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Top 20 Cheapest Online PhD Programs in 2024

If you’re looking to earn a Ph.D. without committing to full-time study, an online Ph.D.  might be a fantastic option. Many students can juggle their thesis, work, and family commitments, but unfortunately, online doctorates tend to come with a hefty price tag.

That said, you don’t have to break the bank to pursue your qualification! We’ve compiled the 15 cheapest online Ph.D. programs in 2024.

Table of Contents

The 20 Cheapest Online Ph.D. Programs

Related : Cheapest Online Master’s Degrees

1. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• Missouri State University
• Annual tuition : $14,700
• Cost per credit: No information available
• In-person requirement: 100% online
• Credits required to graduate: 29 credit hours

The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Missouri State University is one of the cheapest online Ph.D. programs in nursing. It offers incredible flexibility, letting full-time and part-time students choose between attending classes in real time or watching replays on their own time. The program provides a clear overview of modern scientific methods and practices, entrepreneurship, finance management principles, and health policy for senior nursing professionals.

2. Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc)

• Pacific College of Health and Science
• Annual tuition : $9,988
• Cost per credit: $454
• Credits required to graduate: See the model curriculum

This online program is designed for anyone with a Master’s in Acupuncture. It aims to give students a deeper understanding of Chinese medicine and general biomedicine, specifically acupuncture. It will also sharpen students’ knowledge of healthcare ethics, build leadership skills, and enhance their problem-solving capabilities. This is one of the cheapest online doctorate programs available today, especially considering the number of credit hours.

3. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Agriculture Education/Higher Education Administration

• Texas Tech University
• Annual tuition : $8,779 (based on full-time courseload of 18 credit hours, for all online learners)
• Cost per credit: $488 per credit hour in-state online learners. According to Texas Tech University, students may pay around the same for out-of-state (although there may be some fees)
• In-person requirement: Hybrid
• Credits required to graduate: 72 credit hours minimum

This cheap online doctoral program in education is delivered entirely online. To be eligible, students need relevant professional experience. For Higher Education specialization, they’ll also require professional experience at a post-secondary institution. The Agriculture Education program will help students develop critical thinking in agricultural research, statistics, and communication.

4. Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies

• North Carolina A&T State University
• Annual tuition: $4,194 for in-state students, $15,480 for out-of-state students
• Cost per credit : $233 per credit hour for in-state students, $860 per credit hour for out-of-state students
• Credits required to graduate: 60 credit hours minimum, 48 hours of coursework, 12 hours for dissertation

This interdisciplinary program is for master’s degree holders who want to research sociology and behavior in order to learn more about leadership qualities. The program requires 42 program credits and 12 dissertation credits. This online doctorate is relevant to various industries and disciplines. Upon successful completion, students will be qualified for a range of roles in consultancy, research, and education.

Related : The best one-year online Ph.D. programs

5. Ph.D. in Computer Science

• Colorado Technical University
• Annual tuition: $13,393
• Cost per credit: $598 per credit hour
• In-person requirement: Courses are 100% online. On-campus residency is required during research.
• Credits required to graduate: 100 credit hours are obtainable in as few as three years.

This 100-credit program in computer science provides a modern, relevant approach to computing. With deep knowledge in a specialized area of computer science, students are equipped to predict future trends in the field and make significant contributions to the sector. This program will help them become experts in computer design, security, and processes. As one of the most affordable online Ph.D. programs in computer science, classes are flexible, so students can arrange their studies around their schedule.

Considering that 100 credits are required to graduate, this Colorado Technical University program is one of the most inexpensive Ph.D. programs online.

6. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• Indiana State University
• Annual tuition : $8,103 for in-state students, $10,527 for out-of-state students
• Cost per credit: $438 per credit hour in-state. Out-of-state students pay $861 per credit hour unless they’re eligible for online rates ($569). A $50 per graduate course fee is added to online learning courses .
• In-person requirement: 100% online
• Credits required to graduate: 37 credit hours, no dissertation required

Students require a Master’s in Nursing to be eligible for Indiana State University’s online DNP program. This program doesn’t involve writing a dissertation, and the entire course can be completed in 37 credit hours. It is designed to develop and sharpen knowledge of care delivery, ethics, leadership, and decision-making while developing critical thinking skills to provide patient care.

To earn a DNP, Indiana State University offers one of the more affordable Ph.D. programs online.

7. Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction

• New Mexico State University
• Annual tuition: $17,551
• Cost per credit: $444.40 per credit hour for all students .
• In-person requirement: One week of in-person learning at the Las Cruces campus during the summer session (required for three summers)
• Credits required to graduate: 66 credit hour minimum. Depending on your advisor and committee suggestions, more may be requested.

The C&I (Curriculum and Instruction) online doctorate at New Mexico State University is a generalist doctoral qualification. You can choose to specialize in multicultural teaching, early childhood education, education and technology, cultural studies, or critical pedagogies. The program also offers the option to choose independent courses to enhance your particular area of study.

The C&I doctoral program is one of the most affordable Ph.D. programs online (a flat rate of $444.4 per credit hour) whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student.

8. Doctor of Public Health / Global Health Leadership

• Indiana University Online
• Annual tuition: $10,350 for in-state students, $22,500 for out-of-state students
• Cost per credit hour: $690 in-state, $1,500 out-of-state
• In-person requirement: Three face-to-face meetings in both Year 1 and Year 2. Otherwise, everything else is online.
• Credits required to graduate: 45 credits over an average of three years

This doctoral qualification specializing in global and public health uses a global curriculum from an international faculty. The program accepts two cohorts: a group with seven years of work experience (after completing a master’s degree) and one for students with at least a few years’ experience post master’s.

Indiana University’s program is designed for professionals in the public health  sector – and it’s one of the cheapest Ph.D. programs of its kind.

9. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• University of Massachusetts – Amherst
• Annual tuition : $14,850 (based on a full-time course load of 18 credit hours)
• Cost per credit: $825 per credit hour
• In-person requirement: If you already have an MSN and are a CPN (Advanced), you can join the online DNP completion program.
• Credits required to graduate: 36 credit hours

The University of Massachusetts’ online doctorate program in Nursing Practice allows professionals to enhance their practical skills and knowledge of medical care. It also helps them to think critically about advanced scientific knowledge in healthcare, analyze clinical results, and perfect their leadership skills while taking an evidence-based approach through the latest healthcare and nursing research.

10. EdD in Higher Education Administration

• University of Wyoming
• Annual tuition : $6,460 for in-state students, $19,340 for out-of-state students
• Cost per credit: $359 per credit hour for in-state students. $1,075 per credit hour for out-of-state students.
• In-person requirement: Initial campus visit, then almost entirely online
• Credits required to graduate: Roughly 75

University of Wyoming’s doctoral program aims to create education leaders that effectively manage higher education institutions. Students can complete the program with around 75 credits. This program can be completed almost entirely online (though it does require an initial campus visit). If you’re looking for the cheapest Ph.D. online, this is certainly one of them.

11. Doctor of Philosophy in Polymer & Fiber Engineering

• Auburn University
• Annual tuition : $17,082 ((based on a full-time course load of 18 credit hours)
• Cost per credit: $949 per credit hour
• In-person requirement: You may be required to visit the campus for oral exams and project/thesis/dissertation defense
• Credits required to graduate: 30 credit hours minimum for a thesis option, 36 credit hours minimum for the non-thesis option

This is one of the few online doctoral specializations available for professionals in the field of chemical engineering. It is also one of the cheapest Ph.D. programs in the discipline, requiring 30 course credits and 10 research credits to complete. If you’re looking for a cheap online Ph.D. in engineering, this offering from Auburn University might suit you.

Specialization subjects include polymer chemistry and conduction in polymers, mechanics of materials made of textiles, fabrics used for producing paper, along with many others. Any student with a master’s degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical engineering, polymer science) is eligible for the program.

12. Ph.D. of Philosophy in Nursing

• Hampton University
• Annual tuition: $9,382 – $10,425 (based on completing 54 to 60 credits over four years)
• Cost per credit: $695
• Credits required to graduate: 54 to 60 credits over an average of 4 years; 7 years maximum

To apply, students need a master’s degree in a relevant field. This online doctoral degree requires a minimum of 48 credits (beyond a master’s degree) for completion. This is a flexible program where students can pursue areas of interest beyond the core subjects.

13. Doctor of Education in Community Care & Counseling

• Liberty University
• Annual tuition: $13,566 on average
• Cost per credit: $595 per credit for full-time students (6-15 credits per semester)
• Credits required to graduate: 57 credit hours over 2.5 years (on average)

This 100% online and highly flexible program is offered by Liberty University, a higher education institution grounded in Christian values. The program specializes in diagnosis, treatment, and counseling, especially in family and marriage, as well as research and education methodology. Note : This EdD degree does not meet state counseling licensure requirements.

14. Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy

• Annual tuition: $11,900 on average
• Cost per credit:  $595 per credit hour for full-time online (enrolled in 6 to 15 credits per semester)
• Credits required to graduate: 60 credit hours over 3 years on average

This online doctoral program can be completed in 60 credit hours and aims to equip students for the world of public policy. It encourages new research to improve and transform the public policy sector through Christian doctrine.

15. Doctor of Business Administration

• Columbia Southern University
• Annual tuition : $8,845
• Cost per credit: $435
• Credits required to graduate: minimum of 61 credits (up to 9 can be transferred)

One of the most affordable online degree programs in Business Administration, this Columbia Southern Ph.D. allows students to develop advanced leadership and decision-making skills, focusing on both research and the application of theory. To earn their doctorate, students need to complete a dissertation and defend it before a committee (which can be done remotely). In addition to this project-based study, students must also complete coursework on topics such as corporate responsibility, financial and accounting management, and quantitative data analysis.

16. Juris Doctor

• Abraham Lincoln University
• Annual tuition : $11,375
• Cost per credit: $325 per quarter unit
• Credits required to graduate: 140 quarter units over four years

The Juris Doctor program offered by Abraham Lincoln University is one of the oldest online law schools in California. Fully online, students learn a range of advanced analytical, technical, and research skills to practice law or work in a range of positions in the legal sector. The program is registered with the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California.

17. Doctor of Education (EdD)

• William Howard Taft University
• Annual tuition: $6,480 (based on a full-time course load of 18 credit hours)
• Cost per credit: $360
• Credits required to graduate: 60 credits

This online Ph.D. in Education program equips students with advanced knowledge of organizational development, educational psychology, diversity in education, and law & ethics. Students can choose between three concentrations: Leadership & Administration, Educational Technology, and Charter School Administration.

18. Online Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation

• Arizona State University
• Tuition : $10,170 (for a full-time load of nine credit hours per semester)
• Cost per credit: $565
• Credits required to graduate: 90 credit hours

This affordable online doctorate is offered in a cohort model that is designed to provide students with a high degree of academic support. As part of this model, students are placed in leader scholar community groups to improve student experiences and promote better learning outcomes. Designed for practicing educators and leaders in the education sector, the program gives educators the tools to better support student success and drive positive change in classrooms – and across entire institutions.

Students may opt for one of three educational pathways:

• Pre-K to Grade 12 Change Leadership
• Higher Education Change Leadership
• Systems, Professional, and Reimagined Change Leadership.

19. E dD in Leadership

• American College of Education
• Total program cost: $23,914
• Cost per credit: $306 (total program cost $23,914)
• Credits required to graduate: 64 credits over 36 months

This is one of the most affordable fully online doctoral programs in educational leadership. Students pursue original research in an area of their choice while using evidence-based decision-making to solve real-world problems. The program typically takes three years, but accelerated programs are available for qualifying students (e.g., EdS, ACE graduates).

20. Doctor of Nursing Practice (Educational Leadership)

• Post University
• Annual tuition: $13,860
• Cost per credit: $770
• Credits required to graduate: 42 credit hours over 28 months

This is one of only a handful of online DNP programs specializing in educational leadership. It equips nursing educators with vital skills across leadership, curriculum development, policy, finance, research, and strategic planning. The program is broken down into eight-week courses and offers six start dates per year, making it easier for busy professionals to fit their studies into their schedules.

What’s the Average Cost of Online Doctoral Degrees?

Most online doctoral degree programs cost between $10,000 and $20,000 yearly in tuition and fees. However, this can vary widely depending on the institution and field of study. The most affordable online doctorate degrees start at around $6,000 annually, with a total degree cost of around $12,000.

Related : The easiest Ph.D. to consider

Make Cheap Online Ph.D. Programs Even More Affordable

We’ve pulled together the cheapest online doctoral degree programs from respected institutions in various fields. However, even when looking at the most affordable online doctoral programs, tuition and other fees can add up. Luckily, many sources of financial support can help.

Many universities and colleges provide financial aid to students. There are also scholarships, loans, and grants available for deserving students. You can even ask your employer to cover all or part of your tuition and other study expenses.

Top Doctoral Degree Fields

By looking at the median annual wage, some of the highest-paying fields for Ph.D. graduates (as of 2021) include:

• Psychiatrists : $226,880
• Software Architects : $120,520
• Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers : $97,410
• Medical Scientists : $95,310
• Petroleum Geologists : $83,680

Related : The top online Ph.D. programs .

Where Are Ph.D. Holders Most Desired?

Currently, doctorate holders are most in demand  in the fields of law, post-secondary education (especially in health specialties), and physical therapy. You’ll find countless affordable online doctorate programs, especially in some of the programs we listed above.

Mean earnings in the US in 2021 by level of educational attainment:

• Less than 9th grade: $32,907
• High school (9th to 12th Nongrad): $30,072
• Graduate (including GED): $42,851
• Some college, but no degree: $45,423
• Associate degree: $52,127
• Bachelor’s degree: $80,384
• Master’s degree: $97,647
• Professional degree: $156,305
• Doctorate degree: $140,469

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest online doctorate.

In the age where online learning is becoming the norm, it comes as no surprise that more and more institutions are offering doctoral degrees online. Online education, by its nature, tends to be cheaper than in-person learning. To give you a better idea, some of the cheapest online doctoral programs are:

• North Carolina A&T State University’s Doctor of Philosophy program  costs just $233 per credit, or $4,194 per year in annual tuition for in-state residents. However, tuition is significantly higher for residents of other states.
• Columbia Southern University  offers doctorate programs at $435 per credit hour (or $391.50 for CSU Learning Partner members). The university tries to include textbooks  and eBooks in the total cost to lower your costs even more. Of course, this may not always be valid for those working toward doctorates.

It’s worth mentioning that many doctorates (even those online) offer financial aid opportunities to help you pay part or all of your tuition costs. It may be worth looking into programs where these opportunities exist.

Do Online Ph.D. Programs Provide Financial Aid?

If you want to earn your doctorate online, you can still apply for FAFSA  if the school or program accepts it. Consider online schools and programs that offer financial aid.

Most universities will offer scholarships and grants to qualifying students, whether they are attending in-person or online classes. For example, students at Missouri State University’s Doctor of Nursing program can apply for MSU’s annual scholarship.

Note: Although you can apply for various scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to get them.

Are Online Ph.D. Programs Legitimate?

