Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in South Carolina 2025

Earning your PhD or doctoral degree is the terminal degree in many fields and is considered one of the highest academic achievements one can earn. Graduates are highly regarded and considered experts in their field of study.

However, many PhD and doctoral degree programs can be very expensive. Pursuing cheap online PhD programs can help you save money while earning your degree.

Below, we've ranked the best affordable online doctoral programs in South Carolina based on their program offerings, affordability, and accreditation. We've also included other online colleges that accept students from South Carolina that are based elsewhere.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in South Carolina

These high-quality programs are some of the cheapest online PhD programs in the country and are designed for those who want to further their education and career opportunities without breaking the bank.

1. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina offers various online PhD and doctoral degrees, one of which is a PhD in Computer Science. PhD students will perform self-guided research in their area of specialization, which can include artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, quantum computing, and more. This program is 60 credits and can be completed in two to five years, depending on full-time or part-time status.

• Average cost per credit hour: $572
• Financial aid: The University of South Carolina offers several need-based grants and many scholarships that are either need-based or merit-based.
• Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

2. Clemson University

Clemson University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a post-master's degree program designed for advanced practice nurses (APRNs) looking to further their education. This research-driven program offers healthcare professionals the chance to create positive change in their field of study.

• Average cost per credit hour: $714 for in-state students, $1,451 for out-of-state students
• Financial aid: There are many scholarships and graduate assistantships available for qualifying students. Clemson University also accepts federal financial aid and private loans.
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. South Carolina State University

South Carolina State University offers an online Doctor of Education (EdD) for education professionals looking to pursue leadership roles in universities, public schools, charter schools, and more. Many graduates have obtained positions to join education administration teams. Coursework includes studying research methods, advanced data analysis, and professional development.

• Average cost per credit hour: $552
• Financial aid: Grants and scholarships are afforded to qualifying students. South Carolina State University also accepts federal and private student loans.
• Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

4. College of Charleston

The College of Charleston offers a flexible online Doctor of Education in learning and inquiry in practice. This online degree empowers students to develop innovative strategies for numerous education programs, ranging from Pre-K programs to higher education. Professional development skills include written and oral communication, critical thinking, and leadership development.

• Average cost per credit hour: $570, or $499 for South Carolina educators
• Financial aid: Charleston University offers scholarships, grants, and assistantships to qualifying students. Educators, military, and veteran students may also be afforded discounted tuition.
• Accreditation: CAEP

5. Medical University of South Carolina

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) offers an online PhD in Nursing Science that can be completed in three to four years. Students will receive mentors, funding for research projects, and cutting-edge technology with which to complete their dissertations.

• Average cost per semester: $8,116 in-state, $10,642 out-of-state
• Financial aid: Stipends and funding are available for qualified students. MUSC also accepts federal financial aid.
• Accreditation: CCNE

6. University of South Carolina Upstate

This online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can be obtained in just two years of full-time enrollment, opening doors to diverse healthcare career paths. Coursework includes organizational leadership, epidemiology, healthcare economics, and more.

A DNP is one of the highest-paying doctoral degrees, with an average salary of over $110,000. This high return on investment, coupled with the University of South Carolina's low tuition costs and ample financial aid, makes this program one of the most affordable on our list.

• Average cost per credit hour: $572
• Financial aid: Up to $30,000 per year in tuition reimbursement through the BOLD Career Pathways Nursing Faculty Loan Program, which can amount to $90,000 overall.
• Accreditation: CCNE

7. Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan University offers an online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with accelerated courses and an average completion time of three years. Graduates have become teachers, professors, researchers, executives, and more.

• Average cost per credit hour: $650
• Financial aid: Scholarships, including a church tuition match scholarship, are afforded to qualifying students. Southern Wesleyan University also offers alumni tuition discounts and accepts financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

These online PhD and doctoral programs may not be based in South Carolina, but they are open to South Carolina residents. Domestic and international learners are also welcome to apply.

Eastern University

Eastern University's online PhD in Professional Practice is designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers. Each student will receive a PhD mentor to guide and supervise their dissertation and professional development.

This PhD is open to professionals in any field, making it great for those with various bachelor's and master's degrees. Regardless of your prior field of study, a PhD in Professional Practice can help bolster your resume and career opportunities.

• Average cost per credit hour: $450
• Financial aid: Scholarships, military benefits, and federal financial aid are all available.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

California Coast University

This online Doctor of Education offers three specializations: organizational leadership, educational psychology, and educational administration in a self-paced format. These self-paced online courses will teach students about educational leadership, special education programming, and administrative development.

• Average cost per credit hour: $320
• Financial aid: California Coast University offers interest-free payment plans to help students cover tuition costs. There are also 10% discounts for firefighters, government employees, military members, and law enforcement officers.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

Tulane University

This online Doctor of Public Health is backed by Tulane University's rigorous on-campus program, affording students the same learning experience without requiring them to attend in-person classes. Students will study applied research, professional communication, and nonprofit policy while studying under a diverse faculty.

A graduate degree in public health is preferred, but not required, for admission. Tulane University offers two online master's degrees in public health.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,770
• Financial aid: Up to $20,000 in merit-based scholarships may be afforded to qualifying students. There are also alumni scholarships, and Tulane University accepts federal financial aid.
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

How We Rank Schools

We've selected these online PhD and doctoral programs based on several important ranking factors. Our criteria for compiling a credible list of the cheapest online PhD programs include:

• Accreditation: All schools featured on Learn.org are accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as legitimate higher education institutions.
• Affordability: We factor in scholarships, grants, loan acceptance, and tuition reimbursement programs, along with military, veteran, or educator discounts when considering affordability.
• Program reputation: The doctoral programs listed above are well-regarded and have numerous graduate student success stories. Many have been delivering quality distance education for many years.
• Online student resources: We look for online student resources such as free tutoring, writing centers, flexible start dates, and mentor programs.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in South Carolina?

Online doctoral degrees can range from $21,120 to over $100,000. The programs offered by the University of South Carolina all cost approximately $34,000.

Online learning is typically cheaper than in-person degree programs, though some can still be expensive. The most affordable online doctoral program on this list is the EdD offered by California Coast University, which is just over $21,000.

However, financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans can help reduce the cost of your online education.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in South Carolina

Many financial aid opportunities exist for online doctoral degrees, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Scholarships and grants are two forms of financial aid that do not need to be repaid.

They can be obtained through a university based on a student's need or academic merit. There are also external scholarships through nonprofits, corporations, and social groups.

All the institutions listed above accept federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and many also offer military and veteran discounts.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

These online doctoral degrees based in South Carolina are designed for working adults who want to take the next step in their educational journey. Earning a doctoral degree is the culmination of education, and many grads go on to revolutionize their fields of study.

You can find more affordable online doctoral programs to help you finish your education and transform your career here on Learn.org.