Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Florida 2025

Graduate students in Florida have plenty of great options for flexible, affordable online doctoral programs. Reach the highest level of research and education in fields like science education, nursing, and computer science by completing your degree.

Some of the cheapest online PhD programs can be completed 100% online, so you don't have to worry about on-campus fees or transportation�just have a reliable internet connection to complete coursework. Take a look at our list of the most affordable Florida schools below.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Florida

The cheapest online PhD programs don't necessarily mean you are getting a cheap education; all of the schools below are fully accredited and led by knowledgeable faculty. Likewise, Florida offers many affordable online doctoral programs that allow you to pursue in-depth research projects to further your knowledge within the field.

You can complete some of the highest-paying doctoral degrees without having to leave your house. Some of the most affordable options are below.

1. University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida (UCF) online offers six doctoral degree programs, two in education and four in nursing. Complete your educational PhD with a focus on innovation and change, or convert your Bachelor of Science in Nursing to a PhD. U.S. News & World Report ranked UCF as one of the top 20 most innovative universities in 2025, so you can be confident that your online education will prepare you well to be a leader in the workforce.

These fully online classes can be accessed anywhere and are led by award-winning faculty. Whether you are looking to move up in the world of healthcare or education, this program can help you succeed without a hefty price tag.

• Average cost per credit hour: $327.32
• Financial aid: UCF students can receive financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but scholarships, grants, and work-study programs are also available. Fill out the Access to Opportunities application to automatically be considered for scholarships.
• Accreditation: University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

2. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University's electrical engineering and computer science department offers three PhD programs:

• PhD in computer engineering
• PhD in computer science
• PhD in electrical engineering

These programs will prepare you for teaching positions, to engage more deeply with research in your field, or for senior leadership roles. Computer science students can further pursue concentrations in data science and analytics or cybersecurity.

Applicants must pass a candidacy exam before being admitted. These programs can all be completed either online or on campus.

• Average cost per credit hour: $371.82
• Financial aid: FAU offers over $60 billion per year in financial aid to students. Options include loans, scholarships and grants, emergency student aid, work-study programs, and two options to help pay for textbooks.
• Accreditation: Florida Atlantic is accredited by SACSCOC.

3. University of West Florida

Earn your Doctor of Education degree in either curriculum and instruction or instructional design and performance technology at the University of West Florida (UWF). In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked UWF as one of the top 10 public universities in the South. With multiple enrollment dates and classes that cost less than $390 per credit hour, this flexible online option works great for busy working adults.

The curriculum and instruction degree takes 27 semester hours to complete, while the instructional design program takes 36 credit hours, plus 18 dissertation credit hours. Prepare for administrative or other educational leadership positions by completing your Doctor of Education (EdD) degree completely online.

• Average cost per credit hour: $384.60 to $425
• Financial aid: Non-Florida residents and international students can apply for a tuition waiver to cover up to 90% of non-resident tuition. Alabama residents may also be eligible for reduced out-of-state tuition.
• Accreditation: The University of West Florida is accredited by SACSCOC. It is also a member of the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED).

4. University of South Florida

University of South Florida's flexible online programs let you complete a PhD in music or a PhD in curriculum and instruction from wherever in the world works best for you. Online learners in the music program will research music education and related fields, preparing for leadership roles in research, teaching, and administration. It is a 60-credit-hour program and includes a dissertation.

The PhD in curriculum and instruction is geared towards those working in higher education facilities and academia, government agencies, or the private sector. Students will have four years to complete the doctoral program, with another four years to work on their dissertation.

• Average cost per credit hour: $431.43
• Financial aid: In addition to federal loans and scholarships, some assistantships are available.
• Accreditation: The University of South Florida is accredited by SACSCOC.

5. Florida State University

Working students, including educators and nurse practitioners, who are looking for flexible online graduate programs have several options at Florida State University (FSU):

• EdD in art education
• EdD in educational leadership and policy
• EdD in instructional systems and learning technologies
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• PhD in nursing

Time to complete these programs varies; a DNP can take anywhere from 41 to 79 credit hours, while art education takes 60. However, several of the programs do offer specializations. The DNP program offers five different majors, including lifestyle medicine and psychiatric mental health. Art education students can also specialize in museum education and visitor-centered curation.

Online graduate students will get the same high-quality education as in-person students. Classes are led by award-winning professors who are focused on connecting with students, even from afar.

• Average cost per credit hour: $444.26
• Financial aid: FSU offers financial aid in many forms, and students should fill out the FAFSA to see what they qualify for. The financial aid office can also help you discover scholarships and grants that you may be eligible for.
• Accreditation: Florida State University is accredited by SACSCOC, the art education program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and the DNP program is accredited by the CCNE.

6. University of North Florida

In addition to being an affordable and flexible option, the University of North Florida (UNF) also has a couple of different doctoral programs:

• Doctor of Clinical Nutrition
• Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Doctor of Nursing Practice in psych-mental health

With a full-time course load, all of these programs take an estimated 16 weeks to complete, except for the nursing practice doctorate. That program, which is designed for students who already have a master's degree, is an accelerated program that takes six to eight weeks.

