This article is is part of our AffordableSchools Graduate Guide to Online Doctoral Colleges series. This ranking looks at private, nonprofit colleges/ universities that offer online graduate degrees in the form of online or hybrid doctorate programs, and which have no current religious affiliation.
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, nonprofit colleges with no religious affiliation.
- Step 5: Filter: keep either (2) institutions with at least three distinct online/ hybrid PhD degree programs; (2) institutions with at least two distinct online/ hybrid doctorate degrees with at least four concentrations/ emphasis/ track options collectively (all relevant programs combined).
- 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: Online doctoral degrees listed here are regionally accredited. 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 change your overall cost of earning a doctoral degree. Note also that not all institutions listed here can serve online college students in every state. Please verify availability in your state of residence before applying.
Ranking – Affordable Private, Nonprofit Graduate Colleges with Online PhD Degrees
25. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Johns Hopkins University (JHU, est. 1876) is a private institution. It serves students on 10 campuses and learning centers in Maryland and Washington, D.C., in the USA, and three other countries, plus online. The university claims the milestone of being the country’s first research university, amongst many other milestones.
JHU offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has seven lower-cost private-college online/ hybrid doctoral programs plus options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) (p-t; online; option for non-master’s degree holders) with three specializations: Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education; Mind, Brain and Teaching; Urban Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science (CS)
- Doctor of Engineering (DEng; f-t; online/ non-residential plus twice-per-year DEng conference in-person; requires research collaboration between Whiting School of Engineering and student’s employer; for mid-career professional engineers; three years)
- PhD in Health Sciences Informatics (HSI) with two pathways: bachelor’s to PhD; master’s to PhD
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) with a concentration in Health Policy and Management (HPM) and three tracks: Healthcare Management and Leadership; Public Health Informatics; Quality and Patient Safety
- Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Advanced Practice Track (for BSN or MSN holders pre-licensure) with nine online or hybrid sub-tracks: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); Adult Gerontological Critical Care CNS (AGCC/CNS); Adult-Gerontological Health CNS (AGH/CNS); Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP); Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with HIV (AGPCNP-HIV); Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (FPCNP); Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with HIV (FPCNP-HIV); Pediatric Critical Care CNS (PCC/CNS); Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track (online plus 5 days onsite classes in year one; has room and board, travel and other expenses; has dual-degree with MBA)
Program requirements range from 48 to 90 credits and may require onsite or in-person (local) experiences such as a qualifying exams, onsite immersions, thesis committee meetings, thesis/ dissertation defense, final project, conferences, and/or clinical hours.
- In-state: $54,050 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $54,050 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (Grad Engineering Programs); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Billionaire entrepreneur/ philanthropist and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; singer Tori Amos; horror filmmaker Wes Craven; journalist Wolf Blitzer
- #students: 25,151
- #grads: 19,042
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
24. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, New York
Columbia University in the City of New York (Columbia, est. 1754) is a high-value private institution. The sole Ivy League institution in this ranking, Columbia serves students at five campuses and learning centers in New York state, nine Global Centers around the world, and online.
Columbia offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has four low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Engineering Science (DES) in Computer Science Doctorate (open only to Columbia MS Comp Sci students/ graduates; hybrid)
- DES in Earth and Environmental Engineering (EEE; hybrid)
- DES in Electrical Engineering (EE; hybrid)
- DES in Mechanical Engineering (ME; hybrid)
Program requirements are 30 credits beyond a relevant master’s degree. Onsite and/or in-person (local) experiences may include candidate exam (oral), dissertation defense, etc.
- In-state: $46,956 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $46,956 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Supreme Court judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Former U.S. President Barack Obama; billionaire investor Warren Buffet
- #students: 30,454
- #grads: 22,284
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
23. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
University of Southern California (USC, est. 1880) is a private institution. Amongst USC’s notable alumni are astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon – a milestone celebrating its 50th anniversary in July 2019.
USC offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has five affordable online/ hybrid doctoral degrees, plus options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership (EDL) with four concentrations: Educational Psychology; Higher Education Administration; K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings; Leading Instructional Change
- EdD in Global Executive (GE)
- EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership (OCL)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
Program requirements range from 42 to 115 credits. Students without a master’s degree may still be eligible to take certain doctorates by fulfilling prescribed extra credits. Possible onsite (on-campus) or in-person (local) experiences include:on-campus immersions; dissertation defense, residential sessions; clinical sessions; clerkships; etc.
