Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Oregon 2025

Pursuing a doctoral degree no longer means putting your career on hold or accumulating massive debt. Oregon's affordable online doctoral programs offer flexibility, financing options, and access to high-quality education. This guide highlights the state's affordable options and helps you explore the cheapest online PhD programs available.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Oregon

If you're looking to maximize your investment in education, explore the cheapest online PhD programs from affordable online colleges in Oregon. To ensure long-term value, consider pursuing one of the highest-paying doctoral degrees that align with your career goals.

1. Oregon State University

Oregon State University (OSU) offers flexible, hybrid-format graduate programs, including a Doctorate of Education (EdD) in adult and higher education and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in counseling.

These hybrid programs combine online coursework with occasional in-person sessions in Portland. Designed for busy graduate students, OSU's online learning environment emphasizes academic rigor, personalized support, and global peer collaboration. It provides students with advanced skills and meaningful connections to excel in their fields.

• Average cost per credit hour: $614
• Financial aid: OSU encourages students to explore a range of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, military aid, and employer tuition benefit programs.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Pacific University

Pacific University, a private nonprofit institution in Washington County, OR, offers online doctoral programs in healthcare science and medical science. Perfect for working professionals, these programs provide flexible, high-quality education that supports career advancement in the health sciences field.

With a strong commitment to diversity and academic excellence, Pacific University serves students across a range of disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, education, and healthcare, through its comprehensive undergrad, grad, and professional programs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $859 to $902
• Financial aid: Financing options at Pacific University include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

3. George Fox University

George Fox University's EdD in educational leadership is a flexible, three-year hybrid program that ensures students can continue working while gaining their degree. Concentrations include administration, instructional design and development, and leading learning, preparing educators for leadership roles in P-12 schools, higher education, and specialized instructional fields. It includes online coursework and an annual in-person summer residency. Transfer credit may be accepted with approval.

• Average cost per credit hour: $850
• Financial aid: Many students attending George Fox University receive federal funds and scholarships to assist in meeting the cost of attendance.
• Accreditation: Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

The following universities beyond Oregon provide cost-effective and flexible doctoral-level programs designed to meet the needs of working adult learners.

University of Phoenix

Offering online doctoral degrees in business, educational leadership, health administration, and management, the University of Phoenix caters to full-time and part-time learners seeking flexible, advanced education. Program lengths vary based on dissertation progress, research requirements, and course pacing. PhD students receive personalized support through a dedicated graduation team, dissertation coaching, and a suite of academic tools designed to help them succeed.

• Average cost per credit hour: $810
• Financial aid: In addition to offering its own scholarships, the University of Phoenix accepts grants and federal student loans as financial aid options.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Capella University

Capella University delivers a broad selection of online graduate degree programs, including PhD degrees and professional doctorates in education, psychology, business, nursing, and public health. Students can choose between GuidedPath, a structured schedule, or FlexPath, a self-paced model ideal for motivated learners.

These options provide flexibility for busy adult learners while still maintaining the academic rigor required for a higher level of education.

• Average cost per credit hour: $525 to $1,020
• Financial aid: Federal aid, scholarships, military benefits, and employer discounts are available to Capella students to help cover tuition costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

Walden University

Specializing in online learning, Walden University offers doctoral degrees such as the PhD, EdD, DBA, and DNP in disciplines ranging from healthcare and education to psychology and criminal justice.

All programs, including bachelor's degrees and master's degrees, are asynchronous with multiple start dates, allowing students to learn on their own schedule. Walden emphasizes scholarly excellence and social impact, preparing students to lead in their fields.

• Average cost per credit hour: $535 to $1,060
• Financial aid: Students can pay for their online education programs at Walden University with scholarships, grants, and federal student loans through FAFSA.
• Accreditation: HLC

National University

National University provides fully online doctoral degree programs in areas like psychology, instructional design, education, and organizational leadership. With a focus on flexibility and student support, NU's programs are designed to fit the lives of busy professionals. The university's year-round enrollment and personalized pacing allow students to balance work, life, and academics effectively.

• Average cost per credit hour: $650 to $1,241
• Financial aid: Federal aid, institutional scholarships, military assistance, and employer tuition programs are offered to doctoral students.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Liberty University

Liberty University offers over 60 online doctoral programs across disciplines such as theology, counseling, education administration, social sciences, nursing, and business. Many distance learning programs are fully online, with optional on-campus intensives for networking and practical experience.

With eight-week course terms and a generous transfer policy, Liberty supports efficient degree completion while integrating Christian values and leadership development.

• Average cost per credit hour: $610 to $1,200
• Financial aid: Students can take advantage of scholarships, grants, and federal or private loans to fund their advanced degrees.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate online doctoral programs based on:

• Accreditation: Institutions must be accredited by a recognized regional accrediting body to ensure academic quality and credibility.
• Affordability: Programs are assessed for their tuition rates and availability of financial aid.
• Program reputation: We consider faculty qualifications, graduation outcomes, and student satisfaction.
• Online student resources: Students must have access to resources like advising, tech support, library services, and career development tools.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Oregon?

The cost of an online doctoral degree in Oregon varies widely by program type, institution, and field of study. On average, tuition ranges from approximately $600 to $900 per credit hour. Total program costs depend on the number of required credits and additional fees for dissertations or in-person sessions. Financial aid can significantly offset the cost for eligible students.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Oregon

Online doctoral students in Oregon can access various financial aid options to help offset the cost of tuition. These include federal student loans available through the FAFSA, as well as institutional scholarships, grants, and sometimes assistantships.

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs, and military service members may qualify for additional aid. For those seeking the most affordable schools, there are several cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA, offering budget-friendly paths to earning a doctoral degree.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Explore top online doctoral programs and take the next step in your academic and professional journey. Our website offers detailed program comparisons and application resources.