10 Affordable Online PhD in Special Education Degrees 2025

An online doctorate in special education is ideal for busy professionals looking to further their careers in the field. These programs, which aim to improve education for students with special needs, are typically offered in a flexible learning environment and require little to no in-person interaction.

If you want to pursue an online doctoral degree in special education and pay affordable tuition, keep reading. Below, we'll highlight the nation's best low-cost PhD programs.

What Is a PhD in Special Education?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in special education is a terminal graduate degree for students pursuing leadership positions in research and academia. Coursework commonly focuses on learning disabilities, early intervention, research methodology, and special education administration ?while including financial projects such as a capstone, comprehensive assessment, or research-based dissertation.

Can I Earn a PhD in Special Education Online?

Yes, it's possible to earn a PhD in special education online. Many programs offer fully online courses, enabling students to access learning materials in a virtual learning environment from any location with an internet connection. However, keep in mind that some programs, particularly hybrid options, might require occasional in-person campus visits.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Program in Special Education Cost?

The cost of an accredited online PhD in special education varies by program. Enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time), financial aid (scholarships, grants, and more), and residency (in-state vs. out-of-state) can also affect the amount you'll pay. If you want to save on your doctoral degree, consider applying to schools offering lower tuition rates. A couple of institutions to consider include Florida Atlantic University and the University of Toledo, which charge less than $500 per credit.

Cheapest Doctorate in Special Education Online Programs

An online doctoral degree in special education helps students qualify for various roles in the field. If you're looking for affordable programs, explore the list below to discover some of the cheapest options.

1. Florida Atlantic University

The PhD in special education from Florida Atlantic University prepares students for leadership positions in community agencies, school districts, colleges, and universities. This program, which takes about three years to complete, consists of a hybrid mix of face-to-face and online courses. Enrollees grow their knowledge of the field through coursework, research, teaching, grant proposal preparations, and other activities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $371.82 per credit hour (in-state); $1,026.81 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Learners can apply for limited teaching assistantships as well as federal student aid and scholarships.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Texas Tech University

The College of Education at Texas Tech University offers a 90-credit online PhD in special education for graduate students seeking careers in research, program development, and teacher education. Enrollees have access to tracks and areas of focus, such as applied behavior analysis, autism, and visual impairment.

The application process involves submitting a resume, an applicant statement, and three recommendations. GRE score requirements are temporarily suspended.

• Estimated tuition cost: $448 per credit hour
• Financial aid: At TTU, students can save on tuition and fees with scholarships, research assistantships, and loans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Toledo

For learners who want to increase their effectiveness in the classroom, the University of Toledo offers the 60-credit PhD in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in special education. This 100% online program examines the latest in research, theory, and practice, and allows students to focus their studies in:

• early intervention
• preschool special needs
• high-incidence conditions
• severe disabilities
• transition

In addition to coursework, enrollees must complete a research-focused dissertation with the assistance of graduate faculty members.

• Estimated tuition cost: As low as $457 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial aid (e.g., loans and work-study) and scholarships can make tuition and fees more affordable.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Ball State University

Ball State University's PhD in special education is a 100% online program that trains learners in evidence-based education and practice as they prepare to work in educational or behavioral professions. Several areas of focus are available, including:

• American Sign Language and deaf studies
• applied behavior analysis and autism
• teaching and learning
• general special education

In addition to coursework, students complete a research component, a cognate in research methods, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $464 per credit hour (in-state); $696 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Graduate assistantships, student employment, military benefits, and employment assistance can help students save.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Alabama

Students interested in working with learners with exceptional needs can pursue the three-year online Doctor of Education (EdD) in special education at the University of Alabama. This 72-credit program, which explores literacy, professional development, and special education leadership, enables students to choose from five tracks:

• autism
• collaborative special education
• early childhood special education
• gifted education
• leadership and special education

To enroll, students need a minimum of a master's degree in special education (or a related area), three years of experience, and a 3.0 GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $480 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students seeking financial assistance can lower costs with scholarships and grants.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of Florida

The University of Florida is home to a fully online EdD in special education, inspired by the principles of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). In this 90-credit program, learners can pick one of the specializations below:

• dyslexia
• early childhood practitioner
• early childhood policy
• disability and society
• special education teacher leadership

To meet program requirements, students must take required courses and complete the culminating research project and applied dissertation. Earning this degree takes about four years part-time.