- In-state: $44,013 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $44,013 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (Graduate Physical Therapy Programs); USA Today; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Filmmakers George Luca (Star Wars) and Judd Apatow; actors John Wayne, Will Ferrell and Forest Whitaker; Qualcomm co-founder Andrew Viterbi
- #students: 45,687
- #grads: 26,517
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
22. Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Thomas Jefferson University (Jefferson, est. 1884) is a private institution. The university merged with Philadelphia University as of 2017 (but retained the name) and now serves students at campuses, learning centers or partner locations, and online.
Jefferson offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three lower-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctorate of Midwifery
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two pathways: MSN to DNP; BSN to DNP (dual degree; includes MSN) with nine tracks (Adult-Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); Adult-Gerontology – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP); Community Systems Administration (CSA); Family/ Individual Across the Lifespan (F/IAL); Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP); Nursing Informatics (NI); Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP); Women’s Health Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) with two tracks: Bachelor’s to PPOTD; Master’s to PPOTD
Program requirements range from 33 to 69 credits, with minimum timelines from two to six years. Students may need to complete any or all of the following onsite (campus) or in-person (local) experiences: orientation; brief residencies; practicums; etc.
- In-state: $38,285 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $38,285 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Grad Schools – Nursing-Midwifery)
- Notable alumni: Surgeon John Gibbon, inventor of the heart-lung machine
- #students: 4,028
- #grads: 3,212
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
21. Rush University
Chicago, Illinois
Rush University (Rush, est. 1972) is a private institution and a member of the Rush University System. A medical school from the start, it has had many notable faculty members who contributed to American medical history. It also claims the milestone of being the first U.S. school to award a doctor of medicine degree (1847) to an African-American graduate, David Jones Peck.
Rush offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 40 affordable programs in total. It has 15 low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral degree programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC PNP) with three tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP for APRNs; MSN to DNP for non-APRNs
- DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP; hybrid) with two tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP
- DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGACCNS; hybrid)
- DNP in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP; hybrid) with three tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP for APRNs; MSN to DNP for non-APRNs
- DNP in Advanced Public Health Nursing (APHN) with two tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP for non-APRNs
- DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP; hybrid) with two tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP
- DNP in Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (NCNS) with two tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP
- DNP in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) with two tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP
- DNP in Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS) with two tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP
- DNP in Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PC PNP) with three tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP for APRNs; MSN to DNP for non-APRNs
- DNP in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with three tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP for APRNs; MSN to DNP for non-APRNs
- DNP in Transformative Leadership: Population Health (TL:PH)
- DNP in Transformative Leadership: Systems (TL:S)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences (asynchronous online)
- PhD in Nursing Science (NS) with three tracks: BSN to PhD; MSN to PhD; graduate non-nurses track)
Program requirements run from 31 to 77 credits, with minimum timelines of two to five years. (Some programs are part-time but require full-time commitment in the final year of study.) Students may need to complete onsite (campus) or in-person experiences such as: immersion residency; comprehensives; specialty practicum; training; clinical hours; dissertation defense; etc.
- In-state: $34,654 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $34,654 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (#4 Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
- #students: 2,569
- #grads: 2,460
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
20. Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Drexel University (Drexel, est. 1891) is a private institution. It serves students on four campuses, one affiliated learning and research center, and online.
Drexel offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Management (ELM) with nine concentrations: Athletic Administration; Creativity and Innovation; Educational Administration; Education Policy; Global and International Education; Higher Education; Human Resource Development; Learning Technologies; Special Education Leadership
- Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) with two concentrations: Individualized; Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program requirements range from 45.0 to 61.5 quarter credits, with minimum timelines of three to five years (part-time). Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include orientation, global engagement, various practicums/ clinical hours, etc.
- In-state: $33,996 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $33,996 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Bloomberg Businessweek; Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Artist/ painter Maxfield Parrish
- #students: 24,190
- #grads: 8,656
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
19. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
North Chicago, Illinois
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU, est. 1912) is a private institution. Originally founded as a college of medicine, it serves students on one campus and online, with minority students comprising nearly 50% of enrollment (of which half are students of Asian origin).
