10 Cheapest Online PhD in Engineering Programs in 2025

A doctorate degree in engineering is the highest level of engineering degree you can receive. These are available as Doctor of Engineering (DEng) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in engineering degrees.

Both types will further your engineering knowledge, though they typically lead to slightly different career paths. Keep reading to discover the most affordable online PhDs in engineering and DEng degrees.

What Is a PhD in Engineering?

Generally speaking, PhDs are doctoral-level research degrees. A PhD in engineering will focus on engineering research ?typically for those who want careers in fields of research or academia.

PhDs usually require two to three years of courses and then a dissertation research project. You can usually choose to do the project in the area of engineering that most interests you. Additionally, some schools offer concentrations, like mechanical engineering or civil engineering.

Can I Earn a PhD in Engineering Online?

Several schools in the U.S. offer online engineering PhD programs. These programs let you do your work virtually, which is ideal for those who are working, don't live near campus, or otherwise can't make it to study in person.

Another common option is a DEng degree. These are typically more focused on the practical, hands-on aspects of engineering, rather than research, and are also available online.

Note that some schools may require online students to appear on campus occasionally as part of the doctoral program. In-person requirements vary.

How Much Do Online Engineering PhD Programs Cost?

The cheapest online PhD in engineering is less than $500 per credit hour. However, some schools charge over $1,000 per credit hour.

The amount you pay for your program will hinge on several factors, like what school you choose, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and how many credit hours your program requires.

Financial aid can help lower the cost. Many schools offer special funding options to doctoral students, including fellowships and assistantships. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you qualify for.

Cheapest Online Engineering PhD Programs

Over a dozen schools across the U.S. offer affordable doctoral degrees in engineering. We've highlighted some of the cheapest online PhDs in engineering as well as other affordable online engineering doctorates below.

1. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public research institution in Boca Raton, FL. It offers two online PhD engineering programs, one in computer engineering and one in electrical engineering.

The computer engineering program covers topics like artificial intelligence, computer systems, and network communications, while the electrical engineering program offers a neuroengineering option. Both require 72 post-bachelor's degree credit hours, of which 30 can come from a master's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $371.82 per credit (in-state); $1,026.81 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. North Dakota State University

At North Dakota State University (NDSU), students can earn a PhD online in biomedical engineering. This is a 90-credit program that prepares students to meet the global demand for advanced medical technologies.

NDSU, a public research university, is located in Fargo, ND. The online program requires 90 credits, including coursework, an internship, and a doctoral dissertation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $444.67 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: NDSU accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University (LA Tech) offers a Doctor of Engineering and Technology Management (DETM) online. LA Tech is a public research university in Ruston, LA.

The 63-credit degree program includes courses on project management, risk analysis, and research methods. Students complete guided research projects on problems that their company is facing, and the dissertation is industry-oriented.

• Estimated tuition cost: $475 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: LA Tech offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Alabama

The PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama (U of A) offers coursework and a dissertation project completely online. The PhD in aerospace engineering and mechanics offers online courses, but students must appear in person for both the dissertation proposal and dissertation defense.

U of A, located in Tuscaloosa, AL, is a public research university. Both PhDs here require 60 credit hours and in-person exams.

• Estimated tuition cost: $480 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: U of A offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research institution in Norfolk, VA. It offers an online PhD in engineering management and systems engineering through its College of Engineering and Technology.

The program requires 48 credits, including subject areas and research interest coursework, courses on research methods, and a dissertation. Courses are online, but some will require live online classes.

• Estimated tuition cost: $486 per credit (in-state); $649 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: ODU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of South Carolina

Students at the University of South Carolina (USC) can earn PhDs online in civil engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and nuclear engineering. The mechanical engineering program requires students to choose a specialization.

USC, a public research institution, is located in Columbia, SC. All programs require 48 hours of coursework and 12 hours of dissertation credit for a total of 60 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $572.25 per credit (in-state); $1,240 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: USC accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota (UND) offers multiple online PhD programs:

• biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering
• civil engineering
• electrical engineering
• energy engineering
• environmental engineering
• petroleum engineering

UND is a public research university in Grand Forks, ND. All of the online engineering PhDs here require 90 credit hours, with a maximum of 30 coming from a Master of Science (MS) program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $577.87 per credit (in-state); $866.79 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UND offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Mississippi State University

Multiple online engineering PhDs are available at Mississippi State University (MSU). Students can earn PhDs in computational engineering, electrical and computer engineering, or industrial and systems engineering.

A PhD in engineering is also available with the following concentrations:

• aerospace engineering
• chemical engineering
• civil engineering
• engineering education
• mechanical engineering

MSU is a public research institution in Mississippi. Credit hours and requirements vary by program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $581 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: MSU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers a DEng online with a focus on engineering management.

The Doctor of Engineering program includes courses on project management, data mining, risk management, and more. It requires 60 credits, including a 12-credit applied doctoral project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $605 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: ASU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Through the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), students can earn both a DEng and a PhD in industrial engineering online. Both offer concentrations in engineering management, and the DEng also offers a concentration in energy science and engineering.

UTK, a public research university, is located in Knoxville, TN. The industrial engineering doctoral degrees require 72 credit hours, of which 24 can come from a master's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $744 per credit (in-state); $819 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UTK accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the affordable online doctorate degrees listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All programs are from accredited institutions.
• Affordability: We looked to find the most affordable options, with all being less than $800 per credit for in-state students.
• Program reputation: Every school we chose is nonprofit and has a reputation for offering high-quality online graduate programs.

What To Expect From an Online PhD in Engineering

Online PhDs in engineering usually require a core of engineering and research coursework. PhD students will need to complete a dissertation, while DEng students may need a dissertation, final project, internship, or other requirements to provide hands-on experience.

The specific courses you take will vary. Many programs allow you to choose electives related to your career goals or area of research. Additionally, an online PhD in systems engineering will have different courses than one in civil engineering or electrical engineering.

Online requirements can vary as well. Some programs allow you to do everything online, while others require you to be on campus for certain experiences, like testing or your dissertation defense.

Typically, online doctoral degrees in engineering take anywhere from three to five years for full-time students. Part-time study options may also be available.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in Engineering

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online PhDs in engineering to help you determine if this is the best pathway for you.

Is an Online PhD in Engineering Worth It?

For many students, an online PhD in engineering is worth it. These programs can help you reach your career goals and sharpen your critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and research skills.

Are Online Engineering PhDs Respected?

Online PhDs are just as respected as in-person ones. Attending graduate school online allows you to tend to your other responsibilities while studying, which in itself is very respectable.

What Is the Cheapest Online PhD Engineering Degree?

The cheapest online PhD in engineering for students in Florida is at Florida Atlantic University, for $371.82 per credit. For all other students, the cheapest comes from North Dakota State University, which charges $444.67 per credit, regardless of where you live.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online PhD in Engineering?

Graduate admissions requirements can vary. Typically, you need at least a bachelor's degree for a PhD in engineering, if not a master's. Some schools don't require a master's but allow you to reduce the overall number of credits required if you have a master's.

You also typically need a minimum grade point average (GPA) and to submit your official transcript. You may need to submit test scores, like from the Graduate Records Examinations (GRE), letters of recommendation, or personal essays. International students typically need to prove that they speak English.

For more information about admissions requirements and application deadlines, visit the program website or speak to your faculty advisor.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

Find the perfect online doctoral program in engineering by exploring the affordable options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.