Most Affordable Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
Getting your PhD or professional doctorate is cheaper than you think. Explore the most affordable online doctoral programs from accredited universities and find other ways to lower the cost of grad school in this guide.
Written by
PhDs.me Staff
Last updated
Jul 28, 2022
Doctoral degrees are the highest educational attainment possible and held only by a relative few. They come with career advancement, new opportunities, and prestige. While earning your doctoral degree often results in higher pay and leadership in your field, it also requires tremendous commitment in time and finances. Online doctoral and PhD programs ease the burden by being flexible, accessible, and more cost effective since you likely won’t have to quit your job and relocate to earn them.
This guide spotlights the most affordable doctorate-level degrees available either fully or partially online. From nursing, psychology, and public health to education, criminal justice, and technology, there’s an online doctoral-level program available within budget to help advance your career. Keep reading to learn more about the most affordable online doctoral and PhD programs for 2022.
50 Most Affordable Online PhD and Doctoral Programs in 2022
Below is our list of the 50 U.S. colleges and universities with the most affordable online doctoral and PhD programs available in 2022. We’ve used the following methodology to develop this list.
As you might expect from a quality, fully-accredited public school, Fort Hays State University offers its Doctor of Nursing Practice program with one of the most affordable tuition rates available. The four-year BSN to DNP option features coursework completed almost entirely online with only a few, brief campus visits required. Students also complete substantial practice hours in-person at program-approved clinical sites in Kansas. Admission requirements include a current RN license and BSN degree earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Current RNs with nursing masters can opt for the MSN to DNP program. Most coursework is completed online with no required preceptored clinicals. The program does require a one-day visit to campus each year. Along with affordable tuition rates, FHSU offers several financial aid opportunities, including Nursing Department Scholarships and a forgivable loan program.
Program Highlights:
- Tuition: $400/credit
- Credits: 75 (BSN to DNP); 30 to 33 (MSN to DNP)
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- BSN to DNP (Partially-online)
- MSN to DNP (Fully-online coursework with one required campus visit annually and in-person clinical hours)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid77%
Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s DNP program prepares graduates for advanced nursing practice as FNPs in underserved rural communities. Current RNs entering the program with a BSN degree and patient care experience complete 73 credit hours over three years of full-time or five years of part-time study. Didactic coursework is completed online, but students must attend a six-day residency on NOSU’s Alva campus before the start of their 1,020 clinical practicum hours. Current RNs holding an MSN Family Nurse Practitioner degree and certification in an advanced practice specialty may be admitted with advanced placement status allowing them to earn their DNPs with 37 to 39 credit hours of coursework. All DNP students return to campus at the end of their programs for the oral defense of their DNP scholarly projects.
Program Highlights:
- Tuition: $388.50/credit (in-state); $642.50/credit (out-of-state)
- Credits: 73 (37-39 for Advance Placement students)
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- BSN to DNP (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid79%
You’d be hard-pressed to find many U.S. colleges or universities that offer as many online doctoral degree programs as Kentucky’s University of the Cumberlands. UC currently houses eight doctorates with fully-online or partially-online programs in business, education, information technology, and leadership. Total credit hour and additional degree requirements vary by program, as do tuition rates. However, total costs for many UC doctorate programs are surprisingly competitive, proving that there are exceptions to the general rule that degrees from private schools are always more expensive than those from public ones. School-sponsored payment plans are also available. UC is approved by the U.S. Department of Education, making its students eligible for federal student financial aid.
