 20% of students, who, on average, borrowed $4,912.
Enrollment & Programs
Associate degree programs are the most popular at Columbus State Community College, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend part time. In 2023, 1,462 distance education associate degrees were completed.
Est. Online Offerings
61%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,462
Online Completions by Program Area
Tuition Costs by School Type Near Columbus, Ohio
There are at least 3 online schools serving Columbus, Ohio. Of those schools, 5 are 4-year private nonprofit schools, 0 are 4-year private for-profit schools, 0 are 4-year public schools, 0 are 2-year private nonprofit schools, 1 is a 2-year private for-profit school, and 0 are 2-year public schools, based on information collected by the U.S. College Scorecard. Browse through the categories below to learn more about the cost of tuition and fees at each type of institution.
Number of Schools
2021-22 Tuition & Fees
2022-23 Tuition & Fees
Percent Change
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Last 5 Years)
There are at least 5 4-year private nonprofit institutions serving Columbus, Ohio. The average tuition among those schools in 2022-23 was $27,333, which represents a 3% increase from the previous year.
Number of Schools
2021-22 Tuition & Fees
2022-23 Tuition & Fees
Percent Change
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Last 5 Years)
There is at least 1 2-year private for-profit institution serving Columbus, Ohio. The average tuition among those schools in 2022-23 was $25,730, which represents a 6% increase from the previous year.