This article is part of our AffordableSchools Graduate Guide to Online Doctoral Colleges series. This ranking looks at private, nonprofit institutions designated as a Christian college but with a non-Catholic affiliation, and which offer graduate degrees in the form of online or hybrid PhD degree programs. (We looked at the most affordable online Catholic doctoral degrees in a separate ranking.
Methodology
The data used in this online degrees ranking article is sourced from: (1) NCES (National Center for Education Statistics); (2) IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) Data Center.
- Step 1: Query NCES for public U.S. institutions offering “distance” graduate programs.
- Step 2: Refine the results with data from IPEDS, of colleges offering actual online doctorate programs.
- Step 3: Combine the two resulting data sets based on IPEDS ID.
- Step 4: Filter: keep only private colleges with a Christian but non-Catholic religious affiliation.
- Step 5: Filter: keep either (2) colleges with at least two distinct online/ hybrid PhD degree programs; (2) colleges with one online/ hybrid doctorate degree but which has at least five concentrations/ emphasis/ track options.
- Step 6: For each institution: sum the cost of mandatory graduate fees and the NCES/ IPEDS-reported average graduate in-state tuition cost to determine approximate yearly tuition+fees cost.
- Step 7: Sort descending by estimated in-state cost.
- Step 8: Manually verify that an institution has the necessary online/ hybrid doctorate degree programs.
NOTES:
The online doctoral degrees listed here are primarily regionally accredited (with one exception) – be aware of such details before applying. As these are terminal degrees, the only concern would be if you enter a nationally-accredited PhD but then want to transfer to a regionally-accredited program at another institution — in which case you may not receive all or any transfer credits.
Program data was current at time of publication. Tuition is subject to change and should be verified before you apply to a college/ university. This ranking is based on each institutional average for grad tuition (as per NCES), plus required grad fees. So any given program may have a different cost than listed, based on number of credits and/or tuition rate changes. As well, any transfer credits granted will also reduce your overall cost of earning a doctoral degree.
Note also that not all colleges listed here can serve online students in every state. Please verify program availability in your state of residence before applying. Finally, note that some Christian colleges may offer some form of financial aid to graduate students, sometimes in the form of stipends for teaching hours — either during required residencies or virtually through online courses.
Ranking – Affordable Christian Non-Catholic Graduate Colleges with Online PhD Degrees
25. Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia
Emory University (Emory, est. 1836) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It has a fairly diverse student population, with Asians making up the second largest enrollment group, after White/ non-Hispanic students. The university’s present and former faculty includes: author/ scholar Salman Rushdie; former U.S. President Jimmy Carter; CNN medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta.
Emory offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three cheap online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus multiple program options:
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin) with two tracks: Church Leadership and Community Witness; Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two entry options:
- Post-BSN with nine concentrations, each with two track options (Health Systems Leadership/ HSL or Population Health/ PH)
- Post-MSN DNP with two track options: HSL or PH
- DNP, Nurse Anesthesia (blended = some core courses on-campus)
Program requirements range from 32 to 90 credits, with minimum timelines of up to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: brief residencies; Saturday sessions; clinical hours; etc.
- In-state: $44,016 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $44,016 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Bloomberg Businessweek (top BBA programs); Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review (top law schools); U.S. News & World Report; The Economist (top MBA programs); USA Today (top writing programs); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Fashion designer Kenneth Cole; TV news journalist David Brinkley
- #students: 14,458
- #grads: 7,372
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
24. Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Baylor University (Baylor, est. 1845) is a private Christian institution historically affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT), now independent. It claims the world’s largest Baptist university campus (by acreage).
Baylor offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has five of the least expensive online/ hybrid doctoral degrees with multiple program options:
- Doctor of Education (EDD) in Learning and Organizational Change (LOC)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; hybrid) with three tracks, each with two entry options (BSN to DNP; Post-Master’s):
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Neonatal Nursing Practice (NNP)
- Nurse-Midwifery (NM)
- Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) with two pathways: BS to OTD; MS to OTD
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work (SW)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Program requirements range from 30 to 75 credits, with minimum timelines of 12 months to four years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: orientation; immersions; comprehensive exam; practicum hours; etc. GRE or GMAT scores may not be necessary for some of these online degrees.