Program Highlights:
- Tuition: $315-$700/credit
- Credits: 60-66 (varies by program)
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) (Fully-online)
- PhD in Business (Fully-online)
- Executive PhD in Business (Partially-online)
- EdD in Educational Leadership (Fully-online)
- PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision (Fully-online coursework with in-person practicum/internship)
- PhD in Information Technology (Fully-online)
- PhD in Leadership Studies (Fully-online)
- Executive PhD in Leadership (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid97%
Alabama’s Columbia Southern University breaks the “private schools are more expensive” rule with its online Doctor of Business Administration program. Columbia Southern’s DBA offers one of the most student-friendly distance programs available with all coursework in a 100% online asynchronous format and flexible schedules allowing students to complete courses in four to 10 weeks. Students opting for CSU’s LifePace Learning model can begin their programs at any time. Along with its very competitive tuition rate, CSU offers several cost-saving features like free textbooks and tutoring services, military tuition assistance, and one-course-at-a-time payment plans to its DBA students. Federal student aid is also available to qualifying students.
Program Highlights:
- Tuition: $420/credit
- Credits: 61
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid68%
New Mexico State University offers three Doctor of Nursing options with coursework accessed and completed entirely online. Current RNs with a nursing bachelor’s degree choose between BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner tracks. Both tracks require three years of full-time study that culminate in the completion and defense of a DNP scholarly project. The MSN to DNP program allows nursing master’s degree holders to earn their DNP degree with two years of full-time study, also culminating in a DNP scholarly project. All didactic coursework is completely online in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous formats. DNP students must also complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice typically attended at program-approved sites in their local communities. Along with exceptionally competitive tuition rates, DNP students may be eligible for a range of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, student loans, and work-study.
Program Highlights:
- Tuition: $436/credit
- Credits: 74 (BSN to DNP); 36-45 (MSN to DNP)
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (Fully-online coursework with in-person clinical hours)
- BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Fully-online coursework with in-person clinical hours)
- MSN to DNP Population Health Leadership (Fully-online coursework with in-person clinical hours required of some students)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid65%
Its low per-credit tuition rate and total of only 30 credit hours of required coursework for EdS degree holders makes the hybrid-formatted Doctor of Educational Leadership from Southwest Baptist University among the best deals for those wanting an affordable online EdD. The program uses a three-tiered “leveling options” model that allows students entering the program at different points along their academic paths to complete and pay for only the credits they need to earn their degrees. Students with Educational Administration MS degrees and building-level certifications, for example, complete a three-year, 51 credit program while students entering with a non-administration education master’s complete a 73-credit curriculum over four years. Some coursework is delivered online through a combination of synchronous lecture sessions and asynchronous assignments. Most coursework, however, is completed on SBU’s main campus in Bolivar, Missouri.
Program Highlights:
- Tuition: $445/credit
- Credits: 30-73 (varies by track)
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- EdD in Educational Leadership (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid70%
Ashland University, a private Christian institution located in Ashland, Ohio, offers six doctoral degree options featuring online study. Current RNs with a nursing bachelor’s degree choose one of two BSN to DNP concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner or Health Systems Leadership. Students with a nursing master’s and RN licensure complete either the Advanced Practice or Health Systems Leadership MSN to DNP program. Along with online coursework, all DNP students complete substantial in-person residencies at clinics, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities in their local areas.
Students in Ashland’s Executive Doctorate in Leadership Studies program complete core coursework over four semesters through a combination of online and face-to-face classes followed by the writing and defense dissertations. Ashland’s hybrid-formatted Doctor of Ministry degree program takes three to six years and combines core religion, research, and writing courses with coursework in a specialization track: Transformational Leadership, Black Church Studies, or Chaplaincy. Students can also choose the Independent Design track that allows them to focus on their own unique academic interests.
Program Highlights:
- Tuition: $710-$965/credit
- Credits: 32-77 (varies by program)
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (Fully-online coursework with in-person clinical hours)
- BSN to DNP Health Systems Leadership (Fully-online coursework with in-person clinical hours)
- MSN to DNP Advanced Practice (Fully-online coursework with in-person clinical hours)
- MSN to DNP Health Systems Leadership (Fully-online coursework with in-person clinical hours)
- Executive Doctorate in Leadership Studies (Partially-online)
- Doctor of Ministry (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid95%
The Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Baptist Luther Rice College & Seminary provides students seeking training in ministry leadership and church administration the opportunity to earn their DMin in a convenient and affordable 30 credit hour program. Students complete four core courses during week-long modules attended in-person on the college’s Lithonia, Georgia campus. Remaining coursework is accessed and completed 100% online. The program culminates in the design and writing of a Doctoral Ministry Project.