• Estimated tuition cost: $516.36 per credit hour (in-state); $727.36 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Students pursuing graduate studies at the University of Florida may qualify for federal financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Liberty University

At Liberty University, students can choose from four 100% online doctoral programs in special education. They include:

• EdD in special education
• EdD in curriculum and instruction - special education
• PhD in education - special education
• PhD in advanced educational studies - special education

Students enrolled in the EdD programs prepare for teaching and administrative roles in special education and must complete a final capstone project to graduate. The PhD programs help learners pursue educational research and teaching careers and require completion of an extensive dissertation process.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour (full-time); $675 per credit hour (part-time)
• Financial aid: Liberty offers financial aid and scholarships to make earning a degree more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Walden University

The EdD with a specialization in special education at Walden University is a non-licensure program designed for students who want to become leaders in school districts and institutions of higher education.

Degree requirements include taking foundation, research, and specialization courses in research theory, early childhood education, leadership, and beyond. Students must also complete a doctoral writing assessment, a capstone, and one academic residency.

• Estimated tuition cost: $660 per credit hour
• Financial aid: In addition to financial aid and scholarships, students can receive up to a $5,000 grant to reduce costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado has a flexible online PhD in special education designed for completion in three to five years (including dissertation). In this 77-credit program, students grow their knowledge of evidence-based practice, research methods, public policy, advocacy, collaboration, and more. In addition to earning a doctorate in special education, students can add an area of special interest to secure a Director of Gifted Education licensure/endorsement.

• Estimated tuition cost: $771 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The university offers graduate assistantships and federal financial aid to increase affordability.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. National University

National University's online EdD in special education is a 48-credit program that students often finish in 33 months. Enrollees complete foundation courses, a comprehensive assessment, and dissertation research, as well as two additional courses if selecting the program's nursing education specialization.

Admission requirements include having a minimum master's degree, or an RN and a master's degree in nursing if choosing the specialization.

• Estimated tuition cost: $947 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial aid and scholarships are available to help learners reduce tuition and fees.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the schools in this ranking list to verify that they all meet the following criteria for delivering high-quality learning experiences.

• Accreditation: Each school has been accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the HLC and the SACSCOC.
• Affordability: We picked affordable schools offering low tuition rates, scholarships, and financial aid to increase savings.
• Program reputation:These institutions are known for offering quality programs for on-campus and online students.

What To Expect From an Online PhD in Special Education

Earning a special education PhD online is similar to earning an on-campus degree. These programs examine how to make advancements in the field through coursework exploring education policy, interventions, evidence-based practice, and more. They could also include a dissertation, exam, or capstone as a final project.

So, what makes them different? Online students access learning materials in a virtual learning platform rather than commuting to campus. Online programs also sometimes provide asynchronous or self-paced learning options.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in Special Education

Are you ready to enroll in an affordable PhD program? Explore the FAQs below to learn more about cheap online special education doctoral programs before taking the next step.

Is an Online PhD in Special Education Worth It?

Yes, an online PhD in special education is worth the effort and time. Most distance degrees offer the same quality academic experience as a campus-based degree, but with perks like flexible scheduling and access to coursework from any location. After graduating, doctoral students can pursue the same top roles in special education.

Are Online Special Education PhDs Respected?

Online PhD special education programs are respected when coming from accredited schools. Employers recognize that many online programs offer high-quality learning experiences. As a result, most don't view them differently from on-campus degrees.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD and an EdD in Special Education?

The PhD and EdD are both terminal doctoral degrees aiming to advance the field of special education. However, these programs have unique focuses.

The PhD emphasizes research and theory and prepares learners to work as university faculty, policymakers, and researchers. In EdD programs, students learn how to apply research to special education practices by working as teachers, school administrators, and special education directors.

What Are the Benefits of Earning a PhD in Special Education?

Earning a PhD in special education offers numerous benefits. Students have the opportunity to make a bigger impact on the lives of learners with special needs, whether through developing evidence-based practices, shaping educational policies, or teaching the next generation of educators or young learners with special needs. With this degree, you can qualify for academic, policymaking, research, or administrative roles and potentially earn a higher salary.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

Begin a fulfilling journey in higher education by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to discover how they can help you achieve your goals.