7 Most Affordable Online PhD in Marketing Programs 2025

Are you interested in earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or another doctoral degree in marketing but have little time to attend on-campus classes? Schools nationwide offer online programs with flexible schedules for working professionals.

Many of these institutions also provide low tuition rates, scholarships, or financial aid to make their programs affordable. Keep reading to learn more about where you can earn a low-cost online PhD in marketing.

What Is a PhD in Marketing?

A PhD in marketing is a terminal degree for students who want to focus their careers in research or academia. Learners study advanced coursework in consumer behavior, digital marketing, marketing strategy, and more, while enhancing their understanding of marketing research methodology. In PhD programs, doctoral students typically complete an original research project in the form of a dissertation. A comprehensive exam may also be required.

Can I Earn a Marketing PhD Online?

Yes, earning a PhD in marketing online is possible. Schools offering distance options typically place coursework on a virtual platform that learners can access anytime and from any location, with an internet connection.

Some institutions, however, might have in-person residency requirements. In this case, students may need to visit the campus once or twice a year to complete their studies.

How Much Do Online Marketing PhD Programs Cost?

The amount students pay to earn an online marketing PhD depends on factors like the program they choose, where they live (in-state or out-of-state), and their enrollment status (full-time or part-time). Are you looking for low-cost online marketing PhD degrees? Schools to consider include Liberty University and Hampton University, which charge less than $700 per credit in tuition.

Cheapest Online Marketing PhD Programs

PhD in marketing online programs prepare students for advanced careers in the field. If you're ready to earn a degree at an affordable price, review the schools below to find the most cost-friendly programs.

1. Liberty University

At Liberty University, students can pursue a 60-credit, 100% online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with a specialization in marketing to prepare for roles as brand managers, marketing directors, and university professors. Coursework explores strategic marketing management, marketing promotions, supply chain management, and more.

To enroll, students must have a master's degree in business, 30 hours of graduate business credits, and a 3.0 GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour (full-time); $675 per credit hour (part-time)
• Financial aid: At Liberty University, students can use scholarships and financial aid to reduce costs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Hampton University

Hampton University offers a hybrid PhD in business administration with a flexible mix of online courses and summer residencies for real-world learning and networking opportunities. Alongside coursework exploring behavioral research methods, managerial economics, and dissertation topics, the program offers specialized courses in marketing and management.

The ideal applicant has a master's degree, a minimum GMAT score of 400, and three or more years of work experience. While the program has a rolling admissions process, candidates must meet a specific application deadline to enroll with the next available cohort.

• Estimated tuition cost: $695 per credit hour
• Financial aid: At Hampton, online students can lower tuition and fees with federal student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Franklin University

The DBA from Franklin University is a 60-credit, 100% online program designed for completion in three years. In addition to studying organizational behavior, leadership, and change management in business, enrollees can select the program's marketing focus to explore consumer and behavioral research, marketing analysis, and contemporary issues in marketing management. Earning this degree requires completion of a dissertation and a comprehensive exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $748 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Enrollees can reduce costs with federal student aid and scholarships.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Trident University International

Trident University International's PhD in business administration is a 56-credit online program enabling learners to develop advanced research skills in preparation for careers as educators, business leaders, and researchers. The program includes a marketing concentration focused on consumer behavior, pricing, social media marketing, and branding. Students must complete a quantitative research project culminating in a dissertation to finish this program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $990 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal student aid, military benefits, and scholarship can lower costs for enrollees.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Alliant International University

Alliant International University is home to a 52-credit DBA offered at the school's San Diego and Los Angeles campuses, as well as fully online. This program, which takes three to four years to complete, offers a marketing specialization enabling students to grow their knowledge of social influencing, political strategy, human behavior, and organizational learning. Formal dissertation research (DR) work is required to finish this program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,089 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, part-time employment, loans, and other aid can make learning more affordable.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

6. National University

National University's School of Business offers two online doctorate in marketing programs for students seeking career advancement in strategic marketing. The DBA with a specialization in strategic marketing and the PhD in business administration with a strategic marketing specialization both teach students how to create meaningful campaigns and require completion of a dissertation. However, the DBA focuses more on marketing practice, while the PHD emphasizes research.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,138 per credit hour (DBA); $1,241 per credit hour (PhD-BA)
• Financial aid: Federal student aid and scholarships can lower the cost of tuition and fees.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

7. West Virginia University

West Virginia University students can pursue an online DBA with a marketing emphasis from the John Chambers College of Business and Economics that explores marketing management, consumer behavior, and marketing strategy. Admission requirements include a master's degree and five years of work experience. To complete this program, students must conduct research that culminates in a dissertation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,509 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Learners can use federal student aid and scholarships to make their degree more affordable.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the schools in this ranking list to confirm that each has met the following criteria for delivering a quality academic experience.

• Accreditation: All schools above are accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the SACSCOC and the WSCUC.
• Affordability: These schools reduce the cost of earning a doctoral degree by providing low tuition rates, scholarships, or financial aid.
• Program reputation: Each institution in this list has a reputation for offering quality programs for on-campus and online students.

What To Expect From an Online PhD in Marketing

Online PhD programs in marketing typically explore the same coursework covered in on-campus programs, including market analysis, consumer behavior, and strategic marketing management; plus, they are often taught by the same faculty members � the thing that makes these programs different is accessibility. Instead of traveling to campus on specific days for class, online programs offer learning materials on an online platform that students can access anytime.

These degrees are designed to grow PhD students' research, decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as they prepare for academic or research roles in marketing. To help learners focus their studies, some programs offer specializations, such as marketing science or consumer behavior. Programs typically require 50 to 60 credits and last three to four years.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in Marketing

Are you ready to take the next step in your career by pursuing an affordable online PhD in marketing? Explore the frequently asked questions below to learn more about these programs.

Is an Online PhD in Marketing Worth It?

Yes, an online PhD is worth it for students who want to earn a doctorate degree in marketing but lead busy lives that make attending in-person classes difficult. Many distance programs offer flexible scheduling, and some provide asynchronous courses that let learners study at their own pace.

Despite the difference in format, online programs offer quality learning experiences and qualify students for the same top careers as on-campus programs.

Are Online Marketing PhDs Respected?

Many employers respect accredited online PhDs in marketing, particularly those coming from well-known graduate schools. Online programs have garnered a reputation over the years for offering the same top-notch education as their brick-and-mortar counterparts. As a result, hiring managers generally give these degrees the same consideration as on-campus degrees when reviewing applications.

What Can I Do With a PhD in Marketing Degree?

A PhD in marketing typically aims to prepare students for a career in academia, with graduates taking roles in research or as marketing professors. But the opportunities don't stop there. Here are additional roles you can secure with this degree:

• marketing manager
• market research analyst
• marketing consultant
• digital marketing specialist
• brand manager
• sales director

How Long Does It Take To Earn a PhD in Marketing Online?

Each program determines the timeframe in which students complete their studies. However, on average, learners earn their online PhD in marketing in about three or four years. If you want to graduate sooner, look for schools that offer accelerated courses with shorter terms. Also, consider programs with multiple program start dates that accept prior learning credits.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

Start a rewarding journey in higher education by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn how they can help you achieve your goals.