- In-state: $32,832 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $32,832 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review (Best Colleges West); U.S. News & World Report (National Universities); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Actress Angela Kinsey (The Office); comedian/ ventriloquist Jeff Dunham; HGTV Fixer Upper hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines; author/ philosopher Robert Fulghum (All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten – NY Times bestseller); country music star Willie Nelson (attended)
- #students: 17,059
- #grads: 2,743
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
23. Pepperdine University
Malibu, California
Pepperdine University (Pepperdine, est. 1937) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It serves students on five campuses and online.
Pepperdine offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has four of the cheapest online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- EdD in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy (ELAP; blended = 60% on-campus)
- EdD in Learning Technologies (LT; 60/40 blended)
- EdD in Organizational Leadership (OL; Global Access; 60/40 blended)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Global Leadership and Change (GLC; primarily online)
Program requirements range from 51 to 66 credits, with some requiring additional credits/ semester until completion of dissertation. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: weekend intensives; comprehensive exams; field work; etc. Pepperdine also has an Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) that has some online learning components.
- In-state: $32,620 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $32,620 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: eHarmony dating site co-founder Neil Clark Warren
- #students: 7,710
- #grads: 4,106
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
22. Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, California
Loma Linda University (LLU, est. 1905) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Originally founded as a sanitarium, it now serves students on campus and online. It currently shares its campus with six area hospitals, with plans to complete a new 16-story adult hospital for 2020. It promotes diversity amongst its student population, which had over 60% minority students as of 2015-16 enrollment, with nearly 70 languages spoken amongst them.
LLU offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 100 low-cost degree programs in total. It has four inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT)
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Health Education
- Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD)
Program requirements range from 53 to 120 quarter credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: summer intensives; clinical hours; etc.
- In-state: $28,652 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $28,652 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (best regional hospitals)
- Notable alumni: Poker player Jerry Yang (former winner of World Series of Poker)
- #students: 4,417
- #grads: 3,234
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
21. Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, Washington
Seattle Pacific University (SPU, est. 1891) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. It serves students an Orthodox/ Evangelical/ Wesleyan/ Ecumenical Christian education on campus and online, and welcomes students of various faiths, with current undergrad enrollment figures showing 44% minority students – a figure that has grown steadily every academic year. Half of the university’s undergrads come from “historically underrepresented groups.”
SPU offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has three low cost online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD; blended) with four specializations: Digital Education Leadership; Executive Leadership; Literacy, Curriculum and Instruction; Self-Designed
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education (primarily online)
- PhD in Counselor Education (primarily online)
Program requirements are a minimum of 90 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: comprehensive exams; summer residencies; dissertation presentation (oral) and defense; practicum hours; etc.
- In-state: $28,620 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $28,620 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Best National Universities)
- Notable alumni: In-N-Out Burger founder Esther Synder; TV show host Jeff Probst (Survivor); author/ computer linguist Larry Wall (created Perl language)
- #students: 3,688
- #grads: 812
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
20. Andrews University
Berrien Springs, Michigan
Andrews University (Andrews, est. 1874) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It welcomes diversity in students, serving them on-campus and online, and earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report for its cultural diversity.
Andrews offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has 11 lowest-cost online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- EdD in Higher Education Administration
- Doctor of Leadership (DLEAD)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; hybrid) with three pathways: APRN/ MSN-DNP; BSN to DNP/ FNP; MSN to DNP/ FNP
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Curriculum and Instruction with 10 specialization and cognate options
- PhD in Educational Leadership
- PhD in Higher Education Administration
- PhD in Leadership
- Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT; hybrid)
- Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT; hybrid) with concentration in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMT)
Program requirements range from 35 to 92 credits, with minimum timelines of two to five years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: intensives; clinical hours; etc. Andrews also has several online Education Specialist (EdS) degree options.