Yes, there are a large number of legitimate online Ph.D. programs offered by reputable institutions. As with any higher-education program, it’s essential to check that the school is accredited before enrolling, as this is directly related to the value of any qualification. It’s also important to consider the institution’s reputation, which may influence potential future employers.

Can I Get a Ph.D. for Free?

Several fully-funded Ph.D. programs  offer doctorates with no out-of-pocket costs. These programs typically cover tuition and other expenses for the entire duration of the program through scholarships, grants, work-study, or a combination of these. Some schools even offer a stipend for living expenses.

However, many of these programs involve on-campus attendance. The options for fully-funded online doctoral programs are much more limited.

Key Takeaways

An online doctoral qualification not only helps you to advance your career but also encourages your personal development via critical thinking, leadership, and analytical skills. You’ll find that pursuing one of the cheapest online Ph.D. programs in 2022 will provide countless benefits!

Want to get a Ph.D. but aren’t sure if you qualify? Discover whether you need a master’s to get a Ph.D. !

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 30+ Best Dorm Room Essentials for Guys in 2024
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Most Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs in 2024

• Online Degrees
• 10 min read

Pursuing a Ph.D. can be a costly endeavor, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.

We’ve ranked the 20 most affordable online Ph.D. programs based on a methodology weighing three key factors.

The Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs in 2024

Rankings analysis and insights, guide to affordable online phd programs, top paying phd degrees, common questions about affordable online phd programs, can i earn a ph.d. online for free.

Ranking Methodology

• Annual Tuition Costs: This accounts for 50% of the ranking score. We looked at the total annual tuition cost for a full-time course load. Lower tuition receives a higher score.
• Cost Per Credit Hour: 30% of the ranking score is based on the cost per credit hour. A lower cost per credit equals a higher score.
• Flexibility and Accessibility: The remaining 20% of the score focuses on program flexibility and accessibility. Programs that are 100% online with multiple start dates per year and no residency requirements receive the highest marks.

Using this ranking methodology, here are the top 20 most affordable online Ph.D. programs for 2024.

North Carolina A&T State University – Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies

Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies

• $4,194 – $15,480 annual tuition
• 60 credits, 100% online

With in-state tuition of just $233 per credit hour, NC A&T tops the list as the #1 most affordable online PhD program. This flexible 60 credit program has no residency requirements and focuses on leadership theory and research methods.

Columbia Southern University – Doctor of Business Administration

Doctor of Business Administration

• $8,845 annual tuition
• 61 credits, 100% online

At $435 per credit hour, CSU offers one of the cheapest online business doctorates. This 100% online, 61 credit DBA has a dissertation requirement but no residency.

William Howard Taft University – Doctor of Education

Doctor of Education

• $6,480 annual tuition

Taft’s EdD only costs $360 per credit and has no additional fees. The 60 credit degree is fully online with a choice of concentrations.

American College of Education – EdD in Leadership

EdD in Leadership

• $6,528 annual tuition
• 64 credits, 100% online

For $306 per credit hour, ACE offers an affordable leadership-focused doctorate in education completely online. Students complete a dissertation.

Indiana State University – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Doctor of Nursing Practice

• $8,103 – $10,527 annual tuition
• 37 credits, 100% online

With tuition of $438 per credit, ISU’s 37 credit DNP is a top choice for an affordable nursing doctorate. The program is 100% online with no residencies.

Texas Tech University – EdD in Agricultural Education

EdD in Agricultural Education

• $8,779 annual in-state tuition
• 72 credits, hybrid

Texas residents pay only $488 per credit for this 72 credit education doctorate with an agricultural focus from TTU. It is mostly online with minimal campus visits.

Post University – Doctor of Nursing Practice

• $13,860 annual tuition
• 42 credits, 100% online

Post offers its 42 credit DNP for only $770 per credit hour. The program is entirely online in an accelerated 28-month timeline.

Liberty University – Doctor of Education in Community Care & Counseling

Doctor of Education in Community Care & Counseling

• $13,566 annual tuition
• 57 credits, 100% online

Liberty’s CCC EdD costs just $595 per credit with discounts for full-time students. The 57 credit program is 100% online.

University of Wyoming – EdD in Higher Education Administration

EdD in Higher Education Administration

• $6,460 – $19,340 annual tuition
• 75 credits, mostly online

UW’s education doctorate costs only $359 per credit for in-state students. It is mostly online with one initial campus visit.

Missouri State University – Doctor of Nursing Practice

• $14,700 annual tuition
• 29 credits, 100% online

MSU’s DNP runs $14,700 in flat annual tuition, making it one of the most affordable nursing doctorates. The 29 credit program is completely online.

Abraham Lincoln University – Juris Doctor

Juris Doctor (JD)

• $11,375 annual tuition
• 140 credits, 100% online

ALU offers an ABA-approved law doctorate for only $325 per quarter unit. The 140 unit JD is 100% online with flexibility.

Arizona State University – Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation

Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation

• $10,170 annual tuition
• 90 credits, 100% online

ASU’s EdD is $565 per credit but offers grants and scholarships to lower costs further. The 90 credit program is online in a supportive cohort model.

University of Massachusetts – Doctor of Nursing Practice

• $14,850 annual tuition
• 36 credits, online after MSN

UMass’ 36 credit DNP is $825 per credit hour for a total cost under $15,000 a year. It is online after completing an MSN degree.

New Mexico State University – PhD in Curriculum & Instruction

PhD in Curriculum & Instruction

• $17,551 annual tuition
• 66+ credits, mostly online

NMSU’s C&I doctorate is $444 per credit for all students. It is mostly online with some summer campus sessions required.

Pacific College of Health and Science – Doctor of Acupuncture

Doctor of Acupuncture

• $9,988 annual tuition
• Varies, 100% online

At $454 per credit, this DAOM completion degree is one of the most affordable doctorates in acupuncture. The program is 100% online.

Colorado Technical University – PhD in Computer Science

PhD in Computer Science

• $13,393 annual tuition
• 100 credits, online with residency

CTU offers a flexible 100 credit PhD in computer science for $598 per credit hour. Online with occasional on-campus research.

Indiana University – Doctor of Public Health

Doctor of Public Health

• $10,350 – $22,500 annual tuition
• 45 credits, mostly online

IU’s online DrPH costs between $690-$1500 per credit depending on residency. It includes some face-to-face meetings over two years.

Hampton University – PhD in Nursing

PhD in Nursing

• $9,382 – $10,425 annual tuition
• 54-60 credits, 100% online

Hampton’s online nursing PhD ranges from $695-$750 per credit. The flexible 54-60 credit program has no residency requirements.

Auburn University – PhD in Polymer & Fiber Engineering

PhD in Polymer & Fiber Engineering

• $17,082 annual tuition
• 30-36 credits, mostly online

Auburn’s engineering Ph.D. is $949 per credit. The program is mostly online, with potential campus visits for exams and defense.

Liberty University – PhD in Public Policy

Ph.D. in Public Policy

• $11,900 annual tuition

Liberty’s 60 credit public policy Ph.D. costs $595 per credit. The online program incorporates Christian doctrine.

• Public and state colleges tend to offer the most affordable options, with lower in-state tuition rates. Private universities are typically more expensive for online doctoral programs.
• Certain fields like nursing, education, business, and public policy have numerous affordable online options, likely due to high demand. Fields like law, medicine, and hard sciences have fewer cheap online programs available.
• Total credit requirements range widely from 30 credits up to over 90 credits, impacting overall program cost. Shorter programs with no dissertation requirement are sometimes cheaper.
• Annual tuition costs of $10,000-15,000 are quite common even for affordable online PhDs. Programs under $10,000 are rare, making financial aid and support crucial.
• 100% online programs with no residency provide the most cost savings on travel and lodging. Programs with some on-campus elements have higher overall costs.
• Part-time and flexible pacing options can lower per credit tuition rates at some schools, ideal for working professionals.
• Even affordable programs often have extra fees for technology, resources, and graduation costs that add to the total price.
• Ranking strictly by annual tuition cost provides just one data point. Cost per credit and program flexibility also influence value.

In summary, public universities tend to offer the most affordable online Ph.D. options, especially in high-demand fields like nursing and education. But additional financial support is still key, even with cheaper programs. Flexibility, required credits, and fees also impact total costs.

Pursuing a PhD can be expensive, but online programs can provide a more affordable option for advancing your education and career. This guide covers key factors to consider when researching cheap online doctoral programs.

What to Look For in Affordable Online PhDs

• Low Tuition Costs – Compare annual and per credit tuition rates. In-state public schools tend to be cheaper.
• Limited Fees – Watch out for extra fees that can increase the overall cost.
• 100% Online – Fully online programs eliminate travel and on-campus costs.
• Flexibility – Look for self-paced options with multiple start dates per year.
• Financial Aid – Ask about scholarships, grants, assistantships, and other aid opportunities.
• No Residency – Programs without residency requirements maximize cost savings.

Most Affordable Online Ph.D. Fields

Certain subjects tend to have lower-cost online doctoral options:

• Public Policy/Administration
• Engineering
• Computer Science

Ways to Save on Online PhDs

If tuition is still high, here are some tips to reduce costs:

• Apply for financial aid through the school and external scholarships
• Use employer education benefits or tuition reimbursement
• Attend part-time to qualify for lower per-credit rates
• Find paid research or teaching assistant roles
• Take advantage of in-state tuition if moving is an option

A Ph.D. can lead to high-paying jobs in academia, research, or specialized industries.

These degrees offer high salaries because they require a high level of skill and knowledge. They also lead to careers in in-demand fields.

• Early Career Salary: $103,000
• Mid-Career Salary: $144,000
• Initial Salary: $118,000
• Pay at mid-career level: $145,000
• Early Career Salary: $83,400
• Mid-Career Salary: $146,000
• Early Career Salary: $96,100
• Early Career Salary: $93,700
• Mid-Career Salary: $135,000
• Pay in Your Early Years: $88,100
• Pay at mid-career level: $133,000
• Salary for an Early Career: $105,000
• Pay at mid-career level: $131,000
• Early Career Salary: $93,600
• Mid-career salary: $137,000
• Early Career Salary: $75,400
• Mid-Career Salary: $141,000
• Early Career Salary: $73,600
• Mid-Career Salary: $138,000

Pursuing an online PhD program can provide flexibility and convenience for working professionals and parents.

However, earning a doctoral degree remotely also raises many questions about cost, financial aid, legitimacy, and more.

The section below answers some of the most frequently asked questions about affordable online PhD options .

What are some of the cheapest online doctorate programs?

While tuition costs vary, some particularly affordable options include:

• North Carolina A&T State University’s online Doctor of Philosophy program charges just $233 per credit hour for in-state students.
• Columbia Southern University offers doctoral programs starting at $435 per credit hour, including textbooks and eBooks.
• Many schools provide financial assistance, which can lower out-of-pocket costs for online learners. Checking a program’s aid opportunities is advisable.

Can I get financial aid for an online PhD program?

Yes, financial aid, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans, is often available for online doctoral students–some of which are known as “ fully funded online PhD programs “. Steps to take:

• Complete the FAFSA if the program/school accepts it.
• Research scholarships and grants specifically for online learners.
• Ask about aid directly through the school or program.
• Explore employer education benefits and professional development funds.

Are online PhD programs seen as legitimate credentials?

Absolutely. Top schools like Stanford, Columbia, and MIT now offer online doctorates. Be sure to verify:

• The program has valid accreditation .
• The school is non-profit and regionally accredited.
• Past graduates found career success after earning their degrees .

A small number of schools provide full funding for select on-campus Ph.D. students. But free online options besides the GI Bill for veterans are very limited. Realistically, expect to pay some tuition costs unless you secure a full scholarship or grant.

Affordable online Ph.D. programs do exist but require diligent research. Seeking aid and evaluating total costs are key steps for remote doctoral students.

Finding an affordable online Ph.D. is possible with research and utilizing all financial aid opportunities available. Being flexible about the school and program can also help you find the best value.

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EdDPrograms.org

25 Most Affordable Online Ed.D. Programs

To help you achieve your financial goals, we've also included info on Ed.D. scholarships, discounts, and payment plans. There's even a bonus section on how to calculate costs !

Updated for 2024 on March 1, 2024

Most Affordable Ed.D. Rankings

To nail down the cheapest online Ed.D. programs in the country, we evaluated every school in our database that offered distance learning options. In order to establish the program cost, we multiplied the total number of credits by the per credit tuition rate. In most cases, this is the number you’ll see under each ranking. A few things to note as you’re skimming through the summaries:

• Program Costs : We’ve quoted 2024 tuition prices and per credit costs. Because these frequently change, we’ve also provided you with a link to the school’s tuition & fees section!
• Minimum Credits: We give a price estimate for the online Ed.D. program with the fewest amount of credits. In our profiles, you’ll notice that some schools also offer longer programs that cost more.
• In-State vs. Out-of-State : If a public university had different rates for in-state and out-of-state students, we used the out-of-state rate to order our schools. We’ve also quoted the in-state rate in case you’re lucky enough to live nearby.
• Mandatory Fees : If mandatory, per credit fees were required (e.g. distance learning), we included those in the final tuition calculation. That’s why our estimates are occasionally higher than what’s quoted on the program page.
• One-Off & Per Semester Fees: Because these can vary, we haven’t included one-off costs like the application fee, books & materials, and associated expenses. Ask the Ed.D. program coordinator for a sample budget to understand these items.
• Non-Profit vs. For-Profit : For quality purposes, we deliberately excluded for-profit schools, even ones that were CAEP-accredited. You’re welcome to investigate them, but we recommend you read student reviews, talk to recent alumni, and discuss your options with current employers before you make a decision.

Rankings Update: How Prices Changed in 2024

It’s been an intriguing year for programs in our Most Affordable Ed.D. Rankings . Some schools transformed hybrid programs into 100% online offerings (e.g. Marshall) or reduced their prices slightly by getting rid of fees. Others bumped up their costs and discontinued online doctorates that weren’t doing so well (e.g. Texas Tech). Here are a few highlights from our 2024 rankings: 

• Valdosta State remained at #1. Year after year, this public university in Georgia has offered the cheapest online Doctor of Education in the country.
• As expected, many public universities raised their per credit tuition rates slightly. In sharp contrast, program prices at public Louisiana schools and private Christian universities like Liberty and Evangel stayed the same.
• We’ve unearthed a number of public newcomers! In 2024, we welcomed USI, NGU, UWF, LSU, KU, and YSU to our rankings. In addition to being affordable, they offer a huge range of Ed.D. majors and specialties.
• Some schools have even developed new programs for distance learners. For instance, check out NIU’s cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

Use our rankings as a starting point for your research. You may find that your employer is happy to help subsidize a targeted program that’s sitting at #20, rather than an irrelevant degree that features in the top 5.

Cheapest Schools with Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Programs

25 liberty university.

• View All Online Ed.D. Programs

Minimum Program Cost : $32,130 Minimum Credits : 54 Cost Per Credit : $595 (Full-Time Online Tuition)

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Liberty is a private Christian university with a faith-based outlook and a reputation for focusing on online learning. You’ll see traditional online doctoral programs for K-12 educators and specific doctorates for Christian leaders . To accommodate working professionals, all of Liberty’s programs are 100% online, with eight-week courses and optional on-campus intensives. Plus credit transfers are available (up to 9-15 credit hours).

