An online doctoral program is an affordable and flexible way to earn the highest credential in education.
A doctorate can qualify you for senior-level positions in many fields, including leadership roles at various businesses and organizations. The degree can also prepare you to teach at the college level and perform academic research.
We determined our rankings of the best online doctoral programs using metrics like affordability and academic quality. We aggregated data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System to provide objective, fact-based rankings so you know which online Ph.D. programs are worth applying to.
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Featured Online Doctorate Programs
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List of Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Franklin University
- Brenau University
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- Liberty University
Top Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates
#1 Best Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Little Rock, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers on-campus and online Ph.D. programs in diverse disciplines. Prospective applicants can contact the university to learn about admission requirements.
The online learning format helps enrollees earn an advanced degree while working full time. After completing their programs, students can visit campus to graduate in person.
A doctorate, the highest level of education, builds expert-level knowledge. Completing a doctoral program takes 3-5 years depending on learners' enrollment status. After completing their dissertations, graduates often pursue careers in academia, research, and industry.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Fast Facts:
In-State Graduate Tuition: $5,760
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $13,050
Admission Rate: 56%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Franklin University, a private institution, enrolls students on its Columbus, Ohio, campus and online. The university's Ph.D. programs cover many academic and professional subjects and include several distance learning options. Prospective applicants can learn about start dates, doctoral tracks, and admission requirements by contacting the school.
A flexible online learning environment allows learners to engage with peers and instructors, meet with faculty advisors, and access support services. Online doctoral students can visit campus to walk at graduation.
Ph.D. candidates gain deep knowledge in their fields and can generally earn their degree in 3-5 years. Graduates can work in academic or research positions after completing their programs. They can also step into leadership roles in diverse industries.
Franklin University Fast Facts:
Total Online Doctoral Programs: 3
Graduate Tuition: $16,080
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates
Brenau University
- Gainesville, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Gainesville, Georgia, Brenau University offers online doctoral programs in many academic and professional subjects. This private university's online learning format caters to busy students balancing school with other responsibilities. Distance learners can access services like academic advising, library access, and career counseling.
As the terminal degree in most fields, a doctorate confers detailed expertise and advanced professional credentials. Doctoral students usually spend 3-6 years pursuing their degrees. Ph.D. graduates can work in academic, research, business, or government careers.
Prospective applicants can contact Brenau for more information about admission requirements and start dates.
Brenau University Fast Facts:
Total Online Doctoral Programs: 3
Graduate Tuition: $13,356
Average Cost per Credit: $816
Admission Rate: 92%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- Indianapolis, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public university, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis offers several online doctorates. These terminal degrees build on students' previous education and professional expertise to help prepare graduates for advanced roles in their fields.
Earning a Ph.D. online can help learners achieve this valuable credential while working full time. Online doctoral students can visit campus to meet with faculty advisors, use campus services, or walk at graduation. Most of the school's programs feature no on-campus requirements.
Ph.D. programs often require 4-6 years of study depending on students' enrollment status. Many doctoral graduates go on to careers in academia and research or to advanced positions in diverse business sectors.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Fast Facts:
In-State Graduate Tuition: $9,090
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $24,864
Admission Rate: 79%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private university, Liberty University educates degree-seekers through 242 in-person and online programs that incorporate a Christian worldview. Liberty's online format offers a convenient, affordable route to a Ph.D. in many disciplines.
Earning a doctorate takes a significant amount of time, but attending an online program gives degree-seekers flexibility. To earn their degrees, students must complete coursework, take exams, and conduct research for their dissertations. Support resources at Liberty include academic advising, career services, and financial aid counseling, all of which doctoral candidates can access online.
Liberty University Fast Facts:
Percentage of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 99%
Percentage of Students Receiving Loans: 55%
Average Per-Credit Price: $750
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: Yes
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.
For this page, we created a directory list of online doctoral programs that meet our criteria. These schools are organized alphabetically rather than ranked.
You can learn more about our methodology and how we rank schools here.
Tips for Choosing the Best Online Doctoral Program for You
Want to figure out which online doctoral program is best for you? Check out these five essential tips.
1. Understand Your Goals
Students considering online doctoral programs should understand their professional goals and know what jobs they want to qualify for after graduation.
Not all careers require a doctorate; however, a doctorate can provide you with better salary potential and leadership opportunities, especially in fields like healthcare and education.
Ask yourself: Do you need a Ph.D. for your chosen field? If not, how will a doctorate help you?
2. Research Accredited Online Programs
There are many online Ph.D. programs to choose from, but not all are created equal.
Make sure the schools you're considering for your online doctorate are accredited by a recognized agency. If you're applying for a doctorate in a professional field like nursing, medicine, business, law, psychology, or education, you should also look for programmatic accreditation.
