The best Ph.D. programs pave the way for expertise and more career options in your field. Discover which colleges top our list for best online doctoral programs.
Margaret Weinhold is an associate editor for Best College Reviews, where she focuses on core content. She is passionate about increasing visibility and accessibility around higher education. Margaret holds a BA in English from the University of Virgi...
Lonnie Woods III has over 10 years of professional higher education experience. As a student affairs administrator, professor, and professional development consultant, his work and research examine the career competencies of students pursuing the art...
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Are you ready to discover your college program?
If you're considering a Ph.D. program, you likely have a pretty solid idea about your academic and career goals. Still, to make the most of an advanced education, its accompanying career options, and the potential for increased earning potential, finding the right program is important.
We spotlight the best online Ph.D. programs of 2024, dive into popular options, and discuss the factors worth considering when finding the right program for you. Keep reading to learn more and to see which online Ph.D. programs rise to the top.
Sponsored Online Ph.D. Programs
Best Online Ph.D. Programs of 2024
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Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Amridge University
Montgomery, AL
4 years
Online
Cost per Credit: In-State | $535-$780 Out-of-State | $535-$780
Credits to Graduate: 51-66
A Christian college located in Alabama, Amridge University is a leader in distance education. You can choose from 40 online programs designed for working professionals.
Ph.D. programs include biblical studies, organizational leadership and management, professional counseling, and marriage and family therapy.
The Ph.D. in interdisciplinary studies provides a flexible curriculum for students from a variety of academic backgrounds. Amridge also offers a doctor of ministry in family therapy and an Ed.D. in higher education administration.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,000
Out-of-state
$9,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,800
Out-of-state
$10,800
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
723
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $950 Out-of-State | $950
Credits to Graduate: 60 plus dissertation and additional programmatic requirements
Capitol Technology University offers over forty doctoral programs. You can also choose a combination Master of Science and a Ph.D. program. Online Ph.D. programs include aeronautical science, real estate management, and quantum computing.
As a technology university, its program strengths include aerospace science and computer science. Unique degree programs include sustainability, unmanned systems applications, and real estate management.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$25,830
Out-of-state
$25,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,340
Out-of-state
$11,340
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
796
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,319 Out-of-State | $1,319
Credits to Graduate: 54 to 61
Clemson University offers six Ph.D. programs in healthcare genetics and genomics; learning sciences; literacy, language, and culture; rhetoric, communication, and information design; and special education, in addition to an Ed.D. in education systems improvement science.
The programs prepare you for diverse career paths. Course delivery varies from program to program, with some offering hybrid synchronous course formats and others allowing asynchronous learning.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,118
Out-of-state
$37,110
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,600
Out-of-state
$22,050
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
27,341
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Concordia University-Chicago
River Forest, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $468-$775 Out-of-State | $468-$775
Credits to Graduate: 60-67
Concordia University, Chicago's five online Ph.D. programs cover the education, leadership, and exercise science fields. The programs utilize fully online and hybrid formats. The Ph.D. in leadership offers 11 specializations, including nine focusing on K-12 and higher educational leadership.
You can also earn an Ed.D. leading to Ohio principal or superintendent licensure. The Ed.D. in teacher leadership prepares instructional coaches, curriculum specialists, and other leaders in education.
The three-year doctorate in business administration (DBA) offers specializations in strategic leadership and innovation and innovation in healthcare management.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,310
Out-of-state
$33,310
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,090
Out-of-state
$9,090
Retention Rate
57%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
6,086
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $556 Out-of-State | $556
Credits to Graduate: 60
Keiser University offers online Ph.D. programs across six university departments: business, criminal justice, education, health care, nursing, and psychology. You can choose from eight Ph.D. programs, including criminal justice and criminology, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, industrial and organizational psychology, instructional design and technology, and psychology.
You can also earn a DNP in nursing practice or a DBA in business administration at Keiser. Credit requirements vary by program. In most programs, you need 60 credits to graduate with a thesis or capstone project.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$20,800
Out-of-state
$20,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$29,632
Out-of-state
$29,632
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
19,861
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $537 Out-of-State | $537
Credits to Graduate: 54
Mississippi State University online offers 15 online doctoral degree programs that provide you with opportunities for diverse careers from engineering to plant sciences. Programs include community college leadership, computer science, instructional systems and workforce development, and plant and soil sciences with a concentration in horticulture, weed science, and agronomy.