Tuition rates for online doctorates are outlined in full on the tuition & fees page. We’ve used the full-time Ed.D. rate in our calculation; the part-time rate is more expensive. You’ll also find online program fees listed in this section, including the per semester technology fee, the one-time application fee, and assorted course fees.

Interested in funding? Liberty University Online (LUO) has a section on Scholarship Opportunities , with detailed info about LUO Scholarships & Discounts . Pay attention to those discounts—there are tuition breaks for military, first responders, Canadians, partner organizations , and more. LUO also offers a payment plan .

For More Information:

• Online Ed.D. Programs
• Admission Requirements
• Tuition & Fees

24 University of Kansas

• Online Ed.D in Educational Administration

Minimum Program Cost : $30,345 Minimum Credits : 51 Cost Per Credit : $595 (Online Ed.D. Tuition)

KU’s 100% Online Ed.D in Educational Administration for PK-12 leaders is not only affordable—it’s one of the most prestigious distance learning doctorates in the Midwest. The School of Education & Human Sciences has come up with a 51-credit, 3-year program that can prepare students for Kansas licensure endorsement in school district administration. (Additional coursework can be added to complete the building-level endorsement.)

Tuition for this online doctorate is charged at flat per credit rate for all students, regardless of their state of residence. Better yet, flat-rate programs are not subject to additional course or campus fees.

If you need extra help, visit the section on Financial Aid & Scholarships . The School of Education and Human Sciences offers scholarships to current online doctoral students who have begun coursework and will be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per term for the following academic year.

• Online Ed.D Program

23 University of Louisiana-Monroe

• Online Ed.D in Curriculum & Instruction

Minimum Program Cost : $30,000 Minimum Credits : 60 Cost Per Credit : $500 (Ed.D. Tuition)

ULM’s short & sweet program is the brainchild of its CAEP-accredited School of Education . It’s a 100% online doctorate that can be completed in two years via eight-week terms. The curriculum is a balance of research & professional coursework for K-20 professionals. But ULM is unique in allowing students to choose a dissertation OR a capstone & action plan for their final project.

In the section on Ed.D. tuition , ULM states that tuition is pay-by-the-course. However, it doesn’t mention whether online graduate students are expected to pay additional fees (e.g. application fee). And it doesn’t give estimates for associated costs (e.g. course materials). So we recommend you ask the program coordinator for details on these two factors.

The university also doesn’t provide a great deal of information on financial support for graduate students. You can start by contacting the Office of Financial Aid . They should be able to answer questions about federal options (e.g. loans) and external scholarships.

22 Evangel University

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction

Minimum Program Cost : $30,000 Minimum Credits : 50 Cost Per Credit : $600 (Ed.D. Tuition)

The online Ed.D. program at this private Christian university in Missouri covers the gamut of K-20 education. It’s a state-approved prep program for superintendents , but it’s also designed to suit curriculum specialists, school leaders, and university professionals who wish to specialize in higher education. It’s cohort-based and it’s practical. The curriculum includes an internship and a strong emphasis on technology as an instructional tool.

Evangel does a good job of laying out tuition rates and additional fees. In addition to tuition, you’ll need to budget for per semester student fees and one-time application & graduation fees. You can pay for the degree in lump semester sums or through a monthly payment plan .

The Office of Financial Aid has a useful section on Graduate Scholarships & Grants , with details on departmental awards and discounts. In addition, Evangel offers tuition breaks on graduate programs to local Assemblies of God affiliate employees and educational partners , including school districts, churches, Christian schools, and businesses.

• Online Ed.D. Program

21 University of Southern Mississippi

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Administration – P-12
• Online Ed.D. in Higher Education

Minimum Program Cost : $29,977 Minimum Credits : 54 Cost Per Credit : $555.12 (Online Tuition + Per Credit Fees)

PreK-20 administrators will be pleased to hear that online doctorates in USM’s CAEP-accredited College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) are designed for working professionals. The P-12 degree includes a mandatory practicum in educational administration or supervision and the Higher Education degree features 12 credits of electives. These cohort-based, 3-year degrees are 100% online with no dissertation. Instead, all Ed.D. students at USM complete a practical capstone project.

USM is a public research university, but tuition & fees for online graduate students are the same for in-state and out-of-state residents. To give you the full picture, we’ve also included the mandatory per credit fees in our calculation. Additional course fees may apply, including costs for textbooks, course materials, and labs.

If you’re on the hunt for scholarships, try USM’s Golden Opportunities scholarship database, which allows you to search for relevant awards. Be sure to check out the Gibbes-Liberto Lifelong Learning Scholarship and the Nancy Whitten New Family Educational Leadership Graduate Scholarship .

• Admission Requirements (Listed on Each Program Page)

20 Northwestern State University of Louisiana

• Online Ed.D. in Adult Learning & Development – Community College Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Adult Learning & Development – Adult Learning & Workforce Development

Minimum Program Cost : $29,925 Minimum Credits : 63 Cost Per Credit : $475 (eNSU Graduate Tuition)

NSU is built on a sturdy foundation. It’s a public university in the University of Louisiana system with a CAEP-accredited College of Education and a convenient eNSU Global Campus . The online Ed.D. comes in two concentrations—Community College Leadership and Adult Learning & Workforce Development—and it includes electives and a field-based practicum.

Graduate students in eNSU programs pay an inexpensive online tuition rate . This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Additional expenses include the small application fee, textbooks, and course materials.

Distance learning students are eligible for traditional Financial Aid and credit transfers are available for previous graduate work. Students with military connections can also ask if the Ed.D. qualifies for eNSU’s deeply discounted military rate .

19 University of Southern Indiana

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administrative Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Pedagogical Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – School District Administrative Leadership

Minimum Program Cost : $29,867 (Out-of-State); $26,867 (In-State) Minimum Credits : 60 Cost Per Credit : $497.78 (Online Out-of-State); $447.78 (In-State)

PreK-20 educators—take note! USI’s 100% online Doctor of Education is available in 3 unique tracks. The one in School District Administrative Leadership leads to school district-level licensure. This 4-year doctorate is designed for busy educators, with 1-2 classes per semester, an internship, and synchronous sessions on Wednesday evenings. For more info on faculty, visit the CAEP-accredited Department of Teacher Education .

The baseline tuition rate for online graduate students at USI is $432.78 per credit hour. To give you a clearer picture of the cost, we’ve also included the additional online learning fee of $50 per course and the $50 per credit hour, non-resident distance education fee. If you live in Indiana, your program will be cheaper!

Interested in cutting costs even further? Visit USI’s sections on Student Financial Assistance and Financing Graduate School . Before you apply, be sure to ask the program coordinator if online Ed.D. students are eligible for the Graduate Studies Scholarship .

18 University of Colorado Denver

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity – Executive Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity – Higher Education
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity – Justice, Equity & Diverse Identities (JEDI)
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity – Research Leadership

Minimum Program Cost : $29,160 (Out-of-State); $24,300 (In-State) Minimum Credits : 54 Cost Per Credit : $540 (Online Out-of-State); $450 (Online In-State)

In the past couple of years, CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development has expanded their online doctorate in Leadership for Educational Equity to encompass four unique specialties: Executive Leadership; Higher Education; Justice, Equity & Diverse Identities; and Research Leadership. To accommodate working professionals, this 54-credit Ed.D. is cohort-based and most specialties are 100% online. However, Higher Education students will be expected to visit the campus twice per year.

Colorado students pay the highly affordable resident rate for the Ed.D. Everyone else pays the higher (but still affordable) online rate for out-of-state graduate students—this is 120% of the in-state resident rate. Be aware that online students at CU Denver are required to pay for the per term Student Services fee and the one-off New Student fee.

If you need help with funding ideas, check out the School of Education’s section on Financial Aid and the section on Scholarships . There’s at least one award that’s open to doctoral students. The Office of Student Finances will have more info on payment plans.

• Admission Requirements (Listed on Each Specialty Page)

17 North Greenville University

• Online Ed.D. in K-12 Education Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership

Minimum Program Cost : $29,070 Minimum Credits : 57 Cost Per Credit : $510 (Ed.D. Tuition)

Online doctorates at NGU’s College of Education are handily divided into two pathways: K-12 and higher education. Within those pathways, you’ll conduct field analyses of current practices and tackle a dissertation. The vast majority of coursework is asynchronous, but there will be occasional face-to-face synchronous sessions. On a part-time plan of study, you can finish your Ed.D. in 4 years.

Doctoral tuition rates are listed in the section on Graduate Tuition & Fees . NGU is a private Baptist university, so all students pay the same price, no matter where they live. Ed.D. tuition is very reasonable, but it always pays to ask the program coordinator about one-off fees and the potential costs of Slingshot books & materials .

You may also want to talk to them about Graduate Financial Aid . NGU doesn’t appear to offer scholarships for online graduate students, but it does have a monthly payment plan .

16 Texas Tech University

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Instructional Technology

Minimum Program Cost : $28,980 Minimum Credits : 63 Cost Per Credit : $460 (Online Graduate Tuition + Mandatory Fees)

PreK-20 leaders will find plenty to love in Texas Tech’s affordable doctorates. They come from a CAEP-accredited College of Education that’s participating in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). They’re 100% online. And they’re geared towards the workplace. The 66-credit Ed.D. in Educational Leadership includes superintendent certification preparation. The 63-credit Ed.D. in Educational and Instructional Technology embraces AECT principles.

We used Texas Tech’s Tuition Estimator to establish the per credit cost. All students pay the same tuition & fees for online graduate programs, including a mandatory online learning & distance education fee and miscellaneous university fees (e.g. student services). The tuition & fees section has info on additional costs, including one-time expenses and the per term College of Education Doctoral Support Center Fee (see the document on Global Fees).

The College of Education has a helpful section on Funding for Graduate Students , with details on fellowships & awards. Doctoral students are eligible for the Helen DeVitt Jones Fellowship , as well as General Fellowships . Depending on your circumstance, you may also want to look into Research Assistantships .

15 University of Missouri-Columbia

Minimum Program Cost : $28,890 Minimum Credits : 54 Cost Per Credit : $535 (Online Tuition)

Mizzou has developed an excellent, cohort-based doctorate. It’s been built by a CAEP-accredited College of Education & Human Development . It’s been shaped by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). And it’s a 100% online program with optional campus opportunities. This 3-year doctorate doesn’t lead to administrator certification, but it’s a real find for PK–20+ educators & leaders.

Visit the tuition & fees section for more info on costs. The affordable distance learning tuition rate is the same for in-state and out-of-state graduate students. You’ll also need to budget for one-off expenses like the application fee, books & course materials, and any additional course fees. When in doubt, ask the program coordinator for estimates.

The College of Education’s section on graduate financial assistance is a good place to start for money ideas—it has instructions on applying for financial aid and scholarships. You can also check the Graduate School’s section on Funding , which has details on federal aid, fellowships, travel awards, and graduate assistantships.

14 Southeastern University

• Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
• Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership

Minimum Program Cost : $27,000 Minimum Credits : 54 Cost Per Credit : $500 (Ed.D. Tuition)

Southeastern is a private Christian university, so programs in the College of Education have a religious flavor. Ed.D. applicants are expected to submit a Christian faith statement and teaching emphasizes a Christian worldview. Online doctorates are built for practicality, with hands-on practicums, two 3-day campus intensives, and multiple start dates. With a little grit & determination, you’ll be able to finish the degree in 3-4 years.

Southeastern’s tuition & fee structure is relatively straightforward. In addition to the tuition cost that we’ve quoted, you’ll have to budget for travel to the intensives during the first and second years. You may also be responsible for per semester fees and assorted costs like books & materials. Feel free to ask the program coordinator for a sample budget.

Southeastern’s price is already pretty low, so it doesn’t offer additional internal scholarships to online Ed.D. students. But it has developed an interest-free monthly payment plan .

13 University of Arkansas

• Online/Hybrid Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education
• Hybrid Ed.D. in Adult and Lifelong Learning

Minimum Program Cost : $26,247 (Master’s Entry); $20,415 (Ed.S. Entry) Minimum Credits : 54 (Master’s Entry); 42 (Ed.S. Entry) Cost Per Credit : $486.05 (Online Tuition + Mandatory Fees)

U of A’s CAEP-accredited College of Education and Health Professions (COEHP) has put together three intriguing—and relatively cheap—online doctorates. They each have their own unique structure. For example, the 42-credit Online/Hybrid Ed.D. in Education Leadership is open to candidates who hold a master’s degree and a specialist degree (or evidence of meeting the requirements for district level licensure), but the other options are designed for applicants with a master’s degree. Don’t be put off by the “96 credits” language—U of A accepts plenty of transfer credits for your master’s degree (e.g. up to 33-42 credits).

Each doctorate will have a separate cost, depending on the total credits. The good news is that all students enrolled in U of A online programs pay in-state tuition rates for online courses, regardless of their state of residency. There are mandatory per credit fees (e.g. library fee), but they’re not large. Having said all that, you may wish to ask the program coordinator if any Adult and Lifelong Learning courses are considered “on-campus,” since these have separate tuition & fee rates.

Need help financing your degree? Check out the College’s sections on COEHP Scholarships . Another useful site is the University of Arkansas AcademicWorks . Relevant doctoral scholarships include the Donald R. Miller Memorial Endowment (Phi Delta Kappa) ; the Dr. Roy B. Allen Endowed Scholarship (ELCF) ; and the George S. Denny Memorial Scholarship . The Global Campus also offers W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarships to students in graduate online degree programs. Ask the program coordinator if Ed.D. candidates are eligible to apply.

• Online & Hybrid Ed.D. Programs

12 University of West Florida

• Online Ed.D. in Instructional and Performance Technology

Minimum Program Cost : $25,857 (Out-of-State); $20,769 (In-State) Minimum Credits : 54 Cost Per Credit : $478.83 (Online Out-of-State); $384.60 (Online In-State)

UWF’s School of Education (SOE) has been a CPED Designing and Developing Member since 2018, so we’re happy to report that its online doctorate in Instructional and Performance Technology includes a solid dose of practical courses, seminars, and a Dissertation in Practice (DiP). You’ll also participate in 3 residencies with a few days of intensive face-to-face work.

Even though UWF is a public university, tuition & fees are still highly affordable for non-residents. Tuition waivers can cover up to 90% of out-of-state tuition for graduate students admitted to online programs. That’s the price we’ve quoted for you above. Renewal of waivers is not automatic and waiver requests must be submitted every semester.

For more on funding, have a look at the sections on Financial Aid and Financial Aid FAQs and the School of Education’s page on SOE Scholarships . A number of SOE scholarships are open to graduate students, but we recommend you ask if distance learning students can apply. UWF Online also offers a zero-interest payment plan .

Note: UWF also offers a highly affordable 60-credit Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with the same per-credit tuition rate.

11 Louisiana State University-Shreveport

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership Studies – Leadership Studies
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership Studies – Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership Studies – Health Communication & Leadership

Minimum Program Cost : $25,841 Minimum Credits : 63 Cost Per Credit : $411 (Ed.D. Tuition)

Louisiana affordability strikes again! LSU Online has created a 100% online doctorate in leadership that can be applied to almost any situation. This program is not intended to help teachers become administrators. Instead, it’s a degree that seasoned PreK-20 leaders & relevant professionals can investigate. There are weekly Zoom meetings and multiple opportunities for career-building. Take 2 courses per session and you’ll finish in just over 2 years. Study part-time and finish in 3.5 years.

