Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Pennsylvania 2025

When a student begins a doctoral degree program, they have likely already spent tens of thousands of dollars for their bachelor's and master's degrees. As a result, many students try to find the cheapest online doctoral programs available.

Enrollment in these affordable online doctoral programs can lead to credentials in various subjects. Some of the most common online doctoral programs include PhD and EdD programs, but there are plenty of other options available across the state. If you're pursuing a doctorate degree in Pennsylvania, keep reading to learn more about the most affordable options in the state.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Pennsylvania

Students in Pennsylvania can find some of the cheapest online PhD programs from top-ranking universities across the state. With the diversity of degrees available, students can enroll in some of the highest-paying doctoral degrees to promote their professional development.

1. Pennsylvania Western University

Pennsylvania Western University, also called PennWest, has four online doctoral degrees available. Students can choose from Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ), Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Health Science (DHSc), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Each of these distance education programs has different total credit requirements and enrollment (full-time vs. part-time) statuses depending on the degree.

• Average cost per credit hour: $569
• Financial aid: PennWest provides scholarship opportunities, awarding $19 million to students. The school has also had a tuition cost freeze for seven years and counting.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) with 21 program-specific accreditations.

2. Arcadia University

Students at Arcadia University can enroll in a fully online EdD in educational leadership. This online EdD prepares established educators to take leadership roles in their classrooms and school districts. This degree includes self-paced coursework and focuses on the real-world application of the theories discussed. Graduates of this program will be well prepared for school administration, education, and policymaking.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,090
• Financial aid: Arcadia offers program-specific scholarships, including one exclusively for master's and EdD students. Students can also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for federal and state programs.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Carlow University

Students can earn an EdD or DNP through online courses at Carlow. The EdD program takes students around three years to complete and includes four concentration options: educational leadership, curriculum and learning, literacy, and early childhood policy and leadership. The DNP program requires 34 credits and can be completed in as few as 15 months.

• Average cost per credit hour: $650 for EdD, $950 for DNP
• Financial aid: Full-time students are eligible for institutional scholarships, and all students can submit their FAFSA for federal and state scholarships and grants.
• Accreditation: MSCHE (Institutional) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) (Nursing specific)

4. Gratz College

Gratz College is one of the oldest and foremost Jewish studies universities in North America. Students can choose from two different online doctoral degrees: a PhD in Holocaust and genocide studies or an EdD in leadership. Both programs are 48 credit hours and delivered in accelerated eight-week-long courses. Learners in the EdD program can choose from four concentrations: pre-K through 12 leadership, higher education leadership, Jewish education leadership, or organizational dynamics.

• Average cost per credit hour: $914
• Financial aid: Students can apply for scholarships, grants, and fellowships to help pay for their education.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Slippery Rock University

There are four online doctoral degrees available from Slippery Rock University, including EdD programs in special education or educational leadership, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Some of these programs allow students to apply credits from their master's degree to help reduce the credit and tuition burdens of their degree.

Both education degree paths can prepare learners for work in different educational settings � they can also become school principals. The occupational therapy and physical therapy degrees take learners around three years to complete and can include specialization options based on the student's preference.

• Average cost per credit hour: $516
• Financial aid: Students at Slippery Rock can qualify for scholarships and grants based on their educational status, such as graduate students. SRU also offers tuition discounts to active-duty military members.
• Accreditation: MSCHE (Institutional), Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) (Program)

6. Millersville University

Millersville University offers a fully online DNP degree program to students. This degree focuses on the methodologies used to establish healthcare systems and policies. Common career paths for DNP degree holders include being a chief nursing officer, nursing director, and healthcare policy specialist. The degree includes 36 total credit hours and can be completed in as few as 20 months.

• Average cost per credit hour: $711
• Financial aid: Millersville offers scholarships, grants, and graduate assistantship opportunities in addition to federal programs.
• Accreditation: MSCHE (Institution) and National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) (Program)

7. West Chester University

There are two online doctoral degrees available at West Chester University: a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA). These online learning programs are 35 and 45 credits, respectively. The DNP is delivered almost fully online, outside of a single on-campus course that starts the program and focuses on the administration and systemic policies of nursing. The DPA covers topics such as organizational leadership skills, communication, and more as they apply to profit and nonprofit organizations.

• Average cost per credit hour: $516
• Financial aid: Students at WCU can earn scholarships and grants, while graduate students can also apply for assistantships and student employment opportunities.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Neumann University

Neumann University offers two online doctorate degrees, a DNP and an EdD in educational leadership. The EdD can be completed in around three and a half years, while the DNP can be completed in three. Both degrees are offered in a synchronous format, even though all coursework is delivered online. The DNP does include some in-person elements, but no on-campus courses are included in the curriculum.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,010 (EdD) and $860 (DNP)
• Financial aid: Graduate students at Neumann can qualify for grants and scholarships as well as military tuition discounts.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Temple University

Temple University's online doctorate offerings include a Doctor of Athletic Training and a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. These online learning experiences are designed for licensed athletic trainers and occupational therapists looking to advance their careers with additional education. Both programs are delivered in a blended format, which incorporates both synchronous and asynchronous elements. Utilizing summer semesters, these programs can be completed in two years.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1200
• Financial aid: Temple students can qualify for both need- and non-need-based financial aid, such as scholarships and grants.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Pennsylvania State University--World Campus

The Pennsylvania State University World Campus, also called Penn State World Campus, offers four online doctoral degrees, including two DNP concentrations, a Doctor of Engineering, and a Doctor of Education. These programs are self-paced, allowing students to take control of their education, but most students complete these degrees in three to four years.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,027
• Financial aid: Students can qualify for scholarships, grants, and military discounts. PSUWC also offers payment plans to avoid student loan debt.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

We use strict criteria while evaluating these programs to ensure you receive high-quality recommendations. Cost is the main consideration, but we also look at other factors.

• Accreditation: Each school on this list is regionally accredited by the MSCHE, but most schools also have additional accreditation from subject-specific entities.
• Affordability: We selected schools with lower tuition rates, but we also highlighted programs with expansive financial aid options.
• Program reputation: We only selected schools and degree programs with strong reputations for both their online and on-campus degree offerings.
• Online student resources: These schools offer online support services and resources that are similar or equal to their in-person offerings.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Pennsylvania?

An average online doctoral degree in Pennsylvania costs around $32,000. Most schools calculate graduate tuition on a cost-per-credit basis, meaning some programs will cost substantially less due to their credit requirements. Additionally, some schools have different cost-per-credit amounts for different subjects, which means two doctorates at the same school can cost very different amounts.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Pennsylvania

Financial aid programs available to online Pennsylvania-based doctoral students are very similar to those available to on-campus or undergraduate students. Learners should submit their FAFSA documents each academic year to establish their academic need. This will help unlock state and federal aid packages. Students can also apply for institution-based grants and scholarships, especially those aimed at graduate learners.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Our articles and resources make it easy to research doctoral programs and the schools that offer them. Read up on these Pennsylvania schools and more before using our resources to reach out and start your application process today.