Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Vermont 2025

Flexible online doctoral programs can help working professionals secure terminal degrees without disrupting their personal and work schedules. If you want to pay less for your degree, affordable online doctoral programs are available in Vermont. Read on to learn where to find cheap online doctoral programs in the state.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Vermont

Many affordable online colleges offer reputable degrees at low costs. Explore the list below to find Vermont's cheapest online PhD programs.

University of Vermont

At the University of Vermont, doctoral degree seekers can choose from three hybrid programs offered through the College of Education and Social Services. The Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational leadership in policy studies is a 60-credit program for students in leadership roles aiming to apply change strategies at nonprofits, schools, and colleges.

The school also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in educational leadership in policy studies and a PhD in social, emotional, and behavioral health and inclusive education.

• Average cost per credit hour: $692 (in-state)
• Financial aid: EdD and PhD students enrolled in these programs can qualify for the Susan B. Hasazi Scholarship, Robert V. and Donna M. Carlson Scholarship, and research travel grants.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

Do you want to continue your search for professional doctorate degrees? Review fully online programs available in other parts of the country.

Liberty University

Students seeking doctoral-level aeronautics, business, divinity, health sciences, nursing, and education programs can find quality online options at Liberty University. Over 100 advanced degrees are available, including PhD and EdD programs in:

• aviation
• Bible exposition
• higher education administration
• organizational leadership
• criminal justice

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with specializations in healthcare management, leadership, nonprofit leadership, and beyond is also available.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $410
• Financial aid: Tuition discounts (corporate, military, small business, and first responder), scholarships, and loans help learners save.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Louisiana State University Shreveport

The online EdD in leadership studies at Louisiana State University Shreveport teaches how to build efficient learning and development opportunities in K-12 settings, colleges, hospitals, and beyond. Enrollees can choose from concentrations in leadership studies, disaster preparedness, and health communication and leadership.

Admission is open to learners with a master's degree and a 3.5 GPA in graduate work. Accelerated coursework, multiple annual start dates, and coach support from application to graduation are a few perks of this program.

• Average cost per credit hour: $411
• Financial aid: Scholarships, federal financial aid, employer funding, and military benefits are options for students looking to save.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

University of Alabama

Online doctoral programs at the University of Alabama help students advance their careers in nursing, engineering, and education. PhD options include educational leadership, instructional leadership, and mechanical engineering.

Learners interested in making a difference in the academic world can find online EdD programs in curriculum and instruction, special education, and educational leadership. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares students to improve the quality of care among underserved and diverse populations.

• Average cost per credit hour: $480
• Financial aid: The school offers federal student aid and over two dozen online scholarships for graduate students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University offers online doctoral degrees in healthcare, education, emergency management, and beyond. Students can choose from a Doctor of Forensic Science (DFS), Doctorate of Health Care Administration (DHA), and a PhD in fire and emergency management administration.

An EdD in applied educational studies with an option in aviation and space education is also available. Online courses at OSU are flexible and offered 100% online.

• Average cost per credit hour: $489 (in-state); $530 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Learners and lower costs with federal financial aid, scholarships, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is home to online doctoral degree programs for students who want to further their careers in engineering, technology, and soil sciences. Options include PhD degrees in computer science, plant and soil sciences, and computational engineering.

Learners seeking advanced education roles can find an EdD in educational policy and organizational design. The school offers coaching, tutoring, advising, and other services to help learners excel.

• Average cost per credit hour: $558.50
• Financial aid: Scholarships, employee tuition remission, and federal student aid are available to lower costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Columbia Southern University

Online doctoral programs at Columbia Southern University prepare learners for the highest-level roles in their fields. For students seeking DBA degrees, programs are available in business management, organizational leadership, and emergency management.

Other degree options include an EdD, Doctor of Emergency Management (DEM), Doctor of Fire Integrated Research, and Doctor of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). CSU helps doctoral students speed up degree completion by accepting up to 40 transfer credit hours.

• Average cost per credit hour: $561
• Financial aid: Federal student aid, military and veteran benefits, and transfer credits can make learning more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Eastern Kentucky University

Learners interested in high-paying doctoral degrees can find great distance education options at Eastern Kentucky University. The EdD in educational leadership and policy studies prepares enrollees for leadership roles in K-12 settings and post-secondary academia positions.

A DNP is available for nursing students with a master's degree and a post-professional occupational therapy doctorate. Learners in these programs pay no application fee and receive free textbooks through EKU BookSmart.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $598
• Financial aid: Learners can use scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, student loans, and military benefits to increase savings.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Old Dominion University

Doctoral students can choose from several programs available through Old Dominion University's ODUGlobal online education platform. PhD options are offered in educational leadership, English, and public administration and policy.

For nursing students, the university provides advanced practice, nurse executive, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner DNP programs. Many ODUGlobal programs have no GRE score requirements or offer waivers.

• Average cost per credit hour: $620 (in-state); $642 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and military benefits can help learners reduce the cost of earning a degree.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Abilene Christian University

Nursing professionals can find a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) to DNP program at Abilene Christian University for bachelor's degree holders ready to take their careers to new heights. The school also offers a DNP with online coursework and in-person clinicals that learners complete where they work.

Additional programs include EdDs in educational leadership and organizational leadership. To enhance students' academic journeys, the university offers tutoring, writing help, and graduation resources.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $650
• Financial aid: Federal student aid, scholarships, and military benefits increase degree affordability for graduate students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the colleges and universities in this rank list to confirm that each has met the following criteria for providing high-quality degree programs:

• Accreditation: All institutions are accredited by nationally recognized organizations such as the NECHE and SACSCOC.
• Affordability: These schools offer low tuition costs or financial assistance such as scholarships and fellowships to make online learning more affordable.
• Program reputation: We verified that each school provides quality educational programs for all students, whether in on-campus or distance learning programs.
• Online student resources: Schools above support students' academic journeys with tutoring, peer mentoring, library access, research project help, and other services.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Vermont?

The amount students pay for online doctoral degrees varies based on factors like residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), and degree type (e.g., social work or information technology). If you have credits to transfer or qualify for military benefits or employer tuition reimbursement, you could significantly reduce the cost of your degree program.

The key to paying less for school is looking for as many ways to cut costs as possible, including applying to the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Vermont

Submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the U.S. Department of Education is required for students interested in receiving federal student aid. In addition to qualifying for loans and work-study programs, learners might also gain eligibility for state-based financial aid and school scholarships.

Assistantships are popular funding choices that enable students to work (usually on the college campus) in exchange for a stipend and possibly partial or full tuition coverage. Fellowships are sometimes available to help eligible graduate students pay for graduate study or original research that is conducted alone or with a faculty member.

Explore Online Doctoral Degrees

Begin your journey in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn how they can help you reach your goals.