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 has adopted a test-optional pathway for admission to the Athens campus for freshman applicants. As such, you may submit test scores (ACT or SAT) if interested in having them considered.

International Applicants

Generally, students that reside outside of the United State are not eligible to enroll in an OHIO Online™ program.  Additionally, Ohio University is unable to provide immigration support to international students regardless of where they reside.  If you would like to discuss your specific situation in order to determine eligibility, please reach out to an OHIO Online™ enrollment advisor before applying.

Schedule an OHIO Online™ Advisor Appointment

Criteria for More Selective Programs

Some of our online programs have more rigorous requirements.

View 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 send optional application materials, such as essays, letters of recommendation and/or lists of extra-curricular interests and activities to the address below or to admissions@ohio.edu.

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 any gaps in your post-secondary education, please include a statement of missing time explaining those gaps. 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.

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.