Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Oklahoma 2025

Online education has become very popular for students pursuing bachelor's degrees, but Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students can find cheap online PhD programs that allow them to earn their degrees without having to attend in-person courses. Students in Oklahoma can pursue the highest level of education with affordable online doctoral programs from top-ranking schools across the state.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Oklahoma

Oklahomans can enroll in affordable online colleges that offer doctoral-level degrees in various subjects and specializations. Learn about all the online learning options available to doctoral students in the Sooner State, including some of the highest-paying doctoral degrees.

1. University of Oklahoma

Learners at the University of Oklahoma (OU) can pursue a Doctor of Education in education administration. This terminal degree has two different concentration tracks available: PK-12 Educational Leadership and Higher Education Leadership. Coursework is delivered fully online; however, there are optional on-campus learning opportunities for second-year students.

• Average cost per credit hour: $550
• Financial aid: Graduate students can submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). OU also has payment plans and military benefits.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University (OSU) offers five different doctoral degree programs. Learners can choose from subjects including healthcare administration, forensic sciences, and applied educational studies with an option in aviation and space education. OSU offers all doctoral-level courses in eight-week intervals with 16-week research sessions.

• Average cost per credit hour: $489
• Financial aid: Graduate students can qualify for merit-based institutional scholarships and scholarships offered by OSU partner organizations
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Southern Nazarene University

There is only one online doctorate available at Southern Nazarene University (SNU). Students can earn a Doctor of Education in administration and leadership.

This program has no dissertation; instead, it requires students to publish two articles based on their original research projects. Courses are taught in six-week sessions, and students can complete the program in 32 months.

• Average cost per credit hour: $779
• Financial aid: Students can submit their FAFSA to receive federal financial aid
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Oral Roberts University

Oral Roberts (ORU) is a Christian university that offers two online doctoral degrees. Students can pursue either a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Strategic Leadership.

The DNP program is delivered in a hybrid format due to the clinical experience and hands-on practice. The Doctor of Strategic Leadership degree focuses on the skills needed for mentoring and organizational leadership roles that can be used in multiple career paths.

• Average cost per credit hour: $640
• Financial aid: Students can submit their FAFSA or utilize ORU's partner organizations for scholarships.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) offers two doctorate-level education programs through distance learning. Students can enroll in a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or a DNP program.

The DBA is delivered in accelerated eight-week courses, and learners can focus on any segment of business. The DNP program is designed to be a flexible program, allowing working professionals to continue their careers while pursuing their advanced degree.

• Average cost per credit hour: $799
• Financial aid: OKWU students can pursue grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Nursing students can complete a BSN-to-DNP bridge program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU). This program is a hybrid format with online courses and in-person residency requirements.

Students can choose between part-time and full-time enrollment and earn their degree in four or three years, respectively. NWOSU's program has been acknowledged as one of the top BSN-to-DNP bridge programs available online.

• Average cost per credit hour: $400
• Financial aid: Students can apply for graduate scholarships and submit their FAFSA yearly.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. The University of Tulsa

Nursing students at the University of Tulsa can enroll in an online Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice (FNP, DNP) degree program. About 60% of the educators in this program hold DNP degrees themselves, which is reflected in the high-quality education. This FNP, DNP pathway can lead to licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN).

• Average cost per credit hour: $775
• Financial aid: Students can qualify for tuition assistance and payment plans.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Oklahoma Baptist University

Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) has a hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. This degree uses online courses combined with immersive on-campus experiences to teach students. In addition to on-campus learning, students will participate in multiple clinical fieldwork experiences. Full-time students can complete this degree in 24 months with six semesters of study.

• Average cost per credit hour: $952
• Financial aid: OBU students have grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities available to them.
• Accreditation: HLC

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

PhD students in Oklahoma aren't limited to in-state programs thanks to distance education. These programs offer fully online doctoral-level degrees without out-of-state tuition rates. These schools also have different degree opportunities for learners.

William Howard Taft University

The Doctor of Education (EdD) from William Howard Taft can be completed fully online. There are three concentration options: leadership and administration, educational technology, or charter school administration. Students can choose between directed and independent study to better suit their schedule and goals.

• Average cost per credit hour: $360
• Financial aid: Students can qualify for federal aid or use payment plans.
• Accreditation: Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE)

American College of Education

The American College of Education (ACE) has eight online doctoral degrees that can be completed in two to three years. Some options include leadership, instructional technology, and public health education. All of these programs are offered in flexible virtual formats to let working professionals learn while continuing their jobs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $374
• Financial aid: Students can't use federal aid at ACE, but they can pay as they go and use private loans.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We ranked these schools based on a set of four criteria. These guidelines, which focus on costs and reputation, ensure that your degree will be respected by employers and can lead to career advancement.

• Accreditation: All of the schools listed have regional accreditation from a Department of Education-recognized body, ensuring your degree meets educational standards.
• Affordability: Affordability varies, but we tried to find programs with lower tuition costs or cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA.
• Program reputation: In addition to accreditation, we highlighted schools with strong reputations and awards from third-party publications.
• Online student resources: Online education is hard, so we tried to select schools that offer high-quality student resources and services to their online students.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Oklahoma?

An online doctoral degree costs around $29,000 based on average tuition rates and credit hour loads. These costs will vary based on several factors, though. The biggest is the length of your program.

For example, a school that charges $500 per credit hour will be less expensive with quicker, lower-credit doctorate programs compared to multi-year programs with higher credits, even though they are earned through the same school. Other factors include financial aid eligibility and your school's average tuition costs.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Oklahoma

Most doctoral programs in Oklahoma qualify for federal financial aid programs after students submit their FAFSA. These programs include free money, like grants and scholarships, work-study programs, and federal loans. Students can also pursue institutional grants and scholarships at many schools based on merit and need.

Finally, there are third-party scholarship opportunities that allow students to receive funding from industry-specific organizations or groups.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Learn more about the cheapest online PhD programs available in Oklahoma and other states with our articles and school profiles. Once you've learned about the schools and chosen the best program for your goals, use our resources to start your application process today.