Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Maine 2025

There are some excellent online options for Maine residents hoping to reach the highest level of expertise. There are many affordable online doctoral programs that allow you to earn an advanced degree from the comfort of your own home; some of the cheapest online PhD programs cost under $600 per credit hour.

No matter your specialization, take a look at our list of the cheapest online PhD programs. From education programs to health science degrees, a wide variety of options are available.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Maine

Graduate students in Maine have four options for affordable online colleges. However, there are more affordable online PhD and doctoral degree programs available through online universities and out-of-state schools.

1. University of Maine Fort Kent

The University of Maine Fort Kent offers one online-only doctoral-level degree: the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. This is a terminal degree for healthcare providers looking to reach the highest level in their career.

Doctoral students can complete this degree in as little as 24 months through the program's seven-week structure. Applicants must have a master's degree in nursing and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

• Average cost per credit hour: $500
• Financial aid: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), state and institutional grants and scholarships
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. University of Maine Online

The University of Maine has two fully-online advanced graduate degrees: a Doctor of Engineering (EngD) in Engineering Technology, and Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership. The cheaper of these two options is the EdD.

Earn your EngD degree in 42 credits at $732 per credit hour. The EdD program begins each May and takes 51 credits but only costs $567 per credit hour. Students in the education program will be grouped into learning cohorts for the duration of the program.

• Average cost per credit hour: $567
• Financial aid: FAFSA, federal work-study programs, state and institutional grants and scholarships
• Accreditation: NECHE

3. University of Southern Maine

Doctoral students at the University of Southern Maine can pursue an online degree in post-professional occupational therapy or leadership. Both programs are led by the same dedicated faculty as on-campus classes.

The occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) requires 36 credit hours, and full-time students can finish in as few as five semesters. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in leadership requires 72 credit hours and takes about four years of study. Available service learning and internship opportunities give you hands-on experience.

• Average cost per credit hour: $604
• Financial aid: FAFSA, over 150 graduate assistantships, scholarships, grants, fellowships
• Accreditation: NECHE

4. University of New England

Last in our list of in-state schools is the University of New England. It offers three programs:

• Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctorate in Social Work (DSW)

All three are available 100% online and can be completed in two and a half to four years, depending on the program. The first two programs are $860 per credit hour, but the DSW program is $950 per credit hour and requires 45 credits. The DCN program is the cheapest, with just 48 required credit hours.

• Average cost per credit hour: $860
• Financial aid: FAFSA, veterans education benefits, Doctors for Maine's Future scholarship, various other scholarships and grants, tuition payment plan
• Accreditation: NECHE

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

There are even more online learning options for Maine residents through the schools listed below. Each features low tuition rates, opportunities for original research, and rigorous coursework for working professionals.

Walden University

Walden University offers 26 doctoral degree programs with over 100 specializations. Tuition costs vary per program, but some of the cheapest degrees include:

• PhD in clinical psychology ($535 per credit hour)
• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision ($625 per credit hour)
• Doctor of Public Health, PhD in Developmental Psychology, PhD in Forensic Psychology ($630 per credit hour)

Other available programs include a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or EdD in Educational Administration. There are also distance learning opportunities for health care workers, including a DNP as a family nurse practitioner and a PhD in Nursing. Some programs, like criminal justice and human services, offer fast-track options.

• Average cost per credit hour: $596.67
• Financial aid: FAFSA, doctoral grants up to $5,000, Believe and Achieve scholarship, tuition-free final course for select doctoral programs
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State (MSU) doctoral and PhD students have 15 options for online degree programs. You can earn your PhD degree in electrical and computer engineering, computer science, plant and soil science, or one of many others.

There are many resources available to help online learners succeed, including library resources to provide research assistance with your dissertation, online tutoring, and student counseling services. Mississippi State offers in-state tuition to all online students.

• Average cost per credit hour: $558.50
• Financial aid: FAFSA, tuition waiver for Mississippi residents over age 60, tuition remission for MSU employees, institutional scholarships
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Liberty University

Most PhD and doctoral degrees can be completed 100% online at this private, non-profit university, although some may have in-person requirements. Classes are in eight-week formats with eight start dates throughout the year.

