Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Virginia 2025

Pursuing an advanced degree in Virginia doesn't have to be financially daunting. With a range of accredited institutions offering affordable online doctoral programs, students can achieve academic excellence without breaking the bank. These cheap online doctoral programs combine flexibility with affordability, catering to working professionals aiming to advance their careers.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Virginia

Virginia boasts several institutions providing cost-effective, online doctoral programs. These affordable online colleges offer professional doctorate programs featuring flexibility and comprehensive coursework.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University offers a broad selection of online programs, including Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Liberty University offers flexibility with eight-week courses and multiple start dates throughout the year. As a nonprofit university, Liberty keeps tuition affordable and provides generous financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and military benefits, to support students' educational goals.

• Average cost per credit hour: $595
• Financial aid: Liberty University offers doctoral students various financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and federal aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA) offers an online EdD in curriculum and instruction for experienced educators aiming to advance to leadership roles. The program emphasizes solving real-world challenges in education through curriculum innovation and instructional improvement. UVA supports doctoral students with a variety of financial aid options, including fellowships, graduate assistantships, and federal aid, helping reduce overall tuition costs and making advanced study more accessible.

• Average cost per credit hour: $622
• Financial aid: Doctoral students at UVA can access financial support through fellowships, departmental and program-based scholarships, and graduate assistantships, which may include tuition remission and health insurance subsidies.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers online and hybrid doctoral programs in fields such as nursing, education, and philosophy. These programs feature flexible course schedules and online learning components that allow students to balance academics with other commitments. VCU also supports graduate students through a range of financial aid options, including federal aid, scholarships, assistantships, and tuition support programs tailored to doctoral candidates.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,200
• Financial aid: VCU provides financial aid to doctoral students via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available, with criteria and award amounts varying across departments.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) offers several online doctoral programs, including a DNP for nurse practitioners, a PhD in community college leadership, and a PhD in engineering management. These programs support working professionals looking to advance in academia, healthcare, or technical leadership. ODU's flexible learning model supports career development, and the university provides financial aid through scholarships, assistantships, and federal funding options to help reduce tuition costs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $595
• Financial aid: ODU offers doctoral students financial assistance through scholarships, federal aid, and graduate assistantships. The university administers financial aid programs funded by federal, state, university, and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Virginia State University

Virginia State University offers an online EdD in educational administration and supervision for current educators who aspire to take on leadership roles within school systems or influence educational policy. The program combines academic rigor with flexibility, making it accessible for students juggling multiple responsibilities alongside their coursework. Financial aid options include institutional scholarships, federal grants, and other forms of assistance to support affordability.

• Average cost per credit hour: $500
• Financial aid: VSU provides financial aid to doctoral students through institutional scholarships and federal grants.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

Several accredited institutions across the U.S. offer flexible, cost-effective options for students seeking high-paying doctoral degrees outside Virginia. These programs cater to working professionals and provide financial aid opportunities to help manage expenses.

California Coast University

California Coast University offers fully online doctoral programs, including an EdD in organizational leadership and an EdD in educational psychology. These programs are self-paced and ideal for students who need schedule flexibility. Students can complete coursework entirely online, allowing them to balance work, life, and education effectively. The university offers affordable tuition plans and additional discounts for military members.

• Average cost per credit hour: $320
• Financial aid: CCU offers affordable tuition plans, MYCAA benefits, company-paid tuition vouchers, interest-free payment options, and discounts for military personnel.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers online doctoral programs in nursing practice, computer sciences, and biomedical engineering. Programs blend online coursework with some in-person requirements, making them ideal for students who prefer hybrid learning. UND is known for its original research strength and accessible tuition. Students can access multiple forms of financial aid, including federal support and assistantships.

• Average cost per credit hour: $511
• Financial aid: UND offers over 75 programs with graduate assistantships, besides providing doctoral students with financial aid options, including federal aid, scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University provides online doctoral degrees in fields such as community college leadership, computer science, and health sciences disciplines. These programs are for busy professionals who want to earn a doctorate while working. The university's online platform supports flexible learning with excellent academic resources. Financial aid includes federal aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships to reduce overall costs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $537
• Financial aid: MSU offers financial aid to doctoral students in the form of grants, fellowships, loans, and part-time employment. Assistantships and fellowships are available through various academic and administrative departments.
• Accreditation:SACSCOC

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers a fully online PhD in information science and learning technologies. The program is for professionals in the information technology field who want to advance their careers while studying remotely. Classes are available on campus or entirely online. Online PhD students benefit from interactive virtual instruction and faculty support. Multiple funding options, including scholarships and federal aid, make this program an affordable option.

• Average cost per credit hour: $542
• Financial aid: The University of Missouri provides financial support through graduate assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships, including those that fund dissertation research, travel, and professional presentations.
• Accreditation: HLC

Walden University

Walden University delivers a wide selection of online doctoral programs, including specializations in information technology, public health, and social work. The school emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace while managing professional and personal obligations. Walden supports affordability with various financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts tailored to student needs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $535
• Financial aid: Walden University offers financial aid through academic merit, program-specific, and diversity and inclusion scholarships, grants, tuition discounts, and federal aid options. The university provides flexible payment options to help manage educational costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To help students find the cheapest online PhD programs, we evaluate each school using key ranking criteria to ensure that the programs featured are not only affordable but also reputable, accredited, and supportive of online learners.

• Accreditation: We ensure each institution meets quality standards recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Affordability: We evaluate schools based on tuition rates and financial aid availability to provide the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA.
• Program reputation: We assess faculty member credentials, graduation rates, and student satisfaction.
• Online student resources: We only include distance learning education programs that provide access to virtual libraries, academic advising, and technical support.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Virginia?

The cost of online doctoral degree programs for full-time students in Virginia typically ranges from $500 to $1,200 per credit hour, depending on the school and program type. Fields such as educational leadership or business administration may be more affordable than programs in healthcare or engineering. Besides tuition, students should budget for fees, textbooks, and online learning resources. Fortunately, many schools offer financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and assistantships, to reduce overall expenses.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Virginia

Students seeking the cheapest online PhD programs in Virginia can access a wide range of financial aid options to help offset costs. The FAFSA is a critical first step, opening the door to federal loans, grants, and work-study programs.

Many universities also offer institutional scholarships and assistantships, which may cover tuition or provide real-world work experience with stipends for hands-on research projects or teaching. Some programs include need-based aid, while others reward academic achievement, such as high GPAs and GRE scores, or professional experience.

Veterans and active-duty military personnel may qualify for additional educational benefits. Students should contact each school's financial aid office for personalized guidance and application deadlines.

Explore Online Doctoral Degrees

You can advance your career with an affordable, high-paying doctoral degree. Explore programs offered by Virginia's accredited institutions and find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.