This article is part of our AffordableSchools Guide to Online Doctoral Colleges series. This ranking covers public colleges that offer online or hybrid doctorate degrees.
Methodology
Ranking data 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 out candidate colleges that do not have either three online doctoral degrees, or two such degrees with at least a combined total of four concentrations/ emphasis options/ etc.
- Step 5: 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 6: Sort descending by estimated in-state cost.
- Step 7: 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.
Ranking – Online Doctorate Degrees from Public Colleges
25. East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee
East Tennessee State University (ETSU, est. 1911) is a public institution. Founded as a teacher training institution, it currently serves students over 100 affordable degree programs at this main campus, two learning centers, and online.
ETSU offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has six low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership (EL; post-master’s or post-EdS tracks) with three concentrations: Administrative Endorsement; Higher Education Leadership; School Leadership
- EdD in Global Sport Leadership (GSL)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; hybrid; four tracks: BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD to DNP, DNP to PhD) with four concentrations: Adult/ Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP); Executive Leadership in Nursing (ELN); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Early Childhood Education (ECE, hybrid)
- PhD in Nursing (hybrid)
- ETSU-TTU Joint DNP Program (hybrid) with six concentrations
Program requirements range from 32 to 92 credits. Onsite (campus) and in-person (local) experiences may include meetings, intensives, dissertation defense, doctoral capstone presentation, apprenticeship hours, special events, etc. An online Education Specialist degree with two concentrations (Administrative Endorsement, School System Leadership) is also available.
- In-state: $10,035 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $24,741 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Country music singer Kenny Chesney; hip hop artist Mo Sabri
- #students: 14,353
- #grads: 3,030
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
24. University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri
University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou, est. 1839) is a public institution and a member of the University of Missouri System. Nearly 80% of its undergrad students who graduated in AY17-18 took one or more distance/ online classes (34% for grad level students).
Mizzou offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – including over 120 online programs alone. It has 10 inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership (EL; blended)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS; blended)
- DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP; blended)
- DNP in Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MHNP; blended)
- DNP in Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care (NLIHC; blended)
- DNP in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP; blended)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Education and Leadership (AEL; blended)
- PhD in Human Environmental Sciences (HES) with an emphasis in Architectural Studies (AS; online)
- PhD in Art Education (AE; blended, with 1+ years residency)
- PhD in Nursing (blended) with three tracks: BS to PhD; MS to PhD; post-clinical doctorate
Program requirements range from 40 to 77 credits. Onsite (campus) and in-person (local) experiences may include any or all of campus meetings, intensives, residency projects, etc.
- In-state: $9,828 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $24,847 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Actors Brad Pitt and Jon Hamm (Mad Men); Walmart founder Sam Walton
- #students: 30,844
- #grads: 7,045
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
23. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI, est. 1969) is a public institution and a member of both the Indiana University System and Purdue University System. The Indianapolis campuses of IU and Purdue partnered in 1969 to create IUPUI, but each was founded before that time. IUPUI’s nursing and medical schools are amongst the largest in the country, and it claims the milestone of having the first school of philanthropy worldwide.
IUPUI offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 350 academic programs in total. It has four of the least expensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Global Health Leadership (GHL; hybrid, has onsite visits three times per year)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Science (NS; hybrid, synchronous online clases; two 4-day onsite intensives) with two concentrations: Clinical Nursing Science; Health Systems
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT)
Program requirements range from 37 to 90 credits, with master’s credit accounting for up to 30 credits for longer programs. Onsite (campus) and/ or in-person (local) experiences include any or all of meetings, residential visits, dissertation defense, field-based projects, practicum hours, etc. Some of these online degree programs have both part- and full-time study options.
- In-state: $9,527 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $24,287 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: INSIGHT into Diversity magazine; Military Times; President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; U.S. News & World Report; Victory Media
- Notable alumni: Mike Pence, U.S. Vice President (Donald Trump administration); Dan Quayle, former Vice President (George H. W. Bush administration)
- #students: 29,791
- #grads: 8,181
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
22. Towson University
Towson, Maryland
Towson University (Towson, est. 1866) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Maryland. Originally a teacher training institution, it currently serves students on-campus and online.