RFU offers affordable master’s and doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 30 top-value programs in total. It has four of the cheapest online/ hybrid doctoral degrees:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Nurse Anesthesia Completion (CRNA MS to DNP)
- Doctor of Science (DSc) in Interprofessional Healthcare Studies (IHS)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Interprofessional Healthcare Studies (IHS)
- Transition Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT)
Program requirements range from 49 to 69 quarter credits, with minimum timelines starting at two years part-time. While there are no on-campus requirements, students have the option of interacting with faculty and other students. Some of these economical online doctorates use simulation-based education “for both hands-on clinical skills and soft skills.”
- In-state: $33,741 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $33,741 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- #students: 2,145
- #grads: 2,145
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
18. George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
George Washington University (GWU, est. 1821) is a private institution. It has a reputation for producing graduates that later became millionaires and billionaires, as well as alumni that hold high positions in politics.
GWU offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has nine of the most inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Engineering (DEng) in Engineering Management (EM)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP; post-BSN)
- DNP in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP; post-BSN)
- DNP in Executive Leadership (EL; post-MSN)
- DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP; post-BSN)
- DNP in Health Policy (HP; post-MSN)
- DNP in Nursing Practice (NP; post-MSN)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
- PhD in Systems Engineering (SE)
Program requirements range from 36 to 81 credits with minimum timelines of up to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences might include: qualifying oral exam, testing, training, research or dissertation defense, final exam, clinical exams, clinical hours, etc. Some programs have limited geographic placements for clinical rotations.
- In-state: $29,840 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $29,840 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; National Law Journal; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: 2020 Democratic Presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren; President Trump administration advisors William Barr and Kellyanne Conway
- #students: 27,973
- #grads: 15,974
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
17. Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles (TCSPP, est. 1979) is a private institution and a member of the TCS System. , which serves students on seven campuses and online.
TCSPP offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has five cheap online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Psychology and Technology (EPT) with three concentrations: Higher Education Learning and Technology; Instructional Design; K-12 Education Learning and Technology
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with optional Credential track
- PhD in Business Psychology (BP) with two pathways (post-bachelor; post-master) and two tracks: Consulting; Industrial/ Organizational
- PhD in International Psychology (IP) with two optional concentrations: Organizations and Systems; Trauma Services
- PhD in Organizational Leadership
These top-value doctoral degree programs have minimum timelines of three to four years, with most being taken full-time, except for the EPT degree, which is a part-time program. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: residencies, dissertation defense, training opportunities, field work (possibly international), etc.
- In-state: $28,927 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $28,927 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: President’s Honor Roll for Community Service
- #students: 2,442
- #grads: 2,304
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
16. Saybrook University
Oakland, California
Saybrook University (Saybrook, est. 1971) is a private institution and a member of the TCS Education System. Founded on humanistic psychology principles, it serves students programs on campus and online primarily in Social Sciences, Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences.
Saybrook offers affordable master’s and doctorate level degree (hybrid) programs. It has five low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology (
- PhD in Managing Organizational Systems with four specializations: Collaborative Strategic Management; Educational Leadership; Humane Education; Leadership of Sustainable Systems
- PhD in Mind-Body Medicine with three specializations: Integrative Mental Health; Integrative Wellness Coaching; Mindful Leadership in Healthcare
- PhD in Psychology with four specializations: Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health; Creativity Studies; Existential, Humanistic, and Transpersonal Psychology; Psychophysiology
- PhD in Transformative Social Change
Program requirements range from 60 to 108 credits. Possible onsite (campus) or in-person (local) experiences include: residential conferences, orientation, clinical hours, clinical internship, comprehensive exams, etc. Students who have (or are in) an MA from Saybrook can complete two of the online PhD degrees with fewer credits (60-75 credits instead of the default 68-83 credits, for both): (1) PhD in Psychology; (2) PhD in Transformative Social Change.
- In-state: $27,439 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $27,439 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: US News & World Report
- #students: 685
- #grads: 685
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
15. A T Still University of Health Sciences
Kirksville, Missouri
A T Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU, est. 1892) is a private institution. It serves students on two campuses (Missouri, Arizona) and online.