- In-state: $26,522 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $26,522 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online MBA Programs)
- Notable alumni: Actor/ songwriter Clifton Davis, who wrote a hit song for Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5
- #students: 3,300
- #grads: 1,596
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
19. Shenandoah University
Winchester, Virginia
Shenandoah University (SU, est. 1875) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It serves students at fives campuses and learning centers in-state plus online.
SU offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – with over 150 inexpensive degree programs in total. It has four affordable online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; hybrid) with two entry options:
- BSN-to-DNP (blended = some courses onsite) with two concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Nursing MSN-to-DNP
- Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD; hybrid) with 1- and 2-year study tracks
- Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy (NTDP; post-BS Pharm)
- Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (TDPT) with three tracks: 3-year Post-Bachelor’s (PT); 1- or 2-year Post-Master’s (PT or other healthcare degree)
Program requirements range from 30 to 78 credits, with minimum timelines of up to 2.5 years.
Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: brief residencies; short immersion meetings; one-day onsite sessions; clinical/ practice hours; Executive Weekends; etc. An option for an economical online dual degree is available, for the Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health
- In-state: $21,930 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $21,930 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs)
- Notable alumni: Actress Kate Flannery (The Office); drummer Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band)
- #students: 3,844
- #grads: 1,781
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
18. Concordia University-Portland
Portland, Oregon
Concordia University-Portland (Concordia, est. 1905) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and a member of the Concordia University System. It serves a diversity of students on campus and online, incorporating Lutheran values into its education programs.
Concordia offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has five low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral degree programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Administrative Leadership
- EdD in Higher Education
- EdD in Instructional Leadership
- EdD in Professional Leadership, Inquiry, and Transformation (PROLIT; customized option)
- EdD in Transformational Leadership
Program requirements are a minimum of 59 credits, with minimum timelines of three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: optional meetings/ classes. (Students have the choice of online, hybrid or on-campus studies.)
- In-state: $20,910 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $20,910 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- #students: 5,125
- #grads: 3,745
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
17. Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, California
Azusa Pacific University (APU, est. 1899) is a private, interdenominational Christian institution affiliated with the Azusa Pacific University System. It serves students at seven campuses and regional learning centers, plus online, incorporating evangelical/ Wesleyan values into its education programs.
APU offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – nearly 150 high value degrees in total. It has five cheap online/ hybrid doctoral degree programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership (EL; blended = online plus low-residency)
- EdD in Higher Education Leadership (HEL; blended = online plus low-residency)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; blended = online plus low-residency)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education (blended = online plus low-residency)
- PhD in Rehabilitation and Movement Science (hybrid = primarily online)
Program requirements range from 39 to 60 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: brief residencies; face-to-face meetings; intensives; practice hours; etc.
- In-state: $17,692 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $17,692 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Diverse Issues in Higher Education; Forbes Magazine; G.I. Jobs (Military Friendly School); Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Author/ leadership coach John C. Maxwell; film producer Darlene Caamano (In the Valley of Elah)
- #students: 9,926
- #grads: 4,255
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
16. Texas Wesleyan University
Fort Worth, Texas
Texas Wesleyan University (TWU, est. 1890) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Originally founded as a women’s college, it has been coed since 1935 and serves students on campus and online, incorporating Wesleyan/ Southern Methodist values into its programs.
TWU offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has three of the least expensive online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD; blended = some online courses)
- Completion Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP; hybrid) with three options:
- Entry-Level DNAP (RN to CRNA)
- Completion DNAP
- Master’s prepared CRNAs, with three focus options: Education Administration; Healthcare Administration; Management
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Program requirements range from 60 to 89 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: practice/ clinical hours; brief residencies; dissertation activities; licensing exams; etc.
- In-state: $17,282 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $17,282 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: WWE wrestler The Undertaker (Mark Calaway)
- #students: 2,396
- #grads: 722
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
15. Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City University (OCU, est. 1904) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It serves students from most of the U.S. and over 40 other countries, on campus and online, encouraging critical and innovative thinking, and integrating United Methodist traditions.
