Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Degrees in West Virginia 2025

Are you searching for affordable online doctoral programs in West Virginia? We explore top schools offering cheap online doctoral programs that are flexible, accredited, and designed for working adults.

Whether you're advancing in education, healthcare, or business, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a doctorate program can help you reach your goals without breaking the bank. Keep reading to learn about these high-quality distance education programs.

Cheapest Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in West Virginia

West Virginia hosts some of the most affordable online colleges for graduate study, offering pathways that build on your bachelor's degree, complement a master's degree, and culminate at the doctoral level. The institutions below deliver the cheapest online PhD programs without sacrificing accreditation or support, making advanced education accessible to professionals balancing work, family, and ambition.

1. West Liberty University

West Liberty University is a public institution that offers online education, including a doctoral degree program. The Doctor of Education (EdD) in instructional leadership is designed for educators seeking to advance into leadership roles.

This accelerated program can be completed in only three years. Students must attend two on-campus summer seminars for intensive, hands-on experience.

• Average cost per credit hour: $595
• Financial aid: Institutional, federal, state, or private financial aid opportunities may be available.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Marshall University

Marshall University is a four-year public school in Huntington. It offers numerous degrees online and in person, including at the highest level of education. There are four online doctoral programs:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• EdD in curriculum and instruction
• EdD in leadership studies
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Online classes are flexible and may be self-paced. Tuition varies by program; however, there are no out-of-state fees.

• Average cost per credit hour: $660
• Financial aid: Federal loans, graduate assistantships, and scholarships may be available to eligible students.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Charleston

The University of Charleston is a private four-year school known for its focus on innovation and leadership. It offers an online Doctor of Executive Leadership (DEL) designed for working professionals aiming to lead at the highest organizational levels.

The program emphasizes strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and organizational change. While the program is online, students must complete a one-week campus residency yearly.

• Average cost per credit hour: $760
• Financial aid: Military members, first responders, and law enforcement receive a tuition discount, lowering the price to $684 per credit hour. Additional institutional and federal aid may be available.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. West Virginia University

West Virginia University is a top-tier public institution with the highest research ranking from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation. The school offers four online doctoral programs with a mix of asynchronous and synchronous courses to accommodate various online learning styles. Students can choose full-time or part-time enrollment for added flexibility.

• Average cost per credit hour: $797
• Financial aid: Tuition waivers, assistantships, and scholarships may be available to qualifying graduate students.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. American Public University

American Public University is a fully online institution known for serving working professionals and military students with flexible, career-focused degree programs. It offers a Doctor of Global Security (DGS) and a Doctor of Strategic Intelligence (DSI), both designed for experienced professionals in national security and policy fields.

These fully online programs emphasize real-world application, leadership, and advanced research.

• Average cost per credit hour: $863
• Financial aid: Doctoral students can apply for the institutional Pathways to Completion Scholarship. Additionally, military members receive a tuition discount.
• Accreditation: HLC

Other Affordable Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

Students interested in pursuing affordable doctoral degrees can enroll in online schools throughout the country. Below, we'll discuss several top universities offering affordable online doctoral programs.

Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a public land-grant research institution offering a range of online doctoral programs. Some programs include:

• EdD in curriculum and instruction
• PhD in student affairs in higher education
• EdD in educational leadership
• PhD in personal financial planning

Courses are delivered in flexible formats, with some programs being fully online and others requiring brief on-campus residencies.

• Average cost per credit hour: $551
• Financial aid: Students may be eligible for federal loans, scholarships, assistantships, and other forms of financial assistance.
• Accreditation: HLC

Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian institution known for its extensive online degree offerings and commitment to flexible, faith-based education. The university offers a wide range of fully online doctoral programs in fields such as education, business, counseling, and ministry.

Most programs feature eight-week courses, multiple start dates, and the ability to transfer credits to help students finish faster.

• Average cost per credit hour: $610
• Financial aid: Students may qualify for federal financial aid, institutional scholarships, and military tuition discounts.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Walden University

Walden University is a private, for-profit online institution based in Minnesota. It offers a wide range of doctoral programs across diverse fields, such as education, psychology, and business management. These advanced degree programs are fully remote, though online learners are met with extensive support through dedicated faculty and comprehensive student services.

• Average cost per credit hour: $630
• Financial aid: Students may receive scholarships, grants, tuition discounts, and other types of aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a leading public research institution offering flexible, fully online doctoral programs tailored to working professionals. Students can choose from various programs like the PhD in computer science or the EdD in educational leadership.

These terminal degrees feature a mix of asynchronous and synchronous coursework, allowing students to study on their own time while engaging with faculty and peers.

• Average cost per credit hour: $677
• Financial aid: Federal loans, scholarships, grants, and graduate assistantships may be available.
• Accreditation: HLC

National University

National University is a private, nonprofit institution based in California. It offers many online doctoral programs in fields such as criminal justice, health sciences, organizational leadership, and more. These programs feature four-week courses, which make it simpler to balance professional and personal commitments.

• Average cost per credit hour: $945
• Financial aid: Institutional scholarships are available. Students may also qualify for federal aid.
• Accreditation: Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate online doctoral programs using key criteria that reflect both academic quality and student support. Our methodology includes:

• Accreditation: All schools mentioned are accredited by a recognized accrediting agency like the HLC.
• Affordability: We chose the most affordable doctoral degree programs that offer low tuition costs or financial aid opportunities.
• Program reputation: We chose schools with a reputation for academic excellence, original research, and expert faculty members.
• Online student resources: The schools listed offer strong virtual support systems, including advising, libraries, and tech help.

How Much Does an Online Doctoral Degree Cost in West Virginia?

Online doctoral degree costs in West Virginia vary based on the institution and program. For instance, West Virginia University has the lowest average tuition rate at $595 per credit hour, while American Public University has the highest average rate at $863 per credit hour.

Program length also influences total cost. For example, DNP degrees with high tuition rates might only take two to three years, making it a relatively affordable degree cost. Meanwhile, the cheapest online PhD programs in the humanities could span five to seven years, making the total degree cost more expensive.

Financial Aid for Online Doctoral Programs in West Virginia

Financial aid options for online doctoral students in West Virginia are diverse. Federal aid, including direct unsubsidized loans, is available to eligible students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Some schools, like American Public University, may offer scholarships, tuition waivers, and assistantships to doctoral students. Other schools, such as the University of Charleston, offer tuition discounts to military members, first responders, and law enforcement personnel.

It's essential to consult each university's financial aid office for specific opportunities and application procedures. If you're looking for the best option, find cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA and offer robust institutional aid programs.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Explore accredited online programs, including high-paying doctoral degrees, on Learn.org. Contact any school that interests you for more information.