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 with a Catholic affiliation, and which offer graduate degrees in the form of online or hybrid PhD degree programs.
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 Catholic Christian 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 have 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 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 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 Catholic Graduate Colleges with Online PhD Degrees
25. Catholic University of America
Washington, DC
Catholic University of America (CUA, est. 1887) is a private institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The only Catholic university in the country to be charted by the Holy See in Rome, and one of high regard, with a long list of recognitions (see below), it serves students on campus and online.
CUA offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 180 high -value degree programs in total. It has five of the lowest-cost Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Evangelization
- DMin with concentration in Liturgical Catechesis (blended)
- DMin in Spirituality (blended)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
Program requirements range from 30 to 70 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: short/ summer residencies; clinical hours; etc.
- In-state: $45,020 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $45,020 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Kiplinger’s (best value private schools, eco-friendly); Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Colleges for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs)
- Notable alumni: Actor/ director Laurence Luckinbill; actress Susan Sarandon and her former husband, actor Chris Sarandon, Jr.; actors Jon Voight (father of Angelina Jolie) and John Heard (Home Alone, The Sopranos); former Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson TV show announcer Ed McMahon
- #students: 6,023
- #grads: 2,708
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
24. Misericordia University
Dallas, Pennsylvania
Misericordia University (MU, est. 1924) is a private institution affiliated with the Religious Sisters of Mercy. Originally a women’s college, men have been admitted since the 1970s, although female student enrollment is at about 69% compared to males at 31%.
MU offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two affordable Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: BSN to DNP (dual degree with MSN); MSN to DNP with optional specialization in Nursing Education (NE)
- Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD; hybrid)
Program requirements range from 27 to 64 credits, with minimum timelines of up to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: weekend meetings; clinical/ practice hours; etc.
- In-state: $34,170 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $34,170 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities North; Best Colleges for Veterans); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Alaskan Governor Mike Dunleavy
- #students: 2,708
- #grads: 562
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
23. University of San Francisco
San Francisco, California
University of San Francisco (USF, est. 1855) is a private institution affiliated with the Jesuits. It serves students on seven campuses throughout California, plus online, and has a history of commitment to encouraging student diversity. As of Fall 2017, Hispanic/ Latino and Asian students made up the 2nd and 3rd largest enrollment groups at 21% and 20.9%, respectively.
USF offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degree plus program options:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; hybrid; needs RN license and any master’s degree) with four tracks: Executive Leadership (EL-DNP); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP); Population Health Leadership (PHL)
- DNP – post-BSN with two tracks: FNP; PMHNP
Program requirements range from 42 to 59 credits, with minimum timelines of two to four years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: Teaching Weekends; clinical/ practicum hours. Some concurrent dual-degree (Master’s level) options are available.
- In-state: $24,260 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $24,260 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine (most entrepreneurial universities); President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs); Washington Monthly (community service)
- Notable alumni: Musician/ activist Michael Franti (Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Spearhead)
- #students: 11,063
- #grads: 4,218
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
22. Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Duquesne University (DU, est. 1878) is a private institution affiliated with the Spiritan Fathers. It is a highly-regarded university with a long-list of accomplishments and recognitions, including an ‘A’ credit rating from Moody’s, and a sustainability initiative that earned it an EPA Energy Star Award in 2009 — a first for an academic institution in Pennsylvania.
DU offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has four of the cheapest Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degree programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional Technology and Leadership (ITL)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing with two entry paths: post-MSN; DNP to PhD
- PhD in Nursing Ethics
Program requirements range from 35 to 57 credits, with minimum timelines of up to four years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: brief residencies; study abroad (Rome, Italy or Dublin, Ireland); leadership residency; dissertation approval; dissertation defense.
