Top 30 Cheap Online PhD Programs

What Is The Cheapest Online Phd Program?

Working adults who wish to earn a PhD on a budget can enroll into the cheap online PhD programs available. This will enable them get a PhD while spending less than normal.

Earning a PhD degree is not an easy task, it is time-consuming and requires a lot of funds. Busy professionals may find it hard to balance their job with education. This is why it is advisable to enroll in online degree programs, it is best for people with busy schedules.

Cheap Online PhD programs are the best for busy professionals who want a doctorate degree, but can’t accommodate a traditional program. There are several best online universities that offer online PhD programs at affordable tuition rate.

To assist students on a budget, we have researched, organized, and put together a quality list of 35 Cheap Online PhD Degrees in the World.


These programs are accredited and available online at the most affordable rate. Students also have the opportunity to apply for financial aid awards, if they are eligible.

Top 30 Cheap Online PhD Programs

1. 

1. PhD in Bible Exposition

  • Tuition: $2750 per semester for 7 to 15 credits program and at the rate of $395 per credit for part-time
  • Institution: Liberty University

PhD in Bible Exposition is a 60-credit hour program offered fully online, that can be completed within three years.

This degree program focuses on how to comprehend the Bible and equip you for a lifetime of study and application of God’s Word.

2. PhD in Community College Leadership

  • Tuition: $506.25 per credit
  • Institution: Mississippi State University

PhD in Community College Leadership is designed to prepare professionals for leadership positions in community colleges. It has a minimum of 61 to 64 credit hours.

The program includes courses in history and philosophy of the community college, leadership and organizational theory, leading and managing a community college, and research and statistics.


3. PhD in Computational Engineering

  • Tuition: $506.25 per credit
  • Institution: Mississippi State University

PhD in Computational Engineering focuses on computational approaches to study systems governed by conservation laws that are seen in various fields of engineering and science.

In this program, Students are required to complete a minimum of 50 credits and maximum of 72 credits. It is also available as Master of Science.

4. PhD in Computer Science

  • Tuition: $506.25 per credit
  • Institution: Mississippi State University

PhD in Computer Science is a 32-credit program that requires 12 course credit hours and 20 course credit hours of dissertation and research for completion.

This program is designed for those who have experience and knowledge of Computer Science. Also, this program is an MS Admit Only Program and does not allow for Direct Admissions straight from a bachelor’s degree program.

5. PhD in Engineering – Aerospace Engineering

  • Tuition: $506.25 per credit
  • Institution: Mississippi State University

In this program, students will be awarded a PhD degree in Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace Engineering.

According to Mississippi State University, Aerospace Engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the design, development, testing and production of aircraft and related systems that fly with Earth’s atmosphere (Aeronautics) and of spacecraft, missiles, rocket propulsion systems and other equipment operating beyond the Earth’s atmosphere (Astronautic).

The program consists of 50 hours of coursework, of which at least 20 hours is dedicated to dissertation research.

6. PhD in Engineering – Chemical Engineering

  • Tuition: $506.25 per credit
  • Institution: Mississippi State University

In this program, students will be awarded a PhD degree in engineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering.

Students participate in broad research interests in cutting-edge areas of chemical engineering science such as chemical catalysis and reaction engineering, Raman spectroscopy and more.

In this program, students are required to complete a minimum of 32 credit hours and maximum of 56 credit hours, including 20 hours for dissertation research.

7. PhD in Engineering – Civil Engineering

  • Tuition: $506.25 per credit
  • Institution: Mississippi State University

In this program, students will be earn a PhD degree in engineering with a concentration in civil engineering. Students are required to complete 62 total credit hours.

The program focuses on areas of construction engineering and management to achieve project goals. Major areas of study include structures, geotechnical, water resources, transportations, construction materials and environmental engineering.

8. PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering

  • Tuition: $506.25 per credit
  • Institution: Mississippi State University

PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering is a 48 credit hour and 66 credit hour program.

This program prepares graduates for leadership roles in the constantly changing activities of research, product design, consulting and education.

9. PhD in Educational Psychology

  • Tuition: $560.25 per credit
  • Institution: Capella University

At Capella University, PhD in Psychology, Educational Psychology is for those who want to conduct research, contribute ideas to the field, or teach at college level.

This online PhD program in Psychology can prepare you to pursue opportunities in fields such as higher education, corporate training, and instructional technology.