There are dozens of options for earning your professional doctorate at Liberty, including criminal justice, education, nursing, music, and business. As a Christian university, Liberty also offers several divinity-based programs, including a PhD in Christian leadership, a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree, a PhD in practical theology, and many others.

• Average cost per credit hour: $610
• Financial aid: FAFSA, discounted tuition for military members, Liberty's Middle America scholarship, various other scholarships and grants
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech offers five fully online advanced graduate degrees. Class schedules are available in a synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid format and include:

• EdD in Agricultural Education
• PhD in Higher Education
• PhD in Educational Psychology
• PhD in Personal Finance Planning
• PhD in Technical Communication and Rhetoric

All require at least a master's degree. The educational psychology program is only available in a hybrid format and requires 91 credit hours, while the other four require only 60. Classes cost between $450 and $800 per credit hour, depending on the program.

• Average cost per credit hour: $625
• Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, grants, doctoral fellowships
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

National University

There are 24 online doctoral programs offered at National University. Prices vary by program, but some of the cheapest are the EdD in Organizational Innovation ($650 per credit hour), the Juris Doctorate degree ($690 per credit hour), and the DNP with a specialization in Executive Leadership ($714 per credit hour).

Flexible start dates and accelerated programs give you additional flexibility to complete your degree program. An online education at National can help you reach the highest level of education in your field, preparing you for prestigious leadership roles.

• Average cost per credit hour: $684.67
• Financial aid: FAFSA, Juris Doctor merit scholarship, Launch Your Legacy scholarship, California grants for state citizens
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus currently offers four distance education doctorate programs: engineering, education, nursing practice (nurse practitioner), and nursing practice (leadership). This is the most expensive option on our list at $1,027 per credit hour, but the Doctor of Education degree is the shortest program at just 37 credits.

Some programs include mandatory in-person work, including engineering and nursing. However the nursing practicum allows you to gain experience where you live, and the engineering program offers a five-day on-campus residency.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,027
• Financial aid: FAFSA, several scholarship opportunities exclusively for world campus students and graduate students
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

How We Rank Schools

Whether you are an undergrad planning ahead or a working adult looking to reach the top of your career, choosing the right doctoral program is a big decision. That's why we carefully vet each school on our list.

• Accreditation: All schools listed are fully accredited. They may not be accredited by the same board, but all are held to the highest educational standards.
• Affordability: Paying for an advanced degree can quickly get pricey, but most of the schools on our list are under $700 per credit hour. Financial aid, scholarships, and stipends can help bring prices even lower.
• Program reputation: In addition to being fully accredited, our schools also have a strong reputation for excellence. Programs are led by knowledgeable faculty who will support you every step of the way.
• Online student resources: An advanced degree likely will include some significant research projects, but with online resources like library and research tools, counseling, and career services, you'll be able to find whatever help you need to succeed.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Maine?

Between our four Maine schools, an online doctoral degree will cost, on average, $632.75 per credit hour. Bear in mind that the total cost will depend on your program type; a DNP can take as little as two years, while a humanities program like a PhD in history will take much longer.

If you are still early in your educational journey, consider the total cost, from bachelor's degree to dissertation. Careers like health care and education may also require licensure. It's wise to take a look at some of the highest paying doctoral degrees, to ensure you will be able to pay back any student loans.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Maine

Academia can be expensive, but financial aid options are still available for online doctoral programs. The first thing you want to do is look into some of the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA. Filling out the FAFSA often means you will automatically be considered for additional scholarships and grants.

Doctoral students can also pursue an assistantship, which allows students to earn money while working on their degrees. Fellowship opportunities also offer stipends and mentorship opportunities to graduate students. Before you enroll, make sure to take the time to look into ways you can lower the cost of your degree.

Explore Online Doctoral Degrees

An online degree program gives you the flexibility to reach the highest level of education in your field, and to do it on your schedule. Browse more of the accredited grad schools featured on Learn.org and reach out to one today to begin your journey.