- In-state: $22,662 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $22,662 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Bloomberg Businessweek; Forbes Magazine (Best Value Colleges); Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Money Magazine (Best Colleges for Your Money); Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online Graduate Programs – Nursing, Education, Business Excluding MBA); Victory Media (Military Friendly School Gold); Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck)
- Notable alumni: Recording artist Bobby Vinton; composer Joseph Breil, first to create an original score for a movie (circa 1912)
- #students: 9,190
- #grads: 3,248
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
21. Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Saint Louis University (SLU, est. 1818) is a private institution affiliated with the Jesuits. Amongst the oldest Catholic universities in the country, it serves students at this main campus, at SLU Madrid in Spain, and online.
SLU offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two inexpensive Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees, plus program options:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – BSN to DNP with five concentrations: Adult/ Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); Adult/ Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP); Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing with two entry options: BSN to PhD; MSN to PhD
Program requirements range from 51 to 81 credits, with timelines of up to five years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: brief residencies; clinical hours; orientation; skills assessment; project presentation; other campus visits; etc.
- In-state: $20,346 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $20,346 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Colleges for Veterans); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Film director/ screenwriter James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, Dawn of the Dead); actor Robert Guillaume (Benson)
- #students: 14,581
- #grads: 4,671
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
20. DeSales University
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
DeSales University (DSU, est. 1964) is a private institution affiliated with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Serving students (64% female) on three campuses and online, it integrates Salesian/ Catholic/ Christian humanism principles into programs.
DSU offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two cheap Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: Clinical Leadership; Executive Leadership
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with two tracks: BS to DPT; master’s to DPT
Program requirements range from 35 to 48 credits, with minimum timelines of three to six years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: clinical hours; brief residencies; etc. A dual degree option exists for the DNP program of adding an MBA.
- In-state: $20,160 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $20,160 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities – North, Best Value; Best Online MBA Programs)
- Notable alumni: Steven Burns, original host of the Blue’s Clues TV show on Nickelodeon
- #students: 3,315
- #grads: 970
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
19. Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Loyola University Chicago (LUC, est. 1870) is a private institution affiliated with the Jesuits. Originally a men’s college, it went fully coed in 1966, however had some female students in select programs prior to that. It serves students of all faiths on four campuses (including Rome, Italy), three learning centers (USA and Vietnam) and online.
LUC offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 250 programs in total. It has three of the lowest-cost Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Bioethics (DBioethics; hybrid) with three specializations: Catholic Bioethics; Clinical Bioethics; Organizational Bioethics
- Doctor of Education (EdD; blended) in School Psychology (SP)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with three tracks: post-BSN Infection Prevention; post-MSN General; post-MSN Informatics and Outcomes
Program requirements range from 36 to 72 credits (up to 36 transfer credits for some), with minimum timelines of up to two years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: short intensives; weekend immersions; clinical hours; etc.
- In-state: $19,458 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $19,458 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Bloomberg Businessweek; Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities); Washington Monthly
- #students: 17,007.0
- #grads: 5,088
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
18. Felician University
Lodi, New Jersey
Felician University (Felician, est. 1942) is a private institution affiliated with the Felician Sisters. Originally a women’s college, it is currently coed (since 1986), although female undergrad enrollment is at about 72%. It serves a diverse population of students on two campuses and online, and incorporates Catholic/ Franciscan values into its programs. While not an HBCU, its undergrad enrollment consists of 24% Black/ African American students, as well as 29% Hispanic/ Latino (making it an Hispanic-Serving Institution or HSI).
Felician offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two of the least expensive Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with multiple certification options
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two options: Advanced Practice; Executive Leadership
Program requirements range from 36 to 70 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: brief residencies; dissertation residency; practice/ clinical hours; etc.
- In-state: $19,290 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $19,290 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: PayScale.com (best value); U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities North; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs)
- Notable alumni: MLB pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, Jerry Vasto
- #students: 1,996
- #grads: 370
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
17. Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Villanova University (VU, est. 1842) is a private institution affiliated with the Augustinians. It serves students an education that integrates academic programs with Augustinian Catholic principles.
VU offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 100 best-value degree programs in total. It has two affordable Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing (hybrid)
Program requirements range from 32 to 51 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: summer residencies; semesterly meetings; dissertation defense; etc.
