University of Cincinnati Online

What University of Cincinnati Online does

University of Cincinnati Online (UC Online) is the online education division of the University of Cincinnati, a public state university founded in 1819 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The division delivers over 110 degree and certificate programs ranging from associate to doctoral levels to approximately 53,000 full-time and part-time online students. Programs are offered across verticals including nursing, business, health sciences, criminal justice, education, engineering, IT, pharmacy, and legal studies, with interdisciplinary co-delivery through internal UC colleges (Lindner College of Business, College of Allied Health Sciences, College of Nursing) and external distribution via Coursera. UC Online was among the first U.S. institutions to offer online courses and now operates a portfolio that includes emerging technical credentials such as MS in Artificial Intelligence Management, AI-focused graduate certificates, Applied AI in Finance, and Health Data Science AI.

The technology stack is built on the Canvas learning management system supplemented by UC-specific portals (Canopy, Catalyst, Bearcat Portal, Onestop). Programs are delivered 100% online with flexible scheduling designed to accommodate working professionals. UC Online maintains Higher Learning Commission institutional accreditation and program-specific credentials through CAEP, the Ohio Department of Higher Education, and alignment with TESOL International Association and International Literacy Association standards. Geographic delivery is U.S.-focused with restrictions in seven states (Arizona, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee) for certain nursing programs due to state authorization requirements.

Revenue is generated through tuition and fees structured by program level and residency status, with annual billing cadence. Application fees range from $20 (domestic graduate certificate) to $70 (international master's), with waivers for military service members, veterans, and qualifying Fall 2026 applicants. As a public state university, the underlying institution also receives funding from State of Ohio appropriations, grants, and donations. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via the online.uc.edu website, supported by Enrollment Services Advisors, virtual information sessions, content marketing (blog, SEO), and email outreach.

Name

University of Cincinnati Online

Legal name

University of Cincinnati

Website

https://online.uc.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1819

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Online Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online Divisions of Traditional Universities (Hybrid/Extension) (EDAHALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online Graduate Schools (Master’s & Doctoral Programs) (EDAHALAD), Online Healthcare & Nursing Universities (Allied Health, RN-to-BSN, etc.) (EDAHALAF), Online Community Colleges (2-Year, Degree/Transfer) (EDAHALAC), Online Professional Schools (MBA/MPA/MPH/Etc.) (EDAHALAE)

Keywords

• Online degree programs
• Higher education
• Distance learning
• Graduate certificates
• Online nursing programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: UC Online generates revenue primarily through tuition and fees charged to students enrolled in online degree and certificate programs. Tuition varies by program level (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral) and residency status. Additional fees include application fees, with graduate certificate applications at $20 domestic and $25 international.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

UC Online delivers 110+ fully online academic programs ranging from associate degrees and non-degree certificates through bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, plus graduate certificates and micro-credentials. Programs are aimed at working adults and career changers, delivered asynchronously via Canvas LMS, with personalized support from Enrollment Services Advisors and Student Success Coordinators from application through graduation.

