10 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Theology & Divinity 2025

Students pursuing higher education in divinity and theological studies can find high-quality and affordable doctoral-level degree programs offered online and in hybrid formats. These online degrees include Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, Doctor of Theology (ThD) programs, and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programs ?each with slightly different focuses to help students work towards specific career paths.

Learn more about these PhD in theology online programs, including costs, coursework requirements, and any on-campus requirements for these programs.

What Is a PhD in Theology & Divinity?

A PhD in theology and divinity is the highest-level degree available within the field. Seminaries or similar schools offer these degree programs, which are for aspiring church leaders, including reverends and ministers. Students in these programs perform extensive theological research to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible, church history, and mentorship skills that they will use in professional capacities.

Can I Earn a Theology & Divinity PhD Online?

Yes, it is possible to earn a doctorate in theology online, but not all degrees are fully online. Some programs have hybrid formats ?sometimes referred to as ''modified residential style''.

These degrees include online coursework with limited on-campus seminars and face-to-face meetings, usually once a semester. It is often wise to choose an online program from a school near you to make these commitments easier.

How Much Do PhD in Divinity Online Programs Cost?

The average annual cost of an online theology program is around $6,800 per year. Several factors will impact total costs; some of the biggest factors include enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), total credit hours required, and financial aid availability.

Cheapest Online PhD in Theology & Divinity Programs

These schools provide some of the highest-quality and most affordable degree programs available to PhD students. Fully online and hybrid formats can help students meet their goals without having to sacrifice other aspects of their lives.

1. Queens College of Theology

Queens College of Theology offers a Doctor of Theology online. This degree is designed for student customization, with coursework that can be tailored to specific specializations, such as ethics, scripture, and more. Students can transfer up to 15 credits, and most students complete their studies within 24 to 36 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $45 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can set up payment plans to spread their costs out over time.
• Accreditation: Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina

2. Christian Leadership University

Christian Leadership University (CLU) has a fully online Doctor of Theology program. Students complete coursework that combines research and theoretical approaches to religion with practical theology. Applicants can use transcripts from other schools or qualifying life experiences to fulfill up to 50% of total credits.

• Estimated tuition cost: $100 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students at CLU can qualify for tuition discounts, employer assistance, and school-provided grants and scholarships.
• Accreditation: Christian Accreditation International

3. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) has multiple doctoral-level degrees in theological studies. Some concentrations include applied apologetics, Christian leadership, and Bible exposition. These programs prepare students for both church leadership positions and theological research.

Each degree has slightly different total credit hours, but all of them can be completed fully online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $254 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for federal grants and scholarships. LU also has military discounts and school-provided aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Faith International University

The DMin at Faith International University can be completed almost fully online, but four courses are offered in a hybrid format with a week-long residency. This degree is 48-credit hours long, but students can take up to 64 total credits. By adding electives and general education credits, students can prepare for specific career paths.

• Estimated tuition cost: $300 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can submit their FAFSA documents and apply for federal aid, like the Pell Grant.
• Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission (TRACS)

5. Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary (CTS) has a hybrid Doctor of Ministry that focuses on systematic theology to prepare the next generation of faith leaders. Students will research and complete projects to contribute to and expand the field of theology and ministry. This program does not require a master's degree in divinity to apply.

• Estimated tuition cost: $573 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school provides needs-based grants and scholarships. There are also payment plan opportunities.
• Accreditation: Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS)

6. Columbia International University

The PhD in theological studies at Columbia International University (CIU) has four concentration options: apologetics, historical theology, systematic theology, or theological ethics. All 45 credits for this degree can be earned entirely online. Students have access to individual mentors to receive personalized assistance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CIU students can receive federal aid along with institutional and program-based scholarships.
• Accreditation: ATS

7. Northeastern Seminary

Northeastern Seminary, coordinated through Roberts Wesleyan University, has an online DMin. This degree includes coursework focused on theology, Biblical studies, and spiritual direction.

Students can choose from leadership, scripture, or spiritual formation concentrations. The scripture concentration in particular focuses on Bible studies and theology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $633 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Northeastern seminary accepts FAFSA-based aid. The school also has scholarships specifically aimed toward DMin students that can cover up to 25% of tuition costs.
• Accreditation: ATS

8. St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University (STU) has a PhD in theology and leadership offered fully online. This program is designed to help Catholic students develop the skills needed to study the Bible and convert their learning into leadership. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work in ministry, leadership, and faith-based education roles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $700 per credit hour
• Financial aid: STU students can qualify for federal, state (Florida), and school-provided grants and scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University (SLU) offers students an online doctorate in applied theology. This program includes 60 total credit hours, with 42 hours of coursework, comprehensive exams, and dissertation research. Skills gained in this program can lead to careers in academia, education, and ministry. SLU's faith-based education is taught with a Catholic worldview.

• Estimated tuition cost: $780 per credit hour
• Financial aid: SLU accepts FAFSA-based federal aid packages, including grants and scholarships. There are also school-provided aid options and tuition discounts.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Duke Divinity School

The Duke Divinity School offers a Doctor of Theology online. Students learn about church history and traditions and begin to work with deep studies of the Bible and theology. Coursework includes homiletics, evangelism, and Christian formation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,388 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can submit their FAFSA for federal aid. Students can also receive school-provided grants, scholarships, and graduate stipends that can greatly reduce costs.
• Accreditation: ATS

How We Rank Schools

Although our primary focus was affordability, there were three criteria we used to evaluate these schools. These criteria include accreditation, cost, and overall reputation.

• Accreditation: All of these programs have licensure or accreditation from a state or regional body. Doctor of Divinity and Theology programs often have different accreditation standards than traditional degree programs.
• Affordability: These programs were selected based on low tuition rates and financial aid opportunities that can further reduce costs.
• Program reputation: These programs are not only recognized by accrediting bodies, but also have a strong reputation within the faith communities that they serve.

What To Expect From an Online Theology & Divinity PhD

Online theology and divinity degrees cover many common topics, even with different concentrations. Students should expect to take courses that cover Biblical studies, church history, and more.

Students will be able to complete nearly all of their coursework online, but some programs do require residency experiences, usually over a weekend or week on campus.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in Theology & Divinity

Due to the niche nature of these degree programs, many students have questions about online theology and Doctor of Divinity degrees. These questions often focus on value, whether the degrees are respected, and how long these degrees take.

Is an Online PhD in Theology & Divinity Worth It?

Online PhD in theology and divinity programs are worth it. These programs provide affordable and flexible pathways to gain a deeper knowledge of the Bible and religious institutions. These degrees allow holders to pursue the highest levels of faith-based professions, including education, research, and ministerial roles.

Are Online Theology & Divinity PhDs Respected?

Accredited online theology and divinity degrees are respected. Most schools don't differentiate between on-campus and online degrees, meaning your degree will be viewed in the same light as one earned in person.

How Many Years Is a PhD in Theology?

Earning a PhD in theology takes an average of two to five years. This timeline will change based on factors such as total credit requirements, if you have any transfer credits, and the amount of time assigned to dissertation research.

What Are the Career Prospects for Online PhD Graduates in Theology?

Graduates of online PhD in theology programs can pursue both religious and secular roles. Some popular faith-based career paths include ministerial roles, religious education, and theological research. Some of the available secular roles include anthropology, social work, and education.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

Read our articles to learn more about these programs and more. Find out details about admission requirements and how you can request information to begin your application process today.