10 Most Affordable Online PhD in Health Services Degrees 2025

If you're already working in healthcare, you may be thinking about opportunities to advance your career or transition to teaching in your field. Earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in health services or a related field can be a great option.

Keep reading as we discuss what a PhD in health services degree is and schools where you can get one online without breaking the bank. We'll also provide answers to various questions you may have.

What Is a PhD in Health Services?

There are many different specializations within healthcare; as a result, there are various PhD programs in different areas of the field. A PhD in health services research is one common option; other specializations include:

• health administration
• public health
• health sciences
• healthcare studies
• healthcare leadership

Degree requirements will vary depending on the specific degree program and specialization. Generally speaking, though, these programs prepare PhD students for research and leadership careers in academia and healthcare systems.

Can I Earn a Health Services PhD Online?

Some health services doctoral degrees are available entirely online, while others utilize a hybrid format or are only available in-person. For example, many schools offer online PhD degrees in health sciences, but very few provide online options for health services research.

Regardless of the format of your program, you will likely still need to complete some in-person components as part of your degree program. These may include internships, practicums, and clinical experiences.

How Much Does an Online PhD in Health Services Cost?

Even the most affordable health services PhD programs are not cheap. Though tuition rates vary widely from school to school, it's not uncommon for students to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per credit hour for their education.

The online health programs featured in this article provide some of the most affordable tuition rates available. Students can generally be expected to pay between $233 and $780 per credit hour, though some of the schools may charge higher out-of-state rates. Many of these schools also have scholarships for online students.

Cheapest Online Health Services PhD Programs

There are many online doctoral programs related to a PhD in health services administration. Keep reading as we explore the most affordable online PhD programs.

1. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is a public school in Stillwater, OK. It provides an online Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) program that can help students pursue advanced health leadership positions.

Though not strictly a PhD degree, this career-focused program teaches competencies in leadership to prepare students for various high-level health services careers. Tuition for in-state students is highly affordable, and out-of-state learners studying exclusively online also pay greatly reduced rates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $233.80 per credit hour (in-state)
• Financial aid: Students can apply for financial aid for this program by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Texas Woman's University

Texas Woman's University is a public school in Denton, TX. Despite its name, it is fully co-educational and offers a PhD in health studies online.

This degree program teaches research methods and practices to promote public and global health. Courses cover topics such as health education and health advocacy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $363 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study programs can help students cover their costs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Georgia State University

Georgia State University is a large public school in Atlanta, GA. Though it doesn't offer a fully online PhD in health services research, its school of public health offers a PhD in public health with a health services and policy research concentration.

This program is primarily completed on campus, though various courses are available in online and hybrid formats for maximum flexibility. Topics covered include the research on access to, financing of, and quality of healthcare services.

• Estimated tuition cost: $436 per credit hour (in-state)
• Financial aid: The school offers grants and scholarships, and students can apply to outside funding sources like military benefits and federal aid as well.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is a public school in Vermillion, SD. Students at this school can pursue a PhD in health sciences online.

This program is designed to prepare students for academic, research, and healthcare leadership positions. Students complete all coursework online, though they are expected to attend orientation and a one-week dissertation bootcamp on campus.

• Estimated tuition cost: $484.10 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Funding options are available through the FAFSA, private scholarships, and more.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian school in Lynchburg, VA. It offers PhD and Doctor of Health Sciences programs with various specializations, including:

• healthcare leadership
• leadership and policy
• trauma-informed care

The school offers flexible coursework and a generous transfer policy. Students complete eight-week course sessions throughout the year, helping them stay on track without abandoning work or other life commitments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school offers scholarship programs and accepts federal financial aid to help students pay for their education.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide is a private, nonprofit online school based in California. It offers an online Doctor of Health Science that provides maximum flexibility for busy adult learners.

The program prepares students for advanced leadership positions in settings ranging from hospitals to health insurance companies to government agencies. Students complete flexible coursework in eight-week sessions and can transfer up to six credits into the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $700 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Various types of financial aid are available, including loans, scholarships, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

7. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University is a private school located in Florida. It offers several online degree programs, including a Doctor of Health Science.