Enrollment times vary, so check to see the best time to begin online learning. For the DHA program, students are required to travel to Jacksonville once per semester for a weekend seminar.

• Average cost per credit hour: $493.58
• Financial aid: UNF students should fill out the FAFSA to see how much financial aid they are eligible for, and also look through foundation scholarships for both merit- and need-based grants.
• Accreditation: The University of North Florida is accredited by SACSCOC.

7. Southeastern University

Southeastern offers eight online doctoral and PhD programs: two EdD degrees, two PhDs in education, two PhDs in organizational leadership, a doctorate in strategic leadership, and a Doctor of Ministry. This Christian college offers small class sizes, highly knowledgeable faculty, and flexible learning formats.

Many classes are available both fully online�with the opportunity to connect with classmates and faculty virtually � or in a hybrid format. The fastest program is the Doctor of Ministry at just 36 credit hours. The PhD in organizational leadership and doctorate in strategic leadership both cost $875 per credit hour.

• Average cost per credit hour: $500 to $875
• Financial aid: SEU students can fill out the FAFSA and apply for third-party scholarships for financial aid, but at this time they are not offering institutional scholarships to doctoral students.
• Accreditation: Southeastern University is accredited by SACSCOC.

8. University of Florida

In addition to nursing and education, the University of Florida (UF) also offers a PhD in classical civilizations, Latin and Roman studies, microbiology and cell science, and an EdD in special education. Distance education students will get the same high-quality education as on-campus students while saving 40% of the cost. Additionally, the UF Online Plaza makes it easier to stay connected with classmates and faculty, even from afar.

• Average cost per credit hour: $549.34
• Financial aid: UF offers financial aid through the FAFSA Simplification Act. Graduate students can also browse hundreds of institutional scholarships.
• Accreditation: The University of Florida is accredited by SACSCOC.

9. Florida International University

Florida International University (FIU) offers two online doctoral degrees: Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Athletic Training. The DNP takes 36 credit hours and costs $621.73 per credit hour, plus fees. The program focuses on using evidence-based research to improve care for a diverse range of patients. It may include up to three on-campus classes per semester and GRE scores are not required.

The Doctor of Athletic Training program takes 48 credits and costs $700 per credit hour. Students are admitted twice a year to this limited-access program; applicants should have a master's degree, but those with only a bachelor's degree can ask about admissions by contacting the director. Students must attend two in-person residency weekends.

• Average cost per credit hour: $621 to $700
• Financial aid: Eligible students with a student aid index of zero or less may be able to have 100% of their tuition and fees covered by the FIU Golden Promise.
• Accreditation: Florida International is accredited by SACSCOC and the nursing program is accredited by the CCNE.

10. Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic (PBA) is a nonprofit Christian college that offers one hybrid DNP program with a focus on gerontology primary care. Graduates of this program will be ready to work in a variety of health fields, from primary care to home visits. Grads will also be ready to take board licensing exams and will be prepared for licensure by the state of Florida.

This program takes 75 credit hours; some required classwork will be in person.

• Average cost per credit hour: $795
• Financial aid: PBA offers $27 million in financial aid every year. Fill out the FAFSA for federal loans or apply for merit- or need-based scholarships.
• Accreditation: Palm Beach Atlantic University is accredited by SACSCOC.

How We Rank Schools

You don't have to sacrifice the quality of your education in order to save money. We take into account not only the cost, but the school's reputation and accreditation as well.

• Accreditation: Every school in our list is accredited by SACSCOC, and many of them have program-specific accreditation as well. The curriculum and learning requirements meet the association's standards, so you know you'll be getting a high-quality education as a distance learner.
• Affordability: An online education is generally cheaper than in-person, but the schools in our list all have programs that cost less than $800 per credit hour. Many of them also offer significant financial aid.
• Program reputation: These schools have been recognized for their excellence, feature courses taught by award-winning faculty, and are known across the state for providing a quality education.
• Online student resources: Online learning can be isolating, but many of these schools have options to connect with faculty, classmates, and others in the department virtually. Mentors and networking opportunities make it easier for you to stay on track.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Florida?

An online doctoral degree can be costly, but it depends on the program type and whether you choose a full-time or part-time course load.

The cheapest school we found was the University of Central Florida, where doctoral and PhD programs cost $327.32 per credit hour. If you're worried about making enough to pay off student loans after you graduate, then consider looking at some of the highest paying doctoral degrees out there.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Florida

Along with student loans, many schools offer program-specific or merit-based scholarships, even for doctoral and PhD students. Working in an assistantship can help offset some costs as well.

Florida offers some state-wide scholarships, including the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program. Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree within seven semesters may be eligible for one semester of graduate study funding. Finally, fellowships for doctoral or PhD students can help cover the cost of your degree.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Pursuing a PhD or doctoral degree will take you to the top of your educational and career potential, but you don't have to leave home to do so. If you saw a program that interested you, then reach out to one of the accredited schools featured on Learn.org today to discuss your goals.