Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Wisconsin 2025

Students looking for flexible, low-cost alternatives to traditional in-person degrees can find affordable online doctoral programs across Wisconsin. Schools statewide offer low tuition, federal financial aid, fellowships, and other assistance options for their virtual programs.

If you'd like to earn a budget-friendly degree, keep reading. Below, we'll highlight cheap online PhD programs and other affordable doctoral degrees in Wisconsin.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Wisconsin

Some online doctoral programs are highly affordable. Review the following list of schools to discover Wisconsin's cheapest online PhD programs and doctorates.

1. Edgewood College

Edgewood College offers affordable online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs for bachelor's and graduate degree holders. The DBA is a 45-credit program for students with a master's degree who seek a business consultant or C-suite executive role. Learners interested in earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and DBA can choose the school's 60-credit program.

Edgewood's online accelerated Doctor of Education (EdD) prepares learners for leadership roles in 24 months. This education program has a concentration in curriculum studies and learning sciences. Online learning and education technology is another area of focus.

• Average cost per credit hour: $500 (DBA programs); $750 (EdD program)
• Financial aid: The university offers scholarships and financial aid, including student loans, to lower tuition costs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

At the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, learners eager to enhance their education careers can enroll in the school's applied leadership EdD program. Students prepare for advanced roles in the field through online coursework and a one-week in-person summer program.

Emphasis options in public and non-profit leadership and specialized studies help students tailor their degrees and careers. Prospective students must have a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The school also recommends at least three years of satisfactory professional or teaching experience.

• Average cost per credit hour: $675
• Financial aid: Doctoral students are eligible for financial aid (grants and loans), scholarships, and more.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's online EdD in student affairs administration and leadership (SAAL) program is a three-year program helping graduate students continue their professional roles in higher education or student affairs while completing their studies. This 54-credit, semester-based degree prepares learners for senior-level positions.

To gain admission, students must have a master's degree in student affairs, higher education, or a related field. A minimum of three years of professional experience in a post-secondary educational institution is also required.

• Average cost per credit hour: $732
• Financial aid: Online learners can reduce tuition and fees with scholarships, military benefits, tuition reimbursement, and other assistance options.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

The EdD in educational sustainability at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point helps students develop the skills to build economically, ecologically, and socially sustainable communities. Enrollees also discover what's needed to transform systems of teaching, leadership, and learning.

Though coursework is delivered online, students participate in an annual four-day required residency and a capstone colloquium/symposium experience. Learners complete this 54-credit doctoral degree program in three years.

• Average cost per credit hour: $750
• Financial aid: Learners can save $10,000 with the Harju Center for Opportunities in Education fellowship and up to $1,500 with the Inclusivity Scholarship. Graduate assistantships, fellowships, and needs-based scholarships are also available.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Wisconsin-Stout

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is home to an online EdD in career and technical education (CTE) leadership designed for professionals seeking leadership roles in secondary and postsecondary education. Coursework explores education policy, strategic planning in CTE, and research methods.

The online program creates a collaborative community with a peer support system and some synchronous learning opportunities. Ideal candidates have experience in CTE and/or workforce education (e.g., human resource development or support services).

• Average cost per credit hour: $761
• Financial aid: Financial aid, scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and military benefits can help online learners at university save.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offer fully online or hybrid formats depending on the emphasis. The master's to DNP with an executive emphasis is a 100% online program preparing learners to lead cross-professional teams in the improvement of informed quality healthcare.

The family nurse practitioner emphasis has two hybrid program options. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to DNP degree builds upon students' master's nursing knowledge and skills, while the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP teaches students with a bachelor's degree the highest level of nursing practice.

• Average cost per credit hour: $832.29 (business masters course for executive emphasis); $892.97 (DNP - 800 level courses)
• Financial aid: Nursing students can use work-study jobs, federal student loans, and scholarships to make learning more affordable.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin offers several online doctoral programs for students interested in business and leadership. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in business administration and DBA programs teach organizational leadership to prepare students for academia and senior executive roles.

PhD and EdD degrees are also available in leadership in innovation and continuous improvement. The PhD teaches students to conduct advanced research in leadership and innovation for education, healthcare, and business. In the EdD program, students gain skills to provide practical leadership in these sectors.

• Average cost per credit hour: $925
• Financial aid: Students enrolled in the EdD program who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can qualify for financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has an online PhD in nursing for students ready to advance their careers to secure research, education, and leadership positions. Learners attend a three-day orientation at the beginning of the program, take online courses, and then return to campus.

The school's post-master's DNP prepares advanced practice nurses for the highest level of clinical practice. In this 32-credit online program, students take 11 courses and participate in a 460-hour leadership immersion experience.

• Average cost per credit hour: $935
• Financial aid: UWM offers over $500,000 in nursing scholarships and funding alongside loans, grants, student employment, fellowships, and military education benefits.
• Accreditation: HLC

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

Are you interested in additional distance education opportunities that lead to doctoral degrees? Review the following schools to find online programs in states outside of Wisconsin.

University of Colorado Denver

The online EdD at the University of Colorado Denver is an affordable doctoral program for educators and human services professionals seeking leadership roles in schools, colleges, and communities. Concentrations are available in executive leadership, higher education leadership, and justice, equity, and diverse identities (JEDI).

Admission to this 54-credit program requires a master's degree, a written statement of purpose, a resume, and three letters of recommendation. Learners can complete coursework in two years and then spend the rest of their time working on the doctoral research project.

• Average cost per credit hour: $557 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Submitting the FAFSA form helps graduate students qualify for student loans and other financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University delivers over a dozen online doctoral degree programs � and most offer the same low tuition. Degree options include a PhD in computer science and an EdD in educational policy and organizational design. PhD in plant and soil sciences and PhD in engineering programs are also available.

Coursework in many programs is delivered through videos recorded during on-campus class sessions. Students can access and download the recordings within 24 hours of course completion.

• Average cost per credit hour: $558.50
• Financial aid: Scholarships and financial aid can help learners reduce the cost of tuition and fees.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the institutions in this rank list to confirm that they have met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality experience in higher education:

• Accreditation: All schools have received accreditation from the nationally recognized organizations HLC or SACSCOC.
• Affordability: These colleges and universities make learning more affordable by offering financial aid, assistantships, fellowships, and lower tuition rates.
• Program reputation: We verified that the schools offer quality academic experiences for students pursuing an on-campus and online education.
• Online student resources: Institutions in this list provide student support services like online tutoring, academic advising, and library access.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Wisconsin?

The cost of an online doctoral degree varies based on factors like residency and enrollment status. For instance, if you live in Wisconsin and you're pursuing schools in the state, you could pay a lower rate than someone living in Minnesota, Illinois, or Michigan. Some schools also charge different rates for part-time and full-time students.

Distinct degree types and programs like a PhD in cybersecurity or an EdD with an instructional design specialization might have unique rates. If you're looking for a low-cost degree in Wisconsin, many are available throughout the state, including DBA programs at Edgewood College costing just $500 per credit hour.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Wisconsin

In addition to low tuition rates, financial aid can help students significantly reduce the cost of doctoral programs in Wisconsin. Here are some of the most common financial aid options for graduate programs:

• fellowships
• scholarships
• federal work-study
• military education benefits
• assistantships (research and teaching)

Some schools allow students to transfer college credits from previous institutions. This option helps learners save by not retaking courses for the new program. Doctoral students can also use student loans to reduce school costs; however, these borrowed funds must be repaid. Fortunately, earning high-paying doctoral degrees can help learners qualify for roles that make repayment easier.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Begin an exciting journey in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact a school of interest today to find out how it can assist you in achieving your academic and career goals.