LSUS is a public university, but all online Ed.D. students pay the same pay-as-you-go tuition rate , regardless of their location. All mandatory fees are included in our estimate. There may be additional course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books—ask an Enrollment Coach about one-off costs.

Any questions on financial aid should be directed to LSU Shreveport’s Office of Financial Aid . LSU Online doesn’t offer any scholarships to Ed.D. students, but the Office may have ideas on external awards and funding schemes.

10 University of Wyoming

Minimum Program Cost : ~$25,380 (Out-of-State); ~$16,740 (In-State) Minimum Credits : ~45 Cost Per Credit : $564 (Out-of-State + Online Fee); $372 (In-State + Online Fee)

UW’s programs are well-known for being affordable. But we’re also pleased to report that the College of Education has street credibility! It’s CAEP-accredited. It’s participating in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). And it offers a wide range of online doctorates, including one that can help you earn the superintendent endorsement . Doctorates are listed as 75-81 credits, but the College accepts ~30 transfer credits from your master’s degree. Check each program page to learn about on-campus requirements—some may contain short visits (e.g. orientation & dissertation defense).

UW charges different online tuition rates for in-state, out-of-state, and alumni graduate students. Happily, the out-of-state rate is still pretty darn cheap. There is a mandatory, per credit online fee, which we’ve included in our calculations. You’ll also need to budget for travel expenses to the campus and associated costs (e.g. books). Be sure to talk to the program coordinator about how many master’s degree credits you’ll be able to transfer!

Looking for scholarships? Relevant awards are listed at the bottom of each Ed.D. program page and in the College of Education’s section on Graduate Scholarships . Another useful resource is the section on Graduate Education: Financial Assistance , which has details on general graduate awards, UW student employment, and external fellowships. Certain majors can also qualify for School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy, and Design (CLAD) Funding Opportunities such as travel awards.

9 Kennesaw State University

• Online Ed.D. in Instructional Technology – Advanced
• Online Ed.D. in Instructional Technology – Initial Certification

Minimum Program Cost : $25,278 Minimum Credits : 66 Cost Per Credit : $383 (Online Tuition)

You’ll find KSU’s tech-driven Ed.D. in the Bagwell College of Education (BCOE) . The College is not CAEP-accredited, but it’s involved in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) and it’s deeply committed to doctoral learning. For proof, check out all the on-campus Ed.D. programs ! We particularly like the fact that the 100% online Ed.D. is aligned to ISTE standards and it comes in two tracks—Advanced or Initial Certification. You can choose the one that suits your experience level.

Although KSU is a public university, online tuition rates are the same for all graduate students, regardless of their state of residency. Additional costs will include a per semester student fee, as well as books, materials, and any course-specific fees. Credit transfers are available for Ed.S. graduates.

For funding ideas, start with the list of BCOE Scholarships , which includes awards for graduates. The Graduate College also has an entire section devoted to Financial Information , with advice on tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. Be sure to explore the section on Scholarships for Education Majors .

• Admission Requirements (Listed on Each Track Page)

8 Youngstown State University

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Superintendent Licensure
• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Health & Human Services

Minimum Program Cost : $25,200 (Out-of-State); $24,900 (In-State) Minimum Credits : 60 Cost Per Credit : $420 (Online Out-of-State); $415 (Online In-State)

YSU’s highly affordable online doctorates are brought to you by the CAEP-accredited Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences & Education . Even though they have different foci, they share the same DNA: 60 credit hours, 32 months, and a traditional 5-chapter dissertation. We’re happy to see that the program also includes a mandatory “Clinical Experience.” Like an internship, these work-focused projects are completed under the supervision of an appropriately licensed administrator.

Tuition costs are uncomplicated. Ohio students pay a little less than out-of-state students, but the difference is negligible! There are no hidden fees and the one-time application fee will be waived for active military members & veterans. One thing to note—payment plans are not available for accelerated online students.

YSU is cheap to begin with, so there isn’t much in the way of financial aid for online students. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can help with questions on loans & federal programs. You may also wish to ask the program coordinator if distance learners are eligible for educational leadership scholarships for dissertation research.

7 University of the Cumberlands

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (Multiple Specialties)

Minimum Program Cost : $24,900 Minimum Credits : 60 Cost Per Credit : $415 (Ed.D. Tuition)

UC’s online Ed.D. has much to recommend it. It comes from a private university with a CAEP-accredited Department of Education. It’s short & sweet (e.g. three years). It allows you to select a specialty area (e.g. Education, Nursing, Information Systems, Criminal Justice, etc.). And it’s flexible. The majority of classes are asynchronous, with no set log-in times.

UC is admirably straightforward about its tuition & fees . You’ll see the EdD Online rate listed in the Graduate Tuition section—all mandatory fees are included in the One Price Promise. You may also need to budget for one-off expenses like the application fee.

UC doesn’t have as many scholarships & support packages as large (and heavily endowed) public universities, but it does have an advice section on Graduate Student Aid . This has more details on external scholarship opportunities and UC payment plans .

6 Northern Illinois University

• Online Ed.D. in Community College Leadership
• Hybrid Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education

Minimum Program Cost : $23,940 Minimum Credits : 42 Cost Per Credit : $570 (Online Ed.D. Domestic Tuition)

NIU has your PreK-20 needs covered! The CAEP-accredited College of Education has launched a new cohort-based, 100% online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with synchronous classes on one weekday evening.  The 54-credit Ed.D. in Community College Leadership is longer and not 100% online—there’s a week-long campus intensive each summer. But it’s packed with targeted topics and plenty of opportunities to network. Illinois residents can consider the Hybrid Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education .

Distance learning costs are explained in NIU’s section on Online Tuition & Fees . We’ve quoted you the domestic price for the 100% online doctorate in Educational Leadership; international students pay more. The tuition rate for the doctorate in Community College Leadership is the same for everyone, but it’s $585 per credit hour. And you will need to budget for travel to Naperville, IL each summer for the campus intensive.

If you’re looking for financial assistance, visit the website for NIU’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Office . They’ll be able to advise you on federal funding options (e.g. loans) and external scholarships.

5 Marshall University

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership Studies

Minimum Program Cost : $22,905 Minimum Credits : 45 Cost Per Credit : $509 (Online Tuition)

Marshall’s doctoral programs come to you courtesy of Marshall Online and the CAEP-accredited College of Education & Professional Development (COEPD) . The highly affordable Ed.D. in Leadership Studies is tailor-made for leaders in schools, universities, government organizations, non-profits, the military, and more. The Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction is longer and more expensive, but it may be just right for educators who want a personal touch. You’ll be able to connect with peers during synchronous virtual class meetings on weekday evenings.

The 45-credit Ed.D. in Leadership Studies is a distance learning program, so it qualifies for  online tuition rates . These are the same for in-state and out-of-state graduate students! The 57-credit Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction is an EdD/EdS Advanced Program, so there will be an additional $50 per credit hour program fee.

For financial assistance, start with the section on Scholarships . In the doctoral handbook, Marshall states that students pursuing dissertation research may be eligible for modest awards (e.g. $500). You may also want to check out the Graduate College’s page on How to Finance Your Graduate Education . Employees of Marshall University (but not their dependents) are eligible for a Tuition Waiver .

4 University of Massachusetts-Lowell

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership in Schooling – General Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership in Schooling – STEM

Minimum Program Cost : $21,000 Minimum Credits : 42 Cost Per Credit : $500 (Online Tuition)

If you’re a PreK-12 educator, UMass Lowell’s Ed.D. is worth your inspection! The College of Education often achieves a top 20 ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs. It has chosen to take part in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). And it offers the Ed.D. in two useful tracks: General Leadership or STEM. But it does not lead to licensure. Instead, it’s intended to help teachers and/or instructional leaders move up to the next level in their careers.

UMass Lowell provides a breakdown of costs in the Tuition & Financing section of the program, but check the Online Tuition & Fees section for the latest rates. On top of tuition, you’ll need to budget for three on-campus residencies (one week each summer) and associated fees (e.g. first-year student fee, registration fee per semester, books, etc.). When you add up all these costs, the grand total comes to ~$26,000, not including travel expenses.

Visit the section on Costs & Aid for Graduate Programs to get a sense of funding opportunities. UMass Lowell’s Math & Science Education doctoral programs qualify for the New England Regional Student Program (NERSP) discount.

3 University of West Georgia

• Online Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration
• Online Ed.D. in Nursing Education
• Online Ed.D. in Professional Counseling and Supervision
• Online Ed.D. in School Improvement

Minimum Program Cost : $19,260 Minimum Credits : 60 Cost Per Credit : $372 (Lowest Online EdD Tuition)

UWG Online and the CAEP-accredited College of Education (COE) have developed a wide range of cohort-based doctorates, including programs with multiple concentrations (e.g. School Improvement) and accelerated tracks for Ed.S. graduates (e.g. Professional Counseling)! The Ed.D. in School Improvement is 100% online; Higher Education Administration and Professional Counseling require one on-campus visit for orientation; and Nursing Education involves a couple of trips. Programs start in the fall.

Online tuition rates at UWG are the same for in-state and out-of-state graduate students. The more courses you take in a semester, the more you’ll save. We’ve given you an estimate that’s based on 3 years of study for the online Ed.D. programs in School Improvement and Professional Counseling (that’s why it’s a little lower than simply multiplying credits). However, Higher Education and Nursing Education have a more expensive tuition rate. There may also be miscellaneous fees.

You can offset these costs by applying for COE Scholarships —see the separate section for graduate students. The Leona Ingram Scholarship and the Thomas S. Upchurch Educational Leadership Scholarship are worth investigating. You can also use UWG’s Scholarship Search to find relevant institutional awards.

2 University of North Georgia

• Online Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Practice

Minimum Program Cost : $18,799 Minimum Credits : 60 Cost Per Credit : $340.50 (Online Tuition)

Higher education professionals will find plenty to love about UNG’s doctorate. It’s a cohort-based, 100% online degree that comes from a CAEP-accredited College of Education . It only takes three years to complete. It includes dissertation preparation from the get-go. And it has a strong baseline threshold for admissions—applicants earn points for GPAs above 3.0.

UNG’s tuition & fee charts can help you calculate the cost of tuition, but it’s important to note that mandatory technology fees are capped at certain credit thresholds. With a 60-credit doctorate that takes 9 semesters, you’re looking at:

• Semesters 1 & 2 = 9 hours each semester ($2,802 x 2)
• Semesters 3-7 = 7 hours each semester ($2,196 x 5)
• Semester 8 = 6 hours ($1,874.25 x 1)
• Semester 9 = 1 hour ($340.50 x 1)

Additional miscellaneous fees are listed in the general tuition & fees section (e.g. application fee, graduation fee, etc.). Don’t forget to budget for books & materials.

College of Education scholarships are primarily reserved for students seeking teaching certification. You may have more luck with the section on Financial Information in Graduate Admissions. This has info on payment plans, graduate assistantships, and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for University System of Georgia employees. You can also use the Nighthawk Scholarship Center to search for institutional awards.

1 Valdosta State University

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership
• Hybrid Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction – P-12 Disciplinary
• Hybrid Ed.D. in Adult and Career Education

Minimum Program Cost : $16,115 Minimum Credits : 55 Cost Per Credit : $293 (Graduate eTuition)

This public university hits our #1 spot thanks to a great eTuition rate and a solid track record! VSU is part of the University System of Georgia. The College of Education & Human Services (COEHS) is CAEP-accredited. Up to 9 credit hours (i.e. 3 courses) of transfer credits are allowed. And Ed.D. programs are streamlined & diverse. There’s an online doctorate in leadership and specialist hybrid options. Just bear in mind that VSU has high admissions standards (e.g. 3.5 GPA).

The eTuition rate applies to all fully online courses, and it’s the same for in-state & out-of-state graduate students. With a 55-credit program, you might end up paying $16,115 in total. This figure includes eTuition for 46 credit hours of coursework (e.g. 24 months) and 9 credit hours for the dissertation (time varies). Online students are exempt from most student fees, except for the technology fee. If you’re interested in the hybrid program, ask the program coordinator about tuition rates for any campus courses.

Check out the COEHS Scholarships —there are a few options for graduate students. The Graduate School also has a section on Financial Aid for Graduate Students , with a list of general graduate scholarships and info on Graduate Assistantships .

Bonus Round: Affordable Ed.S. to Ed.D. Programs

Our rankings are aimed at folks who already hold a master’s degree. This is the standard entry requirement for an online doctorate in education. (Having said that, a number of schools will help you earn both a master’s and an Ed.D.)

But in our research on affordable online Ed.D. programs, we came across a few cheap doctorates that cater to professionals who already hold an Ed.S. If you fall into this category, you may want to check out online offerings at the following universities. They are ranked in order of minimum tuition cost:

• William Carey University
• Northwest Nazarene University
• University of Arkansas

How Much Do Online Ed.D. Programs Cost?

How to calculate total program costs.

You’ll discover 25 reputable schools in our rankings of the cheapest online doctoral programs in education . They often come from big public universities or private universities with a Christian outlook. Many are CAEP-accredited and some are participating in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) . Online Ed.D. costs at each school will vary, but here’s what to watch out for:

• Per Credit Tuition Rate : At private universities, this is easy—all Ed.D. students pay the same rate. Public universities are trickier. Many schools have an “online tuition rate” that is the same for all Ed.D. students, regardless of their state of residency. But a few schools continue to charge different in-state and out-of-state rates, even for online doctorates. We’ve flagged those outliers in our rankings.
• Distance Education Fee : Universities often tack on a mandatory, per credit fee for online learners. They’ll usually make this clear on the tuition page, but be sure to read through the entire section. Sometimes this info is included in “notes” at the bottom. Because it’s mandatory, we’ve included it in our tuition calculations.
• Mandatory Fees at Public Universities : Certain public universities may also want to charge you for mandatory infrastructure fees (e.g. student services fee, institutional fee, technology fee, etc.). It’s not a rule—many public schools are willing to exclude online students from brick-and-mortar fees. If we’ve spotted them, we’ve included them in our tuition calculations.
• Miscellaneous Fees : Keep an eye out for these. Public and private universities often tack on per semester or per term fees that cover areas like IT, student fees, and the like. Almost every school will charge you an application fee and a graduation fee. There may even be course-specific fees. When in doubt, ask the Ed.D. program coordinator for a list.
• Additional Costs : Online Ed.D. programs may also contain hidden costs for course materials, books, IT equipment, and software. If your doctorate contains a campus component (e.g. summer residency, orientation, conference attendance, etc.), you’ll also have to budget for travel expenses, accommodation, and time off work.

As you can see from this list, “cheap” is a flexible term. The total price of your online Ed.D. will depend on your situation. For example, if you can transfer credits from a previous degree or graduate coursework, your tuition may be even lower than our quoted minimum program cost! Don’t be afraid to ask the Ed.D. program coordinator for a price breakdown. Some schools already do this on their program website.