Towson offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 110 programs in total. It has three of the most affordable online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional Technology (IT with 11 specializations: Distance Education; Digital Learning; Early Childhood; Elementary Education; English Language Learning/ Multiculturalism; Instructional Design; Leadership; Leadership, Administrator 1 Certification (requires three years teaching experience); Reading; Secondary Education; Special Education
- Doctor of Science (ScD) in Occupational Science (OS)
- Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD; part-time)
Program requirements range from 33 to 63 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences include any or all of intensives, internship hours, dissertation defense, seminars, etc.
- In-state: $9,504 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $17,172 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Money magazine; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Actor Charles Dutton (Roc); actress/ WWE wrestler Stacy Keibler
- #students: 22,705
- #grads: 3,109
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
21. Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
Murray State University (MSU, est. 1922) is a public institution. It serves students at this main campus and five regional campuses, plus online.
MSU offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 125 programs in total. It has three of the cheapest online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Arts (DA) in English Pedagogy and Technology (EPT) with two tracks (post-master’s; accelerated post-bachelor’s to dual MA and DA degrees) and four specializations: Teaching English Language; Teaching English Literacy K-Adult; Teaching English Literature; Teaching English Writing
- Doctor of Education (EdD; hybrid – online starting Fall 2019) in P-20 and Community Leadership (online program launches Fall 2019; optional EdS to EdD Bridge) four options: Agricultural Education; PK-12 Leadership; Postsecondary Leadership; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Leadership
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with three options: Family Nurse Practitioner (hybrid); Nurse Anesthesia (yr 1 online, yr 2 hybrid; MSN to DNP (online)
Program requirements run from 32 to 84 credits. Onsite (campus) and/or in-person (local) experiences may include any or all of weekend classes, qualifying exams, capstone residency, oral discussion of capstone project, dissertation defense, clinical hours, etc.
- In-state: $9,504 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $27,684 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Safe Campus; U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Historical romance novelist Jude Deveraux
- #students: 10,012
- #grads: 1,453
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
20. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL, est. 1869) is a public institution and a member of the University of Nebraska System. Considered one of the safest American universities, it also serves students online.
UNL offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – with over 125 online programs alone. It has three low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Administration with P-12 School Leadership (online; on-campus summer sessions)
- Educational Studies with specialization in Leadership and Higher Education (LHE; hybrid; on-campus research seminars)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Studies with specialization in Leadership and Higher Education (LHE; hybrid; on-campus research seminars)
Program requirements range from 90 to 96 credits. Onsite (campus) and in-person (local) experiences may include summer sessions, on-campus research seminars, dissertation defense, practicum hours, etc.
- In-state: $9,371 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $24,278 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Fiske Guide to Colleges; Forbes Magazine; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; League of American Bicyclists; Military Times; National Jurist; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Billionaire Warren Buffet; Twitter co-founder Evan Williams; former The Tonight Show TV host Johnny Carson
- #students: 26,079
- #grads: 5,125
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
19. Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University (BSU, est. 1918) is a public institution. Founded as a teacher training institute and later named for a group of entrepreneurial brother benefactors, it serves students on campus and online. It is particularly proud of its “on-time graduation rate,” which increased by 65% over seven years, and an application rate that increased nearly 73% in five years.
BSU offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Adult, Higher and Community Education (AHCE)
- EdD in Educational Administration and Supervision (AS; blended)
- EdD with an Emphasis in Special Education (SE; blended) with six emphasis areas: General Special Education; Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism; Teaching and Learning—Emotional and Behavioral Disorders; Teaching and Learning—High Incidence; Teaching and Learning—Low Incidence; Systems, Teaching, and Learning RTI/ MTSS
Program requirements run from 90 to 91 credits. Onsite (campus) and in-person (local) experiences may include any or all of dissertation defense, comprehensive exams, practicum hours, meetings, etc. An online Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision (ELS) is also available.
