Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Nebraska 2025

Are you searching for affordable online doctoral programs in Nebraska? We found top universities offering flexible, accredited, and inexpensive online degrees.

So, whether you're looking for cheap online PhD programs in the social sciences or professional doctorates in healthcare, several schools offer quality opportunities. Keep reading to find the right fit for your academic goals.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Nebraska

Finding the most affordable online colleges is crucial for expensive advanced degrees. If you're looking for the cheapest online PhD programs or doctorates, there are a few schools in Nebraska to consider. Below, we'll explore these online offerings in detail, covering important facts like tuition, financial aid, and more.

1. University of Nebraska Omaha

The University of Nebraska Omaha is a public school offering in-person and online degree programs. Graduate students can choose from two Doctor of Education (EdD) programs: educational administration or educational administration and supervision, education specialist.

These fully online programs may feature asynchronous classes, allowing students to balance professional work and other commitments. While tuition is affordable for Nebraska residents, out-of-state students pay almost double the costs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $375 for state residents
• Financial aid: Federal loans may be available.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a flagship public research university offering traditional on-campus degrees, as well as various online programs designed to accommodate working professionals. Specifically, there are several online doctoral programs in the education field.

Students can choose an EdD or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) path, focusing on community colleges, P-12, or higher education. These programs feature online courses; however, students must attend two summer research seminars on campus.

• Average cost per credit hour: $365 for state residents
• Financial aid: Fellowships are available for those pursuing doctoral degrees.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Nebraska Medical Center

The University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha offers online doctoral degrees in the healthcare field. Students can pursue the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc), the Doctor of Nutrition and Dietetics (DND), and the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in public health practice. These programs offer flexible schedules, allowing completion on a full-time or part-time basis, and are structured to accommodate the demands of working professionals.

• Average cost per credit hour: $649
• Financial aid: Scholarships and assistantships may be available. Students may also qualify for federal financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit school that offers many degree options at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It offers two fully online doctoral programs designed for working professionals: the PhD in human capital management and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

The PhD program emphasizes advanced research in organizational development and leadership, while the DBA focuses on applied business practices and includes a research-based doctoral project instead of a traditional dissertation. Both programs can be completed in about three years and feature asynchronous coursework that allows students to balance studies with professional commitments.

• Average cost per credit hour: $810
• Financial aid: Scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and federal loans may be available.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Creighton University

Creighton University is a private Jesuit institution offering on-campus and distance learning programs. Doctoral students can choose from programs such as interdisciplinary leadership, nursing practice, and pharmacy. These flexible programs include asynchronous coursework so students can manage professional and personal responsibilities while earning their degrees.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,025
• Financial aid: Graduate students are automatically considered for scholarships after being admitted to the schools of medicine, law, and pharmacy and health professions. Additional scholarships may be available to eligible students and range from $500 to full tuition.
• Accreditation: HLC

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

PhD students and others pursuing a doctoral degree can enroll in schools outside of Nebraska. Below, we'll explore several schools offering affordable terminal degrees for in-state and out-of-state students.

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University is a public research institution offering undergraduate and advanced degrees in person and online. Among its offerings, the Ed.D. in leadership studies stands out for its flexibility and affordability.

This program is structured to be completed in as little as two years when taking two courses per seven-week session, or approximately 3.5 years with a one-course-per-session pace. The curriculum encompasses leadership theory, ethics, and specialized concentrations such as disaster preparedness and emergency management.

• Average cost per credit hour: $411
• Financial aid: Students may receive institutional or federal aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas offers flexible online doctoral programs in education, nursing, and human resource development. While some programs, like the educational leadership degree, have 100% online courses, on-campus meetings may be required every so often. This experience provides real-world experience, mentoring, and networking opportunities for doctoral candidates.

• Average cost per credit hour: $446.29
• Financial aid: The school offers institutional scholarships, including those reserved for specified departments.
• Accreditation: HLC

Alabama State University

At Alabama State University, doctoral students can pursue an advanced degree in educational leadership, policy, and law. The school has created a supportive online learning community where students can receive advising, technology help, and more throughout their academic journeys.

In-state and out-of-state students pay the same low cost. Additionally, there are no extra fees for online education programs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $477
• Financial aid: Institutional scholarships, grants, and fellowships may be awarded to qualifying students. Students may also apply for federal aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Walden University

Walden University is a private, for-profit institution specializing in distance education for working professionals. The school offers some of the cheapest online PhD programs across diverse specializations, such as criminal justice, healthcare management, and organizational leadership. Programs are designed for flexibility, featuring asynchronous coursework and self-paced learning.

• Average cost per credit hour: $630
• Financial aid: Scholarships, alumni discounts, grants, and other forms of savings are available to students who meet eligibility requirements.
• Accreditation: HLC

Capella University

Capella University is a distance learning institution that provides affordable, quality degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• psychology
• social work
• nursing
• education
• business
• information technology
• public health

The variety of degrees available makes it an appealing school choice for those seeking a specific program.

• Average cost per credit hour: $772
• Financial aid: Scholarships are available for doctoral students and range from $5,000 to $20,000. The FlexPath learning option provides students with a chance at tuition savings. Additionally, tuition discounts, federal loans, and other types of aid may be available.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To help students find the best online doctoral programs, we use a range of objective criteria to evaluate each institution and its offerings. Our considerations include:

• Accreditation: We only include schools accredited by recognized agencies, ensuring academic quality and eligibility for federal financial aid.
• Affordability: We chose schools with low tuition costs or that offer scholarships, tuition discounts, or other types of financial aid.
• Program reputation: The schools on this list are known for their quality online doctorate programs, supportive faculty members, and flexible learning formats.
• Online student resources: These listed schools offer plenty of student resources to help students succeed.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Nebraska?

The cost of an online doctoral degree in Nebraska depends on the program type, length, and whether it's a private or public school. For example, professional degrees like a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or EdD can often be completed in two to three years, making them more affordable than research-heavy PhD programs, which may take five to seven years. Many students pursue high-paying doctoral degrees to maximize their return on investment and advance into top leadership or specialized research roles.

For the Nebraska schools on this list, tuition rates range from $365 to over $1,000 per credit hour. Financial aid, like scholarships or fellowships, can significantly reduce the cost of a degree, so it's important to consider a school's full range of financial assistance opportunities.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Nebraska

Students pursuing an online doctoral degree in Nebraska have several financial aid options. Federal aid, including unsubsidized student loans, is available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To find the most affordable option, consider the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA. In addition, many universities also offer scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships specifically for graduate students. Graduate students may also explore employer tuition assistance programs or private grants to help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Explore affordable online doctoral programs on Learn.org and connect directly with schools to learn more about their financial aid opportunities.