- In-state: $18,473 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $18,473 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Bloomberg Businessweek; Forbes Magazine; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Princeton Review; The Economist; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online Grad Programs – Engineering, MBA, Business Excluding MBA); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Former U.S. Second Lady Jill Biden, wife of former Vice President and current Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden; actress Maria Bello; musicians Jim Croce (Bad, Bad Leroy Brown) and Don McLean (American Pie)
- #students: 10,967
- #grads: 4,017
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
16. Gannon University
Erie, Pennsylvania
Gannon University (Gannon, est. 1925) is a private institution affiliated with the Diocese of Erie. Originally a men’s college, it has been coed since 1964 and currently serves students on two campuses plus online, integrating Catholic Christian traditions and promoting “ethical leadership in the community.”
Gannon offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two low cost Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – MSN/ APRN to DNP
- Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
Program requirements range from 26 to 34 credits, with minimum timelines of up to two years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: clinical hours. Gannon plans to offer a BSN to DNP entry option to the online DNP program in the future.
- In-state: $18,460 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $18,460 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities North; Best Colleges for Veterans)
- Notable alumni: Actors Daniel Cudmore (Colossus in X-Men) and Jonathan Scialabba (Outsiders, Marshall)
- #students: 4,149
- #grads: 1,073
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
15. University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, Texas
University of the Incarnate Word (UIW, est. 1881) is a private institution affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Originally a women’s college, it is currently both the largest Catholic university in the state, and the top producer of Hispanic baccalaureate graduates (“faith-based universities”), as well as an HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution). It welcomes students of all faiths.
UIW offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three of the cheapest Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees, plus program options:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- BSN-Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP; blended) with two concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- MSN-Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN-DNP)
Program requirements range from 32 to 77 credits, with minimum timelines of two to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: clinical hours; etc.
- In-state: $18,258 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $18,258 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Military Times (Best for Vets: Colleges); U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities West; Best Online Programs – MBA, Graduate Business Excluding MBA)
- Notable alumni: Actor Ricardo Chavira (Desperate Housewives)
- #students: 8,603
- #grads: 2,609
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
14. St John’s University-New York
Queens, New York
St John’s University-New York (SJU, est. 1870) is a private institution affiliated with the Vincentian Fathers. It serves students on seven campuses and online.
SJU offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 100 in total. It has two inexpensive Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees, plus program options:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Literacy with four specializations: Educational Leadership; Literacy; Special Education; TESOL and Bilingual Education
- Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) in Homeland Security (HS; hybrid)
Program req: 42 to 78 credits, with minimum timelines of up to 2.5 years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: brief residencies; optional on-campus classes; advisor meetings; internships; dissertation defense; career-planning meetings; etc.
- In-state: $18,175 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $18,175 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Business Insider; Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online Programs – Graduate Education, Graduate Business – excluding MBA); Victory Media (Military Friendly School)
- Notable alumni: Former NY state governors Mario Cuomo and Hugh Carey; former CIA Director William Casey; NBA Hall-of-Famer Chris Mullin
- #students: 21,340
- #grads: 4,579
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
13. Barry University
Miami, Florida
Barry University (Barry, est. 1940) is a private institution affiliated with the Dominican Sisters. Originally a women’s college, it is currently co-ed, serving students on the main campus, at various learning centers, and online.
Barry offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has four of the cheapest Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees, plus options:
- Doctorate in Social Work (DSW; incl. 20cr residency in 3rd and 6th sem)
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
- Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: BSN to DNP with two clinical specializations (Family Nurse Practitioner – FNP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – AGACNP); MSN to DNP with optional specialization in Anesthesiology
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD; off-campus cohorts) in Nursing with two tracks: BSN to PhD; MSN to PhD (traditional or summer residency)
Program req: 35 to 82 credits, with minimum timelines of 24 to 32 months. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: residency; degree or dissertation defense; clinical hours; etc.
- In-state: $17,820 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $17,820 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities); Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2019-20)
- Notable alumni: Former NBA great, actor, entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal; actor, lawyer, and the presiding judge on the TV show Judge Alex
- #students: 7,358
- #grads: 3,853
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
12. Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska
Creighton University (CU, est. 1878) is a private institution affiliated with the Jesuits. It serves students an education that integrates Jesuit/ Ignatian values.
