6 Cheapest Online PhD in English Programs in 2025

If you want to work in academia to study literature, rhetoric, or composition, a PhD in English could be a good option. A PhD in English is the fastest way to become a professor at a university or community college.

Of course, any education takes a while and isn't always cheap. We'll show you how to find the cheapest online PhD in English and jumpstart your academic career soon.

What Is a PhD in English?

While English is a broad humanities field, a PhD is the terminal degree often required to perform advanced research in several sub-disciplines. This includes concentration in areas like literature, literary criticism, rhetoric, linguistics, English pedagogy, and other areas of the English language. It may take about three to seven years to complete this degree, so identifying the cheapest PhD in English can help you reduce student debt along the way.

Can I Earn an English PhD Online?

Yes, you can earn a PhD in English online at several institutions. Just remember that some programs may require certain in-person seminars, dissertation defenses, residency requirements, and other on-campus training. Distance education allows PhD students to complete most or all of their coursework by taking scheduled evening classes or asynchronous classes, requiring no specific meetings.

How Much Do Online English PhD Programs Cost?

English PhD programs cost less than computer science, nursing, business administration, or other professional degrees, but the tuition costs are still substantial � especially if you live out-of-state. Your total tuition may range from about $7,000 to over $20,000, depending on where you enroll.

Some of the best online English PhD programs charge less than $1,000 per credit hour, including the universities listed below.

Cheapest Online PhD in English Programs

Check out these English PhD programs for full-time or part-time online students. This section provides a program description, cost information, financial aid resources, and accreditation status.

1. National University

National University has a PhD in education with a concentration in English language learning. It includes diverse coursework in subjects like literature review, research writing, statistics, qualitative methods, and dissertation research.

Students in this English education program learn the skills necessary for conducting independent research, interpreting complex theories, and adhering to ethical practices. This online doctoral degree can help you reach your career goals of obtaining employment in academia or other real-world positions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $442 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate students can become eligible for scholarships, assistantships, and other funding resources after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University's English department offers an interdisciplinary PhD focused on technical communication and rhetoric. It promises the same high-quality learning experience for distance learning as it does for on-campus delivery. The program is a combination of asynchronous online courses and other courses where online students join live on-campus courses through Zoom or Skype.

• Estimated tuition cost: $450 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The university offers ways to earn scholarships, grants, and stipends, and student employment.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) charges less than $500 per credit hour for its online PhD in English. Part-time students can qualify for in-state tuition status as long as they attend two doctoral seminars during the summer at ODU's campus. This program prepares remote learners for future careers in writing, editing, postsecondary teaching, advertising, public relations, digital design, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $486 per credit hour
• Financial aid: ODU has several scholarship opportunities for transfer students, former military personnel, and other student demographics.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Murray State University

Murray State University has an online Doctor of Arts (DA) in English pedagogy. This online learning opportunity, similar to a PhD, challenges graduate students to develop advanced research and design skills while specializing in four key areas of English teaching.

The admission requirements include having a master's degree in the field, along with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all college coursework. It also helps to showcase any past research projects or relevant work experience to boost your chances of acceptance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $559.50 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Doctoral candidates can receive funding after completing the FAFSA.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Liberty University

Liberty University specializes in online education at every academic level. This includes its online PhD program in English. Its doctoral degree program focuses primarily on literature, research, and writing, with several core courses and electives devoted to those fields.

This private nonprofit institution charges a low tuition rate of just over $600, but the rates are substantially lower for military service members. Many students select Liberty's program for its emphasis on American, British, and Christian literature.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour
• Financial aid: You can qualify for scholarships and tuition discounts after completing the FAFSA.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University's hybrid online PhD program concentrates on literary scholarship. The university also offers online master's and graduate certificates along the path to earning the PhD. It intends to offer about 49% of courses online, meaning you should still plan to attend seminars to share and apply your thoughts on classic and modern literature.

• Estimated tuition cost: $758 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Once you complete the FAFSA, the university will alert you to important scholarship and assistantship opportunities.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Here's our ranking methodology for the schools on this list. We evaluate them with three criteria: accreditation status, tuition affordability, and program reputation.

• Accreditation: These institutions possess academic accreditation for all degree programs.
• Affordability: Each college charges a tuition rate of $1,000 per credit hour or less.
• Program reputation: We chose universities with strong reputations throughout higher education.

What To Expect From an Online English PhD

Many PhD programs focus on training doctoral students in several specializations, including advanced literary study, research methods, and critical theory. You can also take courses in related fields like linguistics, teaching English, rhetoric, and communications.

This curriculum prepares future professors for teaching roles in academia, along with the skills required to produce original research in the field. Online degree students can complete most coursework online before finishing a dissertation at most colleges.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in English

Check out a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) for prospective graduate students. This covers whether a PhD is worth it, where to find the cheapest degree program, and how to get full funding.

Is an Online PhD in English Worth It?

Yes, if you have a passion for analyzing lofty literature (or composing it yourself), then a PhD in English puts you on a path to doing so professionally. Online PhD programs provide the same opportunity to master this field as on-campus degree programs.

Are Online English PhDs Respected?

Online English PhDs receive the same respect as their peers who earned traditional graduate degrees. This includes employers who will not know whether you earned a PhD diploma online or in person.

What Is the Cheapest Online PhD in English?

The cheapest online PhD is at the first institution on our list. We ordered the rankings from cheapest to most expensive (although all those universities are affordable). Remember that the tuition rates are always lower if you enroll as an in-state student, especially for PhD programs at public universities.

Are Any English PhD Programs Fully Funded?

There are several fully funded English PhD programs, either online or on-campus. Some departments offer full funding for every student they admit, whereas others only offer funding resources to the most qualified applicants.

You can increase your chances of receiving a full ride through graduate school by earning a GPA over 3.5, high GRE scores, and strong letters of recommendation from your previous English professors.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

Learn.org is the most comprehensive website for information on doctoral programs in almost every field. Review our articles and resources to find online programs for bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and more.