4 Most Affordable Online PhD in Gerontology Degrees 2025

You can earn a PhD in gerontology online and begin a rewarding career researching the many fascinating aspects of the aging process for various healthcare, social, and policy purposes. We'll introduce you to several gerontology programs, which permit full-time or part-time students to earn their doctorates fully online.

What Is a PhD in Gerontology?

A gerontology PhD is a terminal degree program, which involves studying all aspects of aging. Students master both quantitative and qualitative research methods while exploring elective courses in topics like senior care, public health advocacy for older adults, long-term-care procedures, human lifespans, the mental health and quality of life issues for older people, and several other specializations within the field of gerontology. These advanced degrees typically require four years of full-time study to finish.

Can I Earn a PhD in Gerontology Online?

Yes, there are doctoral degree programs for distance learners, but some of them are technically hybrid programs, which still require some face-to-face learning on campus or through field studies.

PhD students may also need to complete a dissertation, thesis, or capstone project, which normally involves in-person interviewing and an oral defense. Some graduate programs also require comprehensive examinations (written, virtual, or in-person).

How Much Does an Online PhD in Gerontology Cost?

Although a gerontology PhD is not cheap, this is one of the more affordable doctoral programs compared to other healthcare fields. Total tuition estimates are between $20,000 and $50,000. Most graduate students can offset some or all expenses by applying for grants, research assistantships, scholarships, and other funding resources.

Cheapest Online Gerontology PhD Programs

Here is a list of some of the most affordable PhD programs in gerontology. This includes each institution's accreditation status, financial aid options, and estimated tuition cost.

1. National University

National University has open enrollment for its online PhD in gerontology throughout the entire year. The university's psychology department offers this 100% online program, which takes about 48 months to finish (20 courses total).

It explores gerontology from biological, social science, economic, and evidence-based perspectives. Students take several core courses and electives in topics like scholarly writing, statistics, qualitative methods, research design, and dissertation work.

• Estimated tuition cost: $442 per credit hour
• Financial aid: National University encourages graduate students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for grants, scholarships, loans, and other financial support.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Walden University

Walden University has a PhD in human services studies with a specialization in aging. This advanced degree prepares graduates for careers where they apply evidence-based procedures to social policies and senior-care programs.

Students can select either a dissertation track or a doctoral writing assignment track, which carry different course requirements. The admission requirements do not require application fees, letters of recommendation, or GRE scores � and they don't need to meet any specific application deadline.

• Estimated tuition cost: $670 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Walden offers a chance to save $5,000 on tuition costs through its grant programs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Concordia University

Concordia University has a 100% online PhD in leadership with a specialization in gerontology. Graduate students have better access to faculty members thanks to smaller classes with 18 students or fewer.

The curriculum includes four core courses, five research classes, 10 elective optional courses in gerontology, a comprehensive examination, and three dissertation sessions. Future students must submit an objective statement and at least two letters of recommendation for admission.

• Estimated tuition cost: $775 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students can receive grants, scholarships, and loans to finance their graduate education.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky's College of Social Work offers a PhD program with several concentrations, including gerontology, child welfare, clinical social work, and medical social work. This core curriculum has 29 credit hours with courses like social work research and qualitative methods.

Students then proceed to an individualized plan of study for 15 credit hours, followed by a dissertation. This program also promises flexible program options for online learning and either part-time or full-time study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $825 per credit hour
• Financial aid: All first-year PhD students receive some form of funding, including the Bernard A. & Marjorie E. Ward Scholarship in Gerontology.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

How We Rank Schools

This section describes our ranking system for these schools. Each graduate program must have accreditation, reasonable tuition rates, and a strong reputation.

• Accreditation: Gerontology PhD programs must have accreditation through an auditing organization like HLC.
• Affordability: Online programs should have tuition rates lower than $1,000 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: These schools lead to solid career opportunities and networking opportunities upon graduation.

What To Expect From an Online PhD in Gerontology

Online coursework offers graduate students the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus training. You can expect to gain significant exposure to the latest gerontological research on aging-related issues while taking advanced courses in qualitative methods, quantitative methods, and analysis of public policy issues related to seniors.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in Gerontology

Check out a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about gerontology graduate studies. These address whether this field of study is worth it and the typical salary expectations after graduating.

Is an Online PhD in Gerontology Worth It?

Yes, this degree program is worth it if you have a passion for learning and researching new ways to understand and serve older adults. If you are unsure whether you wish to complete a full doctorate, there are online Master of Science programs and graduate certificates in this discipline as well.

Are Online Gerontology PhDs Respected?

Yes, these degrees carry a great deal of respect in the academic community and the healthcare field because they involve difficult training and skill-building applicable to senior care. Also, most employers will not know whether you earned your higher education credentials online or on campus since diplomas and transcripts don't disclose the delivery format.

How Much Can You Make with a PhD in Gerontology?

You can make a very comfortable living with a PhD in gerontology salary. While there are many career paths for gerontology doctorate holders, the role of university professor is among the most common.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), university faculty members earn higher salaries if they hold a PhD degree. Postsecondary teachers, for example, earn an average of over $83,000 per year.

Does the University of Kentucky offer a PhD in Gerontology?

Yes, the University of Kentucky's PhD in gerontology program is facilitated by its College of Social Work. It offers a flexible hybrid/online format with several concentrations and a tuition rate of $825 per credit hour.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

You can use Learn.org to discover all the best online doctoral opportunities in almost any subject. This also applies to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, advanced certificate programs, and distance learning options for many other credentials.