Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Ashland, OH (2026)
Ashland, Ohio has a population of about 19,008. The city’s median household income is $57,310 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 23.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Ashland, with tuition ranging from $12,846 to $29,345 per year. In Ohio, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $81,590 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Ashland
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Ashland city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin Wallace University | Berea, OH | 42.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Malone University | Canton, OH | 48.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Kent State University at Kent | Kent, OH | 54.4 mi | $12,846 - $29,345 | – |
| Ohio Wesleyan University | Delaware, OH | 55.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH | 57.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Ohio schools on the Ohio liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Ashland
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Ohio, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,560 |
| Management Analyst | $81,590 |
| Technical Writer | $70,640 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $36,470 |
| Editor | $61,330 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $63,790 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $64,600 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Ashland at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,008 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $57,310 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 23.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Ashland-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Mansfield, OH – 13.1 mi away (73,450 pop)
- Wooster, OH – 20.3 mi away (31,483 pop)
- Medina, OH – 29.8 mi away (26,261 pop)
- Norwalk, OH – 30.2 mi away (20,593 pop)
- Wadsworth, OH – 32.5 mi away (23,136 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Ashland, OH?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Ashland. The closest is Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, OH (42.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Case Western Reserve University (57.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles in Ohio?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles in Ohio are: Management Analyst ($81,590), Technical Writer ($70,640), Human Resources Specialist ($64,600). Wages for Ashland workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Mansfield instead of Ashland?
Mansfield, OH is 13.1 miles from Ashland and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Ashland an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Ashland’s median household income of $57,310 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ashland while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Ohio public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.