Typical Ed.D. Prices for Master’s Level Entry

Overall, the most affordable online Ed.D. programs in the country range from $16,000-$33,000. In our rankings, you’ll see that the top 3 cheapest schools have kept their minimum tuition below $20,000. However, the majority of schools are in the $22,000-$33,000 range. And tuition rates will usually go up every year.

Keep in mind that super-cheap programs often have fewer credits than some of the big guns. This isn’t a bad thing, but it’s something to consider when you’re looking at the curriculum. How deep do you want to dig into the coursework? How much time do you want to spend on your dissertation? The price should be weighed against the quality of the teaching & rigor of the classes.

Cheapest Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs of 2024

Written by Alex Kale

Updated: November 3, 2023

Find your online education program in minutes!

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Pursuing a Doctorate in Education can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With the increasing availability of online programs, students have more options than ever for pursuing a doctorate in education at a reasonable cost.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the cheapest online doctorate in education programs currently available, exploring the average cost of these programs and what makes them stand out. We’ll also discuss why choosing an affordable program is so essential for the long-term financial health of students and highlight ways to help further reduce the cost, such as teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and dissertation grants. Whether you’re looking to advance your career in education or pursue a research career, this guide can help you make an informed decision about the most cost-effective way to achieve your goals.

How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Education Cost?

Before enrolling in an online doctorate program, it’s crucial to consider the total cost to make an informed decision about your future. While tuition can be a significant expense, many other factors, like fees, textbooks, and other educational materials, can quickly increase over time. Overall, an online doctorate in education can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 or more .

Attending a relatively affordable online doctorate in education program can save you a significant amount of money compared to a more expensive program. For example, just deciding to attend a program that costs $30,000 instead of $50,000 can save you $20,000 over time.

It’s also important to consider that, throughout the program, this amount could increase further due to factors such as inflation and interest rates. In addition, choosing a more affordable program may allow the reader to avoid taking out as much in student loans or accruing as much debt, which can have long-term financial benefits.

How To Reduce the Cost of Your Doctorate in Education Program

By choosing an affordable doctorate in education program, you’re already on the right track to reduce the overall cost of earning your degree. However, there are additional ways for students to further ease the financial burden of their education. In this list, we will explore several programs that students can use to reduce the cost of their Doctorate in Education beyond simply selecting a program with relatively low tuition . Indeed, with the help of these resources, you may even be able to earn your doctorate for free .

Teaching assistantships

Teaching assistantships can be an effective way for students to reduce the cost of their education by working for their institution as an instructor while simultaneously earning their doctoral degree. This can provide many benefits, including a salary, tuition waivers or reductions, and valuable teaching experience.

Teaching assistantships are typically available to doctoral students in education and related fields but are often highly competitive. Students awarded a teaching assistantship can expect to receive a stipend or salary in exchange for working a specified number of hours each week. In addition to the financial benefits, teaching assistantships provide beneficial teaching experience, which can help secure future employment.

It’s important to note that the availability and terms of teaching assistantships can vary by institution and program. Therefore, interested students should check with their institution to learn more about the availability of teaching assistantships and the application process.

Research assistantships

Research assistantships can be another way for students to reduce the overall cost of earning a Doctorate in Education. These assistantships involve working for a faculty member or research center on research projects related to education while pursuing a doctoral degree.

Research assistantships differ from teaching assistantships because they focus on research rather than teaching. While teaching assistantships involve working as an instructor, research assistantships include working on research projects under the guidance of a faculty member. In addition, these assistantships often include conducting literature reviews, collecting data, analyzing data, and assisting with writing research articles and grant proposals.

Students interested in research and with a strong background in research methodology and statistics may be particularly well-suited for these assistantships. In addition, those interested in pursuing a career in research or academia may find these assistantships particularly beneficial.

Similar to teaching assistantships, research assistantships can provide financial benefits such as a stipend or salary and tuition waivers. These benefits can reduce the doctoral program’s cost and provide students with relevant research experience. Additionally, research assistantships can offer networking opportunities and connections with faculty members and researchers in the field.

Fellowships and dissertation grants

Fellowships and dissertation grants can be an excellent way to reduce the cost of a Doctoral program in Education. These awards are provided by educational institutions, government agencies, private organizations, and foundations and are designed to support doctoral students as they pursue their research and complete their dissertations.

However, it’s important to note that these awards are slightly different, each with a unique purpose. For example, fellowships offer financial support to doctoral students by providing a stipend, tuition waiver or reduction, and other benefits like health insurance and travel support. Dissertation grants, on the other hand, provide funding specifically to support the research and writing of a dissertation.

Both fellowships and dissertation grants can be highly competitive, and the application process is rigorous. However, these awards can provide significant financial benefits to students, allowing them to focus on their research and complete their degrees without the burden of financial stress.

In addition to the financial benefits, fellowships and dissertation grants can provide students with invaluable networking opportunities and connections with researchers and scholars in the field. This can be particularly beneficial for students with their eyes set on a career in academia.

Our Research

This list features some of the country’s cheapest online Doctorate in Education programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology .

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the cheapest online Doctorate in Education programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The 50 Cheapest Online Master’s in Education Programs

intelligent score 99.87

#2 EdD Programs #4 OnlineU #7 Edu Tech Class

School Information

Huntington, WV

Graduation Rate: 50%

Admission Rate: 89%

Urbanicity: City

School Size: Medium

Delivery Format Online

Required Credits to Graduate 45

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $418 Non-Resident: $1,115

accreditation Higher Learning Commission

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 304-696-4723

intelligent score 99.66

#6 EdD Programs #8 OnlineU #9 Affordable Schools

Laramie, WY

Graduation Rate: 60%

Admission Rate: 94%

Urbanicity: Town

Required Credits to Graduate 44-75

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $337 Non-Resident: $537

accreditation Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 307-766-3145

intelligent score 99.63

#5 EdD Programs #7 Affordable Schools

Williamsburg, KY

Admission Rate: 81%

Required Credits to Graduate 60

Estimated Cost per Credit $375

accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 606-539-4390

intelligent score 98.8

#3 Affordable Schools #6 OnlineU #9 EdD Programs #9 Learn

Fayetteville, AR

Graduation Rate: 63%

Admission Rate: 78%

School Size: Large

Required Credits to Graduate 42-96

Estimated Cost per Credit $437

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-952-1165

intelligent score 98.45

#1 EdD Programs #23 OnlineU

Valdosta, GA

Graduation Rate: 44%

Delivery Format Online, Hybrid

Required Credits to Graduate 54-55

Estimated Cost per Credit $293

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 229-333-5694

intelligent score 97.56

#5 OnlineU #8 EdD Programs #8 Edu Tech Class #11 Affordable Schools #18 Learn

Kennesaw, GA

Graduation Rate: 48%

Admission Rate: 83%

Urbanicity: Suburban

Delivery Format Online, On-Campus

Required Credits to Graduate 45-66

Estimated Cost per Credit $383

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 470-578-4377

intelligent score 96.83

#2 OnlineU #4 EdD Programs #6 Edu Tech Class

Dahlonega, GA

Graduation Rate: 37%

Estimated Cost per Credit $303

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 706-864-1543

intelligent score 95.32

#3 EdD Programs #3 Edu Tech Class

Graduation Rate: 59%

Admission Rate: 75%

Delivery Format Hybrid

Required Credits to Graduate 42

Estimated Cost per Credit $495

accreditation New England Commission of Higher Education

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-656-4723

intelligent score 94.93

#3 Learn #3 OnlineU #11 EdD Programs #29 Affordable Schools

Lubbock, TX

Graduation Rate: 62%

Admission Rate: 70%

Required Credits to Graduate 60-96

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $576 Non-Resident: $1,078

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 806-742-2377

intelligent score 94.89

#10 EdD Programs #13 Affordable Schools #18 OnlineU

Lakeland, FL

Graduation Rate: 47%

Admission Rate: 43%

Required Credits to Graduate 54

Estimated Cost per Credit $500

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 863-667-5018

intelligent score 94.6

Admission Rate: 66%

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $429 Non-Resident: $1,333 Out-of-State Online-Only: $515

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 303-315-6300

intelligent score 94.57

Hattiesburg, MS

Admission Rate: 96%

Estimated Cost per Credit $519

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 601-266-5518

intelligent score 93.53

Columbia, MO

Graduation Rate: 64%

Admission Rate: 82%

Estimated Cost per Credit $515

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 573-882-2491

intelligent score 93.06

Graduation Rate: 46%

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 318-342-3145

intelligent score 92.15

Natchitoches, LA

Graduation Rate: 40%

Admission Rate: 95%

Required Credits to Graduate 63

Estimated Cost per Credit $475

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 318-357-5851

intelligent score 90.12

Carrollton, GA

Estimated Cost per Credit $241

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 678-839-6570

intelligent score 89.44

Springfield, MO

School Size: Small

Required Credits to Graduate 50

Estimated Cost per Credit $600

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 417-865-2815 ext. 8262

intelligent score 89.14

Lynchburg, VA

Graduation Rate: 34%

Admission Rate: 50%

Estimated Cost per Credit $595

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-424-9596

intelligent score 88.53

Graduation Rate: 58%

Admission Rate: 59%

Estimated Cost per Credit In-State: $568 Out-of-State: $937

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 815-753-9483

intelligent score 88.52

Champaign, IL

Graduation Rate: 86%

Admission Rate: 63%

Required Credits to Graduate 64

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 217-244-3542

intelligent score 87.97

Jefferson City, TN

Admission Rate: 79%

Required Credits to Graduate 57

Estimated Cost per Credit $570

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 865-471-3223

intelligent score 87.93

Admission Rate: 55%

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 601-318-6600

intelligent score 86.97

Las Cruces, NM

Graduation Rate: 52%

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $287 Non-Resident: $359

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 575-646-3593

intelligent score 86.52

Central, SC

Graduation Rate: 54%

Admission Rate: 56%

Estimated Cost per Credit $620

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 864-644-5550

intelligent score 86.36

Graduation Rate: 74%

Admission Rate: 80%

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $268 Non-Resident: $1,102

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 828-262-2130

intelligent score 86.06

Graduation Rate: 57%

Admission Rate: 67%

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $364 Non-Resident: $546

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 309-298-1183

intelligent score 82.57

Bloomington, IN

Graduation Rate: 79%

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $480 Non-Resident: $576

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 812-856-8500

intelligent score 81.96

Graduation Rate: 61%

Admission Rate: 77%

Required Credits to Graduate 36

Estimated Cost per Credit $625

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 208-467-8492

intelligent score 81.51

Cleveland, MS

Graduation Rate: 41%

Admission Rate: 100%

Required Credits to Graduate 102

Estimated Cost per Credit $469

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 662-846-4700

Findlay, OH

Estimated Cost per Credit $540

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-472-9502

intelligent score 80.62

College Station, TX

Graduation Rate: 83%

Required Credits to Graduate 64-69

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $1,070 Non-Resident: $1,600

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 979-845-5311

intelligent score 80.51

Beaumont, TX

Required Credits to Graduate 60-66

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $511 Non-Resident: $919

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 409-880-8661

intelligent score 80.45

Lexington, KY

Estimated Cost per Credit $715

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 859-257-6076

intelligent score 80.3

Mount Pleasant, MI

Admission Rate: 69%

Required Credits to Graduate 63-66

Estimated Cost per Credit $828

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 989-774-4371

intelligent score 80.16

Gainesville, FL

Graduation Rate: 88%

Admission Rate: 31%

Required Credits to Graduate 54-90

Estimated Cost per Credit $448

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 352-392-6622

intelligent score 80

Greenville, NC

Graduation Rate: 67%

Admission Rate: 88%

Estimated Cost per Credit $290

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 252-328-4260

intelligent score 79.86

Virginia Beach, VA

Graduation Rate: 30%

Required Credits to Graduate 61

Estimated Cost per Credit $800

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-373-5504

intelligent score 78.32

Saint Louis, MO

Admission Rate: 65%

Estimated Cost per Credit $769

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 314-392-2327

intelligent score 78.04

Graduation Rate: 45%

Admission Rate: 73%

Estimated Cost per Credit In-State: $468 Out-of-State: $936

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 251-380-2761

intelligent score 77.78

Lincoln, NE

Graduation Rate: 66%

Required Credits to Graduate 96

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $357 Non-Resident: $676

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 402-472-2875

intelligent score 77.69

Gwynedd Valley, PA

Estimated Cost per Credit $1,025

accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 844-707-9064

intelligent score 77.54

New Castle, DE

Delivery Format Online, Hybrid, On-Campus

Required Credits to Graduate 49-54

Estimated Cost per Credit $679

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 877-967-5464

intelligent score 77.26

Terre Haute, IN

Admission Rate: 92%

Required Credits to Graduate 72

Estimated Cost per Credit In-State: $438 Out-of-State Online: $569 Out-of-State and International: $861

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-468-6478

intelligent score 76.15

Columbia, SC

Graduation Rate: 73%

Admission Rate: 68%

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $572 Non-Resident: $1,240

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 803-777-6732

intelligent score 76.06

Buffalo, NY

Graduation Rate: 72%

Required Credits to Graduate 70-72

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $471 Non-Resident: $565

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 716-645-2110

intelligent score 75.87

River Forest, IL

Estimated Cost per Credit $751

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 708-771-8300

intelligent score 74.92

Greeley, CO

Required Credits to Graduate 42-64

Estimated Cost per Credit $672

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 970-351-4039

intelligent score 74.63

Berrien Springs, MI

Graduation Rate: 55%

Admission Rate: 49%

Required Credits to Graduate 60-90

Estimated Cost per Credit $1,428

accreditation National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 269-471-7771

intelligent score 73.17

Grambling, LA

Graduation Rate: 42%

Admission Rate: 93%

Estimated Cost per Credit $582

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 318-274-6183

intelligent score 72.78

Admission Rate: 58%

Estimated Cost per Credit Resident: $340 Non-Resident: $767

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 806-651-2909

Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Earning a PhD will typically place you at the highest academic tier in your field. The doctoral degree will qualify you as an expert in your chosen subject and give you access to opportunities like professorship, research leadership, and more. But earning the PhD is also a very lengthy and potentially costly undertaking. Fortunately, there are affordable online doctorate programs that make it possible to reach this elite academic status while still working directly in your field.

Top 10 Most Affordable Online PhD Degrees

Aspen university, university of west alabama, purdue global, liberty university, university of west georgia, grand canyon university, arkansas state university, embry–riddle aeronautical university, capitol technology university, saint leo university, troy university, northern kentucky university, regent university, jacksonville state university, valdosta state university.

