Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Hawaii 2025

Hawaii is known for its scenic beaches and beautiful native culture, but it also has multiple cheap online doctoral programs available to residents. These higher education programs include all the coursework needed to complete a doctoral degree without ever stepping on campus.

Learn more about the affordable Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees available to doctoral students in the Aloha State and beyond.

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Hawaii is the eighth-smallest state, but that doesn't mean students don't have access to affordable online doctoral programs. Each school has different doctoral-level degrees available, so students should research all of their options to make sure they find the best degree for their needs.

Learn more about the cheapest online PhD programs and specialization options offered by high-quality, in-state, affordable online colleges.

1. Hawai'i Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) offers two fully online doctoral programs. Students with nursing degrees can enroll in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) bridge programs, with one for bachelor's degree (BSN) holders and the other for master's degree (MSN) holders.

Learners at HPU can also earn doctorates in physical therapy or occupational therapy through hybrid programs. These programs utilize fully online classes combined with on-campus labs and clinical experiences to give students the theoretical and hands-on learning they need.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,117
• Financial aid: HPU accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and PhD students can use federal grants and scholarships or apply for institutional aid.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) - Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (ACSCU) also known as the WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH) has multiple online doctoral degree programs across three fields of study. Students can choose from two Doctor of Education (EdD) programs (educational psychology or organizational leadership), a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT), or a DNP program.

These programs are offered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats, which allows working professionals to find the best scheduling options for their needs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1175
• Financial aid: CUH has a $5000 graduate scholarship and accepts federal grants and scholarships.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

One of the biggest advantages of online learning compared to in-person education is the ability to attend an out-of-state school without relocating. Graduate students in Hawaii can access top-ranking universities across the country through distance education. These programs provide Hawaiians with additional learning opportunities, lower tuition costs, and flexible scheduling.

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University (ASU) offers doctoral-level degrees in education and nursing. Students pursuing educational leadership roles can choose from seven different concentrations, including higher education administration, special education, and principalship. Nurse practitioners can choose from three DNP concentrations focused on education, leadership, and a general track.

• Average cost per credit hour: $360
• Financial aid: ASU students can submit their FAFSA to receive federal aid. They can also apply for institutional grants, scholarships, and assistantships.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is located in Alabama, but students can pursue advanced degrees from anywhere in the country. Some doctoral-level degrees available at CSU include a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), a Doctor of Organizational Leadership, and a Doctor of Occupational Safety and Health. Students can transfer up to 40 doctoral-level credits to complete their program more affordably.

• Average cost per credit hour: $545
• Financial aid: CSU accepts federal aid, offers payment plans, and includes digital textbooks in its distance learning tuition costs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

National University

National University (NU) offers 24 doctoral degrees that can be earned without stepping on its San Diego campus. Students can choose from PhD degrees in computer science, criminal justice, and healthcare administration. NU doesn't require students to complete the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) before enrollment. The fully online degrees allow students to participate in full-time or part-time degree pathways.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,000
• Financial aid: NU funds scholarships for individual doctoral programs, as well as other financial aid initiatives. Students can also submit their FAFSA and qualify for federal aid programs.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University (ACU) has two EdD and two DNP programs available to online learners. Students can choose between organizational leadership and educational leadership EdD programs. Nursing students can choose between a traditional DNP track or a BSN-to-DNP bridge program, which uses original research projects and previous experience as a substitute for an MSN.

• Average cost per credit hour: $760
• Financial aid: ACU accepts FAFSA and offers doctoral-level scholarships, including a $3000 program for EdD students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

California Coast University

California Coast University (CCU) offers three online EdD programs, with educational administration, educational psychology, and organizational leadership concentrations. These degrees are offered fully online in self-paced formats that promote flexible learning.

• Average cost per credit hour: $320
• Financial aid: CCU students can qualify for federal financial aid, tuition discounts, and interest-free payment plans.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

Franklin University

Franklin University has five different online doctoral programs available to learners across the country. Learners can pursue a DBA, two EdDs, or a DNP. There is also a Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) program available for students pursuing leadership roles within healthcare organizations.

Franklin has multiple start dates throughout the year to give students control of their education.

• Average cost per credit hour: $748
• Financial aid: Franklin accepts federal grants and scholarships, but students can also apply for need and merit-based institutional aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

Maryville University

Maryville University (MU) is one of the fastest-growing private universities in the country. Students can complete a DNP program with five concentration options or an EdD in higher education leadership. There are no entrance exam requirements, and students can begin their degree multiple times a year, promoting flexibility.

• Average cost per credit hour: $990
• Financial aid: MU students can qualify for federal grants, loans, and private scholarships. The school also has some student employment opportunities.
• Accreditation: HLC

Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) has some of the most expansive online doctoral degree programs. Students can find terminal degrees in 12 different fields of study, including some of the highest-paying PhD programs and other programs, including aviation, health sciences, and divinity. LU is a private, nonprofit university that accepts transfer credits up to 50% of doctoral credits.

• Average cost per credit hour: $610
• Financial aid: LU offers tuition discounts, merit-based scholarships, and interest-free payment plans. Students can also apply for federal aid with FAFSA.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our methodology to select these programs includes four main criteria. These criteria focus on the program's legitimacy, cost, and available accessible support services.

• Accreditation: Each program on this list has regional accreditation from a Department of Education recognized accrediting body. This ensures your degree meets high academic standards.
• Affordability: We selected programs that have lower tuition rates for doctoral programs or offer large financial aid programs to reduce total costs.
• Program reputation: These universities offer award-winning doctoral-level degree programs, as chosen by respected third-party publications, such as U.S. News & World Report.
• Online student resources: We chose schools that offer support services to their online students as they do to their on-campus students. This includes access to faculty members, mentoring and advising opportunities, and other benefits, such as mental health services.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Hawaii?

The average cost of an online doctoral degree in Hawaii is around $35,000 based on average tuition costs and credit loads. Some of the biggest factors impacting total costs, besides tuition rates, include total credit hours, additional school fees, and your degree program.

Programs, like DNP pathways, with fewer credits will almost always be more affordable. Students can often find more affordable degree options in other states that don't charge out-of-state tuition to Hawaii-based learners.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Hawaii

Students should look for cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA, both in and out of state. In addition to accepting federal aid, most schools that accept FAFSA will use these results to help determine eligibility for their institutional programs.

The most common aid programs include grants, scholarships, and interest-free payment plans. Some schools offer assistantships, fellowships, and work-study options that result in payment to be used toward school costs.

Explore Online Doctoral Degrees

Read our articles and school profiles to learn more about online doctoral programs available in Hawaii and across the country. Once you've learned more and found the school of your dreams, use our resources to request more information or start your application process today.