10 Affordable Online Doctor of Health Science Degrees 2025

Healthcare professionals who want to further their skills and knowledge can earn a doctoral degree in health science. There are two options here: a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in health sciences or a Doctor of Health Science (DHSc).

Both options provide a robust understanding of health sciences and can help you reach your career goals. Keep reading to discover affordable online PhDs in health sciences and DHScs.

What Is a PhD in Health Sciences?

PhDs are doctoral-level research degrees. PhDs in health sciences are usually aimed at practicing health care professionals who want to assume leadership roles in academia, research, or health and human services practice settings.

PhDs usually take several years to complete and include a research dissertation. This is a project where you conduct original research and outline your findings.

Can I Earn a Health Sciences PhD Online?

A few schools offer PhDs in health sciences online. However, DHSc programs are more commonly offered online than PhDs in health sciences.

DHSc degrees are for those who want to enhance their clinical practice or go into healthcare. While PhDs are focused on research, DHScs are usually more focused on practical applications.

An online PhD in health science or a DHSc is ideal for working professionals who need a flexible schedule. Some programs may still require you to visit campus once or twice.

How Much Do Online Doctorates in Health Sciences Programs Cost?

Health science PhDs and professional doctorates can range in price from less than $500 per credit hour to over $1,000 per credit hour. Ultimately, your bill will depend on several factors, including which institution you choose, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student at that school, and how many credit hours you need.

Applying for financial aid can help lower your costs. Many schools offer fellowships or assistantships to graduate students. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you qualify for.

Cheapest Online PhD in Health Sciences Programs

Over a dozen colleges and universities in the U.S. offer DHSc or PhD in health sciences online for an affordable price. We've listed some of the cheapest options below.

1. Radford University

Radford University is a public institution in Radford, VA. It offers a DHSc online with three concentrations: healthcare administration, community and public health, and higher education.

The program is offered 100% online, with no residency requirements. It requires 42 credit hours, and students taking six credits per semester can finish within seven sequential semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $405 per credit
• Financial aid: Radford accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of South Dakota

At the University of South Dakota (USD), students can earn a Doctor of Philosophy in health sciences online. This program includes coursework on healthcare education, research methods, leadership in healthcare, and more.

USD, a public research university, is located in Vermillion, SD. The health science PhD program here is 75 credits and does require online students to appear on campus twice during the course of the degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $484.10 per credit
• Financial aid: USD accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Eastern Virginia Medical School

Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) offers an online DHSc program. EVMS is a public medical school in Norfolk, VA, that's operated by Old Dominion University.

Coursework for this program includes topics like healthcare delivery systems, population health, healthcare analytics, and healthcare strategy. The degree requires 42 credit hours and takes eight consecutive semesters to finish. There is no in-person component, making it ideal for working professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $486 per credit (in-state); $765 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: EVMS offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Pennsylvania Western University

The DHSc in health science and exercise leadership at Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) focuses not just on treating disease but also on the importance of promoting health and wellness. The 48-credit degree includes courses in health science, adult learning, and leadership, as well as the construction of an evidence-based research portfolio.

PennWest, based in California, PA, is a public university. This degree is fully online and does not require campus visits.

• Estimated tuition cost: $587 per credit (in-state); $881 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: PennWest offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis is a private Christian school in Indianapolis. It offers a DHSc degree that includes coursework on applied research, health management, and healthcare program management, as well as a dissertation.

The core courses take two semesters, then students take a year or two to finish their dissertation. The health sciences degree requires 48 credits and has two on-campus sessions at the start of each year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $606 per credit
• Financial aid: The University of Indianapolis accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Liberty University

Students at Liberty University can earn both a DHSc and a PhD in health sciences online. The DHSc has a specialization in leadership and policy, while the PhD offers concentrations in exercise and sport science, healthcare leadership, and trauma-informed care.

Liberty University, a private evangelical Christian school, is located in Lynchburg, VA. All four degree options require 60 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit
• Financial aid: Liberty accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) offers an online DHSc program with four concentrations: fundamentals of education, global health, leadership and organizational behavior, and generalist. ATSU is a private, nonprofit health sciences university in Kirksville, MO.

The 70-credit program takes three to four years to complete. Core courses cover topics like evidence-based practice, healthcare information systems, and population health, and an applied research project is also required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $660 per credit
• Financial aid: ATSU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Touro University Worldwide

The DHSc degree at Touro University Worldwide (TUW) is fully online with no residency required. The 48-credit program covers theoretical foundations in health science, contemporary topics in healthcare, and research methods for health professionals.

TUW is the online campus of the private Jewish Touro University system and is based in Los Alamitos, CA. Most students can finish the DHSc program here in two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $700 per credit
• Financial aid: TUW offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

9. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private, nonprofit research institution in Fort Lauderdale, FL. It offers both a PhD in health science and a DHSc online.

The PhD is a 64-credit program that includes a research project. The DHSc is a 55-credit degree with concentrations in global health, telehealth, and education in healthcare.

• Estimated tuition cost: $741 per credit
• Financial aid: NSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Bridgeport

Through the University of Bridgeport (UB), students can earn a DHSc online. The program offers three tracks: the clinician track, the nutrition track, and the education track.

UB is a private, nonprofit university located in Bridgeport, CT. It requires 57 credit hours, including a dissertation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $745 per credit
• Financial aid: UB accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

To choose the schools listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools on this list are regionally accredited.
• Affordability: We found the most affordable doctorates in health sciences, all under $800 for in-state students.
• Program reputation: Every school is nonprofit, and all are known for offering high-quality online degree programs.

What To Expect From an Online Health Sciences PhD

The admissions requirements for doctoral degrees in health sciences usually include a master's degree and a minimum GPA. Some programs may require you to have a master's in a specific field, and some may require you to have professional health-related experience.

Your program will require you to take core doctoral-level courses in health sciences. You can choose a concentration or specialization that aligns with your career goals.

Typically, both PhDs and DHSc programs have courses on research methods, but PhDs will focus more heavily on research. They also typically require a dissertation where you perform original research.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in Health Sciences

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about affordable doctoral programs in health sciences to help you determine if this is a good path for you.

Is an Online PhD in Health Sciences Worth It?

For many, a PhD in health sciences or DHSc is worth it. These programs help you further your healthcare knowledge and prepare you to reach new career heights.

Are Online Health Sciences PhDs Respected?

While there was a time when online degrees weren't respected, that's not the case anymore. Online programs are a great way for working professionals to continue their education, and as a result, are much more respected today.

What Can You Do With A Doctorate Degree in Health Science?

A doctorate in health science can lead to careers in various administrative or clinical settings. Some job titles include:

• health educator
• health policy analyst
• health services director
• healthcare delivery administrator
• healthcare program director
• healthcare researcher
• public health officer

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online PhD in Health Sciences Program?

Admission requirements for doctoral degrees in health sciences can vary between schools. However, most programs require you to have at least a master's degree and a minimum GPA.

Some programs also require that your previous graduate program be in a healthcare-related field. You may also need to have some professional healthcare experience as well.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

Reach your healthcare career goals by exploring the doctoral programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.