From the engineering department, you can choose an online Ph.D. in computational engineering, electrical and computer engineering, industrial and systems engineering, or engineering with a concentration in aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, engineering education, mechanical engineering, or civil engineering.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,110
Out-of-state
$24,790
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,110
Out-of-state
$24,790
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
23,086
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,277-$1,550 Out-of-State | $1,277-$1,550
Credits to Graduate: 66
Nova Southeastern University offers four online Ph.D. programs in computer science, speech-language pathology, and nursing, in addition to an educational specialist Ed.D. Program delivery methods and requirements vary by degree. For example, the Ed.D. program offers two capstone options — either a dissertation or a research project.
The Ph.D. in speech-language pathology is a hybrid program that combines online study with a one-week research institute in Florida. Each program offers different tracks as well. For example, the online program in computer science has both a BS-to-Ph.D and an MS-to-Ph.D. track.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,510
Out-of-state
$33,510
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,153
Out-of-state
$21,153
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
20,898
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $599 Out-of-State | $623
Credits to Graduate: 48-49
Old Dominion University Online offers 12 online Ph.D. programs. You can choose from career and technical education, community college leadership, educational leadership, and educational leadership with licensure.
There are also Ph.D. programs in English, instructional design and technology, human resource or technology education in workforce and organizational development, public administration and policy, or engineering management and systems engineering.
In addition, you can choose from three nursing Ph.D. programs in advanced practice, nurse executive nursing, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,029
Out-of-state
$26,664
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,207
Out-of-state
$29,851
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
23,494
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
76%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Saybrook University
Pasadena, CA
4 years
Online
Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,416-$1,590 Out-of-State | $1,416-$1,590
Credits to Graduate: 63-106
Saybrook University Online offers 11 Ph.D. online programs, including unique offerings in mind-body medicine and social change. Graduates of these doctoral programs can go on to work in a variety of careers, from policy advocates and nonprofit leaders to evidence-based coaches. Degree program credit hours, admissions requirements, and prerequisites vary by program.
Choose from Ph.D. programs in counselor education and supervision, integrative social work, organizational systems, mind-body medicine, or integrative wellness coaching specialization.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,856
Out-of-state
$20,856
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
915
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
St. Thomas University
Miami Gardens, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $610-$1,029 Out-of-State | $610-$1,029
Credits to Graduate: 58-90
At St. Thomas University, students can choose from two online Ph.D. programs. The hybrid Ph.D. in ethical leadership offers specializations in criminal justice and higher education. The fully online Ph.D. in theology and leadership emphasizes Catholic theological ethics.
There are also non-Ph.D. online doctoral programs, like a DBA or Ed.D. The DBA offers specializations in management, sports administration, and cybersecurity management. The Ed.D. in leadership and innovation offers specializations in administration, digital instruction, and sports management. Nurses at St. Thomas University can earn a DNP entirely online in just 18 months.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,800
Out-of-state
$31,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,400
Out-of-state
$14,400
Retention Rate
56%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
5,921
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $105 Out-of-State | $105
Credits to Graduate: 63
Texas Tech University offers 11 Ph.D. programs that are 100% online, plus five hybrid Ph.D. programs. At Texas Tech, you can get a doctoral degree in agricultural education, educational leadership policy, family and consumer science education, higher education administration, higher education research, instructional technology, personal financial planning, or special education.
The hybrid programs include technical communication and rhetoric, systems and engineering management, educational psychology, educational leadership, and technical communication.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,935
Out-of-state
$21,204
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,956
Out-of-state
$15,136
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
40,542
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,700 Out-of-State | $1,700
Choose from six 100% online Ph.D. programs, including organizational leadership, business psychology, counselor education and supervision, behavior analysis, and international psychology. There is also an Ed.D. in educational psychology and technology. In some programs, online students must attend two brief residencies that are roughly three-and-a-half days each.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,328
Out-of-state
$11,328
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,554
Out-of-state
$22,554
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
3,260
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $569-$886 Out-of-State | $569-$886
Credits to Graduate: 60-90
The University of North Dakota administers 12 Ph.D. programs online. A leader in STEM education, UND offers degrees such as computer science, environmental engineering, civil engineering, and petroleum engineering.