- In-state: $9,216 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $21,834 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; INSIGHT into Diversity ; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; Victory Media; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: David Letterman, former late night TV show host; Garfield comic strip creator Jim Davis
- #students: 22,513
- #grads: 5,509
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
18. University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
University of North Dakota (UND, est. 1883) is a public institution and a member of the North Dakota University System. It serves students both on-campus and online, with roughly half of all enrolled students taking one or more online courses.
UND offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has 10 of the least expensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Practice and Leadership (EPL) with four specializations: Higher Education (HE); School Leadership (SL); Special Education (SPED); Teacher Education (TE)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: MSN to DNP; BSN to DNP with Nurse Anesthesia track
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Aerospace Sciences (AS)
- PhD in Biomedical Engineering (BE)
- PhD in Chemical Engineering (CE)
- PhD in Electrical Engineering (ElecEng)
- PhD in Energy Engineering
- PhD in Environmental Engineering (EnvEng)
- PhD in Nursing
- PhD in Petroleum Engineering (PE)
Program requirements range from 36 to 97 credits, with minimum timelines of three to seven years. Onsite (campus) or in-person (local) experiences may be necessary, including any or all of class meetings, internship/ practicum hours, dissertation defense, etc.
- In-state: $9,189 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $22,027 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Pulitzer Prize winners Maxwell Anderson and Mel Ruder; Hockey Hall of Fame and former NHL goalie Ed Belfour (including Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks)
- #students: 14,406
- #grads: 3,406
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
17. Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho
Idaho State University (ISU, est. 1901) is a public institution. It serves students at three campuses/ learning centers and online.
ISU offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 250 programs combined. It has five of the most affordable online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education Administration
- EdD in Educational Leadership with three emphasis areas: Higher Education Administration; Instructional Design and Technology; K-12 Educational Administration
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Instructional Design (ID)
- PhD in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: MSN to DNP; BSN to DNP with two options (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP))
Program requirements run from 28 to 78 credits. Curriculum components may include onsite or in-person (local) meetings, comprehensive exams, dissertation defense, clinical intensives, practicum hours, etc. Timelines vary based on choice of part- or full-time study. Also available are inexpensive online Educational Specialist degrees in Educational Administration or School Psychology.
- In-state: $8,928 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $23,704 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Olympic gold medalists Stacy Dragila (women’s pole vault) and Ed Sanders (boxing)
- #students: 12,493
- #grads: 1,936
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
16. Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia
Georgia Southern University (GS, est. 1906) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. It serves students at three campuses and online.
GS offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – with over 140 degrees at all levels. GSU has four of the cheapest online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Curriculum Studies (hybrid) with four emphasis areas: Cultural Curriculum Studies; Instructional Improvement; Multicultural/International Studies; Teacher Leadership
- EdD in Educational Leadership (EDLD; hybrid) with two strand options: Higher Education or Teacher Leadership; K-12 Administration
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: MSN-to-DNP; BSN-to-DNP with MSN exit option and four concentrations (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner; Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; Family Nurse Practitioner; Psychiatric/Mental Health Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Logistics Supply Chain Management (LSCM)
Program requirements run from 37 to 77 credits. Face-to-face (class) meetings and/ or clinical hours are part of some of these degrees. GSU also has seven low-cost online and one hybrid Education Specialist (EdS) programs.
- In-state: $8,728 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $28,610 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Green Ribbon Schools; Military Times; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; TIME Money magazine; Victory Media
- Notable alumni: Country music singers Luke Bryan and Ben Hayslip
- #students: 20,418
- #grads: 2,659
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
15. University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
University of Arkansas (UARK, est. 1871) is a public institution and a member of the University of Arkansas System. Based near the Ozark Mountains, it serves students on-campus and online, with nearly half of those enrolled taking one or more courses online (Fall 2017).