OCU offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs – over 90 high-value degrees in total. It has three of the cheapest online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin; through SP School of Theology) with choice of 3- or 4-year completion options and one focus: Spiritual Leadership in Unsettled Times
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; hybrid) with three options:
- BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- BSN-DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- MSN-DNP with two tracks: Clinical; Administration
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing (hybrid)
Program requirements range from 30 to 57 credits (with up to 33cr applied towards 90cr from a qualified master’s degree). Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: Leadership Institute; Gamaliel Training; brief residences; practice hours; etc.
- In-state: $1,5804 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,804 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine (Best Christian Colleges, 100 Best College Buys); Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (private universities statewide); U.S. News & World Report (Best Value Schools; Regional Universities West; Best Online Graduate Business Programs Excluding MBA; Best Online Graduate Business Programs for Veterans Excluding MBA)
- Notable alumni: Actress Kristin Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies, Glee, BoJack Horseman, Robot Chicken); journalist/ human rights activist Rana Husseini
- #students: 2,845
- #grads: 1,131
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
14. Concordia University-Chicago
River Forest, Illinois
Concordia University-Chicago (CUChicago, est. 1864) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and the Concordia University System. Originally founded as a teacher’s seminary, it currently serves students on campus and online, incorporating Lutheran Christian core values into its academic offering.
CUChicago offers best-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – with over 100 cheap areas of study in total. It has three inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) with four specializations: Innovation in Health Care Administration; Innovations in Human Resources; Marketing Innovations; Strategic Leadership and Innovation
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership with 12 specializations:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Leadership
- Education Technology
- Gerontology
- Health and Human Performance
- Higher Education
- Organizational Leadership
- Reading, Language and Literacy
- Special Education
- Sports Leadership
- Teacher Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership with 12 specializations (see EdD program)
Program requirements range from 60 to 67 credits, with minimum timelines of up to four years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: dissertation-related activities; internship hours; etc.
- In-state: $15,360 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,360 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Value Schools; Regional Universities Midwest; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online MBA Programs)
- Notable alumni: Actor/ comedian Paul Walter Hauser; composers Carl Schalk and Richard Hillert
- #students: 5,755
- #grads: 4,297
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
13. Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Regent University (Regent, est. 1977) is a private, unaffiliated Christian institution. It serves students on campus and online, emphasizing Christian leadership for world change.
Regent offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has nine low cost online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) with 12 concentrations
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin; hybrid) with two options: Christian Leadership and Renewal (CLR); Ministry Leadership Coaching (MLC)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication (hybrid)
- PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies (CPS) with 11 concentrations
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
- PhD in Education (hybrid) with three concentrations: Advanced Educational Leadership; Christian Education Leadership; Higher Education Leadership and Management; K-12 School Leadership
- PhD in Organizational Leadership (hybrid) with five concentrations
- PhD in Renewal Theology
- Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL; hybrid) with 10 concentrations
Program requirements range from 36 to 75 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: orientation; brief residencies; intensives; meetings with faculty; etc. Regent also has several cheap online Education Specialist (EdS) degree options.
- In-state: $13,326 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $13,326 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Actor Tony Hale (Arrested Development); reality show winner Brennan Swain (The Amazing Race)
- #students: 9,488
- #grads: 5,209
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
12. Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health
Omaha, Nebraska
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health (NMC, est. 1891) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the Methodist Health System. Its high-value degree programs focus on health professions, and are delivered on campus and online.
NMC offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three lowest-cost online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education and Leadership in Healthcare (ELH)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with three pathways:
- APRN to DNP
- MS to DNP with Public Health Policy track
- BSN to DNP with three tracks: Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS); Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) with two entry options: MS to PPDrOT; BS to PPDrOT
Program requirements range from 32 to 70 credits, with minimum timelines of 18 to 24 months. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: orientation; brief intensives; clinical/ practice hours; (some) synchronous online courses etc.
- In-state: $13,236 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $13,236 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Victory Media (Military Friendly School)
- #students: 1,167
- #grads: 286
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
11. George Fox University
Newberg, Oregon
George Fox University (GFU, est. 1885) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends. It serves students on four campuses and regional learning centers, plus online, integrating Quaker Christian principles into its academic offering.