• Liberty University 99%
• Troy University 95%
• Nebraska Methodist College 91%
• Valdosta State University 89%
• Columbus State University 88%
• Northern Kentucky University 86%
• Saint Leo University 80%
• University of West Georgia 80%
• Carson–Newman University 80%
• Grand Canyon University 78%
• Purdue Global 26 to 1
• Regent University 21 to 1
• Grand Canyon University 20 to 1
• Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 19 to 1
• Jacksonville State University 19 to 1
• University of West Alabama 18 to 1
• Liberty University 18 to 1
• Saint Leo University 18 to 1
• Valdosta State University 17 to 1
• Columbus State University 17 to 1
• Carson–Newman University $33,000
• Saint Leo University $27,050
• Capitol Technology University $27,004
• Columbia International University $26,840
• Liberty University $22,511
• Regent University $19,680
• Grand Canyon University $17,800
• Nebraska Methodist College $16,883
• Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $11,185
• Northern Kentucky University $10,208
• Saint Leo University $18,436
• Regent University $16,028
• Nebraska Methodist College $12,113
• Capitol Technology University $11,340
• Columbia International University $10,710
• Grand Canyon University $10,655
• Northern Kentucky University $9,900
• Jacksonville State University $9,840
• Purdue Global $9,472
• Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $9,276

Columbus State University

Carson–newman university, nebraska methodist college, southern arkansas university, columbia international university.

• Regent University 32%
• Columbia International University 48%
• Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 58%
• Capitol Technology University 64%
• Southern Arkansas University 64%
• University of West Alabama 69%
• Arkansas State University 70%
• Jacksonville State University 78%
• Aspen University 5 to 1
• Capitol Technology University 9 to 1
• Carson–Newman University 10 to 1
• Nebraska Methodist College 12 to 1
• Columbia International University 13 to 1
• Arkansas State University 15 to 1
• Southern Arkansas University 15 to 1
• University of West Georgia 16 to 1
• Troy University 16 to 1
• University of West Georgia $4,371
• Valdosta State University $4,371
• Columbus State University $4,371
• Aspen University $5,355
• Arkansas State University $6,888
• Southern Arkansas University $7,020
• University of West Alabama $9,100
• Troy University $9,312
• Jacksonville State University $9,990
• Purdue Global $10,080
• Aspen University $3,900
• University of West Georgia $4,338
• Valdosta State University $4,572
• Southern Arkansas University $5,472
• Arkansas State University $6,282
• Columbus State University $6,300
• University of West Alabama $6,678
• Liberty University $7,893
• Troy University $8,550
• Carson–Newman University $9,207

Key Takeaways

• The PhD is a terminal degree in most fields, and can provide access to high-ranking leadership opportunities as well as professorship and research roles. The online doctoral program may offer an affordable alternative to the traditional brick-and-mortar experience.
• The cost of a PhD can vary widely depending on school and length of time to completion. Annual tuition can range from $30,000 for in-state public universities to $100,000 a year at a private graduate school.
• A growing number of highly respected graduate schools are offering access to affordable online doctoral programs, which can help to reduce costs like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees.

Featured Programs

An overview of the doctorate degree, why get an online doctorate degree.

Many doctoral candidates have already reached more advanced stages in their career. The online doctorate is a great way to continue in your education while remaining active in your career. Online doctoral degree programs are often tailored to the scheduling needs of working professionals. This means that you may be able to complete your online doctorate while still earning a living. This can help offset your dependence on financial aid options and, ultimately, reduce your student loan debt.

What kinds of online doctoral degree programs are there?

Online doctoral degree programs are offered in a variety of disciplines including business administration, health sciences, computer science, and more. Some doctoral degree programs do not naturally lend themselves to online learning, but for those that do, it may be possible to choose from a variety of affordable online doctorate degrees.

What can you do with a doctoral degree?

Earning a doctorate qualifies you to work at the highest levels in your field including executive leadership business, consultation in public affairs, work as a university professor, or a career spent in research. Depending on your area of concentration, your online doctoral program could allow you to contribute to important economic research, participate in major long-term public health surveys, or provide R&D leadership to a major consumer brand.

What are the admission requirements for an online doctorate degree program?

The admission requirements for online doctoral degree programs are the same as those for a traditional doctorate degree. The bachelor’s degree is typically the basic threshold for entry into a doctoral program. Most reputable online doctoral degree programs will also require a strong academic track record and a minimum undergraduate GPA. You are not required to earn a master’s degree before gaining entry into a doctoral degree program. However, some doctoral programs may recognize these graduate credits. Starting with some credits earned could reduce the time and money you’ll spend on your PhD. In other words, if you already have a master’s degree, you could choose from an array of more affordable online doctorate degree programs.

How much does a doctoral degree cost?

The cost of a doctoral degree is extremely variant. Most online doctoral programs fall on the higher end of the cost spectrum and can range from roughly $30-$40K per year for in-state students to upwards of $60,000 to $100,000 per year for out of state students. That said, the most affordable online doctoral programs actually offer online learning opportunities for as little as $5,000 to $9,000 per year.

Can I get an affordable online doctorate degree?

Yes, you can absolutely get an affordable online doctorate degree. A growing number of highly reputable universities now provide partially or fully online doctoral programs. For many doctoral students, one of the biggest challenges is balancing the enormous commitment of time spent on research and coursework with work, family and home-life demands.

Earning an online doctorate makes it possible to save money on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees. Online doctoral programs also make it possible to continue working in your field, which means you can complete your degree program while still earning a living. This can ultimately reduce your dependence on student loan debt.

An affordable, quality education from an accredited online doctorate program is within your reach. Our in-depth, comprehensive guide to affordable degree programs will give you even more tips on making a doctorate degree as affordable as possible.

How We Rank the Most Affordable Online PhD Programs

In most cases, the most affordable online doctoral degree programs will be those offered by universities in your state. Online students who attend public universities enjoy access to in-state tuition rates just like traditional on-campus doctoral candidates.

That’s why we’ve ranked these online doctorate programs by placing the highest weight on in-state tuition rates. The tuition price listed below may not reflect the lower rate extended to in-state residents. Click on each school to learn more about in state tuition discounts. Other factors included in our ranking are Influence–the measure of a school’s excellence based on the real-world impact of its professors, students, and alumni; and the percentage of full-time students enrolled in online degree programs at each institution.

Below is a mix of both public and private universities offering the most affordable online doctoral degree programs on the higher education landscape.

Most Affordable Online PhD Programs for In-State Students

• #9 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #2 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
• #11 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #16 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #2 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #20 The Most Affordable Traditional MBA Degree Programs for 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
• #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
• #15 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #15 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
• #17 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #19 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #21 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #19 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for degree at University of West Alabama

• #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana
• #3 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
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• #4 Best Online Associate in Human Services
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• #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
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• #21 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #21 Best Online Master's in Project Management
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• #5 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
• #15 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #7 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024
• #8 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
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• #19 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
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• #1 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
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• #1 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
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• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs
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• #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate in Education
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• #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
• #2 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
• #2 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
• #2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
• #2 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
• #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
• #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #3 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
• #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Theology
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• #3 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #3 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #4 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #4 Best Online Associate in Accounting
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #4 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #4 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
• #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #4 Best Online Associate in Psychology
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
• #7 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #7 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
• #7 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #8 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #8 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Associate's in Physics
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #9 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #11 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #11 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #12 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #12 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
• #12 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #16 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
• #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #17 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #18 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #23 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
• #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #5 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
• #5 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #6 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #6 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs
• #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University

• #4 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
• #6 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
• #7 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
• #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
• #10 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs
• #11 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #20 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #20 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs

Career Outlook for degree at University of West Georgia

• #4 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2024
• #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
• #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2024
• #1 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Animation Illustration
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Arizona
• #3 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Arizona
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• #4 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Arizona 2024
• #4 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Cybersecurity
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Washington
• #5 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration
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• #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
• #10 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
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• #19 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #9 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Grand Canyon University

• #3 Best Research Universities in Arkansas 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Arkansas
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Arkansas 2024
• #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Arkansas 2024
• #3 Best Online Associate in General Studies
• #6 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management
• #7 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
• #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
• #17 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
• #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
• #20 Best Online MBAs in Finance
• #22 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #23 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas State University

• #11 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #13 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
• #24 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University

• #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
• #9 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates)
• #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2024
• #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Capitol Technology University

• #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Cybersecurity
• #6 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
• #6 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
• #6 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #7 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #7 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
• #10 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
• #10 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
• #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
• #12 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #13 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
• #15 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
• #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
• #21 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #22 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #24 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #24 Best Online Master's in Theology
• #24 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts

Career Outlook for degree at Saint Leo University

• #10 Best Colleges in Georgia 2024
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
• #6 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
• #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
• #7 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
• #8 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Valdosta State University

• #13 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
• #14 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
• #16 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #19 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #23 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies

Career Outlook for degree at Columbia International University

• #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
• #6 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Arkansas 2024
• #11 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #12 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs

Career Outlook for degree at Southern Arkansas University

• #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2024
• #15 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #20 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs

Career Outlook for degree at Nebraska Methodist College

• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
• #6 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #8 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #12 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
• #16 Best Online Master's in English

Career Outlook for degree at Jacksonville State University

• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #2 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #2 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #3 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
• #3 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
• #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #4 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
• #5 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Associate in Psychology
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
• #7 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
• #7 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Theology
• #7 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #8 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
• #8 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
• #8 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
• #9 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #9 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #9 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2024
• #10 Best Online Associate in General Studies
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
• #10 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
• #15 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #17 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #19 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
• #21 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #24 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #8 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #10 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #13 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Regent University

Career outlook for degree at carson–newman university.

• #9 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alabama 2024
• #3 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's in Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
• #5 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
• #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
• #6 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
• #7 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
• #10 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #12 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology
• #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
• #19 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #20 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #25 Best Online Master’s in Communications

Career Outlook for degree at Troy University

• #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
• #20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Columbus State University

• #6 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
• #5 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
• #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
• #9 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
• #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
• #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #9 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Northern Kentucky University

More on the cost of a phd, how much does an online doctoral degree cost on average.

The average cost of a year in an online doctoral degree program is somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000 per year for both private and public grad schools. However, you can pay as much as $100,000 per year to attend some of the nation’s most prestigious private schools. The most affordable online doctorate degree programs may cost as little as $5,000 to $9,000 per year of tuition and fees.

How can I lower the cost of my online doctoral degree?

Financial aid, scholarships, and geographical considerations all offer ways to offset the sticker price of an online doctoral degree. Financial aid and scholarships are both central considerations as you look for ways to cut your PhD program costs. Finding a grad school in state can also offer various opportunities for state-specific financial aid and tuition discounts.

Why get a doctoral degree online?

You may also be able to offset some of the expenses of the doctoral degree by earning your PhD online. While tuition for online doctoral degree programs is generally in line with tuition for the traditional PhD experience, you may be able to saving on housing, transportation, and certain campus fees.

For more tips on getting an affordable online education, check out our Guide to Financial Aid in Higher Education

Most Affordable Online Doctorate in Education (EdD) Programs for 2024

Organizations require great leadership to reach their full potential and weather the worst storms. If you are looking to become a more effective and thoughtful manager or team leader, you may be considering a graduate degree program. For people who are further along in their careers and looking for a more flexible option, an online Ed.D. program in organizational leadership may be a good fit. But earning a doctorate degree requires a big investment of both time and money. So Fortune has ranked eight online Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) programs by affordability. Tuition amounts were compiled using data provided by schools for our ranking of the best online Ed.D. programs in 2022. If schools did not provide the total tuition cost of the program, we multiplied the cost per credit amount by the minimum credit hours required to graduate. Cost per credit amounts were either provided by schools or taken from the program webpage. This ranking was last updated December 2022.

*Please note that not all schools offer this specific type of information.

Online Ed.D. from Top-5-Ranked Peabody College

Earn your doctor of education in leadership and learning in organizations online in as few as 3 years.

Earn your Ed.D. online from top-ranked Vanderbilt University Peabody College. Master's degree required.

1. Trevecca Nazarene University

Trevecca Nazarene University ranked No. 3 among Fortune's best online doctorate in education (Ed.D.) programs in 2022. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission into its online Ed.D. degree program in leadership, but applicants must have a master’s degree. Two letters of recommendation are required for the 60 credit-hour program and international applicants are not required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted into this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.68.

2. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University ranked No. 5 among Fortune's best online doctorate in education (Ed.D.) programs in 2022. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission into its online Ed.D. degree program in organizational leadership, but applicants must have a master’s degree before they begin the program. No letters of recommendation are required for the 60 credit-hour program. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores and the program has a one-year retention rate of 97%.

3. Spalding University

Spalding University ranked No. 6 among Fortune's best online doctorate in education (Ed.D.) programs in 2022. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission into its online Ed.D. degree program in leadership, but applicants must have a master’s degree before they begin the program. Two letters of recommendation are required for the 60 credit-hour program. Last year, students accepted into this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.09. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores and the program has a one-year retention rate of 93%.

Hawai‘i Pacific University M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

Complete in as few as 12 months

The online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Hawai‘i Pacific University equips future-focused educators with enhanced leadership skills and the latest instructional technologies to activate transformative change in their schools, communities, and workplaces.

4. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University ranked No. 7 among Fortune's best online doctorate in education (Ed.D.) programs in 2022. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission into its online Ed.D. degree program in leadership and innovation, but applicants must have a master’s degree. Three letters of recommendation are required for the 48 credit-hour program. Last year, students accepted into this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 2.65. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores, and the program has a one-year retention rate of 99%.

5. University of Dayton

The University of Dayton ranked No. 8 among Fortune's best online doctorate in education (Ed.D.) programs in 2022. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission into its online Ed.D. degree program in leadership for organizations, but applicants must have a master’s degree. Two letters of recommendation are required for the 60 credit-hour program. Last year, students accepted into this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.09. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores, and the program has a one-year retention rate of 76%.

6. Drexel University

Drexel University ranked No. 2 among Fortune's best online doctorate in education (Ed.D.) programs in 2022. Last year, students accepted into this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.38. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission into its online Ed.D. degree program in leadership, but applicants must have a master’s degree. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores, and the program has a one-year retention rate of 98%. Three letters of recommendation are required for the 60 credit-hour program.

7. Baylor University

Baylor University ranked No. 4 among Fortune's best online doctorate in education (Ed.D.) programs in 2022, The school doesn’t require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission into its online Ed.D. degree program in learning and organizational change, but applicants must have a master’s degree before they begin the program. Three letters of recommendation are required for the 54 credit-hour program. Last year, students accepted into this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.17. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores, and the program has a one-year retention rate of 87%.

8. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University ranked No. 1 among Fortune's best online doctorate in education (Ed.D.) programs in 2022. Last year, students accepted into this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.4. Three letters of recommendation are required for the 84 credit-hour program. Applicants to the program are not required submit a GRE score to qualify for admission, but applicants are encouraged to submit either GMAT or GRE scores. Prospective students don't need to have a master’s degree before they begin the program, but holding one is preferred for admission. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores, and the program has a one-year retention rate of 96%.

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If you’re looking for the most affordable online doctoral degrees, you likely either have a vision for success or have already accomplished a great deal. Doctoral degrees are terminal degrees giving their owners the highest amount of learning they can receive in their field.

Completing the degrees necessary to enter into a doctoral program can be quite an expensive venture. Most potential doctoral students are anxious to cut expenses as much as possible. These schools provide the least expensive doctoral degree programs available online.

Methodology

The writers and editors of Online-PhD-Degrees.com gather the most important and relevant information from the independent, unbiased  NCES.gov’s College Navigator , as well as, college websites and publicly available data including various highly respected sources.