U of A offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – with over 250 degree programs at all levels. It has four low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Adult and Lifelong Learning (ADLL; 96 credits include 33-42 credits from a master’s degree; six on-campus sessions/year) with two cohorts: Adult Education Leadership (AEL); Community College Leadership (CCL)
- EdD in Educational Leadership (EL; online plus one weekend onsite/ semester)
- EdD in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education (HRWD)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: MSN to DNP; BSN to DNP with two concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Program requirements run from 42 to 96 credits, with timelines of two to four years. Some of these programs have onsite (campus) or in-person (local) requirements for orientation, meetings, candidacy exam, dissertation defense, internship/ practicum hours, etc. The DNP program also has a cheap dual-degree option whereby students also earn an MSN.
- In-state: $8,571 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $20,792 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Jerry Jones, owner of NFL’s Dallas Cowboys football team; William Fulbright, senator and namesake of the Fulbright Scholarships
- #students: 27,558
- #grads: 4,514
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
14. University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
University of Southern Mississippi (USM, est. 1910) is a public institution. Originally a teacher training institution, it serves students on two campuses and online. Despite past enrollment policies, it currently claims “to be the most diverse university in the state of Mississippi” and even offers a number of cultural studies degree programs.
USM offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education Administration (EA)
- EdD in Higher Education (HE)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Leadership (NL) with two tracks: BSN to PhD; MSN to PhD
Program requirements range from 48 to 60 credits. The low-cost EdD programs have capstone projects (no dissertation), while the PhD NL has a dissertation and virtual residency. An NFLP (Nurse Faculty Loan Program) financial option may be available to qualified full- or part-time PhD NL students who plan to teach at an accredited U.S. school of nursing after graduation, saving up to 85% of tuition. USM also has an affordable online Educational Specialist (EdS) degree in Educational Administration (P-12).
- In-state: $8,218 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $10,218 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Singer/ songwriter Jimmy Buffet (possibly best known for Margaritaville); Hall-of-Fame football player Brett Favre; celebrity chef Cat Cora
- #students: 14,478
- #grads: 2,663
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
13. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB, est. 1969) is a public institution and a member of the University of Alabama System. Originally an extension campus, it currently serves students on-campus and online.
UAB offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three of the least expensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) with three tracks: General; Healthcare Quality and Safety; Low Vision Rehabilitation
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; blended) with three pathways: Post-MSN to DNP (with Bridge option for CNLs); Post-BSN to DNP for Nurse Practitioners; Post-BSN to DNP for Nurse Anesthesia
- Doctor of Science (DSc) in Healthcare Leadership (HL; three 8-day intensives per year)
Program requirements run from 40 to 114 credits, with minimum timelines of up to three years. On-campus intensives may be part of the curriculum, as may be local practicums. The cheap PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering (IE) is a blended program with the first 30 credits online. However, the remainder of the program requires a one year residency on-campus or longer, which include committee meetings, candidacy exam, PhD proposal and dissertation. Also available is an online Educational Specialist degree with three concentrations (Early Childhood; Elementary Education; Physical Education
- In-state: $7,866 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $17,910 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: National Arbor Day Foundation (Tree Campus USA); Forbes Magazine; INSIGHT Into Diversity; U.S. News & World Report (Best Graduate Schools, including Healthcare Management); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Olympic gold medalist Vonetta Flowers (bobsledding)
- #students: 20,902
- #grads: 7,768
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
12. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Texas Tech University (TTU, est. 1923) is a public institution and a member of the Texas Tech University System. Its students are served at this main campus, eight regional sites, and online, but TTU has a history of offering distance education via closed circuit TV as early as 1966.
TTU offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — over 300 degree programs alone. It has nine of the most affordable online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Agricultural Education (hybrid/ blended)
- EdD in Educational Leadership (hybrid/ blended)
- EdD in Higher Education Administration (hybrid/ blended) with two emphasis options: Community College Administration; Higher Education College/ University Administration
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Curriculum and Instruction (CI) with three tracks: Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education (CSTE); Language, Diversity and Literacy Studies; STEM
- PhD in Educational Leadership Policy (ELP)
- PhD in Family and Consumer Science Education (FCSE; unique nationwide)
- PhD in Special Education (SE)
- PhD in Systems and Engineering Management (SEM; hybrid/ blended)
- PhD in Technical Communication and Rhetoric (TCR; hybrid/ blended)
Program requirements run from 60 to 90 credits. Possible curriculum components include: onsite orientation; professional development sessions; dissertation and in-person defense; qualifying exams (written and oral). The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, an independent campus of the TTU System, also has a number of cheap online doctorate programs.