Students in this program can choose from concentrations in global health, education in healthcare, and telehealth. The program offers four yearly start dates and is fully online except for one week-long in-person seminar.

• Estimated tuition cost: $741 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for scholarships and financial aid available through the school and outside sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of Bridgeport

The University of Bridgeport is a private school in Bridgeport, CT. It offers an online Doctor of Health Sciences degree with the following tracks:

• clinician
• nutrition
• education

Students learn methodologies in healthcare leadership and research to prepare them for various career paths. Courses are taught by expert program faculty and make it possible for students to choose the specialization that interests them most.

• Estimated tuition cost: $745 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school offers scholarships and accepts federal aid and other external funding sources.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

9. Indiana University

Indiana University is a public school system headquartered in Bloomington, IN. Its College of Public Health offers an online Doctor of Public Health with a global health leadership specialization.

This is an excellent degree program for those with a Master of Public Health (MPH) or anyone interested in working for a state or national department of health, as well as other organizations in both the public and private sectors. The program takes three years to complete and is designed as a cohort-based program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $750 per credit hour (in-state)
• Financial aid: A wide range of financial aid options are available and accepted, including scholarships, military and employer benefits, state and federal aid, grants, and loans.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Faulkner University

Faulkner University is a Christian school located in Montgomery, AL. It offers an accelerated PhD in health sciences that students can complete online in as little as 18 months.

Students learn to conduct evidence-based practice and ask appropriate research questions as part of this program. Students complete a combination of core and dissertation courses that help prepare them for their career path of choice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $780 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use federal aid and scholarships to help pay for their educational costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We strive to ensure the programs we choose are high-quality and respectable. We used the following criteria to select the programs above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
• Affordability: All of the programs feature affordable tuition below $1,000 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: Each school is known for its expert faculty members and world-class education for doctoral students.

What To Expect From an Online PhD in Health Services

Online health services programs typically provide flexible coursework, allowing busy students to study on whatever schedule works for them. Students can choose whether to enroll part-time or full-time, though some programs require full-time attendance.

Curriculum can vary widely depending on the type of program you choose. Common courses and electives you may take include:

• health policy
• population health
• health economics
• epidemiology
• healthcare delivery systems

Most programs are completed within three to seven years, though the exact timeframe will depend on your program and study schedule. Throughout your program, you may gain skills in conducting research studies, policy analysis, and evidence-based patient care. You may also gain teaching experience, especially if you plan to pursue a career in academia.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in Health Services

If you still have questions about pursuing a doctoral degree in health services, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some common questions you may have.

Is an Online PhD in Health Services Worth It?

Depending on your career goals and current level of education, getting a PhD in health services can be highly beneficial. A PhD degree opens up various opportunities in teaching and conducting research.

Pursuing this degree in certain specializations, such as public health and healthcare leadership, can also prepare you for high-level management and administrative careers. Finally, a PhD degree may help you increase your salary potential by adding value to your current qualifications.

Are Online Health Services PhDs Respected?

As online degrees become increasingly popular, more and more employers are coming to accept them. As long as your PhD comes from an accredited, reputable school, an online degree is likely to be respected as much as an in-person degree.

What Can I Do With a PhD in Health Services?

There are many different professional opportunities you could pursue with a health services PhD. Some common job titles to consider include:

• professor/assistant professor
• health services manager
• medical scientist
• health science researcher
• chief public health administrator

What Is the Difference Between a PhD in Health Services Administration and a PhD in Health Services Research?

As the names suggest, these two types of degree programs differ in professional focus. A degree in health services administration prepares students for administrative and management careers in health facilities, while a degree in health services research prepares them for careers in conducting research relative to the cost, effectiveness, and organizational structures of healthcare systems.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

If you're ready to begin your online doctoral degree, explore the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of the universities for more information on their programs and choose the right option for you.