Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Connecticut 2025

Doctoral degree programs are the highest achievement in academia, and while balancing work and school can be intimidating, online programs make it much more accessible. Earning your Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or doctoral degree online allows you to learn around your schedule without putting your full-time job on hold.

With the cheapest online PhD programs, getting a higher education doesn't mean straining your finances. Keep reading to discover affordable online doctoral programs and PhD programs for Connecticut students.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Connecticut

Earning a professional doctorate can open doors to leadership roles in healthcare, education, and government agencies. For students who want a flexible pathway to advance their education without missing time from their current careers, online PhD and doctoral programs are a great choice. Keep reading to discover the most affordable online colleges for students in Connecticut.

1. University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut (UConn) has several hybrid doctoral programs, such as Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Philosophy in curriculum and instruction, and educational psychology. At the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education, the EdD in educational leadership has evening classes in the fall and spring semesters.

Typically, two-thirds of these classes require being on campus, and the remainder are synchronously online. Summer classes tend to have more independent online learning as part of the hybrid coursework. Some programs may require a Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,084 (EdD) and $1,084 (PhD programs)
• Financial aid: UConn offers merit-based scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and Federal Work-Study. It accepts Federal Direct PLUS, unsubsidized, and select private loans (such as Sallie Mae, Earnest, and SoFi). EdD students may qualify for the TEACH Grant.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Southern Connecticut State University

Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) offers an online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW). It also offers hybrid programs such as an EdD in counselor education and supervision, an EdD in educational leadership, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

A DNP is one of the highest paying PhD programs with a shorter length than other programs, typically taking only three years. Additionally, the university offers a graduate tuition waiver to its employees, income-driven repayment, public service loan forgiveness, and deferment while in school.

• Average cost per credit hour: $717 (EdD) and $1,002 (DNP)
• Financial aid: The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (FDL) provides doctoral students at SCSU access to direct unsubsidized loans and direct PLUS loans, with the annual limit going up to $20,500. It also offers grants, scholarships, internships, and federal work-studies.
• Accreditation: NECHE

3. University of Bridgeport

There's a growing demand for healthcare professionals in Connecticut. The University of Bridgeport (UB) has an online Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) professional doctorate program with options to fast-track completion through life credit, CLEP exams, and ACE evaluations.

Additionally, students can enroll in a hybrid EdD program (requiring only two one-week residencies on campus). The University of Bridgeport has the Lauren Rousseau Passionate Educator Award scholarship. This scholarship awards students pursuing a degree in education $1,000 (selecting up to two students per year).

• Average cost per credit hour: $700 (EdD), $720 (DHSc), $1,060 (DC), and $690 (PhD programs)
• Financial aid: In addition to loans, work-study programs, and grants, there are assistantships in teaching and researching or job placement on campus through Handshake.
• Accreditation: NECHE

4. Sacred Heart University

While there isn't a fully online doctoral degree program, Sacred Heart University (SHU) offers flexibility through hybrid classes that are partially asynchronous, such as its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in finance. The EdD in higher education leadership and DNP programs provide in-person, hands-on coursework on weekends and evenings.

There is also a hybrid PhD in organization development and change or a PhD in social work (DSW) for humanities-focused professionals. Virtual student services and 24/7 tech support support working professionals with distance learning.

• Average cost per credit hour: $900 (EdD), $995 to $1,015 (DNP), and $840 (DSW PhD)
• Financial aid: SHU has teaching and research assistantships, federal direct unsubsidized loans, graduate PLUS loans, grants, and scholarships.
• Accreditation: NECHE

5. Quinnipiac University

For nursing students who want to take the next step toward leadership roles, Quinnipiac University (QU) has an online DNP with two main concentrations: care of populations and nursing leadership. Both concentrations are available for online learners, and there's also a hybrid doctoral program for post-professional occupational therapy doctorate (OTD).

Students can also earn a sixth-year diploma in educational leadership online. It also has a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in family nurse practitioner. Its graduate academic assistantships award eligible students three-credit tuition waivers for working 150 hours per semester.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,105 (OTD), $1,175 (DPT), $1,025 (MSN in family nurse practitioner), $775 (MSN in operational leadership), and $765 (nursing education)
• Financial aid: QU accepts payment plans, employer tuition reimbursement (either through direct or deferred billing), federal student aid, federal graduate PLUS loans, and merit-based scholarships.
• Accreditation: NECHE

6. Central Connecticut State University

Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) offers hybrid doctoral degree programs for educational leadership for P12 and higher education, and a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). The DNAP program requires on-campus sessions. These sessions are the beginning and end of every semester over a three- to four-day weekend to support distance education.