GFU offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three affordable online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA; hybrid) with three concentrations: Accounting; Management; Marketing
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education Leadership (EL; hybrid) with three concentrations: Administration; Higher Education; Instructional Design and Development
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin; hybrid) with three tracks: Leadership and Global Perspectives (LGP); Leadership and Spiritual Formation (LSF); Semiotics, Church and Culture (SCC)
Program requirements range from 38 to 56 credits, with minimum timelines of up to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: brief residencies; extended residencies (e.g., two weeks); in-person sessions; intensives; face-to-face meetings; overseas travel; etc.
-
- In-state: $13,015 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $13,015 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine (Best Religiously Affiliated Colleges); Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; U.S. News & World Report
(Regional Universities West; Best Colleges for Veterans)
- Notable alumni: High school basketball coach Ken Carter, subject of the film Coach Carter; Herbert Hoover (later U.S. President)
- #students: 4,076
- #grads: 1,378
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
10. Amridge University
Montgomery, Alabama
Amridge University (Amridge, est. 1967) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It serves students on campus and online, and was amongst the U.S. Department of Education’s first 15 participants in a Distance Education Pilot program.
Amridge offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has eight low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) Higher Education Administration (HEA)
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Family Therapy I
- DMin in Family Therapy II with three concentrations
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biblical Studies with two concentrations: Old Testament; New Testament
- PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)
- PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
- PhD in Organizational Leadership and Management (OLM)
- PhD in Professional Counseling (PC)
Program requirements range from 30 to 66 credits, with minimum timelines of three to four years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: qualifying exams; comprehensive exam; etc.
- In-state: $13,000 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $13,000 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities South)
- #students: 675
- #grads: 353
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
9. Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, Indiana
Indiana Wesleyan University-National and Global includes the distance education division of Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU, est. 1920), which is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. It serves students at this main campus, 14 regional Educational Centers (Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio), and online. It is a “Christ-centered academic institution” that incorporates Wesleyan ideals but encourages diversity in its student population.
IWU-NG offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has five cheap online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with three specializations: Accounting; Healthcare Administration; Management
- Doctor of Ministry (DMIN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two entry options:
- Post-Master’s DNP
- Post-Baccalaureate DNP with two tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Organizational Leadership (OL; blended)
Program requirements range from 31 to 72 credits, with minimum timelines of up to six years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: onsite intensives; brief residential coursework; comprehensive exams; etc.
- In-state: $11,392 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,392 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Value Schools)
- Notable alumni: MLB pitcher Brandon Beachy (Atlanta Braves, LA Dodgers)
- #students: 10,778
- #grads: 4,203
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
8. Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW, est. 1881) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and a member of the Concordia University System. It serves students on campus (the safest in the state) and online, incorporating Lutheran Christian values into its academic programs.
CUW offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 70 low-cost degree programs in total. It has three of the least expensive online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Leadership track
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) with two dual-degree options: Master of Business Administration (MBA) with concentrations; Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI) with three emphasis options: Business; Education; Combination
Program requirements range from 30 to 175 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: initial cohort meetings; brief residencies; etc.
- In-state: $10,542 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $10,542 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Value Schools; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Business Programs Excluding MBA)
- Notable alumni: Author/ educator Walter Wangerin Jr.; NFL tackle John Scardina
- #students: 7,288
- #grads: 3,579
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
7. Anderson University
Anderson, South Carolina
Anderson University (AU, est. 1848) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. It serves students on campus and online, integrating a Baptist Christian worldview into its academic offering.
AU offers best-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has two of the cheapest online/ hybrid doctoral degrees with multiple program options:
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin) with two optional hybrid concentrations in 21st Century Ministry; Biblical Preaching
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; hybrid) with four tracks: MSN-to-DNP Advanced Practice (AP); BSN- or MSN-to-DNP Nursing Executive Leadership (NEL); BSN- or MSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Program requirements range from 29 to 75 credits, with minimum timelines of up to three years. (Extra courses required for DNP students entering with a BSN.) Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: orientation/ cohort meetup; workshops; residential seminars; clinical/ practice hours; etc.