10. PhD in Psychology – General Psychology

  • Tuition: $540 per credit
  • Institution: Capella University

The PhD in psychology program will provide a deep understanding of the many facets of psychology and expand your opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives.

Students are required to complete a 89 coursework credits and complete one dissertation.

Also, students may be eligible for a $29k scholarship Capella progress reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.

11. PhD in Behaviour Analysis

  • Tuition: $545 per credit
  • Institution: Capella University

PhD in Behaviour Analysis is designed for professional behavior analysts seeking to become academic, research, or clinical leaders.

Students may be able to reduce tuition by $5000 through a $5k Capella progress reward.

Also, completion of this program and a behavior-analytic dissertation allows you to apply for doctoral designator as a brand certified behaviour analyst (BCBA-D).

12. PhD in Counseling

  • Tuition: $590 per credit
  • Institution: Oregon State University

PhD in Counseling at Oregon State University is a hybrid program, that requires two classes in campus. Students are required to complete a total of 150 quarter credits.

The program specializes in advanced practice, counseling supervision and counseling education. Also the program is accredited by CACREP – The Council for Accreditation of Counselling and Related Educational Programs.

13. PhD in Education – Career and Technical Education (Occupational & Technical Studies)

  • Tuition: $571 per credit (in-state tuition) and $595 per credit (out-of-state tuition)
  • Institution: Old Dominion University

This PhD program focuses on how to design, deliver, and assess school programs, align them with academic standards, and prepare students.

Students will earn a PhD in Education with a concentration in Occupational and Technical Studies and an emphasis on Career and Technical Education. This program requires students to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours.

The program is not fully online, requires students to attend two 2-week summer institutes at main campus in Norfolk, VA.

14. PhD in Community College Leadership

  • Tuition: $571 per credit (in-state tuition) and $595 per credit (out-of-state tuition)
  • Institution: Old Dominion University

PhD in Community College Leadership program’s curriculum was developed with the input of current community college leaders.

The program is designed for those currently working in community colleges who want to increase knowledge and leadership opportunities in these areas: Curriculum, Finance, Leadership & administration, Policy development, Workforce development.

This program requires students to complete 54 credit hours, including an internship/experiential learning course.

15. PhD in English

  • Tuition: $571 per credit (in-state tuition) and $595 per credit (out-of-state tuition)
  • Institution: Old Dominion University

PhD in English is a 48-credit hours online program, including two summer visits to ODU’s main campus.

This program focuses on writing, rhetoric, discourse, technology, and textual studies. Students can choose two out of four emphasis areas.

16. PhD in Public Administration and Policy

  • Tuition: $571 per credit (in-state tuition) and $595 per credit (out-of-state tuition)
  • Institution: Old Dominion University

In this online PhD program, students will focus on the challenges that arise where government, non-profits, businesses, community groups, and individual intersect.

Students will graduate with a solid grounding in the theory and issues of traditional public administration and public policy.

Also, students will gain the practice knowledge to influence decision makers and lead organizations involved in public service. Students are required to complete a total of 49 credit hours.

17. PhD in Education – Technology Education

  • Tuition: $571 per credit (in-state tuition) and $595 per credit (out-of-state tuition)
  • Institution: Old Dominion University

In this online PhD program, students will develop expertise in designing and delivering education programs based on standards for technological literacy.

Students will earn a PhD in Education with a concentration in Occupational and Technical Studies and emphasis in Technology Education.

This program is not fully online, requires two 2-week summer institutes at main campus in Norfolk, VA.

18. PhD in History

  • Tuition: $595 per credit (full-time tuition) and $650 per credit (part-time tuition)
  • Institution: Liberty University

PhD in History at Liberty University is a 72 credit hours fully online program, that can be completed within four years.

Students will learn historical concepts and how to educate others from a Christian perspective.

The PhD in History is the first program of it’s kind offered from a conservative Christian, accredited university.

19. PhD in Education

  • Tuition: $595 per credit (full-time tuition) and $650 per credit (part-time tuition)
  • Institution: Liberty University

PhD in Education is a 60 credit hours fully online program, that can be completed within three years.

This online PhD program focus on how to shape and design new curriculum. Also, the program can equip students with effective management principles, so they can lead administrative at all levels.

