Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Alabama 2025

Doctoral degrees are terminal degrees, meaning that they're the most advanced degree you can get. There are two types at this level of education: professional doctorates, meant for specific careers like nurse practitioner or physician, and research doctorates like Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Research doctorates are meant for those who want to pursue roles in academia or research.

Some schools offer these degrees through online or distance learning, which is often ideal for working professionals. These education programs don't require students to appear on campus, meaning that students can continue working full-time or attending to other obligations.

Doctoral degrees can be expensive, but there are several cheap online doctoral programs across the U.S. that are still high-quality. Keep reading to discover affordable online doctoral programs in Alabama.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Alabama

There are many affordable online colleges in Alabama, but not all offer doctoral degrees and PhDs. Below, we've highlighted the cheapest online PhD programs and doctoral degrees in Alabama.

1. University of Alabama in Huntsville

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a public research institution in Huntsville, AL. It offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), as well as online PhDs in engineering management, industrial engineering, systems engineering, and civil engineering.

The tuition rate depends on which program you're taking. The DNP is $445 per credit hour, while the PhDs in engineering are $655.

• Average cost per credit hour: $550
• Financial aid: UAH accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and private aid. It also offers institutional aid, including scholarships, grants, assistantships, and fellowships.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Jacksonville State University

At Jacksonville State University, students can choose from two online doctoral degrees: a Doctor of Science (DSc) in emergency management and a DNP. The DNP offers focuses on adult-gerontology acute care nursing practice and family nursing practice.

This public university is located in Jacksonville, AL. Tuition is $450 per credit for the emergency management degree program and $500 per credit for the DNP.

• Average cost per credit hour: $475
• Financial aid: JSU offers institutional aid, like assistantships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Alabama State University

Alabama State University offers a Doctor of Education (EdD) and a PhD in educational leadership, policy, and law online. ASU is a public historically black university (HBCU) in Montgomery, AL.

The cost for both the EdD and the PhD is $477 per credit for online students; there's no difference in tuition for in-state or out-of-state students.

• Average cost per credit hour: $477
• Financial aid: ASU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers several doctoral programs online. These include PhDs in education, engineering, and communication, as well as EdDs, DNPs, and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degrees.

UA, located in Tuscaloosa, AL, is a public research university. It charges $480 per credit for online graduate programs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $480
• Financial aid: UA accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Montevallo

The University of Montevallo is a public liberal arts institution in Montevallo, AL. It offers an online EdD in educational leadership.

This program is for experienced professionals seeking opportunities to advance their careers and requires 60 credit hours. The tuition rate is $498 per credit.

• Average cost per credit hour: $498
• Financial aid: The University of Montevallo accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Amridge University

Students at Amridge University can choose from various online doctorate programs. These include Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degrees, an EdD in higher education administration, and several PhDs in fields like organizational leadership, biblical studies, and marriage and family therapy.

The private, nonprofit Christian school is located in Montgomery, AL. Tuition here varies by program, ranging from $535 for the DMin and PhD in biblical studies to $780 for the PhDs in marriage and family therapy and professional counseling.

• Average cost per credit hour: $682
• Financial aid: Amridge accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Troy University

Troy University offers multiple PhDs and DNPs online. The public university is located in Troy, AL, and charges $550 per credit hour for all online doctoral programs.

Online PhDs at Troy are available in fields like criminology, global leadership, and sport management. The DNP is offered online in family nurse practitioner and nursing leadership.

• Average cost per credit hour: $550
• Financial aid: Troy offers institutional financial aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Faulkner University

Faulkner University offers online PhDs in biblical studies, humanities, and health sciences. It also offers an online DSc in health science.

Faulkner, located in Montgomery, AL, is a private Christian school. Tuition is also program-dependent here, ranging from $585 per credit for the PhD in biblical science to $780 per credit for the PhD in health sciences.

• Average cost per credit hour: $675
• Financial aid: Faulkner accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama is a public research institution in Mobile, AL. It offers an online DNP with multiple areas of concentration, including:

• adult gerontological nurse practitioner
• family nurse practitioner
• pediatric nurse practitioner
• public health administration

Tuition for the online DNP is $594 per credit. An online PhD in computer science is also available for $505 per credit.

• Average cost per credit hour: $550
• Financial aid: USA accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of West Alabama

Through the University of West Alabama, students can find two online doctoral degree programs. The first is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in rural business, and the second is an EdD in rural education.

UWA, located in Livingston, AL, is a public university. It charges $630 per credit hour for all three of these doctoral-level online programs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $630
• Financial aid: UWA offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the online and distance education doctoral programs listed above, our methodology focused on:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is regionally accredited.
• Affordability: Once we determined which accredited Alabama institutions offer online learning at the doctoral level, we looked at which have the lowest tuition costs.
• Program reputation: In addition to accreditation, all schools on this list are either public or private nonprofit schools to ensure doctoral and PhD students receive a high-quality online educaiton.
• Online student resources: The schools on this list also offer support services for online doctoral students, such as career advisement and mentoring from faculty members.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Alabama?

The cost of an online doctoral degree in Alabama can vary. All schools on this list offer programs for less than $650 per credit, but there are other schools that charge up to $1,000 per credit.

Your tuition rate will depend on several factors, like the school you choose and the program you're pursuing. For example, DNP degrees, some of the highest-paying doctoral degrees, are often some of the most expensive. Other factors, like your financial aid, will affect your costs as well.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Alabama

You can pursue several financial aid options to help pay for your online education. Your first step should be filling out the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.

You can also look for private scholarships and grants. Sometimes, professional organizations offer these, or you can find them from communities or even your employer.

Many schools offer financial aid as well, such as scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. Additionally, some programs may be fully funded, meaning they cover the cost of tuition so graduate students can perform original research projects for the school.

To maximize your savings, look for cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA.

Explore Online Doctoral Degrees

Find your perfect doctorate or PhD degree today by exploring the options on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.