The Ph.D. program in indigenous health offers the choice of an academic or applied track. UND also offers a DNP with specializations in family nurse practitioner and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
You can complete most programs in 3-7 years. Depending on the degree, students may have to come to campus to complete research and other requirements. Online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency status.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,882
Out-of-state
$13,323
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,503
Out-of-state
$17,254
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
13,772
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Methodology
Best College Reviews ranks schools based on over a dozen factors, including academic quality, affordability, and earning potential after graduation. To accurately and objectively evaluate each school's value, we consider factors such as student retention rate, average net price, and median student debt.
For this list, we created a directory of online Ph.D. programs and organized them alphabetically.
Determining which Ph.D. program provides the best outcomes for your goals requires thoughtful decision-making. The best online Ph.D. programs offer a rigorous academic environment where you can develop new skills and graduate with the specialized knowledge to open career doors.
When searching for the right program, you'll first want to prioritize accredited programs — this ensures programs hold verification from a professional organization and provide access to quality education and student services. Additionally, consider factors such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, financial aid options, and program structure.
Before applying, ensure your experience, academic record, and skills align with the expectations of prospective programs. In addition to academic transcripts, Ph.D. programs commonly request that you submit an academic writing sample, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores.
Continue reading as we spotlight some of the most popular online Ph.D. programs.
Popular Online Ph.D. Programs
Whether pursuing a career as a postsecondary instructor, lawyer, or psychology clinician, rigorous Ph.D. programs supply you with the expertise needed to thrive in your field of choice. In the following section, we review three of the most popular online Ph.D. programs.
Ph.D. in English
Students pursuing an English Ph.D. gain extensive experience in advanced literary studies, research, writing, and critical thinking. Graduates commonly go on to work as college professors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), postsecondary teachers earn a median salary of about $80,000, with a projected job growth of 8% from 2022-2032.
Ph.D. in Psychology
Those tackling a Ph.D. in psychology typically graduate in about six years and develop advanced clinical and research skills. Graduates with a Ph.D. in psychology can work in clinical settings, in postsecondary education roles, and in the private sector. BLS data reveals that psychologists earned a median annual salary of $85,330 in 2022 with a projected job growth rate of 6% between 2022-32.
Juris Doctor
Students who earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree develop a strong legal foundation in preparation to become lawyers. They often tackle academic specializations in areas like business, constitutional law, and criminal law. According to the BLS, lawyers earn a median annual salary of $135,740, with a job outlook showing 8% growth between 2022-32.
What's the Cost of an Online Ph.D. and Doctoral Program?
The cost of your online Ph.D. or doctoral program can vary dramatically among schools. Elite private institutions cost the most, while in-state public options tend to provide more affordable tuition. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2021-22 academic year, graduate students qualifying for in-state tuition at public institutions pay less than $11,000 per year, while students at private institutions pay about $20,000 annually.
Regardless of cost, your graduate degree inevitably involves a significant investment of both time and money. Ph.D. students can offset costs through various financial aid options, including loans, grants, scholarships, and graduate assistantships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorates
Are online Ph.D. programs respected?
An online Ph.D. is respected because of the degree's rigor and the expertise that graduates hold. Still, it often depends on a program's accreditation and reputation. Many top schools offer standout online doctoral programs. Prospective students should seek out programs that align with their academic interests and career goals.
What is the best online school for a Ph.D.?
Determining the best online Ph.D. is based largely on personal factors. While rankings can help in your search for the best school for you, you'll want to prioritize elements like faculty, cost, academic specializations, alumni testimonials, and career services.
Which Ph.D. is most in demand?
A doctorate in a field like computer science, engineering, or a healthcare-related area can offer ample career options after graduation. It's worth being mindful of job market trends as academia jobs in some subjects are in significant decline.
What is the fastest Ph.D. to get online?
The time it takes to earn your Ph.D. varies between programs. Additionally, your academic experience and status as a full-time or part-time student can significantly impact your graduation timeline. Still, some programs in fields like business, education, and healthcare offer accelerated pathways, allowing you to graduate more quickly.
Can you do a Ph.D. without a master’s degree?
There's a long list of Ph.D. programs that allow students to pursue their doctorate without holding a master's degree. Admission requirements can vary wildly between programs, and prospective students often need to demonstrate strong academic performance with relevant experience in the field.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Best College Reviews. Page last reviewed December 11, 2023.
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