Product overview

University of Cincinnati Online is a higher education institution offering over 110 online degrees and 100 certificate programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels. The institution provides a comprehensive portfolio of educational products including Associate Degrees, Bachelor's Degrees, Master's Degrees (including MBA, MSN, MS programs in various fields, MEds, and Master of Engineering), Doctoral Degrees, Graduate Certificates, Non-Degree Certificates, Micro-Credentials, and Endorsements. Programs span areas such as Business, Health Sciences, Nursing, Education, Criminal Justice, Information Technology, Engineering, Pharmacy, Legal Studies, and Geographic Information Systems. The institution also partners with Coursera for skills-based learning. UC Online offers personalized support including Enrollment Services Advisors and Student Success Coordinators, with programs designed for flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Associate Degrees Two-year online associate degree programs including Accounting Technology, Business Applications Technology, Business Management Technology, Cancer Registry Management, Communication, Early Childhood Care & Education, Financial Management Technology, Health Information Systems, Healthcare Management Technology, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Law and Paralegal Studies, Marketing Management Technology, Pre-Business Administration, Public Health, and Supply Chain Management Technology.
• Bachelor's Degrees Four-year online bachelor's degree programs including RN to BSN, Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences for Pre-Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling, Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science in Law and Paralegal Studies, Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance, Marketing, Accounting), Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics, Bachelor of Health Information Management, Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Bachelor of Science in Public Health, and Bachelor of Science in Special Education.
• Master's Degrees Graduate-level online master's degree programs including MSN specializations (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family NP, Nurse Midwifery, Nursing Education, Women's Health NP), Master of Health Informatics, MS in Respiratory Therapy, Executive Master of Health Administration, MS in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership, MS in Information Technology, MS in Sport Administration, MS in Exercise Science, MS in Criminal Justice, Master of Education programs (Behavior Analysis, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Special Education, Literacy and Second Language Studies, Instructional Design & Technology), MS in Community Health & Prevention Science, Master of Engineering programs (Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics & Intelligent Autonomous Systems), MBA, MS in Taxation, Finance, Marketing, Information Systems, Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence Management, Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Science in Drug Development, Pharmacy Leadership, Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare, Health Outcomes and Pharmacoeconomics, Master of Legal Studies, MS in Geographic Information Systems, and Master of City Planning.
• Doctoral Degrees Terminal online graduate degrees including Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science and Doctor of Clinical Speech Language Pathology.
• RN to BSN Program Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program, ranked #1 Best Online College in Ohio and supporting the #21 Best Online Master's in Nursing Degrees ranking.
• Graduate Certificates Post-bachelor's online certificate programs including Health Data Science AI, Information Technology, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Special Education Leadership, Analysis of Criminal Behavior, Correctional Rehabilitation, Crime Analysis and Prevention, Digital Marketing, Marketing, Artificial Intelligence (Graduate), Data Analytics, Quantitative Finance, Investment Management, Corporate Taxation, Individual Taxation, Business Foundations, Cosmetic Science, Post-Masters Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-Masters Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Nurse Led Innovation, Health Care Administration, Health Care Finance, Health Care Policy, Pharmacogenomics & Personalized Healthcare, Post-Baccalaureate Law & Paralegal Studies, Pharmacy Leadership, Data-Driven Cybersecurity, STEM and Sustainability, Clinical Trials Design & Research, Global Regulatory Affairs in Drug Development, Hygienic Manufacturing of Cosmetic Products, Blended Online Learning Certificate (BOLT), Health and Wellness Coaching, Legal Studies certificates (Healthcare Administration Regulation, IT and Cyber Law, Sports Law, Business Compliance), and Applied AI in Finance.
• Non-Degree Certificates Online non-degree certificate programs including Fire Administration, Substance Abuse Counseling, Medical Coder, Cancer Registry Management, Revenue Cycle Management, Physician Practice Management, Hospitality Management, Insurance and Finance Management, Application Software Support Specialist, Information Technology, and Post-Associate Certificate in Law & Paralegal Studies.
• Micro-Credentials Short-term online credential programs including the Micro-Credential in Design Strategy.
• Teaching Endorsements Online teaching endorsement programs including Gifted Education, Principal Licensure, Transition to Work, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and PreK-12 Reading.
• Skills@UC Online skills development programs offered through UC Online for professional advancement, with selected courses delivered via Coursera.

Quantifiable outcome

• #1 Best Online College in Ohio
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Carl H. Lindner College of BusinesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint delivery of interdisciplinary programs including Health Care Policy, Health Care Finance, Health Care Administration certificates, and various business graduate programs. Combines expertise from the College of Allied Health Sciences and Lindner College of Business.
• College of Allied Health SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint delivery of health-related graduate certificates and programs with the Lindner College of Business. Provides interdisciplinary curriculum in healthcare administration, policy, and finance.
• UC College of NursingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers nursing programs including Nurse-Led Innovation Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. Partners with Lindner College of Business for business and entrepreneurship components.
• Canvas LMScoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary online learning management system platform used for delivering all online courses and programs.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Purdue University Global: Purdue Global is the online-focused arm of Purdue University serving adult learners with strong nursing, business, and IT programs. It directly competes with UC Online in the same target segments and benefits from similar R1 university brand credibility.
• Arizona State University Online: ASU Online is the online division of a major public research university, offering 200+ programs across similar verticals (business, IT, engineering, education). It is the closest direct peer in structure (online division of a traditional R1 university) and competes for the same national working-adult segment.
• Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): SNHU is one of the largest online universities in the US, offering extensive associate, bachelor's, and master's programs with strong nursing and business verticals. It competes directly with UC Online for working-adult and career-changer online students across similar degree categories.
• Walden University: Walden University is an online-focused university owned by Adtalem with strong graduate nursing, education, and healthcare programs. It competes directly with UC Online in graduate nursing and education verticals, particularly with adult learners seeking flexible online formats.
• Western Governors University: WGU is a leading nonprofit online-only university serving 150,000+ students with competency-based IT, nursing, business, and education programs. Its tuition model and emphasis on workforce-aligned credentials make it a primary competitive threat in UC Online's nursing, IT, and education verticals.
• Liberty University Online: Liberty University Online offers 400+ programs including nursing, business, and education degrees at competitive tuition. It competes with UC Online for working-adult and military student segments with strong nationwide reach.
• Penn State World Campus: Penn State World Campus is the online division of Penn State, offering 200+ programs across business, IT, education, and engineering. As a public research university online arm with a strong brand, it competes head-to-head with UC Online for similar national working-adult cohorts.
• Oregon State University Ecampus: Oregon State Ecampus is a top-ranked online division of a public research university offering bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs with strong STEM and business categories. It competes with UC Online for the same demographic of working adults seeking reputable online credentials.

Others

• Coursera: Coursera is both a partner (UC Online lists programs on Coursera) and an adjacent platform that offers degrees from multiple universities including accredited master's programs. It represents a distribution channel and an indirect competitor in the professional development and degree-bearing online learning market.

Regional players

• Ohio University Online: Ohio University Online is the in-state peer within the same State of Ohio public university system, offering online bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs. As a direct regional competitor, it draws from the same Ohio-resident pool and competes for similar working-adult students in the home state.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/cincinnationline

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about University of Cincinnati Online