CU offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has six of the least expensive Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Business Administration (DBA; hybrid)
- Interdisciplinary Leadership (EdD)
- Nursing (Doctor of Nursing Practice; hybrid) with two entry options:
- Nurse Leader (NL) with Clinical Systems Administration track
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with four tracks: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP); dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (PPNP+ACNP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Occupational Therapy (OTD; hybrid)
- Post-Professional Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) with two entry options: current Bachelor’s or Master’s in OT
- Pharmacy (PharmD; hybrid)
Program requirements range from 54 to 143 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: orientation; brief residencies; dissertation-related activities; fieldwork; clinical hours; etc. A GRE may not be required for some of these online graduate degrees.
- In-state: $16,964 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $16,964 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (Best College Values); Military Times (Best: Colleges); Princeton Review (Best Value Colleges); U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Global Universities; Best Online Programs – Graduate Education, MBA, Graduate Business – excluding MBA); Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2019-20); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Chicago Cubs baseball team owner Joe Ricketts (also founder of TD Ameritrade); entrepreneur Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One
- #students: 8,654
- #grads: 4,399
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
11. College of Saint Mary
Omaha, Nebraska
College of Saint Mary (CSM, est. 1923) is a private institution affiliated with the Religious Sisters of Mercy. A women’s college, it serves students an education that focuses on leadership.
CSM offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two affordable Catholic online doctorate degree programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) with emphasis in Educational Leadership (EL)
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT; blended)
Program requirements range from 51 to 107 credits (possibly including up to 36 credits of a master’s), with minimum timelines of 2.6 to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: oral defense of dissertation; synchronous virtual meetings; clinical internships; practicum hours; etc.
- In-state: $16,820 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $16,820 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest)
- Notable alumni: Novelist Sharon Kava
- #students: 1,140
- #grads: 308
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
10. Edgewood College
Madison, Wisconsin
Edgewood College (EC, est. 1927) is a private institution affiliated with the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. Originally a women’s college, it has admitted male students as of 1970, but enrollment for females is nearly triple that of males (as of Fall 2018). It integrates its academic offering with Dominican Christian values.
EC offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two low cost Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership (EL) with concentration in Higher Education (HE)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two pathways:
- Post-Master’s DNP with concentration in Executive Leadership
- BSN to DNP with four concentrations: Administration; Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS); Education; Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Program requirements range from 27 to 72 credits, with minimum timelines of two to 4.5 years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: meetings; select face-to-face evening courses; brief residencies; clinical hours; etc.
- In-state: $16,740 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $16,740 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Princeton Review (Guide to Green Colleges); U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online Programs – MBA, Graduate Business Programs – excluding MBA)
- Notable alumni: Alexis Herman, who served under President Bill Clinton as Labor Secretary; disability advocate Jeff Erlanger
- #students: 2,221
- #grads: 657
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
9. University of Mary
Bismarck, North Dakota
University of Mary (UMary, est. 1959) is a private institution affiliated with the Benedictine Sisters/ Order of Saint Benedict. Originally a women’s college, men have been fully admitted since the 1960s. It integrates Christian/ Catholic/ Benedictine values into its academic programs, and it serves students at this campus, plus learning centers in North Dakota and four other states, as well as Italy and Peru, plus online.
UMary offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs – nearly 80 high-value degree programs in total. It has two of the cheapest Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degree programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD; blended) in Educational Leadership (EL)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two entry options:
- MSN to DNP (blended)
- BSN to DNP (blended) with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track
Program requirements range from 51 to 86 credits, with timelines of up to 32 months. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: meetings/ onsite visits, clinical/ practicum hours.
- In-state: $15,225 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,225 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest)
- #students: 3,396
- #grads: 1,159
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
8. St Catherine University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
St Catherine University (St. Kate’s, est. 1905) is a private institution affiliated with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. A women’s college at the undergrad level, it accepts men into graduate programs. It is tops in the state (private colleges) for its economic mobility rate of graduates.