ATSU offers low-cost master’s and doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 40 cheap degree programs in total. It has five affordable online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Post-Professional Doctor of Audiology (AuD) with 2- and 3-yr tracks (credits needed vary based on relevant work experience and master’s degree studies)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Health Professions (HP)
- Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)
- Doctor of Health Sciences (DHS) with three optional certificate choices: Fundamental of Education; Global Health; Leadership and Organizational Behavior
- Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT)
Program requirements range from 38 to 96 credits. Onsite (campus) or in-person (local) experiences may be necessary, including dissertation defense, clinical hours, etc.
- In-state: $26,503 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $26,503 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Hispanic Business Magazine (Best Medical Schools for Hispanics); INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine; (Higher Education Excellence in Diversity); President’s Honor Roll; U.S. News & World Report; Victory Media (Military Friendly School)
- Notable alumni: Founder of Des Moines University, S.S. Still (nephew of ATSU’s founder)
- #students: 3,723
- #grads: 3,723
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
14. Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Wilkes University (Wilkes, est. 1933) is a private institution. Originally founded as a junior college of Bucknell University (also in Pennsylvania), it serves students on campus and online.
Wilkes offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has three lower-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
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- Doctor of Education (EdD; low residency) with two specializations: K-12 Administration; Educational Leadership with three concentrations (Curriculum and Instruction; Educational Leadership Studies; Educational Technology)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
Program requirements range from 30 to 60 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include any or all of residencies, dissertation defense, internship or clinical hours, etc.
- In-state: $25,056 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $25,056 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Brookings Institution; G.I. Jobs Magazine/ Victory Media (Military Friendly); Money Magazine; Princeton Review; The Economist; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Composer/ pianist Jackson Berkey (Mannheim Steamroller)
- #students: 5,545
- #grads: 3,054
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
13. MCPHS University
Boston, Massachusetts
MCPHS University (MCPHS, est. 1823) is a private institution. Formerly known Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, it is Boston’s oldest institute of higher education. It serves students on three campuses and online.
MCPHS offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 100 inexpensive degree programs in total. It has five low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Acupuncture and Integrative Health (DAIH)
- Doctor of Health Sciences (DHS) with three concentrations: Educational Leadership; Global Health; Health Systems Administration
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) — Post-baccalaureate Pathway
- Doctor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (DScPAS) with three concentrations: Clinical Management; Educational Leadership; Health System
Program requirements range from 25 to 54 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include clinical hours, dissertation defense, short residencies, etc.
- In-state: $21,870 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $21,870 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Money Magazine (Most Transformative College in the U.S.); U.S. News & World Report
- #students: 7,208
- #grads: 3,326
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
12. Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Nova Southeastern University (NSU, est. 1964) is a private institution. In its current form, it is the result of a 1994 merger between two universities, and serves students on 11 campuses and online.
NSU offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 150 affordable degrees at all levels. It has 13 inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) with eight concentrations
- Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) with dual-degree option (MHSc) and three concentrations: Education in the Health Care Professions; Global Health; Telehealth
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Bridge option for closely-related non-nursing master’s degree holders
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science (CS; hybrid)
- PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (CAR) with four concentrations: Community-Based Conflict; Conflict in Organizations; Global Conflict; Interpersonal Conflict
- PhD in Criminal Justice (CJ) with three concentrations: Behavioral Science; Juvenile Justice; Organizational Leadership
- PhD in Cybersecurity Management (CM; hybrid)
- PhD in Health Sciences (HS)
- PhD in Information Systems (IS; hybrid)
- PhD in Nursing with Nursing Education (NE) focus
- PhD in Occupational Therapy – Post Professional (OT)
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy with two hybrid/ blended tracks: Entry Level (OTD); Post Professional (DrOT)
- Doctor Of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD; hybrid)
Program requirements range from 36 to 76 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include dissertation defense, class meetings, residential institutes, research residencies, comprehensive exams, clinical hours, etc. Also available: online Education Specialist program.
- In-state: $20,419 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $20,419 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Will Kirby
- #students: 20,793
- #grads: 16,296
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
11. Fielding Graduate University
Santa Barbara, California
Fielding Graduate University (Fielding, est. 1974) is a private institution. It was co-founded by philosopher/ author/ educator Frederic Hudson, who later founded the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara. It serves students (75% female) on campus and online.