Admission requirements for the DMin program include a Master in Divinity degree from a CHEA-recognized accredited institution earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA on approved graduate-level coursework. Candidates with MAs in Bible or Theology may be admitted after completing additional coursework. Admission requirements include submittal of a research paper adhering to program guidelines and a two-page paper detailing the candidate’s Christian ministry experience and adherence to Christian faith fundamentals and character.
Program Highlights:
- Tuition: $377/credit
- Credits: 30
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Ministry (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid67%
The one-of-a-kind EdD in Bilingual Education from Texas A&M University Kingsville prepares graduates for administrative careers focused primarily on the educational needs of school-age Mexican American students and other linguistically and culturally diverse populations. The 63 credit hour program consists of 21 courses and experiences in the fields of education, history, sociology, Spanish, and other languages. All requirements are completed online with no on-campus visits. Classes are presented via Zoom in a synchronous format. The program culminates with the preparation and defense of a dissertation. Admission requirements for the Bilingual Education EdD program include a master’s degree from an accredited university with a 3.25 or higher GPA on all graduate coursework, a minimum GRE score of 1,000 (verbal + quantitative), three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Program Highlights:
- Tuition: $42,210 (total program tuition and fees)
- Credits: 63
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- EdD in Bilingual Education (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid61%
Arkansas State University offers two doctoral degrees with substantial online program options. Their Doctor of Educational Leadership prepares students for top-level administrative and leadership roles in schools and school districts on all education levels. All courses are online in a combination of synchronous classes and additional asynchronous coursework. Students also participate in three, day-long summer seminars on the ASU campus in Jonesboro at the beginning, middle, and end of their pre-dissertation coursework.
ASU’s two-year, full-time Doctor of Nursing Practice is a post-master’s program also featuring fully-online didactic coursework along with on-campus immersion experiences before the beginning of each semester. As part of the curriculum, DNP students complete three internship courses totaling 540 clock hours of practice in an approved clinical setting.
Program Highlights:
- Tuition: $333/credit (DNP); $440/credit (EdD)
- Credits: 41 (DNP); 60 (EdD)
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor on Nursing Practice (DNP) (Fully-online coursework with on-campus sessions each semester and in-person clinical practice internships)
- EdD in Educational Leadership (Fully-online coursework plus three, 3-day, on-campus seminars)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid67%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- PhD in Leadership (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid96%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (CRNA to DNAP) (Partially-online)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (BSN to DNP Partially-online; Post-master’s DNP fully-online coursework with one to two campus visits)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid59%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Intercultural Studies (Partially-online)
- Doctor of Ministry (Transformational Leadership) (Partially-online)
- Doctor of Strategic Leadership (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid100%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Behavioral Health (Clinical) (Fully-online coursework with in-person internship)
- Doctor of Behavioral Health (Management) (Fully-online coursework with in-person internship)
- Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid53%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (BSN to DNP Partially-online; MSN to DNP Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid44%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (BSN to DNP Partially-online; Post-MSN DNP Fully-online)
- PhD in Leadership Studies (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid60%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Fully-online courses, but travel to Bozeman may be required for some coursework)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid61%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- PhD in Cyber Defense (Fully-online)
- PhD in Information Systems (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid62%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- PhD in Nursing (Fully-online with one on-campus orientation session)
- Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid32%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- EdD in Educational Leadership (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid54%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Partially-online)
- Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid68%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Global Security (APU) (Partially-online)
- Doctor of Strategic Intelligence (APU) (Partially-online)
- Doctor of Global Security (AMU) (Partially-online)
- Doctor of Strategic Intelligence (AMU) (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid52%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Fully-online)
- EdD in Community College Leadership (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid74%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- MSN to DNP with Family Care Specialization (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid64%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- PhD in Forensic Sciences (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid0%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- EdD in Higher Education Administration (Fully-online)
- EdD in Nursing Education (Fully-online)
- EdD in Professional Counseling and Supervision (Fully-online)
- EdD in School Improvement (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid15%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid74%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- EdD in School Improvement (Fully-online coursework with annual summer face-to-face seminar)