St. Kate’s offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two inexpensive Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD-PP)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; hybrid) with three entry options:
- Post-Master’s DNP
- DNP Nurse Practitioner (blended = weekday classes supplemented with online and weekend classes) with two specialty NP options: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care; Pediatric Primary Care
- Dual-Degree BSN to DNP with four options: DNP and Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies (MAHS); DNP and Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL); DNP and Master of Business Administration (MBA); DNP and Master of Health Informatics (MHI)
Program requirements range from 33 to 74 credits, with minimum timelines of 18 months to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: brief onsite sessions; clinical/ practice hours; etc.
- In-state: $15,098 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,098 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Colleges for Veterans)
- Notable alumni: Science fiction and fantasy novelist Kelly Barnhill; actress Nancy Youngblut (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
- #students: 4,724
- #grads: 1,566
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
7. University of St Francis
Joliet, Illinois
University of St Francis (USF, est. 1920) is a private institution affiliated with the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. Originally a women’s college, it has been coed since 1971 but enrollment leans to women (64% vs 36% men). While not quite an HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution), Hispanic/ Latino enrollment is at 22%. Named after Saint Francis of Assisi, it bases its education programs on the Franciscan values of Respect, Compassion, Service, Integrity.
USF offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two of the lowest-cost Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD; blended) in Educational Leadership (EL) with two concentrations: Leadership, Learning and Stewardship; Superintendent Endorsement
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; blended) – Post-MSN with optional Education concentration
Program requirements are 40 to 60 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: practicum/ clinical hours.
- In-state: $13,839 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $13,839 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: G.I. Jobs (Military Friendly School); Money Magazine (Best Colleges for Your Money); Princeton Review; US News & World Report (Best Midwest Regional Universities; Best Grad Schools; Best Online Programs – Graduate Education, MBA, Nursing, Business – excluding MBA)
- Notable alumni: Mixed Martial Artist (MMA) fighter Mike Wessel
- #students: 4,166
- #grads: 2,567
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
6. Mount Mary University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mount Mary University (MMU, est. 1913) is a private institution affiliated with the School Sisters of Notre Dame. It is a women’s undergrad college but coed at the graduate level, and welcomes students of all faiths with a diversity and inclusion initiative that has resulted in nearly 50% minority students.
MMU offers best-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – nearly 40 cheap degree programs in total. It has two of the least expensive Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degree programs:
- Occupational Therapy Post-Professional Doctorate (OTD; distance) – Post-Master’s
- Professional Doctorate of Art Therapy (blended/ low-residency)
Program requirements range from 26 to 40 credits, with minimum timelines of 21 months to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: brief residencies; live digital meetings (e.g., synchronous) clinical/ practice hours; etc. Holders of a BS in Occupational Therapy must complete a master’s first, which will make them eligible for the OTD program.
- In-state: $13,440 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $13,440 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: President’s Higher Education Community Service Award; U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Colleges for Veterans)
- Notable alumni: Karen Davidson executive at Harley-Davidson motorcycle company, and descendant of co-founder William Davidson
- #students: 1,399
- #grads: 699
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
5. Regis University
Denver, Colorado
Regis University (Regis, est. 1877) is a private institution affiliated with the Jesuits. It has had the honor of hosting several notable guests, including Pope John Paul II, Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Elie Wiesel and Lech Walesa, as well as Betty Williams and David Trimble, both of Northern Ireland.
Regis offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two affordable Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two specializations: Advanced Leadership in Health Care (ALHC); Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD; blended; jointly offered with Creighton University, listed elsewhere in this article) – Post-Baccalaureate
Program requirements range from 31 to 124.5 credits, with minimum timelines of two to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: onsite classes; lab or field work; clinical/ practice hours.
