Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2023

Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2023
By Dave Tomar
Published:

Earning a PhD can boost your career potential. We rank the best research universities that offer online doctorate programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Online doctoral degree programs are growing in availability at top-ranked research universities.

  • Doctoral students seeking accredited online degree programs from top research universities have a number of excellent options to choose from.

  • Many online programs at the doctoral level are geared toward working professionals seeking to advance in their career.

Featured Programs

Prospective students considering online doctoral programs can choose from a wide range of excellent programs at an array of top research universities. Research universities are schools that invest heavily in research. These universities are therefore able to provide meaningful opportunities for students and faculty to participate in research.

This high level of research activity makes research universities a particularly strong draw for doctoral students and Phd candidates. Doctoral and PhD candidates are typically already working at a high level in their field.

This means that students seeking their doctorate through online doctoral programs must balance existing work and personal responsibilities with a challenging course of education. This is why a growing number of research universities offer online doctoral programs.

For a look at how these online doctoral programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the 50 Best Graduate Schools in the U.S.

Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an online PhD from a top research university.


The Carnegie Classification System at Research Universities

The best research universities for online doctoral degrees are classified into different tiers based on their quantifiable commitment to research activities. This tiered ranking is commonly called the Carnegie Classification.

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States.

Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online PhD programs.

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Accreditation for Your Online Doctoral Program at a Research University

Online doctoral degree programs are growing in both availability and diversity. Online doctoral programs are offered in an increasingly wide range of subjects including areas like:

  • Educational leadership
  • Educational administration
  • Community college leadership
  • Health sciences
  • Physical therapy
  • Nursing practice program options
  • Occupational therapy
  • Systems engineering
  • Computer engineering

...and much more.

An online doctoral programs becoming increasingly diverse in their offerings, proper accreditation becomes more important than ever when determining the quality and credibility of your online PhD:

  • Institutional Accreditation: Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online Ph.D programs offered by the graduate school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body.

    • A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates. When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

  • Programmatic Accreditation: In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure that you are only considering online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation.

    • For instance, if you seek a doctor of nursing practice, be sure that your online doctoral degree program has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If you seek a PhD in business administration, be sure you only consider online degrees with programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

    Programmatic accreditation ensures you only select from online PhD programs respected in your field.

Key Point: The best online doctoral programs will have both institutional and programmatic accreditation.



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What to Expect from an Online Doctorate Program at a Research University

Admission Requirements

Each research university offering online doctorate programs will have its own admission requirements. However, most online doctoral programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission:

  • A completed online application
  • Official undergraduate college transcripts
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
  • GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal interviews
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Plan of study

Key Point: In most cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, some specialized online PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.

Curriculum and Courses

As with other advanced degree and graduate programs, research is the central component of your online PhD program. This is true for fully online doctorate degrees as well as hybrid degrees combining online education with traditional on-campus courses.

Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is three to six years.

The typical components of your online PhD program may include:

Foundational Courses

While some foundational online doctorate courses may be focused on your specific discipline or area of study, most courses will focus on research methods and experimental design. You may be able to complete many of these requirements through online classes.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation Requirements in Online PhD Programs at Research Universities

Dissertation

In most cases, the central component of your online PhD program will be the completion of your dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original research question.

This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some online Ph.D programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Key Point: The online PhD is a research-focused degree. Your dissertation will be a central part of your online doctoral degree program.


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Careers for Students Who Complete Online Doctoral Degree Programs

The PhD is generally considered a terminal degree at most research universities and in most fields. This means that students who complete credible online doctoral programs in their field are generally eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field. These opportunities, and the pay scale, may differ from one field to the next.

That said, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that, in 2021, working professionals with a PhD earned more per week than other Americans in every educational demographic. According to the BLS, the median weekly earning for graduate students with a doctoral degree was $1909. By contrast, those with a master’s degree earned a weekly median of $1574, while bachelor’s degree holders earned a median of $1334.

These higher earnings are reflective of the rarified professional opportunities that await those with a PhD in their field. Working professionals who earn an accredited online doctorate may be eligible to work in the following areas.

