Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Nevada 2025

Online education is common for undergraduate students looking to earn a degree, but there are several affordable online doctoral programs available to students in Nevada from in-state and out-of-state schools.

These cheap online PhD programs provide enrollment opportunities for students with master's degrees to pursue the highest degrees in their fields.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Nevada

There are three cheap online colleges in Nevada that offer doctoral-level degrees through distance learning. Each school has different degrees available, and students should review all of their options before applying.

1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has two nursing-related doctorates: a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The PhD has four specializations for students with a post-Master of Science in nursing program, nursing education, and a post-DNP track.

The PhD program is more of an academia-focused program compared to the DNP. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program focuses on clinical applications of nursing skills, such as research and leadership roles.

• Average cost per credit hour: $423 (in-state students)
• Financial aid: Students at UNLV can submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. UNLV also offers tuition waivers and alternative funding opportunities to students in certain demographic groups.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) offers a fully online Doctor of Nursing program and a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) to DNP bridge program. These two online learning programs both result in a DNP; however, they each have different curricula. The DNP program includes 30 credit hours, while the BSN-to-DNP program includes 68 to 72.

• Average cost per credit hour: $344.25
• Financial aid: In addition to federal aid, UNR students can apply for the Pack Promise (up to $11,000), as well as merit-based scholarships and graduate research funding.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Touro University Nevada

Touro University Nevada (TUN) offers a fully online Doctor of Education (EdD) program designed primarily for educators and healthcare providers, but any student with a master's degree can apply. This degree program includes two one-week courses, and coursework is designed to be flexible to accommodate working professionals.

• Average cost per credit hour: $728
• Financial aid: Touro accepts FAFSA results and federal scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) - Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (ACSCU), also known as the WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC)

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

Online higher education programs present learners with access to more opportunities than on-campus programs by opening up education across state lines. Nevada-based PhD students can find advanced degrees in multiple fields of study from cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA nationwide.

Learn more about the distance education opportunities available to doctoral students in fully remote formats.

Aspen University

Aspen offers online doctoral degree programs in nursing, education, and technology-related fields of study. Some available degrees include public health, computer science, and educational leadership. Aspen promotes flexible learning, and sessions start every two weeks, allowing students to begin their education sooner.

• Average cost per credit hour: $450
• Financial aid: Students can use grants and scholarships; they can also enroll in monthly payment plans with 0% interest.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

The University of Louisiana Monroe

The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) offers two online doctoral degree programs: an EdD in curriculum and instruction and a PhD in marriage and family therapy. Both of these programs include 60 total hours of coursework, but they can be completed in as few as 24 months with accelerated classes.

• Average cost per credit hour: $500
• Financial aid: ULM accepts FAFSA results for federal financial aid programs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

University of West Florida

The University of West Florida (UWF) has two online EdD programs: curriculum and instruction and instructional performance technology.

The curriculum and instruction degree program has two specialization options � students can choose between administration and leadership studies or curriculum and assessment. Both programs can be completed in around three years with six credit hours per semester.

• Average cost per credit hour: $425
• Financial aid: UWF has various tuition waivers and payment plans and accepts federal programs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

University of North Georgia

Four online doctorates are available at the University of North Georgia (UNG). Graduate students can earn a PhD in criminal justice with a concentration in intelligence, a DNP, and two education options. These degrees are taught in an asynchronous format with full-time and part-time enrollment opportunities available.

• Average cost per credit hour: $335
• Financial aid: UNG students can qualify for federal and state-based aid programs. UNG also has specifically designed programs for active-duty military members and veterans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas (UofA) offers three online EdD and two DNP programs. In addition to the traditional DNP, UofA offers a dual degree that combines a DNP and an Executive Master of Business Administration. This program prepares nurse practitioners for roles in organizational leadership and enhances their nursing skills with research projects.

Due to the hands-on nature of nursing work, there are some in-person requirements. The EdDs focus on different levels of education, including adult learning.

• Average cost per credit hour: $446.29
• Financial aid: UofA students can apply for institutional grants and scholarships in addition to federal programs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University (VSU) offers three online doctoral degrees: adult learning and development (EdD), leadership (EdD), and a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA).

The two EdD programs focus on different methodologies related to educational administration. The DPA program is a terminal degree designed for people who work in governments, non-profits, or non-government organizations.

• Average cost per credit hour: $329
• Financial aid: VSU students can qualify for grants, scholarships, and graduate assistantships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is based in Kansas, but students nationwide can enroll in its online DNP degree program.

• Average cost per credit hour: $453.68
• Financial aid: FHSU accepts FAFSA results for federal grants, scholarships, and other programs.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We used four main criteria to rank these schools. We focused on key factors, including tuition cost, accreditation status, and support services offered to online students.

• Accreditation: Each school on this list has regional or national accreditation from a body recognized by the Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high standards.
• Affordability: We selected programs with lower-than-average tuition rates or financial aid packages to reduce total costs.
• Program reputation: Beyond accreditation, we found programs that have received awards from third-party publications, such as U.S. News & World Report.
• Online student resources: These schools also provide support services to distance education students, including tutoring, academic advising, access to faculty members, and mentoring services.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Nevada?

The average cost of an online doctoral degree in Nevada is around $30,000 to $45,000. The biggest determining factor for total costs is the number of credits required to earn your degree, with some doctorates requiring as few as 30 credits while others require as many as 90.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Nevada

The cheapest online PhD programs in Nevada still accept financial aid options. Financial aid for PhD degree programs is usually different than bachelor's degrees or master's degrees, though.

In addition to scholarships and grants, doctoral students can find fellowships and other employment-based financial aid that allows them to practice, perform original research, and receive compensation to apply to tuition costs and other fees.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Read our school profiles and articles to learn more about the highest-paying doctoral degrees available in Nevada and nationwide. After you've found the best program for your career and educational goals, use our resources to request more information or start your application today.