Sponsored schools are, in fact, paid advertisements that are not in any way affiliated with OPD’s individual school rankings.  They are distinctly defined with the word “SPONSORED” so as to not perplex our visitors with what the site editors, researchers and writers of OPD have methodologically researched and ranked.  Independently sponsored schools pay for their placement on our site. For more information regarding our ranking methodology or our sponsored schools, please visit our methodology page.

Below is our list of the most affordable online schools that offer doctoral programs. We provide information on each school’s tuition, the doctoral degrees offered at the schools, and some introductory points about the way in which the online degrees are delivered.

This website will aid in that first step in preparing you for your path toward selecting an online college that works for you and your needs. Perusing each school’s website yourself and requesting information to be sent to you for your evaluation is highly recommended and encouraged.

20 Most Affordable Online Doctoral Programs

The Taft University System

The William Howard Taft University System offers some of the most inexpensive online doctoral programs. A private university which is based in Colorado, the Taft University System has been offering degrees since 1976. It became one of the pioneers of distance education and after the turn of the century began offering doctoral degrees as well.

The Taft University System offers 3 concentrations in Education and a Doctor of Business Administration. The minimum completion time for the online doctorates at the Taft University System is 27 months. Students are enrolled in one class at a time while completing other classes. The average completion time is 48 months.

Accreditation:  Accredited by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education

Tuition:  $315 per credit hour

Online Doctorate Programs Available:

• Doctor of Education in Leadership and Management
• Doctor of Education in Charter School Administration
• Doctor of Education in Technology and Leadership
• Doctor of Business Administration

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT THE WILLIAM TAFT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM .

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University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota has one of the lowest costs per credit of all the schools on this list. UND offers the same tuition for their online programs as they do for in-state on-campus students. The University of North Dakota was founded in 1883, even before the state of North Dakota was established. It is now the state’s largest university.

According to its website, the University of North Dakota has “emerged as an innovator in energy, medicine, aviation, and unmanned aircraft systems.” This specialty shows in the type of online doctoral programs that are offered by the university, one of which is Aerospace Sciences. The University of North Dakota has a high success rate with 85% of the graduates working in the field of their education.

Accreditation:  Higher Learning Commission

Tuition:  $511 per credit hour

• Aerospace Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Energy Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Nursing Practice
• Petroleum Engineering

MORE INFORMATION ON ONLINE DOCTORATE PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri, though it only offers one online doctorate, still has one of the most affordable online tuition rates. Mizzou Online offers over 100 online degrees and certificates and according to their website, the staff has a collective 600 years of experience in online and adult education.

The online doctorate that is offered at the University of Missouri is a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis on Architectural Studies. This degree program consists of 72 credit hours and is delivered 100% online.

The minimum time to completion is 5 years but actual completion time will depend on the number of credits per semester.

Tuition:  $542 per credit hour

• Aesthetics of Design
• Facility Management and Design
• Inclusive design/Accessibility
• Sustainable Design

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN HUMAN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI.

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University not only regularly receives accolades for its online program, it also provides affordable tuition. With 7 online doctoral programs in the field of engineering and one in Community College Leadership, Mississippi State charges under $500 per credit hour of doctoral learning.

Ranked in the top 20% for online military-friendly schools Mississippi State has “veteran-friendly distinctions” and is recognized as a “military spouse friendly” school as well. SmartAsset has listed Mississippi State as being the top “best value” school in Mississippi for three years in a row.

Accreditation:  Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Tuition:  $537 per credit hour

• Community College Leadership
• Computational Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Concentration in Aerospace Engineering
• Concentration in Civil Engineering
• Concentration in Mechanical Engineering
• Industrial and Systems Engineering

MORE INFORMATION ON ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT MISSISSIPPI STATE 

Northwest State University of Louisiana

Northwestern State University offers the same low rate of tuition for students acquiring their doctorates as for in-state students.  Their low tuition gives doctoral students across the country the opportunity to take classes at one of the top online schools in the U.S.

Northwestern State University was founded in 1884 and became the parent of eNSU which was Louisiana’s “first and largest electronic campus.” eNSU offers “accommodating class schedules, personalized instruction, military benefits, and financial aid.

According to their website, eNSU is recognized as a top military-friendly school and one of the best Online Schools for Veterans. eNSU has over 40 online degrees and programs with two online doctorate programs available.

Tuition: $475-575 per credit hour

• Doctor of Education in Adult and Learning Development
• Doctor of Nursing Practice

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT THE NORTHWEST STATE UNIVERSITY OF  LOUISIANA

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers in-state and out-of-state graduate tuition both for under $600 per credit hour which makes it one of the least expensive online doctorate offerings on this list. Old Dominion University is a public research university established in 1930 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Their student satisfaction rate is very high with a 2017 survey showing 97% of students either satisfied or very satisfied with their experience at Old Dominion. The online satisfaction rate was just a little lower at 95.9%. Old Dominion University offers 10 online doctorate programs in varying fields from Education to English to Instructional Design.

Tuition: 

• In-state: $599 per credit hour
• Out-of-state: $1,439 per credit hour
• Career and Technical Education
• Educational Leadership with Licensure
• Occupational and Technical Studies
• Instructional Design and Technology
• Nursing-Advanced Practice
• Nursing-Nurse Executive
• Public Administration and Policy

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY.

Aspen University

Aspen University has one of the lowest tuition rates for online doctorates. Aspen is a private university located in Denver, Colorado, which has been offering distance education since 1987. Aspen offers “online doctoral degree programs in the high demand fields of Education (Ed.D.), Nursing (DNP) and Computer Science (DCS).

According to their website, Aspen University allows their doctoral students to obtain a graduate degree at their own pace through the completion of online coursework. The online doctoral programs at Aspen University are designed for students who are balancing school, family, or work commitments at the same time as pursuing higher education.

Accreditation:  Distance Education Accrediting Commission

Tuition:  $518 per month

• Computer Science
• Health Care Administration and Leadership
• Higher Education Leadership
• K12 Educational Leadership
• Organizational Leadership
• Organizational Psychology

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT ASPEN UNIVERSITY

Ball State University Online

Ball State University has a low cost for a high reputation for its online doctoral programs. In 2018, Ball State University earned high rankings from U.S. News and World Report. These include the 9th best online graduate education programs for veterans and the 16th best online MBAs.

Almost all of Ball State’s online programs are offered 100% online with no trip to the campus needed to complete the program. Ball State was the “first higher education institution in the country to earn Learner Support Program Certification for its online programs.”

This certification was provided by Quality Matters. Ball State is also ranked No. 8 by Victory Media on its list of Military Friendly Schools.

Tuition:  $576 per credit hour

• Adult and Community Education
• Educational Administration and Supervision
• Special Education
• Higher Education and Community College Leadership

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT BALL STATE UNIVERSITY ONLINE.

Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington is the parent of Indiana University Online which offers some of the most affordable online doctoral programs. IUOnline began 5 years ago and has been very successful in bringing education to people at their convenience.

Not only do around 33% of Indiana University’s students take an online class but the online degree programs have increased by 46% since 2014. This brings the total online degree programs at IUOnline to 124 with 6 doctoral programs included. IUonline has a commitment to delivering “high-quality academic experiences and seamless services to online students.”

Tuition:  $530 per credit hour

• A few of the degrees are more per credit hour. However, in-state tuition for all doctoral degrees at Indiana University is under $600 with the exception of Nursing Practice.
• Instructional Systems Technology
• Literacy, Culture and Language Education
• Occupational Therapy Post-Professional
• Nursing Science
• Public Health, Global Health Leadership

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON.

University of Colorado Denver

Colorado University Online makes the list as one of the most affordable schools at which to study for a doctoral degree. Depending on the degree one is seeking, the price for studying online at CU Online can be under $400 a credit. CU Online offers 28 online degrees including 3 doctorate degrees in the field of medicine.

CU Online is an affiliate of Colorado University Denver which has a strong medical presence in the Denver area, serving over 500,000 patients a year. The University of Colorado Denver is not new to the field of medicine, opening their Department of Medicine and Surgery in 1883.

The Department of Nursing at the University of Colorado Denver is 130 years old. The University of Colorado Denver is the largest public research university in Colorado.

• $450-$720: In-State Graduate Tuition
• $1,400-$1,549: Out-of-State Graduate Tuition
• Doctor of Pharmacy – iPharmD
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORATE PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER .

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas Online has some of the least expensive online doctorates available for those interested in pursuing a doctorate in Education or Nursing. Three out of the four online doctoral programs offered at U of A Online are under $500 a credit hour which makes the school one of the most affordable on this list.

The University of Arkansas was founded in 1871 and now has over 12,000 students taking at least one online course. The University of Arkansas Online was named one of the best online programs in graduate education by  U.S. News and World Report.

At the University of Arkansas, “Online courses are designed by the academic colleges and schools at the University of Arkansas to produce the same learning outcomes as traditional, on-campus courses.”

Tuition:  $438-$597 per credit hour

• Doctor of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
• Doctor of Education in Human Resources and Workforce Development Education

LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS.

University of Louisiana Monroe

The University of Louisiana Monroe offers two inexpensive doctoral programs online. The Educational Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

The coursework for the Doctorate in Education can be completed in as little as 24 months. The coursework for the Marriage and Family Therapy Doctorate can also be completed in a little over 2 years. These degree programs are offered by ULM Online at $500 per credit hour.

The University of Louisiana Monroe is a public research institution in Monroe, Louisiana which opened in 1931. ULM Online offers 30 online degree programs and maintains the same level of excellence in its online programs as it does on campus. According to their website, “ ULM students who learn online earn the same degree as our face-to-face students from an accredited and respected institution of higher learning. “

Tuition:  $695 per credit hour

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Marriage and Family Therapy

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE.

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Texas A&M University-Commerce has one of the least expensive online doctorates on this list. Only one online doctorate is available at Texas A&M, the Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration.

This degree has a K-12 public school administration emphasis and requires a strong commitment to education on the part of its applicants and students. “ The Department of Educational Leadership at Texas A&M University-Commerce prepares graduates for teaching, service, and leadership roles in a variety of educational, business, government and industry contexts .”

Accreditation:  Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Tuition:  $758 per credit hour

Acceptance:

• General requirements for admission into Graduate Studies at Texas A&M  must be met.
• 3.40 GPA for master’s degree work
• Letter of recommendation, administrative experience along with all departmental requirements
• Two cohorts of doctoral students are accepted each year. Acceptance is competitive
• Doctor of Education in Educational Administration

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORATE OF EDUCATION IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY COMMERCE.

Liberty University

Liberty University Online is developing a reputation as one of the best online colleges, especially for the price. Liberty offers 9 different doctoral programs online which makes it one of the most diverse online schools on this list. The tuition for the programs varies from around $400 to $650 a credit.

Liberty Online is affiliated with Liberty University which was begun by Jerry Falwell in 1971.  In 1985, Liberty began its distance learning program by sending VHS tapes to long-distance students. The University now has over 100,000 students with over 550 programs. Liberty Online has over 250 of these programs available for off-campus students.

Liberty University is a private, non-profit private institution and is one of the largest Christian institutions in the world based on student enrollment.

Tuition:  $565-$615

• Divinity D.Min.
• Ed.D. Community Care and Counseling
• Business Administration
• Education Specialist
• Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision
• Ph.D. Higher Education Administration
• Ph.D. Theology and Apologetics

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY.

Cal Southern University

Cal Southern University offers several online doctoral programs that are some of the most affordable available. The Juris Doctor Degree is $375 per credit hour and the Doctor of Psychology and Doctor of Business Administration Degrees are both $495 for each credit hour.

The online doctorates at Cal Southern University are applied or professional doctorates. Unlike academic doctorates, they are “more devoted to the advanced, practical application of theory in a professional setting.” The online doctorates at Cal Southern are offered by Cal Southern’s Schools of Business, Law, and Psychology.

Cal Southern University has a “state of the art” online library and offers flexible scheduling for those students who are balancing multiple responsibilities besides finishing their doctoral degrees.

Accreditation:  Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Tuition:  $250-$475 per credit hour.

• Juris Doctor
• Doctor of Psychology

LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT CAL SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY .

Montana State University

One of the most affordable online doctorates, the DNP degree at Montana State University Online has two concentrations. One can study to be a Nurse Practitioner focusing on Family/Individual studies or Psychiatric/Mental Health. Now Montana’s largest university, Montana State University was founded in 1893 in Bozeman, Montana.

Originally a land-grant institution, MSU serves its community well with over 8,500 students being from the state of Montana. Montana State University has maintained a high standard of academic excellence throughout the years. 

According to the website of Montana State University, “During its most recent re-accreditation, MSU was commended for an ‘extremely high level of productivity and effectiveness.'” MSU is committed to maintaining this standard in its online degree programs as well.

Accreditation:  Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Tuition:  $291 per credit hour

• Nurse Practitioner, Family/Individual
• Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORATE OF NURSING PRACTICE AT MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY.

Governors State University

Governors State University offers in-state tuition to all online students making their online doctoral programs some of the cheapest available. Of the 5 online doctoral programs available at Governors State, two of them: Counselor Education and Supervision and Interdisciplinary Leadership are priced at only $477 per credit hour. Another online doctorate in Physical Therapy is $613 per credit hour.

Governors State University is a public university in Illinois, located 40 miles south of Chicago, that offers 64 degree programs to its students. According to its website, Governors State University has the most affordable undergraduate tuition in the state of Illinois. The online program at Governors State University offers over 200 online courses.

Tuition:  $477-$797 – In-State Tuition

• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy
• Doctor of Counselor Education
• Doctor of Interdisciplinary Leadership

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY .

Amridge University

Offering 9 different doctoral programs at low cost, Amridge University “has been a long-time leader in online education.” All of the programs at Amridge University use distance learning as the primary way of teaching.

According to their website, Amridge University has made it their goal to support their students from the beginning of their application and throughout their online experience. Amridge University was founded in 1967 and is a private university.

They offer “excellent scholarships and incentive discounts for Military Students, First Time Freshmen, Sister Institution Staff, Ministers, and Corporate Alliances.

Accreditation:  Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges – 1866 Southern Ln. Decatur, GA 30033

Tuition:  $535-$780 per credit hour

• Organizational Leadership and Management
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Ministry in Family Therapy
• Higher Education Administration
• Professional Counseling
• Doctor of Ministry
• Old Testament
• New Testament

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT AMRIDGE UNIVERSITY .

Johnson University

Johnson University offers one of the cheapest online doctoral degrees. The Doctorate in Leadership Studies is an interdisciplinary degree that focuses on “four dimensions of leadership studies.” These four dimensions are:

• individual and personal systems,
• organizational systems,
• global systems,
• and research.

The Ph.D. program is “rooted in a commitment to educating a whole person.” Johnson University is a private, Christian university based out of Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee. Founded in 1893, Johnson University is not only part of the educational scene but also the history of Tennessee.

Johnson University has two physical campuses, an online campus, and extended education programs that are located in many other states. Johnson University’s online program provides students with constant and direct access to their faculty.

One-on-one advising in their academic discipline as well as virtual library services and other academic resources are also offered to every online student.

Tuition:  $945 per credit hour

• Doctorate in Leadership Studies

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT JOHNSON UNIVERSITY.

