9 Most Affordable Online PhD in Aviation Programs 2025

If you work in the aviation industry, advanced credentials like a master's degree and even a doctoral degree can help you take your career to new heights. Specifically, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in aviation can open up new opportunities in aviation, academia, research, and teaching.

Keep reading to find out more about schools offering a PhD in aviation online. We'll look at the most affordable options, explore this type of degree in more detail, and provide answers to common questions you may have.

What Is a PhD in Aviation?

A PhD in aviation is an advanced, terminal degree in the science and study of flying. There are various aviation-related fields and degree programs, with master's and doctoral programs commonly including:

• aviation management
• aerospace engineering
• aeronautics

A PhD in aviation is a research-focused degree. Students in these programs are expected to complete coursework, research projects, and dissertations to earn their degrees.

Can I Earn a PhD in Aviation Online?

Various schools throughout the country offer aviation degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Many of these programs are only available on campus, but other options are completed as hybrid or fully online programs.

Exact degree requirements can vary from school to school; some online programs can be completed 100% remotely, while others may require on-campus residencies, practicums, or internships.

How Much Do Online Aviation PhD Programs Cost?

Different schools charge different tuition rates, with private schools often charging higher rates than public schools. That said, many public schools also charge higher rates for out-of-state students.

It's not uncommon for PhD students to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 or even more for their education. Among the online programs featured in this article, tuition rates are generally lower, with costs ranging from just under $500 to around $1,500 per credit hour.

Cheapest Online Aviation PhD Programs

If you're ready to begin an online doctor in aviation, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some of the best and most affordable options available.

1. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL. This large public school PhD degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics.

Students in this primarily online program complete 60 hours of coursework designed for those with at least five years of experience in the aviation industry. Students must complete in-person, proctored examinations and in-person dissertation proposals and defenses; otherwise, the program is completed entirely online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $480 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school offers various grants and scholarships to help students finance their education.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is a public school located in Stillwater, OK. Learners at this institution can complete an online Doctor of Education in applied educational studies with a concentration in aviation and space education.

This program is specifically designed for those interested in becoming aviation professors, but it's also a great option for those pursuing other teaching positions. The program is delivered entirely online, with most courses offered in convenient eight-week formats.

• Estimated tuition cost: $489 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Various internal and external scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available at this school.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is located in Mississippi. It is a public school offering a PhD in engineering with a concentration in aerospace engineering.

The online program provides a strong emphasis on research methodology and real-world applications, preparing students for various advanced career opportunities. Students complete at least 50 credit hours beyond the master's degree as part of this program, including 20 hours or more of dissertation research.

• Estimated tuition cost: $606 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, and military benefits are all available to help students cover educational expenses.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private, Christian school located in Lynchburg, VA. It provides an online PhD degree in aviation with exceptional flexibility and a generous transfer credit policy.

Students complete the 60-credit program entirely online through flexible eight-week courses and can transfer in as much as 50% of their total degree requirements. The program prepares students for a wide range of aviation leadership, education, and research positions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for federal aid and various scholarship opportunities at this school.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public school in Grand Forks, ND. It offers a PhD in aerospace sciences that students can complete online or in person.

The program comprises 90 credit hours and takes four to seven years to complete on average. Students receive an interdisciplinary education to help them better understand the roles that science, technology, policy, and economics play in the aviation field.

• Estimated tuition cost: $792.62 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students may be able to earn financial assistance through scholarships, assistantships, and federal aid programs.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University is a private school located in South Laurel, MD. It offers a Doctor of Philosophy in aeronautical science.

The online program takes a research-intensive approach, helping students contribute new ideas and advancements in the field before they have even graduated. By the time they complete the program, they will be well prepared to take on leadership roles in education and aviation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $975 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school offers and accepts various financial aid options like scholarships, loans, tuition discounts, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

7. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Melbourne, FL. The school offers a handful of doctoral degrees in aerospace and aviation, including an online Doctor of Aviation.

This program is geared towards professionals in the aviation industry looking to advance their current career or pursue the education their job requires. Students must already hold a master's degree in their field, and it typically takes them at least three years to complete the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,140 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school awards various scholarships, and students may also qualify for graduate assistantships and state and federal aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is a private school located in St. Louis, MO. It offers various online degree programs, including a PhD in aviation.

This classic PhD program provides aviation coursework to prepare students for a qualifying exam, after which they prepare a dissertation and present it in both public and private forums. The program requires a total of 63 credit hours and accepts both bachelor's and master's degree holders.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,400 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students have opportunities to receive funding through graduate fellowships and assistantships as well as external research grants.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the largest school in the U.S. specializing in aviation and aerospace topics. This private university, which is based in Florida and Arizona, also offers various programs online.

Students at this school can earn a PhD in aviation online or in person through the school's Daytona Beach, FL campus. This highly competitive program offers specializations in aviation safety, aviation human factors, and more to prepare students for specific career applications.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,493 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use scholarships, military benefits, and federal and private loans to pay for their degrees.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose the best online learning opportunities when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the colleges and universities above:

• Accreditation: All of the schools are accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation agency such as the Higher Learning Commission.
• Affordability: The programs featured offer some of the lowest tuition rates among online PhD degrees in aviation.
• Program reputation: All of the programs are known for providing high-quality education leading to top careers in education, research, and leadership roles in the aviation and aerospace industries.

What To Expect From an Online PhD in Aviation

Online PhD degrees are designed for busy working professionals. They often feature flexible, asynchronous coursework and multiple yearly start dates to make going back to school as convenient and accessible as possible.

Coursework in PhD degree programs may cover a variety of advanced topics to help students prepare for careers in aviation research and academia. Topics covered may include aviation law, as well as research methods and safety management in the aviation field.

Students gain advanced skills in decision-making, leadership, teaching, and research as they work through the program. Full-time aviation degree programs often last from three to seven years, while those studying part-time may take longer to graduate.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in Aviation

If you're still wondering about pursuing an online PhD as an aviation professional, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer common questions about this field of study.

Is an Online PhD in Aviation Worth It?

The answer to this question will likely depend on your career goals. A PhD is not necessary for all aviation career paths, but it can be highly beneficial if you would like to become a professor or researcher in your field � or if you are pursuing high-level leadership roles in aviation.

Are Online Aviation PhDs Respected?

Yes, online degrees in aviation are as well-respected as in-person degrees as long as you obtain them from accredited, reputable institutions, such as the schools outlined in this article. These schools provide the same high-quality education in both their online and in-person programs, often making no distinction between them by conferring the same degree on both online and on-campus learners.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Online Aviation Programs?

Different schools have different standards of admission, but most of them have similar minimum requirements that students must meet. Common requirements include:

• a bachelor's degree
• official transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0
• letters of recommendation
• GRE or GMAT scores
• personal essay or statement of purpose

What Are the Advantages of Pursuing a PhD in Aviation Online?

Online aviation degrees tend to be more flexible than their in-person counterparts, allowing busy students to earn their degree on whatever schedule works for them. Online courses often allow students to study anytime as long as they meet basic course deadlines, providing both flexibility and structure to help them stay on track.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

If you're ready to go back to school for your doctoral degree, explore the colleges and universities featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools to learn more about their programs and choose the right path for you.