CCSU has reduced tuition for in-state residents, military veterans, and alumni. Payment plans can be broken into five separate payments.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,109 (DNAP) and $1,109 (EdD)
• Financial aid: There are graduate student assembly (GSA) scholarships, academic awards (for those who have earned a 3.5 GPA or higher), and merit-based scholarships. CCSU also accepts the federal Pell Grant, Robert B. Willis scholarship, graduate PLUS loan, and federal direct unsubsidized loans.
• Accreditation: NECHE

7. Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) has a fully online EdD in nursing education program for students with an MSN and a passion for leadership. The school also offers an online DNP that uses a DNP project focusing on clinical strategies and patient care instead of a traditional dissertation.

In addition to healthcare programs, there is an online EdD in instructional leadership for graduates who want to advance their careers in education. Western Connecticut State University generally requires a minimum 3.0 GPA (or a 3.6 for the instructional leadership program).

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,003 (EdD) and $1,360 (DNP)
• Financial aid: WCSU students can use the Institutional Advancement Award Manager (IAAMWCSU) portal to submit a general application and automatically get consideration for scholarships funded by private donors or the university (most starting at around $1,000). It has work-study programs, part-time assistantships, and federal student loans. The WCSU Cares Student Assistance Fund also helps students who are going through unexpected difficulties.
• Accreditation: NECHE

8. University of Saint Joseph

The University of Saint Joseph's (USJ) hybrid learning programs only require in-person attendance one night a week, making them a flexible option for working students. It offers two hybrid doctoral degree programs: an EdD in healthcare education and an Interdisciplinary Doctor of Education Leadership (EdD).

Alumni students get 10% off either program. An inclusive educator discount program can save eligible public school educators up to 40% on tuition.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,179
• Financial aid: There are merit and program-based scholarships, instructorships, assistantships, federal financial aid programs (such as graduate PLUS loans), and alternative loans. Students can search for alternative loans using ELMselect.
• Accreditation: NECHE

9. Post University

Post University offers an online DNP with four specializations: educational leadership, executive leadership, informatics leadership, and professional leadership. If healthcare isn't your field of interest, you may choose to pursue an online DBA.

Post also provides a range of graduate degree programs in subjects such as finance, project management, and higher education administration. Nursing students, military students, alumni, public safety professionals, and education majors are eligible for reduced tuition.

• Average cost per credit hour: $808.50 (DNP) and $950 (DBA)
• Financial aid: Payment plans and scholarships are available. Some common scholarships include academic merit scholarships, on-campus returning students, and the Yes You CANN scholarship for online nursing students. They also accept Pell Grants and the Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
• Accreditation: NECHE

10. University of New Haven

Students hoping to advance in law enforcement or forensic science can earn a PhD in criminal justice at the University of New Haven (UNH) through hybrid learning (or a master's degree in criminal justice online). For healthcare professionals, the University of New Haven has online DHSc and hybrid OTD programs.

Students can choose either a healthcare leadership or educational leadership concentration and have the opportunity to complete the other as a certificate as part of the DHSc program. Military students and veterans are eligible for reduced tuition and can use interest-free monthly tuition payment plans.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,050 (DHSc) and $1,050 (PhD in criminal justice)
• Financial aid: Assistantships, loans, and grants are available. To find out what financial aid awards you're eligible for, you can complete your FAFSA using the school code 001397. Some online programs are eligible for a 50% tuition reduction.
• Accreditation: NECHE

How We Rank Schools

We evaluated the schools on our list to ensure quality and affordability for students interested in an online PhD or doctoral degree. We considered:

• Accreditation: All featured schools are regionally accredited.
• Affordability: We searched for the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA and include transparent tuition costs.
• Program reputation: We selected programs with strong academics, positive student outcomes, and support for meeting licensure requirements.
• Online student resources: Listed programs support online education with resources such as virtual libraries, writing centers, mentoring, and career services.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Connecticut?

The cost of getting an online doctoral degree in Connecticut depends on your program type and school. On average, tuition ranges from $690 to $1,360 per credit hour in Connecticut.

Online doctoral students can save money on tuition in a few ways, such as funding opportunities through the U.S. Department of Education, stipends, scholarships, or employer tuition assistance.

To find the cheapest online PhD programs and doctorate programs, flat-rate tuition is a great option.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Connecticut

There are many great financial aid options in Connecticut, such as grants, loans, and scholarships. The most affordable online doctoral programs provide federal direct unsubsidized loans, federal direct graduate PLUS loans, and federal work-study programs.

Students can submit the FAFSA online to find out what financial aid they qualify for. Additionally, healthcare and education students may be eligible for student loan reimbursement.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Finding affordable doctoral programs doesn't have to be complicated. Take the next step toward your career goals by exploring accredited doctoral-level degree programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to schools directly to learn more about enrollment, financial aid, and coursework requirements.