20. PhD in Criminal Justice

  • Tuition: $595 per credit (full-time tuition) and $650 per credit (part-time tuition)
  • Institution: Liberty University

PhD in Criminal Justice at Liberty University is a 60 credit hours fully online program that can be completed within three years.

This online PhD program in Criminal Justice can help prepare students for senior leadership roles in criminal justice practices.

Students can also learn how to assess and improve government and law enforcement organizations.

Liberty University offers a general PhD in Criminal Justice as well as specialized areas of study in leadership and homeland security.

21. PhD in Public Policy

  • Tuition: $595 per credit (full-time tuition) and $650 per credit (part-time tuition)
  • Institution: Liberty University

This PhD in Public policy program requires students to complete a 60 credit hours, that can be completed within three years.

Students have the opportunity to choose a specialization that focuses on the topic that interests them most.

Liberty’s PhD in public policy online combines a focus on biblical principles of government and policy with a practical understanding of current political atmosphere.

22. PhD in Psychology

  • Tuition: $595 per credit (full-time tuition) and $650 per credit (part-time tuition)
  • Institution: Liberty University

This online PhD in Psychology is suitable for students who wish to gain new knowledge of human behavior and find news ways to help people heal, grow and thrive.

Students are required to complete 60 credit hours, and the program can be completed within three years.

With this online PhD in psychology, students will learn effective clinical techniques, essential behavioural theory and develop their research and writing expertise.

23. PhD in Nursing Education

  • Tuition: $750 per credit
  • Institution: Capella University

This online PhD program will help empower nursing professionals to find success in their roles. The program requires 77 coursework credits.

In this PhD in nursing education program, students will learn to design and lead effective nursing education programs. The program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced roles as nurse educators in higher and adult education.

Students have the opportunity to reduce their tuition by $5000, if they eligible for the $5k Capella progress reward.

24. PhD in Nursing

  • Tuition: $700 per credit (in-state tuition) and $775 per credit (out-of-state tuition)
  • Institution: University of Tennessee – Knoxville

This program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It is designed to educate future nurse scientists, educators, and healthcare leaders.

There are three routes to the PhD in nursing program: BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, and DNP to PhD. Each route has different credit hours.

25. PhD in Education – Special Education

  • Tuition: $800 per credit
  • Institution: Regent University

This fully online PhD in education program requires students to complete a total of 67 credit hours.

The program prepares special education teachers and administrators to advance in special education research, practice, and policy.

Students will learn advanced proficiencies in the theoretical and analytical applications and comprehensive knowledge of the special education field.

26. PhD in Organizational Leadership

  • Tuition: $881 per credit
  • Institution: Indiana Wesleyan University

This PhD in organizational leadership program is an online program with an in-person residency. Students are required to complete a total of 60 credit hours.

With this online PhD program, students will experience personal transformation and become a more effective leader.

PhD in organizational leadership is suitable for people who aspire to executive leadership, consulting, publishing, research, and teaching.

27. PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision

  • Tuition: $900 per credit (full-time tuition) and $695 per credit (part-time tuition)
  • Institution: Regent University

This PhD program in Counseling education and supervision is an online program with residency. Students are required to complete a total of 66 credit hours

PhD in Counseling will prepare you for a leadership role in the world of mental health while you complete your internship and present an original dissertation.

28. PhD in Business Management – General Business Management

  • Tuition: $964 per credit
  • Institution: Capella University

This program is a 75-credit program that equips students with a practical, ethical, interdisciplinary approach to doing business in global era.

PhD in business management with a concentration in general business management will build your knowledge of business theory, research, and practice.

29. PhD in Business Management – Project Management

  • Tuition: $965 per credit
  • Institution: Capella University

This program is a 75-credit program that prepares students to strategize and lead projects in a wide range of global and complex business environments.

Students will learn current and emerging project management methodologies, contemporary leadership theories and practices, and communications approaches to help them grow as effective leaders.

30. PhD in Business Management – Accounting

  • Tuition: $965 per credit
  • Institution: Capella University

This program is a 75-credit program that equips students with the skills to formulate and apply advanced accounting solutions in the global era.

Students may be eligible for a 5k Capella progress reward, which helps reduce tuition by $5000.

So there you have it! A list of 30 cheap online PhD programs that can help you achieve your academic goals without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional or non-traditional program, there’s sure to be an option on this list that’s right for you. So what are you waiting for? Start researching these programs today and take the first step towards earning your PhD!

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