Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Rhode Island 2025

Students can complete cheap online doctoral programs at many schools across the United States, and can choose from programs in higher education, healthcare, computer science, and more. The more prior coursework that a student has, the shorter and less costly the degree program is likely to be. Some online doctoral programs are designed for students who hold a master's degree, while others are open to students with a variety of academic backgrounds. Continue reading to explore the most affordable online doctoral degree programs across Rhode Island.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Rhode Island

There are two affordable online colleges in Rhode Island that have fully online doctoral programs. Students can earn professional doctorate degrees, such as a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which focus more on academia and research. The cheapest online PhD programs and professional doctorate degrees are discussed below.

1. Regina Salve University

Regina Salve University has two online doctoral programs:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in international relations

While both programs deliver coursework through online instruction and connectivity, the DNP program does require students to fulfill in-person practicum hours by the end of the program. PhD students can select courses of interest from a list of options and complete their programs in around four years. The DNP program includes courses such as epidemiology and population health, and can be completed in as few as 20 months.

• Average cost per credit hour: $987
• Financial aid: Students are assigned a financial aid counselor and can apply for both in-house and external sources of aid.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Johnson & Wales University

Johnson & Wales University (JWU) offers an online Doctor of Business Administration program with two optional specializations: hospitality leadership or organizational development. The program consists of 54 credit hours and includes coursework in business analytics, contemporary leadership, and organizational strategy.

DBAs are among some of the highest-paying doctoral degrees, preparing graduate students for leadership roles in a variety of environments. The degree program is typically completed in three years, but students who already have a master's degree can complete it sooner.

• Average cost per credit hour: $993
• Financial aid: The JWU financial aid office will assist students applying for various aid, and students also have access to a JWU financial literacy tool.
• Accreditation: NECHE

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

While Rhode Island is small and only has two schools with online doctoral degree programs, students in Rhode Island can earn online doctoral degrees from other schools across the country. Many of the schools listed below offer discounted and/or in-state tuition rates for online students, which makes online doctoral degrees affordable and accessible to everyone. The most affordable schools that offer flexible doctoral degree programs through distance learning are discussed below.

University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) has several affordable online doctoral programs that can be completed without any in-person requirements. Students can choose from programs in fields like:

• education
• nursing
• microbiology
• education administration

UF also offers an online PhD in classical civilization, as well as a PhD in Latin and Roman Studies. Students can pursue their degrees via full-time or part-time enrollment as needed, and can complete coursework asynchronously (at times that work for them).

• Average cost per credit hour: $449
• Financial aid: After submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students can work with the financial aid office to determine what awards they may qualify for.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands has one of the cheapest online doctoral programs, offering a PhD in information technology with a tuition rate of only $549 per credit hour. The tuition cost includes books and fees, so that students don't have to worry about any surprise expenses. Students can choose a program concentration such as data science, cyber engineering, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Core program courses include data analytics and enterprise risk management.

• Average cost per credit hour: $549
• Financial aid: University of the Cumberlands offers several in-house awards, as well as multiple online scholarship search tools.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University has an online EdD in educational policy and organizational design, as well as several PhD programs in:

• computer science
• engineering
• plant and soil sciences
• community college leadership

There are several concentration options available for the soil sciences and engineering programs, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and agronomy (soil sciences). Students are not required to take a graduate entrance exam, such as the GMAT or GRE, and online programs offer in-state tuition rates for all students.

• Average cost per credit hour: $581
• Financial aid: Students can apply for several institutional financial aid awards once they have submitted their FAFSA to the school's financial aid department.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) has online doctoral degree programs available in counseling, engineering, education, law, and clinical research management. Classes are delivered in shorter term lengths of six or 7.5 weeks, enabling students to begin their programs at six different points per year. ASU has offered fully online programs for a decade, and blends that experience with improvements in quality and accessibility to continually provide programs that propel students forward.