- In-state: $7,849 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,193 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Campus Pride Index; Forbes Magazine; INSIGHT Into Diversity; Money Magazine; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Pulitzer Prize winners Frank Bass, Dennis Copeland and Michael Crook.
- #students: 36,996
- #grads: 6,259
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
11. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, Colorado
University of Colorado Denver/ Anschutz Medical Campus (UC Anschutz, est. 2006) is a public institution and a member of the University of Colorado System. UC Anschutz serves students on campus and online, delivering primarily health sciences programs.
UC Anschutz offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has three of the cheapest online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Pharmacy (iPharmD; online; requires bachelor of pharmacy and pharmacist license) with two options: NTPD for American and Canadian students; ITPD for international students
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with five pathways: BS to DNP; DNP-PHN; Post-Graduate DNP Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (DNP-APRN); Post-Graduate DNP Health Systems Leadership; DNP/MPH Dual Degree
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
Program requirements range from 34 to 90 credits, and minimum timelines of 18 months to four years. (Full- or part-time study options may be available). Onsite and/or in-person (local) experiences (intensives, clinical hours, etc.) may be necessary for some programs.
- In-state: $7,839 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $23,499 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni:
- #students: 24,839
- #grads: 9,253
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
10. Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
Winona State University (WSU, est. 1858) is a public institution and a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Founded as a teacher training institution, it currently serves students on three campuses and online.
WSU offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 110 academic programs in total. It has two low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs with a total of 12 emphasis options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD; online plus two summer residencies) with six emphasis options: Curriculum and Instruction; Higher Education; Indigenous Studies; Organizational Administration; Special Education; Technology Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice with two tracks (BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP) and six overall study plans: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Nursing and Organizational Leadership (NOL); Practice and Leadership Innovations (PLI); Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Program requirements run from 54 to 74 credits. Onsite (campus) and in-person (local) experiences include any or all of summer residencies, meetings, practicum hours, dissertation defense, etc. Work experience may be necessary for admission.
- In-state: $7,682 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,222 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Institutional Research and Evaluation (America’s 100 Best College Buys); Princeton Review (Best in the Midwest); U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Twin brother models Kyle and Lane Carlson; 2012 Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann
- #students: 7,981
- #grads: 521
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
9. Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Indiana State University (ISU, est. 1865) is a public institution. ISU serves students on-campus and online, and integrates experiential learning into all of its academic programs.
ISU offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – including over 70 online programs alone. It has five inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Administration (EA; blended) with two options: Higher Education Leadership (HEL); School Administration (SA)
- PhD in Technology Management (TM) with five concentrations: Construction Management; Digital Communications; Human Resource Development and Industrial Training; Manufacturing Systems; Quality Systems
- Doctorate in Athletic Training (DAT)
- Doctorate of Health Sciences (DHSc)
Program requirements range from 30 to 66 credits, with minimum timelines running from two to 4.5 years. Clinical hours, on-site summer residencies, dissertation defenses and other onsite or in-person experiences may be part of the curriculum, and may be reduced for qualified nursing master’s degree holders with practice experience. ISU also has an affordable online Educational Specialist program in School Administration.
- In-state: $7,472 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,474 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review (Best in the Midwest); President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Willa Brown, the first African-American woman to become a commercial pilot in the country
- #students: 13,763
- #grads: 2,180
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
8. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, New Mexico
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech, est. 1893) is a public institution. Originally founded as a training school for mining engineers, it now serves students primarily STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs on-campus and online.
NM Tech offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three of the least expensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science (CS) with option for students not having an MS in CS or related degree
- PhD in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering (MME)
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering (ME) with Intelligent Energetic Systems (IES) focus
Program requirements range from 24 to 75 credits. Some onsite or in-person experiences may be necessary, including candidacy examination/ proposal defense, dissertation defense, etc.
