10 Best Online PhD and Doctoral Programs 2025
Multiple colleges and universities across the United States offer online PhDs and professional doctorate degrees to help students reach their career goals.
Doctoral degrees are terminal degrees, meaning they are the highest degree you can get in a field. There are two types. The first are professional doctorates, which lead to specific careers or licensure. The others are research-based degrees, like Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, which often lead to roles in academia and research.
Doctorate degrees take several years to complete. Professional doctorates usually require at least three years of full-time study, while PhDs and other research programs usually take at least four. As a result, many students find it more convenient to earn their credentials online rather than on campus, and there are several affordable online PhD and Doctoral programs available. Keep reading to discover some of the best online PhD programs and doctoral degrees.
Top Online Doctoral and PhD Degree Programs
<p>Online doctorates and PhDs aren't as common as online bachelor's or master's degrees, but many schools still offer them. Below, we've featured some of the best online doctoral programs and PhD options for students.
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<h3 id="section---1.CapitolTechnologicalUniversity">1. Capitol Technological University</h3>
<p>Capitol Technological University is a private, nonprofit institution in the Washington, D.C., area. It offers professional doctorates online in fields like education and business administration, as well as dozens of online PhDs in topics like:
</p>
<ul><li>computer science and cybersecurity
</li><li>engineering
</li><li>health sciences
</li><li>social sciences
</li></ul><p>Capitol Tech is heavily focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and it shows in its programs. All programs offer small class sizes and expert faculty.
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $950 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $950 per credit
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<p><b>Financial aid:</b> Capitol Tech accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
</p>
<h3 id="section---2.NationalUniversity">2. National University</h3>
<p>At National University, students can choose from over 20 online doctoral degrees and PhDs. Professional doctorates available online include the following:
</p>
<ul><li>Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
</li><li>Doctor of Education (EdD)
</li><li>Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)
</li><li>Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)
</li></ul><p>This private, nonprofit school is based in San Diego, CA. It also offers PhDs online in fields like educational leadership, computer science, organizational leadership, and psychology.
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $900 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $900 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Financial aid:</b> National University offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
</p>
<h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfNorthDakota">3. University of North Dakota</h3>
<p>The University of North Dakota offers nearly 20 doctoral degrees to online students. UND is a public research university in Grand Forks, ND.
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<p>PhD students can earn degrees in fields like aerospace sciences, communication, engineering, and healthcare online. Professional doctorates like EdDs, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees, and Doctor of Public Health (DPH) degrees are also available through online learning.
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $768.04 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $768.04 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Financial aid:</b> UND offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
</p>
<h3 id="section---4.NovaSoutheasternUniversity">4. Nova Southeastern University</h3>
<p>Various online doctoral programs are available from Nova Southeastern University. Professional doctorates include an EdD and DNP, as well as a Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).
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<p>NSU, located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is a private research university. It also offers online PhDs in criminal justice, cybersecurity, information systems, and nursing.
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $979 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $979 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Financial aid:</b> NSU accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional financial aid.
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
</p>
<h3 id="section---5.KeiserUniversity">5. Keiser University</h3>
<p>Keiser University is a private university based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. It offers several professional doctorates online, including:
</p>
<ul><li>DBA
</li><li>DCJ
</li><li>DHSc
</li><li>DNP
</li></ul><p>In addition, several online PhDs are available in criminal justice, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and psychology.
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $1,000 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $1,000 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Financial aid:</b> Keiser University accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
</p>
<h3 id="section---6.AndrewsUniversity">6. Andrews University</h3>
<p>Students at Andrews University can find multiple doctoral degree options online. Professional degrees include a Doctor of Ministry (DMin), a Doctor of Leadership (DLead), a DNP, and an EdD in educational leadership.
</p>
<p>Andrews University, a private religious school, is located in Berrien Springs, MI. It also offers online PhDs in areas like educational psychology, business administration, curriculum and instruction, and higher education administration.
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $1,100 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $1,100 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Financial aid:</b> Andrews University offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p>
<h3 id="section---7.UniversityOfFlorida">7. University of Florida</h3>
<p>The University of Florida offers ten online doctorate degrees. The public research institution is based in Gainesville, FL.
</p>
<p>Professional degrees include a DNP and an EdD with multiple concentrations, like computer science education, higher education administration, and special education. Online PhDs are available in areas like classical civilization, Latin and Roman studies, and microbiology and cell science.
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $448.73 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $690.21 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Financial aid:</b> The University of Florida offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
</p>
<h3 id="section---8.MississippiStateUniversity">8. Mississippi State University</h3>
<p>Several online doctoral degrees are available to graduate students at Mississippi State University. Areas of study for online PhDs include computer science, engineering, and plant and soil science.
</p>
<p>MSU is a public research university. It also offers an online EdD in educational policy and organizational design.
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $558.50 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $558.50 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Financial aid:</b> MSU accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
</p>
<h3 id="section---9.KansasStateUniversity">9. Kansas State University</h3>
<p>Kansas State University is a public research institution in Manhattan, KS. It offers online PhDs in areas like adult learning, counselor education, curriculum and instruction, and security studies.
</p>
<p>K-State also offers an online DLead in academic advising, as well as EdDs in educational leadership, adult learning, and curriculum and instruction. A hybrid professional doctorate in personal financial planning is also available.
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $580 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $580 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Financial aid:</b> K-State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p>
<h3 id="section---10.OldDominionUniversity">10. Old Dominion University</h3>
<p>Through Old Dominion University, doctoral students will find several online options. Areas of study for PhDs include educational leadership, engineering management, English, and public administration.