University of Wilmington

Wilmington University offers 3 affordable doctorates 100% online. The price to enroll in one of these doctorates is $632 per credit hour which comes to around $1,896 per course.

Wilmington is located on 3 different campuses in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland as well as on their online campus. Wilmington has 20,000 students enrolled and a 17:1 faculty-student ratio.

Wilmington University is a private, non-profit, doctoral research institution that was founded in 1968. According to its website, Wilmington University offers a high transfer of at 90 credits and is focused on providing career-focused degree programs.

Accreditation:  Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Tuition: $696 per credit hour

• Higher Education Leadership and Innovation
• Organizational Learning, Leadership and Innovation

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY.

How can i make my doctorate program more affordable.

A doctoral degree program can be made more affordable by looking for programs that offer tuition discounts, tuition waivers, or scholarships. Students should also look into the cost of living in any potential locations and investigate loan and grant options.

Other cost-saving measures include taking courses online or part-time, depending on the availability of courses in the program. Additionally, some universities may offer stipends or fellowships to help offset costs.

How long will an online doctorate take to earn?

An online doctoral program can vary in the length of time it takes to complete. Generally, online PhDs take the same amount of time as an on-campus program would take. However, because online education is usually accomplished while working full time or completing other responsibilities, the classes may take longer for individuals to complete.

The average student in any Ph.D. program will take 8.5 years to complete their doctorate. Some programs may be completed in as little as three years. On average, one can expect to take five years to complete an online or on-campus Ph.D. program.

• Things to consider when evaluating the time it takes to complete an online Ph.D. are:
• The projected timeline proposed by the school for the program;
• How many responsibilities and other duties one has outside of accomplishing the Ph.D.;
• Whether or not one has credits that will transfer into the program and related to this;
• Whether one will be able to test out of any proposed classes in the program.

Looking closely at the prescribed program as well as talking to your adviser and accurately adjudicating one’s schedule, will give a pretty close estimate of the time it will take to complete an online Ph.D. program.

What is the average cost of an online doctoral degree?

According to Guide to Online Schools, over 245 schools now offer an online doctoral degree. Doctoral degrees are offered online in various fields, including:

• Literature,
• Philosophy,
• Public Health,
• Technology,
• Engineering,
• and many others.

The cost of acquiring an online doctoral degree can be less than attending a traditional classroom, depending on the type of school one attends. The average tuition for a doctoral degree in a traditional setting is between $15,000-$20,000 a year (according to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System).

According to NCES, public institutions offer the least expensive degrees, with traditional doctorates averaging around $11,000. Private Non-Profit Institutions, on the other end of the spectrum, cost around $25,000 a year. Private For-Profit Institutions cost about $14,000 a year for a doctoral degree.

More and more top public and private research institutions are offering online degrees, some of which are included on this list. The average cost of an online doctoral degree on this list is about $500 a credit, which comes to around $10,000 a year.

Are online doctoral degrees 100% online?

The list in this article of the most affordable online degrees only includes degrees in which the coursework can be completed 100% online. Often a doctorate will require one or several visits to campus as residencies, though many on this list do not require this.

A residency can be very helpful in forging connections, meeting classmates in person as well as doing intensive study, and working with faculty. If an institution advertises 100% online coursework, the residencies may be considered differently. However, with advancing technology, it is becoming more common for online doctorates to be able to be completed 100% online.

In a research field, the work in a doctorate is primarily intellectual and therefore doesn’t require on-site, hands-on experience. However, a field such as Chemistry has the option for physical research as well as theoretical. In these types of doctorates, a yearly residency may be necessary to complete the requirements for the degree. Technology has affected even these degrees, however, with the developing world of online labs.

How important is it for my online doctorate to be accredited?

When acquiring an online doctorate, not only should cost be a factor, but accreditation should be as well. The quality of a doctorate is monitored by accreditation. An applicant having an accredited Ph.D. may make a difference for an employer when looking to hire new employees.

Graduate programs may have regional accreditation and also a programmatic accreditation for the specific doctorate being offered. If one is looking to enter an academic field, having an accredited degree is very important as the accreditation will be noticed. Because serious academics usually have accredited degrees, one’s circle of colleagues and classmates will be of a higher caliber in an accredited degree program.

Only programs with accreditation can grant federal aid, which should also be considered. Another aspect of accreditation to consider is that transferring credits from one institution to another may only be possible if the credits were acquired from an accredited institution.

If you are already employed, and your doctorate will be covered by your employer, often the doctorate will have to be accredited in order to qualify for tuition reimbursement. In sum, advancing one’s career and financing one’s doctorate will both be affected by ensuring that a doctorate is accredited.

What are the usual prerequisites to enter an online doctoral program?

Most online doctoral programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s and master’s degree. These degrees can sometimes be in a related field, or some doctoral programs may require applicants to have a degree in the field they are entering.

A specific GPA requirement usually needs to be met in order to be accepted into a doctoral program. Another prerequisite may be work or experience in the field of doctoral studies. Entering an online doctoral program may require particular prerequisites in working with online technology.

Testing may be required throughout the doctoral program to ensure a student’s aptitude in their field of research. Applying for an online doctoral program will generally require the following:

• Application Fee – usually between $50-$100
• Application Form
• Resume – including all work experience and education
• Statement of Purpose – including generous information about why the doctorate is a good fit
• Standardized Testing – usually, the GRE or the GMAT or a standardized test in one’s field may be required.
• Letters of Recommendation – often, three letters will be required from former professors or colleagues in the field of study that one wishes to enter
• Official Transcripts – from all colleges and universities attended
• TOEFL – often required for those whose first language is not English

Related Links:

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Best Online Ed.D. Programs Of 2024

Updated: Dec 11, 2023, 10:55am

The highest degree educators and educational leaders can earn is the doctorate. At this level, schools offer doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) and doctor of education (Ed.D.) degrees. These share some similarities and outcomes but may differ in scope and content.

Ph.D. programs generally qualify people for work in research and academia, while Ed.D. degrees typically equip learners for educational leadership roles. Ed.D. degrees often have shorter graduation timelines, too, allowing graduates to enter the workforce more quickly.

As more schools embrace distance education, grad students benefit from online Ed.D. programs offering flexible scheduling and asynchronous coursework. This guide covers the top doctorate in education online programs, exploring each degree’s accreditation, curriculum, tuition costs and delivery methods.

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Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
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Our Methodology

We scored eight accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online Ed.D. programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of June 2023.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We listed all eight schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Ed.D. Degree Options

Should you enroll in an online ed.d. program, accreditation for online ed.d. programs, how to find the right online ed.d. for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ed.d. programs, johns hopkins university, union university, university of dayton, morehead state university, university of new england, liberty university, nova southeastern university, regent university.

Graduate Tuition

$1,900/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Johns Hopkins University , located in Baltimore, Maryland, features an online Ed.D. program with five available areas of interest: creativity, advanced learning and twice exceptionality; digital age learning and educational technology; entrepreneurial leadership in education; mind, brain and teaching; and urban leadership.

All pathways include foundational coursework, applied research and elective classes. Each student must complete 12 credits of doctoral dossier research, including an oral defense.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $80
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Computational thinking for K-12 educators, technology for learner variability
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$695/credit

At Jackson, Tennessee’s Union University , students can pursue an online Ed.D. in educational leadership with accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Union University applies a Christ-centered focus, and learners advance through the curriculum in cohorts.

The program features concentrations in higher education and P-12 school administration. Both tracks require a dissertation after completing 60 credits with a minimum 3.2 GPA, along with written and oral exams. Students complete the degree after successfully defending their dissertations to faculty.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Legal issues in school governance, teacher leadership
• Concentrations Available: Higher education, P-12 school administration (with sub-concentrations in instructional leadership, teacher leadership and leadership in school reform)
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for summer residency

$1,455/credit

The doctorate in education online program at Ohio’s University of Dayton (UD) focuses on leadership for organizations. The curriculum covers intercultural proficiency, advocacy and how to build learning communities. Students attend weekly remote classes and complete two on-campus immersions to build connections with peers and faculty.

UD doctoral students complete a nine-credit “dissertation-in-practice” throughout the program to explore issues in organizational leadership. Faculty members guide learners through the process, from choosing a topic to applying their findings in real-world scenarios.

• Application Fee: Free
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Qualitative research, program evaluation
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus immersions 

$570/credit

Morehead State University (MSU) in Kentucky offers a three-year online Ed.D. program with concentrations across several student ages and types. MSU aims to foster graduates who merge practice, scholarship and servant leadership. The program requires a four-day course that takes place on campus.

Learners complete the program with doctoral capstone projects. These projects take a research focus, allowing students to analyze data and apply their findings to improve learner outcomes. MSU offers flat-rate tuition for all online students, regardless of their location. Each distance learner pays an additional $15 per credit for online classes.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $30
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Principles of leadership: service to others; action research and grant writing
• Concentrations Available: Adult and higher education leadership; P-12 administrative leadership; educational technology leadership; exceptional child leadership; career and technical education leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for four-day, on-campus course

$1,020/credit

The online Ed.D. program at Biddeford, Maine’s University of New England (UNE) uses asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, allowing students to remain employed while earning their degrees.

UNE features an “integrated dissertation” process that occurs within several courses and allows learners to take a qualitative, quantitative or combined approach. Each student pairs with a two-person advisory team for their research. Online students pay a $150 tech fee per semester.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 51 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Policy analysis, organizational dynamics

$595/credit (full time)

Liberty University , located in Lynchburg, Virginia, features several doctorate in education online programs, including Ed.D. degrees in educational leadership; curriculum and instruction; higher education administration; and special education. These programs have all received CAEP accreditation.

Liberty’s transfer-friendly policies allow learners to bring up to 27 credits from previous education. After finishing 12 research-focused credits, students complete a capstone project across four courses.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Issues and trends in learning technologies; culture and educational leadership
• Concentrations Available: Administration and supervision; curriculum and instruction; educational leadership; higher education administration; instructional design and technology; special education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, some degrees require a practicum and internship

$1,550/credit

At Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s Nova Southeastern University (NSU), students can pursue one of nine online Ed.D. specializations, such as educational leadership or reading education. NSU offers these classes fully online, but learners must attend an in-person Summer Institute conference.

NSU prioritizes real-world applications of coursework to prepare graduates for the workforce. Regardless of their chosen specialization, students can choose between completing a dissertation or strategic research project.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 55 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Strategic planning, academic writing
• Concentrations Available: Educational leadership; curriculum and teaching; higher education leadership; human services administration; instructional technology and distance education; organizational leadership; reading education; special education; sports leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for in-person conference residency

$800/credit

The online Ed.D. program at Regent University blends synchronous and asynchronous delivery to mirror the classroom experience while providing greater freedom. Students can choose from 10 concentrations, including exceptional education executive leadership, adult education and Christian education leadership.

Regent’s dissertation comprises 16 credits. The process begins with students creating a prospectus and culminates with a defense. Each online learner pays a $700-per-semester fee, $150 less than students at the Virginia Beach, Virginia campus.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 61 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Qualitative data analysis, educational statistics
• Concentrations Available: Adult education; advanced educational leadership;
• Christian education leadership; curriculum and instruction; educational psychology; educational technology and online learning; exceptional education executive leadership; higher education leadership and management; K-12 school leadership; special education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, some concentrations require an internship

With the recent boom in distance education, many schools have expanded their online offerings to every degree level, including doctoral degrees. While remote learning provides some distinct benefits over in-person instruction, consider your personal learning style before committing to a program.

As you research online Ed.D. programs, take note of their delivery method. Asynchronous delivery, which does not require set class times, offers flexibility in watching lectures and finishing assignments. However, this method requires you to remain motivated and organized to complete your tasks on time. Some schools employ a hybrid approach, blending online and in-person classes or mixing synchronous and asynchronous work.

If a program uses exclusively synchronous delivery, make sure the set log-in times work with your schedule. Online Ed.D. programs may also include in-person residency requirements. Always ensure you can travel for any necessary trips to campus before applying.

The following section covers other considerations for prospective online learners.

Schools voluntarily undergo a process known as accreditation in which third-party agencies evaluate their curriculums, student outcomes and resources. Programs and departments within institutions may also pursue programmatic accreditation from specialized accreditors.

Institutional Accreditation

Always prioritize schools with institutional accreditation. Earning a degree from an accredited school qualifies you to transfer credits among institutions, apply for federal financial aid and receive licensure. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize the following institutions to provide institutional accreditation:

• WASC Senior College and University Commission
• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Higher Learning Commission
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

If you aren’t sure of a school’s accreditation status, use CHEA’s directory to look up prospective institutions.

Programmatic Accreditation

The primary accreditor for education programs is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Employers typically do not require candidates to graduate from a CAEP-accredited Ed.D. program. However, programmatic accreditation signals that graduates completed a rigorous curriculum that effectively prepared them for the workforce.

Some programs display their accreditation on their degree pages. If not, you can find accredited programs using CAEP’s search tool .

Consider Your Future Goals

At this point in your educational journey, you likely have a strong sense of your professional goals. Use this knowledge to identify the right doctorate in education program .

For example, if you want to work in academia, it may make sense to prioritize programs that focus on research. Ed.D. programs with assistantships give you the opportunity to practice alongside professors and other faculty. If you plan to pursue educational leadership , seek programs that provide real-world experience through internships and other applied learning opportunities.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

A graduate education requires a significant investment of time, energy and—perhaps most importantly—finances. Unlike Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs, Ed.D. degrees are less likely to be fully funded through apprenticeships, fellowships or work-study opportunities . However, some schools do offer these funding options.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that public graduate schools charge in-state students an average of $11,554 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state learners pay an average of $21,000. Annual tuition and fees for private schools average $20,015. Note that these figures apply to graduate schools rather than doctoral programs specifically.

Yearly tuition among the schools on our list varies significantly, from about $8,000 to more than $25,000. On average, our ranked schools charged about $14,500 in annual tuition.

To lower your financial burden, research any available forms of aid. Fill out the FAFSA to receive information about your eligibility for different aid sources, including direct unsubsidized loans and grad PLUS loans. However, these carry interest and require repayment. Before relying on loans, look for forms of funding that you do not need to repay, like grants and scholarships.

Schools and private organizations offer scholarships and grants based on factors like need, identity and academic achievement. Students attending online Ed.D. programs can apply for programs like the $4,000 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant and AFCEA’s STEM teacher scholarships .

Is an Ed.D. still called a doctor?

Yes, graduates who complete an Ed.D. program—resulting in a doctor of education degree—can use the title of “doctor.”

Can you become a professor with an Ed.D.?

Yes, holding an Ed.D. typically qualifies you to teach at the college level, though you may also need professional experience.

How long does an Ed.D. take?

An Ed.D. may take three to seven years to complete, depending on enrollment status. Full-time students typically take three to four years, while individuals who opt for part-time study extend this timeline.

Matt Whittle has experience writing and editing accessible education-related content in health, technology, nursing and business subjects. His work has been featured on Sleep.org, Psychology.org and NurseJournal.org.

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In 2016, graduate doctoral students with thesis defense for Perm Krai was 2 persons. Though Perm Krai graduate doctoral students with thesis defense fluctuated substantially in recent years, it tended to decrease through 2002 - 2016 period ending at 2 persons in 2016.

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