As you research online doctoral programs, consider how you wish to learn. Do you want a hybrid or 100% online format? Does the program require any in-person components? Decide what works best for your goals and schedule.
3. Consider Your Budget and Financial Aid Options
Before you apply to online Ph.D. programs, take time to understand your budget and the cost of each program you're considering. Some programs will cost far more or less than others. Some doctoral programs may even be fully funded, making them highly competitive.
Submitting the FAFSA can help you qualify for federal financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans. You should also research institutional grants, external scholarships and fellowships, and private loans.
4. Reach Out to Faculty, Students, and Alumni
Consider contacting faculty members, current students, and recent alums of the graduate program you're interested in. This way, you can better tailor your application and have a clearer idea of what to expect during and after the program.
5. Choose One of the Top Doctoral Programs
A top-ranked doctoral program can help you reach your professional goals. After researching doctoral programs, narrow your focus to decide where to apply.
Use your research on program outcomes, doctoral specializations, and faculty mentors to identify the best programs for you. Then, make sure you meet the admission requirements and start working on your application.
Top Online Doctoral Programs
Reasons to Apply to Online Ph.D. Programs
- In 2022, doctorate holders earned a median annual salary of $119,839, compared to just $82,386 for those with only a bachelor's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Online Ph.D. programs offer more flexibility than on-campus programs, making it easier to balance your studies and other obligations.
- As of 2022, the unemployment rate for those with only a bachelor's degree (2.2%) was more than double the rate for those with a doctorate (1%).
- In an online Ph.D. program, you can conduct specialized research and become an expert in a field you're passionate about.
- Some online doctoral programs may be more affordable than in-person programs.
The Importance of Accreditation in Online Ph.D. Programs
Accreditation ensures that an institution meets a certain learning standard and awards recognized credentials. Attending an accredited school also means you can apply for federal student aid.
In certain fields, individual programs may receive programmatic accreditation. Licensure for professions like nursing and law usually requires completing an accredited program.
Make sure all schools you're applying to are accredited by a recognized agency.
The Cost of Online Ph.D. Programs
According to NCES data, the average annual tuition and fees for graduate programs were $19,749 in 2020-2021.
Private nonprofit institutions had an annual average cost of $28,445, while public universities had a lower annual average cost of $12,394.
Other factors that can affect how much your online Ph.D. or doctorate will cost include textbooks and supplies, distance learning fees, and whether you're attending an in-state or out-of-state institution.
You can offset some of these costs by submitting the FAFSA and applying for scholarships and fellowships.
Career Paths You Can Pursue With an Online Doctorate
What can you do after earning a Ph.D. online? With a doctorate, you can become a psychologist, nurse practitioner, or college professor. You can also move into leadership roles in business, healthcare, and education.
Many in-demand jobs require a doctorate. For example, the job growth rate for veterinarians is 20% over the next ten years.
A doctorate degree can lead to high-paying careers as well. Physicians and surgeons earn over $220,000 annually, and dentists earn nearly $160,000.
Popular Jobs That Typically Require a Doctorate
| Job |
Median Annual Salary (May 2022) |
Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
| Physicians and Surgeons |
$229,300 |
3% |
| Dentists |
$159,530 |
4% |
| Physicists and Astronomers |
$139,220 |
5% |
| Pharmacists |
$132,750 |
3% |
| Lawyers |
$135,740 |
8% |
| Veterinarians |
$103,260 |
20% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators |
$99,940 |
4% |
| Medical Scientists |
$99,930 |
10% |
| Psychologists |
$85,330 |
6% |
| Postsecondary Teachers |
$80,840 |
8% |
| Historians |
$64,540 |
3% |
| Anthropologists and Archaeologists |
$63,940 |
4% |
Source: BLS
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctoral Programs
The cheapest way to get a Ph.D. is to apply for financial aid to cover your costs. Some programs offer doctoral fellowships that cover tuition and provide a stipend. You can also use scholarships and grants to pay for a Ph.D. Finally, researching affordable online doctoral programs can help you save money.
Just like in-person Ph.D. programs, online doctoral programs can be legitimate — so long as they're accredited. An online program with the same accreditation as an in-person program will have completed the same vetting process and meet the same quality standards.
You can check a school's accreditation status by using the directories on the Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation websites.
The time it takes to complete an online Ph.D. varies depending on the field and program, whether you attend part or full-time, and whether you opt for an accelerated program. A typical online Ph.D. program takes at least three years to complete, though it may take as many as 5-7 years.
The cost of Ph.D. programs varies widely, with the average graduate tuition and fees reaching nearly $20,000 per year in 2020-2021, according to NCES data. Graduate students can save money by choosing an affordable online program and researching financial aid opportunities.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed November 13, 2023.
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