  • Theoretical Research
  • Scientific Research
  • Publishing
  • Sociology
  • Post-Secondary Education
  • Public Policy Consultation
  • Clinical Practice
  • Organizational Leadership

Key Point: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a doctorate will earn more than graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.


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What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online Ph.D programs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, your online doctoral degree may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.

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The 20 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates

  1. #1

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #16 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #18 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in California 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    What is University of Southern California known for?

    University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • The University of Southern California is great for students who:

      Plan to pursue career opportunities in the Los Angeles area. Some estimates identify USC as the largest employer in the region as well as a top contributor to the labor market.

    • The University of Southern California might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a more intimate academic experience. USC is a massive school in an urban environment.

  2. #2

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2023 #1 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    What is University of Arizona known for?

    University of Arizona’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Arizona is great for students who:

      Enjoy college athletics. The Arizona Wildcats have won numerous championships across various Pac-12 Conference sports.

    • University of Arizona might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer an intimate college experience.

  3. #3

    George Washington University

    Washington , DC
    #2 Best Colleges in DC 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools in DC 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in DC 2023 #2 Best Research Universities in DC 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/31

    What is George Washington University known for?

    George Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • George Washington University is great for students who:

      Are interested in fields like political science, law, and civics. Its location in the U.S. capital makes GW a prime destination for these areas of study.

    • George Washington University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t wish to attend college in an urban environment. GW is immersed directly in the city of Washington D.C.

    George Washington University’s Online Degrees

    • PhD in Systems Engineering
    • DEng in Cybersecurity Analytics
    • DEng in Engineering Management

  6. #5

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2023 #1 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2023 #2 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/26

    What is University of Missouri known for?

    University of Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Missouri is great for students who:

      Are looking for lots of options. With more than 300 degree programs, University of Missouri is excellent for students with an undeclared major.

    • University of Missouri might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t wish to live on a large campus. Students at University of Missouri note that many classes take place in large lecture halls.

  7. #6

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #1 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    35K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/27

    What is University of Alabama known for?

    University of Alabama’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • The University of Alabama is great for students who:

      Enjoy a strong athletics program. The University of Alabama Crimson Tide enjoy a heated cross-state rivalry with the Tigers of Auburn University.

    • University of Alabama might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a more intimate learning environment. University of Alabama is noted for the size of its student body, the scope of its academic offerings, and the expansiveness of its campus facilities.

  8. #7

    University of Kentucky

    Lexington , KY
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2023 #1 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    What is University of Kentucky known for?

    University of Kentucky’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Kentucky is great for students who:

      Are looking to get involved. Students who attend the University of Kentucky praise the extremely wide variety of clubs, activities, and on-campus events.

    • University of Kentucky might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking for a quiet, intimate campus. Students note that Greek life and sporting events are a major part of the culture at this large institution.

  9. #8

    Baylor University

    Waco , TX
    #1 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #4 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #10 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2023 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    18K

    What is Baylor University known for?

    Baylor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Baylor University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a beautiful campus with thoughtful architecture. Students describe Baylor’s main campus as warm and welcoming.

    • Baylor University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have financial constraints. Baylor University is a comparatively costly private institution.

  11. #9

    Clemson University

    Clemson , SC
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #2 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/29

    What is Clemson University known for?

    Clemson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Clemson University is great for students who:

      Enjoy college athletics. Clemson’s Tigers enjoy an enormous cultural presence both on campus and in the surrounding region.

    • Clemson University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking for a college in a lively area. Clemson is located in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, but this also means that the university is a two hour drive from the nearest city.

  12. #10

    Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #1 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #5 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #11 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2023 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/28

    What is Loyola University Chicago known for?

    Loyola University Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Loyola University Chicago is great for students who:

      Wish to attend a college immersed in the bustling metropolitan city of Chicago.

    • Loyola University Chicago might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have financial constraints. Students at Loyola note that even with the school’s often generous financial aid packages and scholarships, the high cost of tuition and the high cost of living can be challenging.

  13. #11

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville , AR
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2023 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2023 #1 Best Research Universities in Arkansas 2023 #1 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    What is University of Arkansas known for?

    University of Arkansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Arkansas is great for students who:

      Are interested in a highly social campus with affordable in-state tuition. Students note that the university offers a welcoming campus culture with a wide range of clubs and activities to choose from.