- In-state: $7,436 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $22,220 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Payscale.com; U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Hilton Hotels chain founder Conrad Hilton
- #students: 2,009
- #grads: 538
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
7. East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
East Carolina University (ECU, est. 1907) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina System. Originally a teacher training school, its top-enrollment programs currently are in the areas of nursing, business administration, management, medicine – amongst others.
ECU offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 120 online programs alone. It has four of the most affordable online/ hybrid doctoral programs, plus options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD; hybrid, 60% of courses online) in Educational Leadership (EL) with two concentrations: Higher Education Administration; K12 Administration
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: Post-Master’s; BSN to DNP with five concentrations (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; Family Nurse Practitioner; Nurse Anesthesia; Post-Master’s Advance Practice Registered Nurse; Post-Master’s Leadership)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing with three tracks: DNP to PhD; MSN to PhD; BSN to PhD with two options (Nursing Education; Nursing Leadership)
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) with two concentrations: Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH); Health Policy, Administration and Leadership
Program requirements run from 36 to 90 credits, with minimum timelines of up to three years. Course work for these cheap doctoral degree programs is mostly online, with select courses on-site, as well as other in-person presence experiences (e.g., clinical hours) — some of which may be at locations partnered with ECU. Full- and part-time study options may be available.
- In-state: $7,270 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $20,419 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; INSIGHT into Diversity; Princeton Review; Social Mobility Index; U.S. News & World Report; Victory Media (Military Friendly School); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Vince and Linda McMahon, husband and wife owners of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE); actresses Emily Procter (CSI: Miami) and Sandra Bullock
- #students: 29,131
- #grads: 5,866
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
6. Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
Texas Woman’s University (TWU, est. 1901) is a public institution. Historically a women’s university, it has allowed men to enroll since 1972, but is still predominantly female in its student population. It serves students at three campuses and online, and is tops in the state for the number of new health care professionals it produces.
TWU offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has four of the cheapest online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Therapy (OT)
- PhD in Nursing Science (NS; choice of online or hybrid)
Program requirements run from 33 to 46 credits, and some have part-time study options. Practicum hours and other in-person or on-site experiences may be part of the curriculum. Some of these affordable online degrees may not be available to F-1/ J-1 Visa holders. Current DNP holders may be intersted in TWU’s “DNP to PhD Bridge” option, which is available in online or hybrid format, and which earns them a PhD in Nursing Science.
- In-state: $7,072 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,542 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (Best Graduate Nursing Programs – DNP)
- Notable alumni: Olympic gold medalists Louise Ritter (women’s high jump) and Carly Patterson (women’s gymnastics).
- #students: 15,473
- #grads: 5,163
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
5. University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, Texas
University of Texas at Tyler (UTT, est. 1971) is a public institution and a member of the University of Texas System. It serves students on four campuses/ learning centers and online.
UTT offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — including over 80 degrees at all levels. It has three low-cost online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP; hybrid) with two tracks: Clinical DNP; Leadership DNP
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD; part-time or full-time) in Nursing with two tracks: BSN to PhD; MSN to PhD
- PhD in Human Resource Development (HRD; hybrid)
Program requirements range from 36 to 60 credits, with minimum timelines of up to four years. The curriculum may need some onsite / in-person presence, for dissertation defense, weekend classes, intensives, or local practicums.
- In-state: $6,700 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,170 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Michael Lujan, founder/ owner of Mentoring Minds, which produces learning/ educator resources for critical thinking.
- #students: 10,402
- #grads: 2,962
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
4. Valdosta State University
Valdosta, Georgia
Valdosta State University (VSU, est. 1906) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. Originally founded for teacher training, it provides programs in education and computer technology to students both on-campus and online.