- In-state: $9,620 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $9,620 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Apple Distinguished Schools; Princeton Review (Best Regional Colleges Southeastern); U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities South; Most Innovative Schools South; Best Value Schools South; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs)
- Notable alumni: NY Times bestselling author Sue Monk Kidd (The Secret Life of Bees); WWE wrestler A.J. Styles; actor/ screenwriter Adam Minarovich (actor: The Walking Dead)
- #students: 3,494
- #grads: 511
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
6. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University (Liberty, est. 1971) is a private, unaffiliated Evangelical Christian institution. Cofounded by Reverend Jerry Falwell, it serves students on campus and online, implementing the motto “Training Champions for Christ” by incorporating a Christian worldview into its academic programs.
Liberty offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has 20 inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus multiple program options:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with 13 options
- Doctor of Education (EdD) with six areas of study, primarily in Educational Leadership and Curriculum+Instruction
- EdD in Christian Leadership (CL)
- EdD in Community Care and Counseling (CCC) with three options: Marriage and Family Counseling; Pastoral Care and Counseling; Traumatology
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin) with 12 areas of study
- Doctor of Nursing Practice with two options: Psychiatric Mental Health (PMH); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Bible Exposition (BE)
- PhD in Communication
- PhD in Criminal Justice (CJ) with three options: General; Homeland Security; Leadership
- PhD in Education with four options: Curriculum and Instruction; Instructional Design and Technology; Organizational Leadership; Special Education
- PhD in Higher Education Administration (HEA)
- PhD in History
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES)
- PhD in Nursing – Nursing Education (NE)
- PhD in Psychology – Industrial / Organizational Psychology (IOP)
- PhD in Public Policy (PP) with six options: General; Economic Policy; Education Policy; Foreign Policy; National Security Policy; Social Policy
- PhD in Theology and Apologetics (TA)
- Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
- Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)
- Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS) with three options: Ethnomusicology; Leadership; Pastoral Counseling
Program requirements range from 30 to 78 credits, with minimum timelines of two to four years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: fieldwork; dissertation-related activities; etc.
- In-state: $8,723 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $8,723 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA; Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs); Victory Media (Military Friendly School Gold 2019-20)
- Notable alumni: Rashad Jennings, former NFL football player and Dancing with the Stars contestant
- #students: 75,044
- #grads: 29,290
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
5. William Carey University
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
William Carey University (WCU, est. 1892) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. At one point a women’s college, it has been coed since 1953 and currently serves students on two campuses and online.
WCU offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has three low cost online/ hybrid doctoral degree programs:
- Educational Leadership (EdD)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Education (NE; hybrid)
- PhD in Nursing Education and Administration (NEA; hybrid)
Program requirements range from 21 to 63 credits, with minimum timelines of up to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: face-to-face meetings (in-person or via Skype); field project work; practice/ internship hours; etc.
- In-state: $8,700 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $8,700 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Value South; Best Online Graduate Education Programs)
- Notable alumni: Major League Baseball’s Dan Jennings (former Miami Marlins manager) and John Stephenson (catcher)
- #students: 4,839
- #grads: 1,742
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
4. Union University
Jackson, Tennessee
Union University (UU, est. 1823) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. It is the formation of three Tennessee institutions that merged and currently serves students on this main campus, two education centers, and online, delivering “Christ-centered education.”
UU offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 100 cheap degree programs in total. It has two lowest-cost online/ hybrid doctoral degrees with multiple program options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD; includes EdS) in P-12 School Administration with three concentrations: Instructional Leadership, Licensure; Leadership in School Reform, Non-Licensure; Teacher Leadership, Non-Licensure
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; blended) with two entry options:
- Post-Baccalaureate in Executive Leadership with two options: Post-BSN; Post-BS (non-nursing) with RN certification
- Post-Master’s DNP with three options: Executive Leadership (EL); Nurse Anesthesia (NA); Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Program requirements range from 38 to 68 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: practice/ clinical hours. UU also has an online Education Specialist program.