Fielding offers affordable master’s and doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has six of the cheapest online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) Leadership for Change (LC) with three optional concentrations: Community College Leadership for Change; Dual Language; Leadership of Higher Education Systems
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology (hybrid) with four concentrations: Forensic Psychology; Health Psychology; Neuropsychology; Social Justice and Diversity — up to 179 credits, depending on on concentration choice and clinicals
- PhD in Human Development (HD; hybrid) with two optional concentrations: Creative Longevity and Wisdom; Somatics, Phenomenology and Communicative Leadership
- PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development (IECD; hybrid) with two emphasis options (Developmental Disorders; Mental Health) and an optional concentration in Reflective Practice/ Supervision
- PhD in Media Psychology (MP) with three optional concentrations: Brand Psychology and Audience Engagement; Positive Psychology and Media; Social Impact of Mobile Media and Immersive Technology
- PhD in Organizational Development and Change (OD&C) with dual degree (master’s) option and five optional concentrations: Evidence Based Coaching; Inclusive Leadership for Social Justice; Media, Technology, and Innovation; Organization Development; Sustainability Leadership
Program requirements range from 84 to 94 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person experiences (local) may include dissertation defense, orientation meetings, in-person seminars, clinical/ practicum hours, etc. Fielding has a Common Doctoral Framework (CDF) of “shared doctoral concentrations” available to students enrolled in a doctoral program, which supplement any specific program’s own concentrations. The CDF offers 11 best-value concentrations, primarily in leadership, but also in coaching, organizational development and more. Some restrictions apply. Students who have graduate credits towards a doctoral degree may be eligible to take Fielding’s PhD Degree Completion Program (DCP), which accepts up to 40 transfer credits. See site for details.
- In-state: $18,718 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $18,718 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine; Diverse Issues in Higher Education
- Notable alumni: Actor Marshall Colt, who appeared in the football comedy film North Dallas Forty, amongst other movies and TV shows.
- #students: 1,071
- #grads: 1,071
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
10. Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Maryville University of Saint Louis (Maryville, est. 1872) is a private institution. It was originally founded as a women’s institution (by the Society of the Sacred Heart), going coed in 1968 and independent in 1972. It serves students on campus and online.
Maryville offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has four of the least expensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Leadership (HEL)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration (DNP-NP FNPC; for MSN holders)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) FNP with five concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP); Pediatric (Primary Care) Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- DNP-NP (for MSN holders wanting NP credentials), which has five specializations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP); Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
Program requirements range from 48 to 71 credits, with minimum timelines of 20 to 40 months. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include dissertation defense, clinical/ practicum hours, etc. GMAT/ GRE scores may not be required. A choice of online or on-campus residency is an option for some programs.
- In-state: $15,646 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,646 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- #students: 7,689
- #grads: 4,506
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
9. City University of Seattle
Seattle, Washington
City University of Seattle (CityU, est. 1973) is a private institution and a member of the National University System. Founded with working adults in mind, it serves students on multiple campuses and online.
CityU offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three cheap online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership with three concentrations: Organizational Leadership; Higher Education; Specialize Study with six options (Adult Education and Online Learning; Entrepreneurship; Global Leadership; Inspired Teacher Leadership; Nonprofit Leadership; Strategic Innovation and Decision Making
- Doctor of Information Technology (DIT) with five concentrations: Adult Education and Instructional Design; Computer Science; Information Security; Management and Leadership; Project Management)
Program requirements run from 78 to 91 credits and may include a capstone project, dissertation defense and/or on-campus residency of some sort.
- In-state: $15,264 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,264 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Billionaire founder of Bodog Entertainment, Calvin Ayre
- #students: 2,199
- #grads: 1,271
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8. Union Institute and University
Cincinnati, Ohio
Union Institute and University (UIU, est. 1964) is a private institution. It serves students at nearly a dozen campuses/ learning centers (Ohio, California, Florida) and online. The university claims “over 50 years of success in distance learning.”
UIU offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has five low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Studies (ES)
- PhD in Ethical and Creative Leadership (ECL)
- PhD in Humanities and Culture (HC)
- PhD in Public Policy and Social Change (PPSC)
- PhD in Martin Luther King Jr. Studies (MLK)
Program requirements are a minimum of 66 credits. Curriculum needs may include onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences including any or all of brief residencies, meetings, dissertation defense, etc.