VSU offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has four inexpensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Adult and Career Education (ACE; hybrid)
- EdD in Curriculum and Instruction (CI; hybrid) with two concentrations: Learning and Development (online) with four pathway options; P-12 Disciplinary (hybrid) with nine further emphasis areas
- EdD in Leadership with five concentrations: Curriculum Leadership; Higher Education Leadership; Organizational Leadership; Special Education Leadership; Technology Leadership
- Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Program requirements range from 54 to 55 credits, with minimum timelines ranging from 24 months to three years. A dissertation may be part of the curriculum. Some courses are hybrid and thus require in-person presence.
- In-state: $6,628 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $18,292 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Actress Pauley Perrette (NCIS); actor Brad Carter (Sons of Anarchy)
- #students: 11,341
- #grads: 2,563
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
3. Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota
Dakota State University (DSU, est. 1881) is number three in our list of inexpensive public institutions offering online degrees at the doctorate level. Originally founded for teacher training, it provides low-cost doctoral degree programs in education and computer technology to students both on-campus and online.
DSU offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 55 programs in total. It has three of the most affordable online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cyber Defense
- PhD in Cyber Operations
- PhD in Information Systems with three research specializations: Analytics and Decision Support; Application Development Healthcare Information Systems; Information Assurance and Computer Security
Program requirements range from 61 to 88 credits. A dissertation may be required, as may some face-to-face meetings, on-site seminars or other in-person experiences to supplement online courses. Lack of a suitable masters degree can be made up with prerequisite courses for some of these online doctorates. Note that program availability may vary by the online student’s state of residence.
- In-state: $6,367 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,277 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: MarketBeat.com founder Matt Paulson
- #students: 3,307
- #grads: 345
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
2. Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
Texas A & M University-Commerce (TAMUC, est. 1889) is number two on our ranking of best, most affordable public colleges offering online PhD degrees. It is a member of the Texas A and M University System and serves students on seven campuses and learning centers (including through partnerships with other colleges), plus online.
TAMUC offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs – over 100 in total. It has four of the least expensive online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Administration (EDAD)
- EdD in Higher Education (HIED; hybrid)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Psychology (EP; blended – 49% online plus June residency) with Cognate option
- PhD in English (English; hybrid) with four concentrations: American Literature; British Literature; Children’s Literature; Film studies
Program requirements are 60 credits beyond a master’s degree (90 credits beyond a bachelor’s, if a Masters-to-doctorate track is available). TAMUC’s hybrid programs are 49-85% online. Thesis/ dissertations, internships and comprehensive exams may be part of the curriculum and may require some residency/ in-person presence.
- In-state: $6,194 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $13,664 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report
- Notable alumni: Oakridge Boys lead singer Duane Allen
- #students: 13,244
- #grads: 4,750
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
1. University of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia
University of West Georgia (UWG, est. 1906) is number one on our list of the most affordable public colleges offering online doctorate degrees. While African-American students were not admitted to UWG until 1965, they currently make up over 35% of enrolled students, with other minorities or international students make up nearly 15%.
UWG offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – nearly 90 fields of study at all levels. It has four of the cheapest online/ hybrid doctoral programs:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Administration (HEA)
- EdD in Nursing Education (NE)
- EdD in Professional Counseling and Supervision (PCS) with accelerated track option for holders of an EdS (Education Specialist) degree
- EdD in School Improvement with nine areas of concentration (AOCs): Early Childhood Education; Educational Leadership; K-12 Online Learning; Instructional Technology; Media Specialist; Reading; School Counseling; Special Education; Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOLs)
Program requirements run from 36 to 60 credits, with minimum timelines of 24 months to three years. A dissertation and defense may be required, which may need some in-person presence, as does any necessary in-person orientation at the start of a program of study.
- In-state: $6,048 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $17,838 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Princeton Review (Best Colleges Southeastern); U.S. News & World Report (Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs)
- Notable alumni: Televangelist Creflo Dollar (alumni); former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (faculty)
- #students: 13,520
- #grads: 2,291
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Other Rankings of Interest:
- 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
- 25 Most Affordable Christian Colleges (non-Catholic) with Online Doctoral Degrees
- 25 Most Affordable Doctorate in Ministry Online
- 16 Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- 25 Most Affordable Catholic Colleges with Online Doctoral Degrees
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