Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Ohio 2025

The cost of higher education is crucial for most people considering earning a doctoral degree. Fortunately, online learning can offer cheaper options for those seeking a less expensive degree path. This article focuses on affordable online doctoral programs in Ohio. We'll rank the top 10 schools by tuition and provide financial aid information that can further reduce costs following a bachelor's degree and master's degree. Read on to discover the cheapest online doctoral programs.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Ohio

The following institutions offer affordable online options for high-paying doctoral degrees such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), among other graduate programs.

Here, you will find some of the cheapest online PhD programs and most affordable online doctoral programs available in the state. All tuitions are based on in-state rates, which are generally much less than out-of-state rates.

1. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University (YSU), a public university named after its location, offers doctoral students four EdD programs. You can earn EdDs in educational leadership - health and human services, educational leadership with superintendent licensure, educational leadership, and higher education leadership and administration � all in 32 months.

• Average cost per credit hour: $415
• Financial aid: Two graduate scholarships are available to new learners, with one renewable for up to six semesters. YSU also offers assistantships. Federal, private, and state loans may also be available as well as state grants.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

2. Ashland University

Ashland University (AU) is a private school with a main campus in central Ohio. It offers a DNP and EdDs in both leadership studies and audit, as well as an executive doctorate in leadership studies. The average length of the programs is between two and five years.

• Average cost per credit hour: $460 to $1100
• Financial aid: AU offers several scholarships to graduate students and a work-study program. Federal, private, and state loans and grants may also be available.
• Accreditation: HLC, the CAEP, and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. Ohio University

Ohio University (OU) is a public research university with its main campus in Athens. You can earn a Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT), Bachelor of Science in nursing to DNP (BSN-DNP), and Master of Science in nursing to DNP (MSN-DNP). Courses take between four and 12 semesters, depending on the program.

• Average cost per credit hour: $505 to $648
• Financial aid: Assistantships and other financial aid are available for graduate students as well as a work-study program. Federal, private, and state loans and grants may also be available.
• Accreditation: HLC, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), CCNE, and the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN)

4. University of Findlay

University of Findlay (UF) is a private Christian institution in northwestern Ohio. It awards an EdD, an EdD in school psychology, and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). The EdDs require three years and the PharmD requires four.

• Average cost per credit hour: $555
• Financial aid: Graduate students may be eligible for assistantships and loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program or other federal loans. You may also opt for a Graduate PLUS loan, private or state loans, and state grants.
• Accreditation: HLC, Ohio Department of Education (ODE), Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), OBN, Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), CCNE, and CAEP

5. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University (BGSU), a public research university in northwestern Ohio, offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and a PhD in technology management. The OTD can be completed in two years, while the PhD in technology management requires 4.5 years.

• Average cost per credit hour: $567.70
• Financial aid: Graduate students can apply for assistantships, federal financial aid, and scholarships. Other options include federal, private, and state loans, state grants, and student employment.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Kent State University

At Kent State University (Kent State), prospective doctoral students can pursue a DNP program or an EdD in interprofessional leadership. A DNP may be earned in five years, while an EdD in interprofessional leadership may be earned in three.

• Average cost per credit hour: $594.78
• Financial aid: Kent State offers graduate aid mostly through assistantships and other employment opportunities. Federal, private, and state loans and grants may also be available.
• Accreditation: HLC and CCNE

7. University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati (UC) offers a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) and various tracks to earn a DNP and specialized degrees. While you can complete the DCLS in three years, the DNP degree programs may take longer and vary by specialization.

• Average cost per credit hour: $661 to $836
• Financial aid: Graduate students may be awarded aid by individual academic programs, the Graduate College, or the Student Financial Aid Office. Scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships are also available, as well as federal, private, and state loans and grants.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Toledo

At the University of Toledo (UT), you can earn a PhD in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in special education, a PhD in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in educational technology, a BSN-DNP, and an MSN-DNP. The PhD programs require 60 completed credits while the DNP programs require 72 to 74. Time to completion varies, depending on such factors as full-time or part-time enrollment.

