Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in Washington 2025

Earning an advanced degree is a significant investment, but Washington offers several affordable online doctoral programs that combine quality distance education with financial accessibility. Whether you're pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), these cheap online doctoral programs provide flexibility for working professionals and support through financial aid options.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Washington

Washington State is home to various affordable online colleges with doctoral degree programs. Below is a selection of the cheapest online PhD programs that offer affordability, accreditation, and online availability to help you embark on a career in a high-paying doctoral degree field.

1. Washington State University

Washington State University's (WSU) Global Campus offers online doctoral programs in fields like nursing and educational leadership, and a PhD in criminal justice and criminology. These flexible programs are tailored for working professionals and emphasize career advancement through research projects, leadership, and applied learning. WSU's online platform effectively balances students' studies with personal and professional responsibilities.

• Average cost per credit hour: $692
• Financial aid: Doctoral students at WSU can access a range of financial aid options, including federal financial assistance (FAFSA), fellowships, assistantships, departmental scholarships, and university-wide scholarships.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. University of Washington

The University of Washington (UW) offers hybrid doctoral degree programs, such as the DNP, for those seeking licensure as a nurse practitioner. These programs combine distance learning coursework with occasional hands-on, in-person sessions, making them ideal for working professionals. Students gain advanced original research and leadership skills to impact healthcare systems and academic environments.

• Average cost per credit hour: $470
• Financial aid: UW offers guaranteed funding packages in select programs, including tuition waivers and stipends via research and teaching assistantships, as well as competitive fellowships and departmental scholarships.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University (SPU) offers an EdD program for aspiring leaders in education. With primarily online coursework and minimal on-campus requirements, the program supports working educators. The curriculum focuses on leadership, policy, and research, preparing students for influential roles in K-12 schools, higher education, or educational organizations.

• Average cost per credit hour: $735
• Financial aid: SPU provides education-focused scholarships for doctoral students, especially for those in Christian schools or from underrepresented backgrounds, alongside FAFSA and external scholarship recommendations.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

4. City University of Seattle

City University of Seattle (CityU) offers online PhD degrees, including the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Doctor of Information Technology (DIT). These programs cater to mid-career professionals seeking advancement through leadership and applied research. Students benefit from flexible learning, practical skills development, and the ability to balance work and study.

• Average cost per credit hour: $795
• Financial aid: Doctoral students at CityU are eligible for merit- and need-based scholarships, including awards for international students and support through FAFSA-based financial aid.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

5. Northwest University

Northwest University offers hybrid doctoral programs, including the PhD in Business Administration and Psychology. These programs blend online coursework with brief on-campus residencies. Students develop advanced leadership, research, and practical skills, preparing them for influential roles in business, clinical settings, education, or organizational development.

• Average cost per credit hour: $910
• Financial aid: Northwest University offers tiered scholarships for doctoral students in leadership programs, including awards for academic excellence and financial need, with additional opportunities at annual scholarship events.
• Accreditation:NWCCU

6. Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice that features primarily online coursework with limited on-campus requirements. The program focuses on preparing advanced nurse practitioners for leadership roles in the health sciences field. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, health systems improvement, and ethical leadership in clinical and organizational environments.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,100 to $2,000
• Financial aid: Doctoral students at Gonzaga may receive financial aid through FAFSA, institutional scholarships, and competitive graduate assistantships that provide both tuition support and stipends.
• Accreditation:NWCCU

7. Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University (EWU) offers an online Doctor of Physical Therapy for licensed physical therapists seeking to expand their clinical expertise. The program combines rigorous online coursework with practical clinical experiences, helping professionals enhance patient outcomes while maintaining full-time employment in healthcare settings.

• Average cost per credit hour: $425
• Financial aid: EWU supports doctoral students with program-specific scholarships, general graduate awards, and resources from the McNair Scholars Program for underrepresented students.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

8. Central Washington University

Central Washington University (CWU) provides a hybrid Doctor of Education program with a concentration in educational leadership. Coursework is mostly online with periodic in-person sessions. This program is for educators aiming for leadership roles in school districts, higher education, or educational policy and administration.

• Average cost per credit hour: $368
• Financial aid: In addition to FAFSA, CWU offers a centralized scholarship system for graduate students, including dedicated funds like the CWURA Graduate Student Scholarship for academically strong EdD candidates.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

9. Western Washington University

Western Washington University (WWU) offers a hybrid EdD program focused on higher education leadership. PhD students complete most of their coursework online, with occasional campus visits. The program prepares professionals for administrative roles in colleges, universities, and postsecondary institutions seeking transformative leadership.

• Average cost per credit hour: $760
• Financial aid: WWU provides doctoral students with access to merit-based scholarships, graduate assistantships, and specialized research stipends through its online scholarship portal.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

10. Heritage University

Heritage University offers an EdD with a concentration in culturally responsive leadership. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person sessions and mentoring to support online students' development as inclusive and equity-minded leaders. It's ideal for educators and administrators working with diverse communities across educational systems.

• Average cost per credit hour: $912
• Financial aid: Heritage University awards doctoral scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need, and leadership, and also connects students with external scholarship opportunities.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

How We Rank Schools

To help PhD students find the best value, we evaluated each program based on a set of key criteria to ensure schools offer affordable tuition rates, academic quality, and support for online learners.

• Accreditation: All institutions are accredited by recognized agencies, ensuring quality education.
• Affordability: The programs selected are among the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA in Washington.
• Program reputation: Schools demonstrate strong academic reputations and prioritize positive student outcomes.
• Online student resources: Institutions that provide robust support for online learning, including advising and technical assistance, are favored.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in Washington?

The cost of online education programs in Washington varies widely depending on the school, degree type, and student residency status. In-state tuition costs typically range from $14,400 to $29,567 annually, while out-of-state students may face higher tuition rates. Some programs, like the DNP, may be more affordable and quicker to complete than research-based professional doctorate programs. Be sure to factor in additional fees, books, and potential transfer credits when calculating total expenses.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in Washington

Washington offers various financial aid options for doctoral-level students, including:

• FAFSA: Federal aid eligibility through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
• State grants: Programs like the Washington College Grant support low- and middle-income students.
• Scholarships: Institution-specific and external scholarships are available based on merit, determined by student GPA and GRE scores, and need.
• Assistantships: Teaching and research assistant positions provide hands-on experience as well as tuition waivers and stipends.

Prospective graduate students should consult individual institutions for specific financial aid opportunities and application procedures.

Explore Online Doctoral Degrees

Ready to boost your credentials and income potential? Explore these affordable online doctoral programs to find flexible, budget-friendly options, leading to high-paying doctoral degrees in fields like healthcare, organizational leadership, and technology.