7 Affordable Online PhD in Information Technology Degrees 2025

The fastest way to land a high-paying academic job in IT is to earn either a master's degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) after building years of real-world experience. Since IT naturally involves computer technology, you can attend school remotely and complete your coursework without having to commute to a physical campus. This article will suggest ways to complete a PhD in information technology online.

What Is a PhD in Information Technology?

You can earn a PhD in IT online by enrolling in a program through a reputable computer science department. This is a terminal degree dedicated to producing new empirical research in areas like information systems, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), information security, computer networks, machine learning, and other subjects. Sometimes, you may see this listed as either a PhD in information technology or as a Doctor of Information Technology (DIT).

Can I Earn a PhD in IT Online?

Yes, you can earn an online PhD in IT at several affordable and respected institutions. Just be aware that many doctoral programs still require some face-to-face interaction for special assignments, oral examinations, and dissertation defenses. Otherwise, many computer science departments allow doctoral students to complete most or all of their coursework online.

How Much Does an Online PhD in Information Technology Cost?

Tuition costs, technology fees, and other student fees vary by institution, but you can expect a doctoral education to cost somewhere between $20,000 and $100,000. If you attend a private college or do not hold state residency at your school, it may cost much more to attend.

To keep costs low, you can look for fully funded PhD programs in information technology or find one that permits you to use financial aid options (grants, scholarships, work-study stipends, etc.) to cover most of the tuition expenses.

Cheapest Online PhD in Information Technology Programs

Here is a list of the cheapest online PhD in information technology programs. These degree programs offer online or hybrid enrollment options and hold valid academic accreditations.

1. Dakota State University

Dakota State University offers a PhD in information systems, available in on-campus and online formats. Incoming students have the chance to learn how to produce original research in the IT field at one of the most affordable tuition rates in the country. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, but Dakota State does not require GRE scores among its admission requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $471 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Dakota State offers tuition reductions to state employees and children of alumni while also granting assistantships for qualified PhD students.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers a PhD in information science and learning technologies. It trains doctoral students how to conduct systemic research, comprehend information retrieval systems, and work on collaborative projects.

If you already possess a master's degree, this degree program requires 42 credit hours for graduation; otherwise, the program requires 72 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $535 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The university has a military tuition award and other graduate-level scholarships.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Texas - San Antonio

The University of Texas - San Antonio's PhD program focuses on important new technologies like machine learning, AI, and data analytics. Students can concentrate on one of those topics or cybersecurity. The program has two application deadlines and enrollment dates, one for domestic students and another for international students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $550 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Qualified graduate students can receive the school's McNair Scholarship and receive application fee waivers.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) offers a PhD in information technology management online. This respected program publishes specific information on where it places its doctoral graduates as professors at top universities like George Mason University, Florida State University, and the University of Wisconsin.

A PhD in IT management will prepare future IT professionals for careers in business, government, and other private companies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $601 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Georgia Tech offers tuition waivers, graduate stipends, and other funding resources for qualified PhD students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Walden University

Walden University has a DIT program, which offers a similar credential to the PhD degree. Doctoral students get the chance to explore sophisticated AI programs, including AI leadership simulators, designed to improve business decision-making. You can also develop the essential skills to manage or support organizations in major IT-related innovation initiatives.

• Estimated tuition cost: $690 per credit hour
• Financial aid: You can reduce the tuition costs by applying for experienced-based-credits or research grants.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Capella University

Capella University offers a DIT program featuring 13 online courses, two virtual residencies, and a capstone project. Note that there is a higher tuition rate for the capstone project credit hours, but all other online courses follow the regular graduate student tuition rate. The program duration is different for each student, depending on the complexity of the capstone project topic.

• Estimated tuition cost: $785 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Capella has several funding resources like employer assistance programs, grants, scholarships, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. City University of Seattle

The City University of Seattle has a fully online doctoral program in IT focusing specifically on cybersecurity. The program has a large catalog of core courses and electives devoted to IT, computing principles, quantitative literacy, and collaborative assignments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $795 per credit hour
• Financial aid: This college provides four ways to pay for doctoral studies: grants, scholarships, loans, and state financial aid.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

How We Rank Schools

This section explains our ranking formula for the schools on this list. Each program must have academic accreditation, affordable tuition rates, and a good reputation in the IT field.

• Accreditation: Academic institutions receive accreditation from organizations like HLC.
• Affordability: These graduate degrees cost no more than $1,000 per credit hour for tuition.
• Program reputation: These online programs offer cutting-edge training in IT research methods, have courses taught by credentialed faculty members, and offer many specializations.

What To Expect From an Online PhD in IT

An online PhD in IT will expose students to advanced core courses in information systems, data analytics, web algorithms, information systems management, project management, strategic planning, cybersecurity, and more. Online students also acquire sophisticated research skills required to qualify for higher-education positions or IT jobs in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors.

Online doctorate degrees in this field usually take between four and seven years to complete, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhD Programs in Information Technology

Here are four frequently asked questions (FAQs) for prospective PhD students in online IT programs. They cover topics like affordability, job prospects, and whether employers will respect online degrees.

Is an Online PhD in IT Worth It?

Yes, this is well worth it right now, considering the high demand for IT professionals at any skill level. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists 10 computer and IT occupations with very high salaries.

Are Online IT PhDs Respected?

Yes, employers respect job candidates who have earned a doctorate in IT. They will not know whether you attended an on-campus or online program because it will not mention the delivery format on your diploma.

Are There Any Fully Funded Online PhD Programs in IT?

Yes, many online learners can secure graduate fellowships, scholarships, and online work-study employment to finance their graduate degrees. Some even offer full tuition waivers. We recommend you request information about PhD funding before entering any program by calling or speaking to someone at your intended department.

What Kind of Jobs Can You Get With a PhD in IT?

If you earn a PhD in IT, you will gain a lucrative credential for securing employment as a research scientist, professor, or one of several important leadership roles in IT management. Some PhD holders also find work in consulting positions or as project managers, systems analysts, IT directors, or data scientists.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

We invite you to explore more about online doctoral programs by reviewing our many other articles for distance learners. This includes ways to earn an associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctorate in IT.