• Average cost per credit hour: $697.11
• Financial aid: UT offers various fellowships, scholarships, and awards from school-based and external sources. Federal, private, and state loans and grants may also be available.
• Accreditation: HLC and CCNE

9. Walsh University

Located in north Canton, Walsh University (WU) is a private Roman Catholic university. It offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), and various pathways to a DNP and specialized degrees. Degree programs range from less than two years to more than three.

• Average cost per credit hour: $745
• Financial aid: WU graduate students may be eligible to receive discounts and university-funded scholarships. External scholarships, along with federal, private, and state loans and grants, may also be available.
• Accreditation: HLC, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), CAEP, and CCNE

10. Franklin University

Students can earn a DBA, Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA), and various specialties within EdD and DNP degrees at Franklin University. These programs can typically be completed in three years.

• Average cost per credit hour: $748
• Financial aid: Franklin's offerings include federal and state aid, university-based and external scholarships, institutional aid such as employment programs, and private loans. State loans and grants may also be available.
• Accreditation: HLC, CCNE, and CAEP

How We Rank Schools

We rigorously vetted each university to compile the rank list above. In addition to having the cheapest online PhD programs and doctoral degrees in Ohio, each institution met the following criteria to ensure you experience a high quality of online education:

• Accreditation: Schools must meet the minimum requirement of general accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission or other nationally or regionally recognized credentialing organizations. Most universities on the rank list have additional, specialized accreditations for the featured degrees and programs.
• Affordability: Each school offers tuition prices that are near or below the national average, offering generous financial aid to offset costs.
• Program reputation: The universities must prove worthy of respect with graduation rates, student outcomes, and rankings that indicate a high level of educational quality and fulfillment.
• Online student resources: Each program enhances the learning experience with easy access to course information, professors, academic advisors, and personal support services that can be utilized online or in person.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Ohio?

The cost of a doctoral degree in Ohio varies widely based on your school, residency status, the type and duration of the education programs you seek, and how much financial aid you can take advantage of.

As of 2022, numbers provided by the National Center for Education Statistics show that the national average for in-state graduate tuition is $12,596 per year at a public university, and the same calculated average is $29,931 per year at a private nonprofit university. Since most doctoral degrees require four to eight years, the total average cost of traditional, instruction-only tuition for an Ohio resident can range between $50,384 (four years at a public school) and $239,448 (eight years at a private nonprofit school).

This is where an online degree can make a difference. Based on the most affordable doctoral degrees ranked above, you can expect to pay between $24,900 for a 60-credit program at Youngstown State University and $44,880 for the same number of credits at Franklin University. Without the additional costs of on-campus expenses, your financial aid dollars can further cut into these totals and provide a more manageable education.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Ohio

There are four primary types of financial assistance that a school might offer:

• Grants: Grants are a form of aid that doesn't require repayment. These can come from schools or external sources that may include state and federal grants. Some widely used federal grants include Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grants. Doctoral students can also be awarded merit-based fellowships, which are appointed by the school and provide a living stipend and tuition reduction.
• Work-study programs: These allow you to earn money for tuition by working part-time. For doctoral students, this includes graduate assistantships. This type of aid bestows a monthly stipend and tuition reduction in exchange for services that benefit professors and your specific doctoral program.
• Scholarships: These are offered based on such factors as academic achievement, talent, or field of study. Most schools offer some form of scholarships, and you can explore external opportunities as well.
• Loans: This is aid that requires repayment with interest. You can obtain a federal loan through your school's financial aid services or a private contract.

As a prerequisite for any federal aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Contact your school's financial aid department regarding deadlines or any other questions about FAFSA requirements.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Explore the programs offered by accredited institutions on Learn.org to find a doctoral degree program that fits your needs. Contact any school you're considering to learn about the next steps toward your educational goals today.