- In-state: $8,020 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $8,020 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (Best College Values); Peterson’s (Guide to Competitive Colleges); Princeton Review; President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; Templeton Foundation (Colleges that Encourage Character Development); U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Regional Universities South; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs)
- Notable alumni: Pauline Gore, mother of former U.S. Vice President Al Gore
- #students: 3,377
- #grads: 1,196
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
3. Piedmont International University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Piedmont International University (PIU, est. 1945) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Baptist Convention. It is third on our list of the most affordable Christian colleges with low-cost online PhD programs, and also serves students a “Bible-centered education” on campus.
PIU offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three affordable online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin) with six concentrations: Bible Exposition; Biblical Counseling; Church Revitalization; Discipleship/Christian Education; Leadership; Interdisciplinary Studies (combination)
- PhD Biblical Studies with three concentrations: Old Testament; New Testament; Theology
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership with three concentrations: Educational Administration; Ministry Administration; Organizational Management
Program requirements range from 30 to 60 credits, with minimum timelines of up to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: dissertation-related activities.
- In-state: $6,410 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $6,410 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- #students: 669
- #grads: 333
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission (TRACS; national accreditation)
2. University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
University of the Cumberlands (UC, est. 1888) is a private Christian institution (historically) affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention, now independent. It is second on our list of the most affordable online Christian doctoral colleges, and also serves students on two campuses.
UC offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has seven low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with six specializations: Accounting; Entrepreneurship; Healthcare Administration; Marketing; Project Management; Strategic Management
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education Leadership with two concentrations: Administration and Supervision; Counselor Education and Supervision
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business with six specializations (see DBA)
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) with five specializations: Addiction; Advanced Counseling; Leadership; Assessment; Christian Ministries
- Executive PhD in Business (hybrid)
- PhD in Leadership Studies (LS) with 11 concentrations
- PhD in Information Technology with four concentrations: Digital Forensics; Information Technology; Systems Security (Cybersecurity); Other related Information Technology concentrations (with approval)
Program requirements range from 60 to 66 credits, with minimum timelines of up to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: learning practicums; brief residencies; etc. Additional economical online/ blended doctorate degrees are currently not accepting applications, including the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology.
- In-state: $5,970 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $5,970 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: NSA/ DHS (National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD))
- Notable alumni: Olympic judo athletes Edward Liddie (bronze) and Leo White
- #students: 10,097
- #grads: 6,782
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
1. Otterbein University
Westerville, Ohio
Otterbein University (OU, est. 1847) is a private Christian institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, particularly the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, which was anti-slavery. It is first on our list of the most affordable online Christian doctorate degree programs, and also serves students on campus.
It has a history of milestones that include being one of the first universities in the country to accept female students and students of color.
OU offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with four entry options:
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) to DNP (MSN included) with two options: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- BSN to DNP (MSN included) with three options: FNP; PMHNP
- BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia (NA)
- Master’s Degree to DNP FNP
Program requirements range from 35 to 101 graduate credits, with minimum timelines of up to three years. (Extra undergrad credits may be required for some options.) Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: clinical/ practice hours; supervised project; etc.
- In-state: $941 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $941 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest)
- Notable alumni: Actor Gordon Jump (WKRP in Cincinnati)
- #students: 2,936
- #grads: 456
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Related Articles:
- What Type of Financial Aid is Available to Veterans and Their Dependents?
- What is Work/Life Credit and How Can I Use it Toward a Degree?
- What is the Difference Between a Non-profit and a For-Profit College?
- What is Accreditation and Why is it Important?
- What are the Pros and Cons of Attending a Religious College vs. a Secular College?
Other Rankings of Interest:
- 25 Most Affordable Private Nonprofit Colleges with Online Doctoral Degrees
- 25 Most Affordable Public Colleges with Online Doctoral Degrees
- 10 Most Affordable Online Ph.D. Computer Science
- 20 Most Affordable PhD in Online Teaching Online
- 25 Most Affordable Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction Online
- 10 Most Affordable Ph.D. in English Language Learning Online
- The 50 Most Affordable Colleges with the Best Return
- 15 Most Affordable Ph.D in Engineering Management Online
- 16 Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
The Best Colleges
The Lowest Costs
The Highest Returns