- PhD in Nursing (Fully-online coursework with week-long on-campus summer orientation and returning-student workshops)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid48%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Fully-online coursework with minimal campus visits)
- EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Practice (Fully-online)
- PhD in Criminal Justice (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid9%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid71%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- EdD in Educational Leadership (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid86%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Ministry (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid0%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Fully-online coursework with in-person clinical hours)
- EdD in Professional Studies (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid66%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering (Partially-online)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Partially-online)
- Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (Fully-online)
- Public Health/Pharmacy (Coordinated Degree) MPH/PharmD (Partially-online)
- Public Health/Optometry (Coordinated Degree) MPH/OD (Partially-online)
- DSc in Healthcare Leadership (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid74%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Varies by specialization)
- EdD in Higher Education (Fully-online coursework with two-week, in-person campus summer residencies)
- EdD in P-12 School Administration (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid99%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- EdD in Educational Administration (Fully-online)
- EdD in Higher Education (Fully-online)
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (Partially-online)
- PhD in Educational Psychology (Partially-online)
- PhD in English (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid41%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Fully-online)
- Doctorate in Athletic Training (DAT) (Partially-online)
- PhD in Educational Administration: Higher Education Leadership (Partially-online)
- PhD in Educational Administration: School (Partially-online)
- PhD in Technology Management (Fully-online coursework with on-campus residency)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid64%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) (Fully-online)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) (Fully-online)
- Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) (Fully-online)
- PhD in Business Administration (Fully-online)
- PhD in Educational Leadership (Fully-online)
- PhD in Health Sciences (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid29%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- PhD in Learning Technologies (Fully-online coursework with a face-to-face, on-campus meeting in the fall)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid50%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Fully-online coursework plus in-person colloquium and clinical hours)
- DNP to PhD Bridge (Fully-online through Denton Campus; Partially-online through Houston campus)
- PhD in Occupational Therapy (Partially-online)
- PhD in Nursing Science (Fully-online through Denton Campus; Partially-online through Houston campus)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid44%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Ministry in Relational Leadership (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid0%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Partially-online)
- PhD in Nursing (Partially-online)
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) (Partially-online)
- EdD in Educational Leadership (Partially-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid49%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- DBA in Rural Business (Fully-online)
- EdD in Rural Education (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid56%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision (Fully-online coursework with four one-week summer residencies)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid65%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- EdD in Leadership (Fully-online coursework plus one educational trip to Washington, DC)
- PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision (Fully-online coursework with two face-to-face residencies and in-person field experiences)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid97%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin) (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid11%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Church Music (Fully-online)
- Doctor of Ministry (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid0%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid61%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid4%
Online Doctoral and PhD Programs
- EdD in Aviation and Space Education (Fully-online)
- PhD in Fire and Emergency Management Administration (Fully-online)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid73%
Rankings Methodology
PhD.me’s rankings are based on data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). To be eligible for our most affordable rankings, colleges were required to have the following characteristics:
- Annual graduate tuition under $15,000.
- At least one doctoral program offered partially online or fully online.
- Accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Eligible colleges were then ranked based on their performance in the following metrics:
- Cost: Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year. (Heaviest weighting)
- Institutional Aid: Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself. (Second-heaviest weighting)
- Online Program Availability: Number of fully-online or partially-online doctoral programs reported.
- Academic Counseling: Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement: Existence of this service on campus or online.
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ATS: Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
Most Affordable Online Doctoral and PhD Programs By Subject
Some doctoral majors are more compatible with distance education than others. Nevertheless, the breadth of academic and professional fields available for online study may surprise you. The chart below offers recent affordability figures for online PhD and doctoral programs by subject based on median student debt.