- In-state: $14,828 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,828 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Author/ poet Rita Mae Brown (Rubyfruit Jungle); Harman/ Kardon consumer audio electronics cofounder Sidney Harman
- #students: 1,085
- #grads: 272
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
7. Mercer University
Macon, Georgia
Mercer University (Mercer, est. 1833) is a private institution. Originally founded as a Baptist organization, it is currently unaffiliated but retains some religious studies programs. It serves students at 16 campuses and learning centers, and online.
Mercer offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has five affordable online/ hybrid doctoral degree programs:
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin) with eight specializations: Christian Spirituality; Justice and Peacemaking; Leadership and Ministry; Mission and Community Transformation; Pastoral Care/ Chaplaincy; Preaching; Scripture and the Life of the Church; Theology/ Christian Worship
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with five options: Generalist (post-masters); Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); BSN to DNP with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); BSN to DNP with Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); BSN to DNP with Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Curriculum and Instruction (CI; hybrid)
- PhD in Educational Leadership (EL) with two tracks: Higher Education; P-12
- PhD in Nursing
Program requirements range from 33 to 76 credits. Some in-person experiences may be necessary, including any or all of meetings, weekend sessions, doctoral defense, clinical/ practicum hours, etc. Three hybrid Educational Specialist programs are also available.
- In-state: $14,670 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,670 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Former U.S. Attorney General Griffin Bell (Jimmy Carter Administration); TV host Nancy Grace
- #students: 8,653
- #grads: 3,906
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
6. Brandman University
Irvine, California
Brandman University (BU, est. 1958) is a private institution and a member of the Chapman University System. It serves students at over two dozen locations (California and Washington states) and online, especially catering to adult students (average age: 36). The university is proud of its high undergrad graduation rate and its low student loan default rate.
BU offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three lower-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership (OL)
- BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) with two hybrid tracks: Family/ Across the Lifespan NP; Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
- Post-Masters to DNP (PM-DNP; hybrid)
Program requirements range from 57 to 73 credits, with minimum timelines of 36 to 36 months. Possible onsite (campus) or in-person (local) experiences include practicum/ clinical hours, etc.
- In-state: $11,880 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,880 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: G.I Jobs Magazine (Military-Friendly School); Military Times (Best For Vets: Colleges); U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA)
- #students: 7,812
- #grads: 4,135
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
5. Endicott College
Beverly, Massachusetts
Endicott College (EC, est. 1939) is a private institution. It has a number of sustainability initiatives on campus (including the use of solar canopies), for which it has earned a spot on the Sierra Club’s Greenest Colleges ranking list.
EC offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 80 cheap degree programs in total. It has four low cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs and options, delivered by the Van Loan School of Graduate and Professional Studies:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership in Higher Education (ELHE)
- EdD in Educational Leadership in PreK-12 Program
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- PhD in Nursing Program (NP; hybrid)
Program requirements range from 45 to 60 credits and may include dissertation defense, apprenticeship, or other in-person requirements. Online classes may be synchronous, offered simultaneously with on-campus classroom sessions.
- In-state: $11,835 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,835 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges for Veterans; Most Innovative Schools; Regional Universities North; Regional Universities North; Best Value Schools; Best Undergraduate Teaching)
- Notable alumni: MTV personality Susie Castillo; Olympic figure skater Aimee Buchanan
- #students: 4,795
- #grads: 1,451
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
4. Hampton University
Hampton, Virginia
Hampton University (Hampton, est. 1868) is a private institution that is an HBCU (Historically Black College/ University). It is run by Dr. William Harvey, one of the longest-serving higher education presidents in the country. In addition to being the author of a book on leadership, he has the honor of having Hampton’s main library named after him and his wife Norma. His relevant personal history includes experiencing meeting Civil Rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Reverend Ralph Abernathy at his boyhood home.
Hampton offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has five inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration (BA)
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES)
- PhD in Educational Management (EM) with four specializations: Higher Education; Pre-K-12 Education; Special Education; STEM Leadership
- PhD in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program requirements range from 33 to 81 credits. Potential onsite (campus) and in-person (local) experiences include dissertation defense, clinical/ practicum hours, summer residencies, comprehensive exam, etc.
