How to Apply as an Online Student

Whether you already have an associate degree or are just getting started in your college experience, OHIO has online programs to meet your needs.

Transfer Applicants

If you have completed more than 9 semester hours (12 quarter hours) at another regionally accredited college or university after graduating from high school, you are considered a transfer applicant. Transfer applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher to be considered for admission. If you have completed fewer than 20 semester hours or 30 quarter hours of university or college coursework, your high school academic record will also be considered in the admission decision.

Freshman Applicants

You are considered a freshman applicant if you have or will soon receive a high school diploma or General Education Development diploma and have not been enrolled for 9 or more semester hours (or 12 or more quarter hours) of coursework at a college or university since completing high school. OHIO Online™ applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores; however, you may submit test scores (ACT or SAT) if interested in having them considered.

Global Distance Learners

Ohio University defines a Global Distance Learner as someone who is enrolled in a fully online program and is physically located outside the United States while receiving instruction. Neither citizenship nor nationality is a factor.

Some online programs at Ohio University are not eligible for enrollment by students located outside the United States. To determine if the program you are interested in is eligible, please contact an OHIO Online Enrollment Advisor. Additionally, Ohio University is unable to provide immigration support to international students enrolled in a fully online program.

Learn more about enrolling as a Global Distance Learner, including documentation requirements and ineligible countries.

Criteria for More Selective Programs

Some of our online programs have more rigorous requirements.

View More Selective Program Admission Criteria

State Authorization for Professional Licenses

Before you apply, check to see if state authorization regulations limit your ability to participate in an online or distance program. If you are considering an academic program that leads to a professional license in your state, including but not limited to nursing and criminal justice, it is highly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing agency in your home state before beginning a program located outside your state. Enrolled students must contact eLearning at 1.888.551.6446 to discuss any change in their state of residence prior to relocation. Please be advised that continued enrollment cannot be guaranteed.

You must submit the online application and $25 application fee to apply.

You can submit optional application materials, such as work experience and credentials, for example, industry certifications, through your applicant status portal. Experience and credentials do not have to align with a student's chosen major. 

Transfer Applicants

If you are a transfer applicant, you also must have official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended submitted directly from the institutions. If you have completed fewer than 20 semester hours or 30 quarter hours of university or college coursework, you must also submit your high school transcript for evaluation.

All applicants with international coursework are required to provide an official course-by-course evaluation for any coursework taken at a non-U.S. institution. The official credit evaluation should include a copy of the college/university transcript if the official transcript has not been provided separately. 

• Applicants who have completed a nursing diploma, degree, or equivalent or who have taken nursing courses from a foreign institution should provide an academic course-by-course evaluation directly from CGFNS Credential Evaluation Service.
• Applicants who have taken classes in a non-nursing program can choose from any credential evaluation service recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Freshman Applicants

If you're a freshman applicant, you must submit your high school transcript for evaluation. If you would like to also submit SAT (school code 1593) or ACT (school code 3314) scores, they must be submitted directly from the testing agency or from your high school. 

These items can be submitted electronically or mailed to:

Undergraduate Admissions
Chubb Hall 120
1 Ohio University Drive
Athens OH 45701

The application priority date and the transcript submission deadline are dependent on the entering semester. For full details, visit the Online Application Dates and Deadlines page.