    • University of Arkansas might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t enjoy a good walk. Students at University of Arkansas point out that the campus is actually quite hilly, which can make getting around a bit more challenging at times.

  14. #12

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Lincoln , NE
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2023 #1 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2023 #1 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2023 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/25

    What is University of Nebraska–Lincoln known for?

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Nebraska-Lincoln is great for students who:

      Enjoy an excellent college sports tradition. The school’s Cornhuskers compete in the Big Ten Conference and the men’s football team claims five national titles.

    • University of Nebraska-Lincoln might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking an intimate campus experience. With more than 19,000 undergraduates, and roughly 5000 graduate students, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is organized into nine separate colleges across three campuses.


  16. #13

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #4 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2023 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2023 #6 Best Colleges in Florida 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    What is Florida International University known for?

    Florida International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Florida International University is great for students who:

      Like to get the best bang for their buck. FIU ranks tops in the state for “performance funding.”

    • Florida International University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a small campus and an intimate learning experience.

  17. #14

    Texas Christian University

    Fort Worth , TX
    #6 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #3 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2023 #4 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2023 #18 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/28

    What is Texas Christian University known for?

    Texas Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Texas Christian University is great for students who:

      Are hoping to get involved with Greek Life. Students note that sororities and fraternities play a big role in shaping campus culture at TCU.

    • Texas Christian University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have financial constraints. Students at the private institution note that tuition is high and rising at TCU. This can place an education at TCU out of reach for some candidates.

  18. #15

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #6 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #2 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023 #8 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    What is Duquesne University known for?

    Duquesne University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Duquesne University is great for students who:

      Enjoy small classes and one-on-one engagement from professors. Students note that Duquesne offers the balance of an intimate campus in an urban environment.

    • Duquesne University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Do not align with the Catholic tradition of faith. Some students note that the culture, rules, and academics reflect a Catholic affiliation.

  19. #16

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock , TX
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2023 #4 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2023 #7 Best Research Universities in Texas 2023 #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    36K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/24

    What is Texas Tech University known for?

    Texas Tech University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Texas Tech University is great for students who:

      Like a college with strong school spirit. Students repeatedly note that the school spirit is a major feature of campus life, which can make Texas Tech feel like one big community.

    • Texas Tech University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking for a small campus. Like a lot of other things in Texas, Texas Tech is a sprawling campus. Students note that the sheer distance of walking between classes can sometimes be exhausting.

  21. #17

    Virginia Commonwealth University

    Richmond , VA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Colleges in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/24

    What is Virginia Commonwealth University known for?

    Virginia Commonwealth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Virginia Commonwealth University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a culturally enriching campus experience. Students describe VCU as a community that embraces the arts, activism, and diversity.

    • Virginia Commonwealth University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a more enveloping campus. VCU is situated in the city of Richmond, which can make the campus feel less immersive.

  22. #18

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham , AL
    #3 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1209/26

    What is University of Alabama at Birmingham known for?

    University of Alabama at Birmingham’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Alabama-Birmingham is great for students who:

      Want balance between big city life and a small town feel. Students describe the campus and surrounding Birmingham as offering a safe community in a vibrant urban setting.

    • University of Alabama-Birmingham might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a broad selection of on-campus activities. Some students describe options as limited in this area.

  23. #19

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    What is University of Massachusetts Lowell known for?

    University of Massachusetts Lowell’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Massachusetts Lowell is great for students who:

      Are looking to get involved in campus life. Students note that there are many clubs and activities to choose from and that the campus is both welcoming and social.

    • University of Massachusetts Lowell might not be the best fit for students who:

      Plan to commute to campus by car. Students routinely voice concerns over the lack of convenient parking and the limitations of on-campus transportation.

  24. #20

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2023 #10 Best Colleges in Florida 2023 #10 Best Research Universities in Florida 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    What is Nova Southeastern University known for?

    Nova Southeastern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Nova Southeastern University is great for students who:

      Are still deciding on their discipline. Nova Southeastern offers more than 150 graduate and undergraduate degrees across 14 colleges.

    • Nova Southeastern University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have financial constraints. Some students note that even with financial aid, the cost of attendance remains comparatively high.

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