- In-state: $11,350 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,350 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Educator/ leader Booker T. Washington, founder of Tuskegee University, an HBCU; Comedian Wanda Sykes
- #students: 4,618
- #grads: 826
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
3. Capitol Technology University
Laurel, Maryland
Capitol Technology University (CTU, est. 1927) is a private institution ranking number three on our list of the most affordable online doctorate colleges. More than half of its undergrads are from underserved groups.
CTU offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has 10 of the cheapest online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Aviation with two options: Dissertation; Publication
- PhD in Business Analytics and Decision Sciences (BADS; primarily online)
- PhD in Construction Science (CS)
- PhD in Critical Infrastructure (CI)
- PhD in Manufacturing (Mfg)
- PhD in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) with two options: Dissertation; Publication
- PhD in Product Management (PM) with two options: Dissertation; Publication
- PhD in Technology with three pathways: MSN holders; non-MSN holders (dual degree); doctorate holders (not from CTU)
- PhD in Unmanned Systems Applications (USA)
- Doctorate (DSc) in Cybersecurity (Cyb; low residency)
Program requirements run from 54 to 66 credits. Many of these programs have a choice of Dissertation or Publication (research with publication). Oral defense in such programs may require on-campus presence.
- In-state: $11,070 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,070 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: G.I. Jobs (Military Friendly School); NSA/DHS (Center of Academic Excellence); U.S. News & World Report’s (Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate)
- #students: 736
- #grads: 305
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
2. Urbana University
Urbana, Ohio
Urbana University (UU, est. 1850) is a private institution and ranks number two in our list private nonprofit colleges offering the most affordable online doctorate degrees. Originally founded as a seminary, it is now a member of the Franklin University System, having been acquired in 2014. It has a milestone of being first in the state to offer degree completion programs designed for adult students.
Urbana offers some of the cheapest associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has four of the least expensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership (OL) with three focus areas: Higher Education Leadership; Organizational Leadership; PK-12 Educational Leadership
- Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)
- Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) – Instructional Design Leadership (IDL)
Program requirements are 58 credits, with minimum timelines of three years. Onsite or in-person (local) experiences may include dissertation defense, etc. Urbana accepts up to 24 credits of qualified graduate studies towards these online degrees.
- In-state: $9,450 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $9,450 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Colleges Midwest)
- Notable alumni: MMA fighter Jan Finney; Harlem Wizards basketballer Eric Jones
- #students: 1,623
- #grads: 115
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
1. Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Wilmington University (WilmU, est. 1968) is a private institution and number one in our list of the most affordable private nonprofit colleges offering online PhD degrees. It serves students on 13 campuses and learning centers (Delaware and New Jersey) and online, with the latter comprising around 44% of enrolled students.
WilmU offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has nine cheap online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA; online or hybrid)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership (EL) with three pathways: Teacher Leadership; Building Leadership; District Leadership
- EdD in Higher Education Leadership (HEL; online or hybrid)
- EdD in Organizational Learning, Leadership and Innovation (OLLI) with four concentrations: Custom; Strategic Leadership; Workplace Learning; Talent Development
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Traditional Pathway, with two options: Advanced Practice (NPs, CNMs, CNSs, CRNAs); Leadership
- DNP, Accelerated MSN to DNP Pathway (for current WilmU students) with two options: Leadership; Nurse Practitioner
- DNP, Post-Masters Nurse Practitioner Certificate and DNP degree with three specializations: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care; Family; Psychiatric Mental Health
- Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science (DSocSci)
Program requirements range from 33 to 54 credits, with minimum timelines from 2.5 to 4.5 years. A research project, capstone, lab work, field work and/or dissertation defense may be necessary, which may involve in-person or on-campus experiences.
- In-state: $8,438 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $8,438 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes magazine; U.S. News & World Report (2019: National Universities); Washington Monthly;
- Notable alumni: Former NRA president John Sigler; professional soccer player Anthony Allison
- #students: 14,170
- #grads: 5,730
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Other Rankings of Interest:
- 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
- 10 Most Affordable Ph.D in Marriage & Family Counseling Online
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