Subject | Median Student Debt |
---|---|
Biology, General | $17,000 |
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $35,772 |
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | $40,897 |
Chemistry | $40,979 |
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | $41,129 |
Sociology | $44,909 |
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $47,558 |
Anthropology | $48,570 |
English Language and Literature, General | $50,762 |
Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $51,465 |
Music | $53,215 |
Theological and Ministerial Studies | $53,396 |
Student Counseling and Personnel Services | $53,920 |
Education, Other | $54,789 |
Architecture | $60,684 |
Research and Experimental Psychology | $61,016 |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $61,142 |
Religion/Religious Studies | $62,353 |
Education, General | $63,348 |
Educational Administration and Supervision | $63,566 |
Educational/Instructional Media Design | $69,645 |
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $70,789 |
Public Health | $73,405 |
Psychology, General | $74,847 |
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other | $76,813 |
Source: College Scorecard
What Makes an Online Doctoral Program Affordable?
Several factors affect the overall affordability of online doctoral programs. Four of the biggest to consider are discussed below. Keep in mind, though, that there are exceptions, so never discount any program before you look at it in detail.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Residency
Since public colleges and universities receive a lot of their funding from state taxes, they normally charge a substantially higher tuition rate to out-of-state students. This is a good reason to check programs at schools in your state of residence first. However, some schools now charge a single rate to all students in online degree programs regardless of residency, so your out-of-state status may not be an eliminating factor.
Private vs. Public Universities
The general rule is that degrees from public colleges and universities are more expensive than their public school counterparts. For the most part, that rule still stands. However, our program rankings show this may be changing. Don’t automatically exclude doctorate programs simply because they’re from private schools.
Credits Required
Be sure to consider the total number of credits required. For example, EdD programs at Evangel University and Southwest Baptist University are $600 and $445 per credit respectively. However, the total required credits are 50 for Evangel’s program and 73 for Southwest Baptist’s program. So, the total tuition cost for Evangel ($30,000) is less than that for Southwest Baptist ($32,485). Both programs are still quite affordable, but the total cost may be a deciding factor.
Financial Aid Packages Offered by the School
Most students need some outside help to fund their doctorate studies. Fortunately, students enrolled in virtually all of the programs mentioned in this guide are eligible for federal financial aid, particularly student loans. Most schools also offer a range of other aid opportunities, like scholarships and grants, work-study programs, and in-house student loans. Fort Hays State University, for example, offers both nursing-exclusive scholarships and a loan forgiveness program to its DNP students.
Where to Get Funding for Your Online PhD or Professional Doctorate
Paying for an online doctorate can feel daunting, but there are many ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs and make earning your degree a reality. Several of the most common funding opportunities are detailed below but be sure to investigate Financial Aid for Doctoral Students in more depth before beginning your program.
Scholarships & Grants
Scholarships and grants are popular mainly because you don’t pay them back. They’re available from a range of sources, sometimes even the colleges and universities themselves. Check each school’s website for available scholarships and grants along with the Scholarships & Grants for Doctoral Students available regardless of where you attend.
Doctoral Fellowships
Doctoral fellowships are merit-based awards that provide financial support to doctorate students to help pay for their continued studies. As opposed to assistantships, fellowships usually do not require students to take on teaching or research responsibilities in exchange for the award. Learn more about how to land a great doctoral fellowship in this PhD Student’s Guide to Fellowships.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Companies value good employees and often want to support their efforts for career advancement, especially when its advancement in their own organizations. That’s why many companies sponsor employer tuition reimbursement programs for their most valued employees and pay for some or all the tuition costs in return for a commitment to employment with the company for a stated period. Speak with your supervisor or HR office to see if tuition reimbursement is available for you.
Student Loans
The student loan is the most common type of financial aid for all degree programs. The biggest source of student loans is the federal government. For grad students, that usually means the Direct PLUS Loan. Some schools offer in-house loans for their students as well. Contact your school’s financial aid office for information on student loan availability.