Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Badge for CHEAPEST ONLINE DOCTORATE PROGRAMS
By Dave Tomar
Published:
Updated:

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

Sort by:
  1. Aspen University
  2. University of West Alabama
  3. Purdue University Global
  4. Liberty University
  5. University of West Georgia
  6. Grand Canyon University
  7. Arkansas State University
  8. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
  9. Capitol Technology University
  10. Saint Leo University
  1. Liberty University
  2. Arkansas State University
  3. Troy University
  4. Northern Kentucky University
  5. Regent University
  6. University of West Georgia
  7. Jacksonville State University
  8. Grand Canyon University
  9. Valdosta State University
  10. Saint Leo University
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. Troy University 95%
  3. Nebraska Methodist College 91%
  4. Valdosta State University 89%
  5. Columbus State University 88%
  6. Northern Kentucky University 86%
  7. Saint Leo University 80%
  8. University of West Georgia 80%
  9. Carson–Newman University 80%
  10. Grand Canyon University 78%
  1. Purdue University Global 26 to 1
  2. Regent University 21 to 1
  3. Grand Canyon University 20 to 1
  4. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 19 to 1
  5. Jacksonville State University 19 to 1
  6. Liberty University 18 to 1
  7. Saint Leo University 18 to 1
  8. University of West Alabama 18 to 1
  9. Columbus State University 17 to 1
  10. Northern Kentucky University 17 to 1
  1. Carson–Newman University $33,000
  2. Saint Leo University $27,050
  3. Capitol Technology University $27,004
  4. Columbia International University $26,840
  5. Liberty University $22,511
  6. Regent University $19,680
  7. Grand Canyon University $17,800
  8. Nebraska Methodist College $16,883
  9. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $11,185
  10. Northern Kentucky University $10,208
  1. Saint Leo University $18,436
  2. Regent University $16,028
  3. Nebraska Methodist College $12,113
  4. Capitol Technology University $11,340
  5. Columbia International University $10,710
  6. Grand Canyon University $10,655
  7. Northern Kentucky University $9,900
  8. Jacksonville State University $9,840
  9. Purdue University Global $9,472
  10. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $9,276
  1. Northern Kentucky University
  2. Columbus State University
  3. Troy University
  4. Carson–Newman University
  5. Regent University
  6. Jacksonville State University
  7. Nebraska Methodist College
  8. Southern Arkansas University
  9. Columbia International University
  10. Valdosta State University
  1. Nebraska Methodist College
  2. Columbia International University
  3. University of West Alabama
  4. Carson–Newman University
  5. Columbus State University
  6. Southern Arkansas University
  7. Capitol Technology University
  8. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
  9. Purdue University Global
  10. Aspen University
  1. Regent University 32%
  2. Columbia International University 48%
  3. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 58%
  4. Capitol Technology University 64%
  5. Southern Arkansas University 64%
  6. University of West Alabama 69%
  7. Arkansas State University 70%
  8. Jacksonville State University 78%
  9. Grand Canyon University 78%
  10. Carson–Newman University 80%
  1. Aspen University 5 to 1
  2. Capitol Technology University 9 to 1
  3. Carson–Newman University 10 to 1
  4. Nebraska Methodist College 12 to 1
  5. Columbia International University 13 to 1
  6. Arkansas State University 15 to 1
  7. Southern Arkansas University 15 to 1
  8. Troy University 16 to 1
  9. University of West Georgia 16 to 1
  10. Columbus State University 17 to 1
  1. Columbus State University $4,371
  2. University of West Georgia $4,371
  3. Valdosta State University $4,371
  4. Aspen University $5,355
  5. Arkansas State University $6,888
  6. Southern Arkansas University $7,020
  7. University of West Alabama $9,100
  8. Troy University $9,312
  9. Jacksonville State University $9,990
  10. Purdue University Global $10,080
  1. Aspen University $3,900
  2. University of West Georgia $4,338
  3. Valdosta State University $4,572
  4. Southern Arkansas University $5,472
  5. Arkansas State University $6,282
  6. Columbus State University $6,300
  7. University of West Alabama $6,678
  8. Liberty University $7,893
  9. Troy University $8,550
  10. 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.

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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.

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Most Affordable Online PhD Programs for In-State Students

  3. #3

    Purdue Global

    West Lafayette , IN
    #4 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    66K

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $8,340
    Expenses: $21,458
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #5 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    155K

    Career Outlook for degree at Grand Canyon University

    Cost of Degree: $11,124
    Expenses: $16,212
    Starting Salary: $58,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  11. #10

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL
    #18 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Leo University

    Cost of Degree: $15,840
    Expenses: $21,388
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA
    #13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    32%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Regent University

    Cost of Degree: $17,828
    Expenses: $12,146
    Starting Salary: $45,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Carson–Newman University

    Jefferson City , TN
    #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #10 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1061/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Carson–Newman University

    Cost of Degree: $10,168
    Expenses: $15,843
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  21. #18

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Troy University

    Cost of Degree: $8,550
    Expenses: $14,366
    Starting Salary: $41,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Columbus State University

    Columbus , GA
    #17 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #8 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbus State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,680
    Expenses: $19,046
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
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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

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