- In-state: $12,852 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $12,852 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: US News & World Report (Regional Universities West)
- Notable alumni: Actors/ comedians John Farley (brother to Chris) and Bill Murray (attended; received honorary doctorate)
- #students: 8,341
- #grads: 4,257
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
4. Cabrini University
Radnor, Pennsylvania
Cabrini University (Cabrini, est. 1957) is a private institution affiliated with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Named after Saint Cabrini, it started as a women’s institution, going fully coed in the 1970s. It serves students on-campus and online, and has community service as a graduation requirement for undergrads.
Cabrini offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three low cost Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees, plus program options:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA; blended) in Organizational Development (OD)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership (EL; hybrid) with three concentrations: Curriculum and Instructional Leadership; Higher Education Leadership; PreK-12 Leadership with optional Pennsylvania Superintendent Certification
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD; blended) in Organizational Development (OD)
Program requirements range from 60 to 70 credits, with minimum timelines of up to three years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: yearly intensives; face-to-face instruction/ seminars; select weekend classes; dissertation-related activities.
- In-state: $11,610 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,610 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: US News & World Report (Regional Universities North)
- #students: 2,305
- #grads: 619
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3. Bellarmine University
Louisville, Kentucky
Bellarmine University (BU, est. 1950) is a private institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, and is number three in our list of affordable Catholic PhD programs that are completed online. Named after the Jesuit Saint Bellarmino, it was originally a men’s college, going coed and independent in 1968. It serves students on campus and online, and has study-abroad programs in several dozen countries.
BU offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three of the cheapest Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; hybrid) with two entry options:
- BSN to DNP in Leadership
- Post-Master’s DNP with two areas of focus: Advanced Nursing Practice Clinical Leadership; Executive Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Professions Education (HPE; hybrid)
Program requirements range from 35 to 68 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include: Saturday meetings; class meetings (possibly optional); technology orientation (in-person or recorded video); brief residencies; practice immersions; clinical hours; etc.
- In-state: $11,224 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,224 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (2019: Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Universities South; Best Value Schools); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Executive Joseph Clayton (former CEO Sirius Satellite Radio, former CEO DISH Network)
- #students: 3,757
- #grads: 1,213
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
2. Clarke University
Dubuque, Iowa
Clarke University (Clarke, est. 1843) is a private institution affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is number two in our list of affordable online Catholic doctorate degrees. Notable faculty of Clarke include author George R.R. Martin, who wrote the series of novels on which the Game of Thrones TV series is based.
Clarke offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degree with five program options:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; hybrid) with two entry options:
- BSN to DNP with three concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Health Leadership and Practice (HLP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- MSN to DNP with two options: Bridge; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate)
Program requirements are 81 credits, with minimum timelines of three to five years, depending on choice of part- or full-time study. Onsite (campus) and/ or in-person (local) experiences may include: face-to-face class meetings; clinical/ practice hours; etc.
- In-state: $10,530 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $10,530 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Colleges Midwest)
- Notable alumni: Radio/ TV journalist Nancy Dickerson
- #students: 1,039
- #grads: 271
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
1. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Saint Leo University (SLU, est. 1889) is a private institution affiliated with the Order of Saint Benedict, and number one in our list of the most affordable Catholic colleges offering online PhD degrees. It is one of the largest Catholic colleges in the country, and serves students of all faiths.
SLU offers somme of the cheapest associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three affordable Catholic online/ hybrid doctoral degrees plus program options:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) with two concentrations: Education; Homeland Security
- Doctor of Education (EdD) with concentration in School Leadership
Program requirements range from 57 to 60 credits, with minimum timelines of up to 3.5 years. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person experiences may include: short residencies; dissertation defense; consulting practicum; etc. Also available: online Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership.
- In-state: $9,990 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $9,990 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: DHS/ NSA (National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education); Diverse: Issues in Higher Education (top 100 minority student baccalaureate degree producer); Military Times (Best for Vets: Colleges); President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; U.S. News & World Report (Best Regional University South; Best Colleges for Veterans); Victory Media (Military Friendly School – Gold)
- Notable alumni: Actor Lee Marvin; musician Stephen Stills
- #students: 13,099
- #grads: 3,428
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
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