</p>
<p>This public research university is located in Norfolk, VA. It also offers a DNP online with several specializations.
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $620 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $642 per credit
</p>
<p><b>Financial aid:</b> ODU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
</p>
<h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2>
<p>To choose the best online PhD programs and doctorate degrees listed above, we focused on:
</p>
<ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Every school on this list holds regional accreditation.
</li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> We selected only public and private nonprofit schools to ensure that the schools listed offer high-quality advanced degrees.
</li><li><b>Online degree offerings:</b> Each university we selected offers a variety of online doctorate degree options.
</li><li><b>Tuition cost:</b> All schools either offer low tuition rates or offer financial aid to help students offset their costs.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---PopularOnlineDoctoralAndPhDDegrees">Popular Online Doctoral and PhD Degrees</h2>
<p>There are many doctorates that you can earn online. Some of the most popular professional doctorates include:
</p>
<ul><li><b>Doctor of Education:</b> EdD degrees are probably the most common online doctoral degrees and are focused on helping students develop their leadership skills and overall competencies in education. Popular fields for education programs include educational administration and curriculum and instruction.
</li><li><b>Doctor of Nursing Practice:</b> DNP degrees are for registered nurses who want to become nurse practitioners or nurse leaders. Some schools offer specializations like family nursing practice or nursing education.
</li><li><b>Doctor of Business Administration:</b> DBA programs are typically designed for those who want to pursue leadership roles in business or transition into academia.
</li><li><b>Doctor of Social Work:</b> DSW degrees are great for those who want to lead in social services or work in research, policy, or academia.
</li></ul><p>Research-focused PhD degrees are also available online, though they aren't quite as common as professional options. Popular areas of study for these degrees include education, engineering, leadership, and psychology.
</p>
<h2 id="section---FAQsAboutOnlineDoctoralDegrees">FAQs About Online Doctoral Degrees</h2>
<p>Earning a doctoral degree is a big step, and you want to get it right. Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about online doctoral-level degree programs.
</p>
<h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineDoctorateDegreeCost">How Much Does an Online Doctorate Degree Cost?</h3>
<p>The cost of an online doctorate depends heavily on which graduate school you choose, the type of degree you're earning, and your field of study. Costs range anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per credit hour.
</p>
<p>However, it's important to note that many PhDs, especially at large research institutions, are fully funded. This means that the program provides students with funding to cover all their tuition, and often their living expenses as well. Additionally, many schools offer scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships to help students cover their costs.
</p>
<h3 id="section---WhatIsTheEasiestPhDProgram">What Is the Easiest PhD Program?</h3>
<p>In general, PhD programs require research, with the program culminating in a dissertation. As a result, there is no one 'easiest' PhD. The easiest option will depend on your strengths and your previous education. The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_phd_programs.html">easiest PhD degree programs</a> for one person could be the hardest for another.
</p>
<p>That being said, earning a degree online rather than in person can make the process much easier for students. While the coursework often doesn't change, the flexibility these degrees offer makes the whole process of earning a PhD simpler.
</p>
<p>Read More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/18_month_doctorate_programs_without_dissertation.html">18-Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation</a>
</p>
<h3 id="section---IsAnOnlineDoctoralDegreeWorthIt">Is an Online Doctoral Degree Worth It?</h3>
<p>Whether or not an online doctoral degree is worth it depends on your field of study, as well as how you define the worth of a degree. For many students, an online PhD gives them a flexible way to pursue their career goals, making it absolutely worthwhile.
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<h3 id="section---AreOnlinePhDProgramsRespected">Are Online PhD Programs Respected?</h3>
<p>While there was a time when online degrees weren't as respected, most people don't care whether you earned your degree online or in person anymore. What typically matters more is the college you earned it from, but obtaining a PhD from anywhere is a huge accomplishment.
</p>
<p>If you're concerned your online PhD won't be taken seriously, don't stress too much. Most degrees do not list the learning method, so no one will know if you earned your degree in person or online, unless you attend a fully online school — though many online schools are now accredited just the same as traditional colleges.
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<h3 id="section---WhatFactorsShouldIConsiderWhenChoosingTheBestOnlinePhDProgram">What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing the Best Online PhD Program?</h3>
<p>There are several things to consider when choosing an online PhD, including:
</p>
<ul><li><b>Area of study:</b> Not all schools offer all programs as PhDs or online
</li><li><b>Research opportunities:</b> Larger schools often have more comprehensive research departments
</li><li><b>Admissions requirements:</b> Some programs require just a bachelor's degree, while others require a master's. Some may also require a certain GPA or GRE score.
</li><li><b>Length of study:</b> Three to four years is usually the minimum for the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/short_doctoral_degree_programs.html">shortest PhD and doctorate programs</a>.
</li><li><b>Program requirements:</b> Most programs require a research dissertation, but some may have additional requirements for the degree.
</li><li><b>Tuition costs:</b> Tuition rates can vary wildly between schools.
</li><li><b>Funding options:</b> Look for options that are fully funded, meaning you won't have to pay for your degree.
</li></ul><p>Start by looking at which colleges offer your field of study online. From there, consider what the program requires and the cost, along with aid options.
</p>
<h2 id="section---EarnYourPhDDegreeOnline">Earn Your PhD Degree Online</h2>
<p>Further your career path by exploring the best online doctoral programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.</p>