• Average cost per credit hour: $605
• Financial aid: ASU offers in-house scholarships and can direct students to additional private and external financial aid awards.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Liberty University

Liberty University has a variety of online doctoral-level programs that are offered through eight-week course terms. Students can pursue a doctoral degree in fields like business, criminal justice, healthcare, music, government, social sciences, and many more. Most programs are offered fully online, with a few requiring one or more in-person components (like the DNP capstone). Liberty University has been ranked among the top colleges for affordability and also offers discounted tuition to military and veteran students.

• Average cost per credit hour: $610
• Financial aid: Once students submit their FAFSA, the financial aid office will consider them for Liberty's in-house scholarships and discounts.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University has several different online doctoral programs, including a Doctor of Education (EdD) in agricultural education as well as several PhD options: higher education, personal financial planning, technical communication, and educational psychology. Courses are delivered through eight-week terms, giving students more flexibility and the opportunity to complete programs faster. The technical communication program has scheduled virtual components, while the others offer asynchronous coursework.

• Average cost per credit hour: $625
• Financial aid: Texas Tech offers institutional scholarships as well as a tool for finding and applying for external awards.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Trident University

Trident University has both online PhD and professional doctorate programs, with an average tuition rate of $767 per credit hour. Online PhD programs are available in business administration, educational leadership, and health sciences. Professional degrees are offered in business (DBA), education (EdD), and health administration (DHA).

Flexible online learning at Trident University gives students access to support services as well as career and financial guidance. In addition, military and veteran students are eligible for discounted tuition rates.

• Average cost per credit hour: $767
• Financial aid: Students can work with the financial aid office to inquire about internal and external aid and use payment plans for any remaining balance.
• Accreditation: HLC

Regent University

Regent University has a variety of online doctoral-level programs, including PhD options as well as professional doctorate programs. Students can choose from fully online doctoral programs in fields like:

• business (DBA)
• nursing (DNP)
• communication
• strategic leadership
• education
• law
• counseling

Many of the program options, including business and education, have a number of concentration options that enable students to customize their program to fit their needs and interests. Eight-week courses offer flexibility and the opportunity to work through programs more quickly.

• Average cost per credit hour: $863
• Financial aid: Online doctoral students can apply for several scholarships offered through the school as well as utilize outside aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We look for specific criteria to ensure that we present you with the most useful and accurate information about affordable online doctoral programs. We selected schools based on the following criteria.

• Accreditation: Featured schools are all accredited at the institutional level, and many of the discussed programs have specialized accreditation. This means that a neutral, outside body has reviewed methods, materials, and outcomes and determined that they meet or exceed specific standards.
• Affordability: The programs that we include on our lists are all among the most affordable options for online doctoral programs. Each school also allows students to utilize a variety of financial aid to further decrease the costs associated with their program.
• Program reputation: The programs discussed are career-driven and delivered by faculty who have significant experience in their field. These online doctoral programs maintain high standards for knowledge and skill development, as well as supportive and encouraging faculty members.
• Online student resources: The online doctoral programs in this list offer the same academic resources as their on-campus peers, including student support services, career guidance, virtual tutoring services, and more.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Rhode Island?

The cost for a doctoral-level online education depends on a few key factors: the number of credits/courses needed, the per-credit tuition rate, and any applicable program or school fees. Tuition rates vary by school and by program, but the schools featured here range between $449 and $987 in average tuition (per credit).

An online doctoral program with 60 credit hours would cost between about $26,000 and $59,000 in total tuition based on that range. Some schools offer lower tuition rates for students who pursue full-time enrollment, while others have flat tuition rates. This estimate does not include applicable fees or any savings that result from transfer credits, discounts, or financial aid awards.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Rhode Island

After submitting the FAFSA, online doctoral students are eligible for several forms of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loans. Choosing one of the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA helps to decrease the amount of aid that students need overall. Scholarships and grants are typically awards that don't require repayment, and are offered by both private and public groups.

Students can also utilize programs such as federal work study and employer tuition assistance. Work-study programs generally involve student work hours in exchange for money toward program expenses, while employer tuition programs are offered in a variety of forms by private employers. Students can ask their current and potential employers if tuition assistance programs are available. Information about student loans can be found through school financial aid offices as well as through sources such as StudentAid.gov.

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