Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in New York 2025

Doctoral degree programs, like Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees, are the ultimate degrees in higher education. By the time students have reached this level of their schooling, they've already paid for a bachelor's degree and a master's degree.

As a result, aspiring students in New York often look for cheap online doctoral programs. Fortunately, there are many programs available from the top-ranking universities in the Empire State.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in New York

There are several affordable online doctoral programs available throughout New York. These online degree programs offer differing specializations, meaning that you should be able to find an affordable option no matter your educational goal, including some of the highest paying PhD programs.

The cheapest online PhD programs were selected based on their accreditation, affordability (both tuition costs and financial aid), and overall reputation to ensure high-quality recommendations.

1. Lehman College

Students at Lehman College can earn an online Doctor of Education in organizational leadership, development, and change. This online program uses a mixed learning experience combining synchronous and asynchronous methodologies to deliver information and lessons. Learners can complete this program in three years and will be prepared for a variety of real-world leadership roles.

• Average cost per credit hour: $695
• Financial aid: Lehman College accepts FAFSA and federal aid as well as the New York State's Tuition Assistance Program.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. University at Albany

The University of Albany is a member of the State University of New York (SUNY) network and offers two different online doctoral degrees. Students can earn a PhD in curriculum and instruction or literacy. Both of these degrees prepare learners for different career paths within academia, ranging from elementary schools to universities. Doctoral students at UAlbany can also earn a PhD in educational policy and leadership, but this program is offered in a hybrid format.

• Average cost per credit hour: $727
• Financial aid: UAlbany accepts FAFSA and federal aid as well as private scholarships and grants. Students can submit and accept financial aid through their MyUAlbany portal.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Utica University

Utica University's post-professional occupational therapy doctorate has full-time and part-time educational tracks available for practicing occupational therapists. Students must have a master's degree in the field and at least two years of relevant experience to apply for this graduate program.

• Average cost per credit hour: $785
• Financial aid: Students can receive scholarships, annual grants, and more. Typical packages at Utica University can reduce total costs by 50%.
• Accreditation: MSCHE (institutional) and American Occupational Therapy Association (program)

4. St. Bonaventure University

St. Bonaventure's online EdD in educational leadership can be completed in a fully remote format in around three years. Students will be prepared for roles as members of school faculty or in scholarly and research-focused roles. Students are encouraged to create their own learning programs, and all education is focused on an individual student's goals.

• Average cost per credit hour: $825
• Financial aid: Students can qualify for federal programs targeted specifically to graduate students, including grants and loans.
• Accreditation: MSCHE (institutional) and Member of Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Network (program)

5. University at Buffalo

The University of Buffalo (UB) is also part of the SUNY network. UB offers 100 doctoral-level graduate degrees, including PhD, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and EdD programs, including 11 fully online programs. Some of the fields of study available online include education administration, family nurse practitioner, and social welfare. All coursework for these programs is completed fully online and doesn't require an on-campus or in-person practicum, even for nursing-related degrees.

• Average cost per credit hour: $923
• Financial aid: Students can submit FAFSA and use federal aid. Learners can also access the UB Scholarship Portal, which can help guide them through over 1,000 scholarship options.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Binghamton University

Binghamton University offers a fully online post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. This degree is designed for occupational therapists who already hold a master's degree, have work experience, and are looking for professional development. This program includes synchronous classes with asynchronous coursework to provide graduate students with flexible scheduling options. Students who follow a traditional credit load can complete this program in about two years.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,016
• Financial aid: Students can apply for federal and state grants, but Binghamton also offers institution-based scholarships and grants for additional aid.
• Accreditation: MSCHE (institution) and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) (program)

7. Molloy College

The EdD in educational leadership for diverse learning communities from Molloy College focuses on the skills needed to build support services for students ethically and equitably. This program is delivered in a part-time format, and most students complete their degree in around three years. The online track delivers all coursework online, but there is a requirement of five hours of fieldwork.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,250
• Financial aid: Molloy students qualify for school, state, and federal aid programs after submitting their FAFSA documentation.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. St. John's University

St. John's University has multiple online doctoral-level degrees, including a PhD in literacy, an EdD in instructional leadership, and a Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) in homeland security. These programs each have differing credit requirements, ranging from 42 to 78. The PhD and EdD are part of the education department, which can prepare educators to work beyond the classroom and include organizational leadership skills.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,560
• Financial aid: St. John's accepts FAFSA, and students can access six different types of scholarships and special benefactor funds to cover tuition costs.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Fordham University

Fordham University has multiple online doctoral-level degrees, which are taught through a Jesuit lens. These offerings include educational leadership (EdD), social work (PhD), juridical science (SJD.), and ministry (DMin). Students can earn these degrees through distance education, on campus, or in a hybrid format. Fordham University provides access to its faculty members to its online students to ensure that distance students receive the same support as on-campus students.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,700
• Financial aid: Students can qualify for gift aid, assistantships, and veterans benefits. These programs are offered through their educational program and won't be the same for all students.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Adelphi University

Adelphi University has online enrollment opportunities for an online PhD in nursing. This degree prepares students to work in educational capacities at nursing schools and combines healthcare and education skills. Adelphi PhD students learn in an asynchronous format, which allows them to tailor their schedule around family and other responsibilities. In addition to educational roles, PhD in nursing graduates can work in research and publishing capacities.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,720
• Financial aid: Students can access institutional scholarships, endowment grants, federal and state grants, and student employment.
• Accreditation: MSCHE (institutional) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (program)

How We Rank Schools

Ranking programs were based primarily on tuition rates, but there are several other key factors that we looked at to make sure that all of our recommendations can help you achieve your educational and professional goals.

• Accreditation: We only selected programs with regional or national accreditation. These programs all have MSCHE accreditation, and most also have special program-specific credentials.
• Affordability: These programs all either have low tuition rates or offer expansive financial aid programs.
• Program reputation: All of the programs on this list come from reputable schools in good standing with the Department of Education and accrediting bodies.
• Online student resources: We also picked schools that offer support services, such as tutoring, to online students that are similar or equal to their on-campus offerings.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in New York?

The average cost of an online doctoral degree in New York is around $40,000 based on average costs and credit hour requirements, but multiple factors will adjust this total. Most schools charge tuition per credit hour for graduate degrees, meaning higher credit hour programs will cost much more than lower credit ones.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in New York

Financial aid options for doctoral students are very similar to those for other graduate and undergraduate students. The best way to learn about your financial aid options is to submit your FAFSA documents at the start of every academic year. This will help students determine their total award amounts as well as which federal and state programs they can qualify for.

In addition to state and federal programs, many of these schools have scholarships, grants, and endowment funds available to students based on their educational program or degree type. Many of these institutional programs are awarded based on FAFSA results.

Some of the most common financial aid packages available for doctoral programs include

• scholarships
• grants
• federal loans
• student employment or work-study programs

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Online doctoral degrees are available from accredited universities across New York and beyond. Read our school profiles and articles to learn more about these programs and the schools that offer them. Once you've researched the best degree program for you, use our resources to reach out and begin your application process today.