35 Cheapest Online PhD Programs in the World

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Cheapest Online PhD programs
Cheapest Online PhD programs

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

Earning a Ph.D. 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.

The cheapest 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 rates.

To assist students with a low budget, we have researched, organized, and put together a quality list of the 35 Cheapest 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.

Before we list the 35 Cheapest Online PhD Programs in the World, let us briefly explain the meaning of PhD.

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What is a PhD?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. A Doctor of Philosophy is the most common doctorate degree at the highest academic level awarded after completing a particular course of study.

A Ph.D. candidate must submit a project, thesis, or dissertation before they can be awarded a Ph.D. degree.

A dissertation usually consists of original academic research. Usually, a candidate must defend the research in front of a panel of expert examiners appointed by the university.

Ph.D. is a research doctoral degree, other types of research doctoral degrees are DBA, EdD, and ThD.

Apart from Ph.D., a Doctor of Philosophy may also be abbreviated as DPhil or Ph.D depending on the country. Individuals who have earned a Ph.D. usually use the title Doctor (often abbreviated “Dr” or “Dr.”) with their name.

35 Cheapest Online PhD programs in the World

The Cheapest Online Ph.D. programs were ranked based on accreditation status and tuition (total cost per credit). The tuition amount is only valid for the 2022/2023 session because tuition may be changed annually. Do well to check official schools’ websites for current information on tuition and fees before applying.

Below is a list of the 35 cheapest online Ph.D. programs in the World: 

35 Cheap PhD Programs Online – Updated

#1. PhD in Bible Exposition

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

Ph.D. 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.

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#2. PhD in Community College Leadership

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

Ph.D. 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.

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#3. PhD in Computational Engineering

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

Ph.D. 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 a maximum of 72 credits. It is also available as a Master of Science.

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#4. Ph.D. in Computer Science

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

Ph.D. 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.

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#5. PhD in Engineering – Aerospace Engineering

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

In this program, students will be awarded a Ph.D. 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.

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#6. PhD in Engineering – Chemical Engineering

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

In this program, students will be awarded a Ph.D. 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 a maximum of 56 credit hours, including 20 hours for dissertation research.

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#7. PhD in Engineering – Civil Engineering

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

In this program, students will earn a Ph.D. 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, transportation, construction materials, and environmental engineering.

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#8. PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering

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

Ph.D. 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.

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#9. PhD in Educational Psychology

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

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

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

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#10. PhD in Psychology – General Psychology

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

The Ph.D. 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.

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#11. PhD in Behaviour Analysis

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

Ph.D. 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).

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#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 on 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.

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

Students will earn a Ph.D. 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, and requires students to attend two 2-week summer institutes at the main campus in Norfolk, VA.

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#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

Ph.D. 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, and Workforce development.

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

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#15. PhD in English

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

Ph.D. 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.

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#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 Ph.D. program, students will focus on the challenges that arise where government, non-profits, businesses, community groups, and individuals 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.

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#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 Ph.D. program, students will develop expertise in designing and delivering education programs based on standards for technological literacy.

Students will earn a Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Occupational and Technical Studies and an emphasis in Technology Education.

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

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#18. PhD in History

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

Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. in History is the first program of its kind offered by a conservative Christian, accredited university.

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#19. PhD in Education

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

Ph.D. in Education is a 60-credit hour fully online program, that can be completed within three years.

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

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#20. PhD in Criminal Justice

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

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

This online Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. in Criminal Justice as well as specialized areas of study in leadership and homeland security.

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#21. PhD in Public Policy

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

This Ph.D. in Public policy program requires students to complete a 60 credit hour, which can be completed within three years.

Students can choose a specialization that focuses on the topic that interests them most.

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

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#22. PhD in Psychology

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

This online Ph.D. in Psychology is suitable for students who wish to gain new knowledge of human behavior and find new 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 Ph.D. in psychology, students will learn effective clinical techniques, and essential behavioral theory and develop their research and writing expertise.

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#23. PhD in Nursing Education

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

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

In this Ph.D. 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 are eligible for the $5k Capella progress reward.

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#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 Ph.D. in the nursing program: BSN to Ph.D., MSN to Ph.D., and DNP to Ph.D. Each route has different credit hours.

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#25. PhD in Education – Special Education

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

This fully online Ph.D. 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.

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#26. PhD in Organizational Leadership

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

This Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. program, students will experience personal transformation and become more effective leaders.

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

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

Ph.D. 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.

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#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 the global era.

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

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#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 approach to help them grow as effective leaders.

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#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.

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#31. PhD in Business Administration

  • Tuition: $1386 per credit
  • Institution: Andrews University

This program is a 60-credit program, designed to prepare experienced practitioners for senior administrative and educational positions.

The Ph.D. degree is research-oriented and requires courses in advanced research methodologies. It is delivered in an interactive online synchronous format with minimal face-to-face requirements.

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#32. PhD in Curriculum & Instruction

  • Tuition: $1386 per credit
  • Institution: Andrews University

This program is a 61-credit research-oriented degree program, designed for leaders who contribute to education through theoretical and conceptional research.

It can be completed by full-time students in six years. Also, the program is accredited by NCATE – National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

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#33. PhD in Higher Education Administration

  • Tuition: $1,386 per credit
  • Institution: Andrews University

This Ph.D. program is a 61-credit program that prepares experienced practitioners for senior administrative and policy-making positions.

The Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration can be completed by full-time students in five years.

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#34. PhD in Educational Leadership

  • Tuition: $1,386 per credit
  • Institution: Andrews University

This Ph.D. program is a 90-credit program that prepares leaders for service in many types of education agencies and organizations.

The Ph.D. program is more research-oriented and requires more courses in advanced research methodologies.

It is accredited by NCATE – National Council for Accreditation and Teacher Education, and also nationally recognized by the Educational leadership constituent council.

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#35. PhD in Leadership

  • Tuition: $1,386 per credit
  • Institution: Andrews University

This Ph.D. program is a 60-credit program, designed to meet the needs of mid-career academic leaders.

The program requires a research-focused dissertation that helps participants grow as both leaders and researchers. It can be completed within 5 to 7 years.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Cheapest Online PhD Programs in the World

Can I get a Ph.D. Online?

There are several universities that offer online Ph.D. programs to students. The universities mentioned in this article provide online programs at different degree levels.

Are Online Ph.D. degrees respected?

Yes, online Ph.D. programs are well respected and recognized, if the program is accredited. All the schools mentioned in this article are either regionally or nationally accredited.

How much does Ph.D. cost?

According to educationdata.org, the average cost of a Ph.D. degree is $98,800.

What are Ph.D. requirements?

Most universities require that candidates hold a master's degree with high academic standing, along with a bachelor's degree. However, few universities accept students with only bachelor's degrees depending on the course of study. Standardized test scores like GMAT and GRE, letters of recommendation, and English proficiency test scores may also be required.

Why should I get a Ph.D.?

Most people earn Ph.D. degrees to get new job opportunities, increase salary potential and knowledge.

Are Online Ph.D. Degrees cheaper than Traditional Degrees?

The cost of a program whether online or traditional depends on your choice of school. You may be saved on transportation and accommodation fees but most online schools have distance learning fees.

How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. degree?

In most universities, the duration for Ph.D. programs is within 3 to 8 years. However, there may be fast track PhD programs that can be completed in a year or two years.

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Conclusion on Cheapest Online PhD Programs

Students with busy schedules no longer have to put a hold on their careers to continue their education. Career and education can be balanced with online degree programs.

Earning a Ph.D. can cost a lot but applying for cheap online degrees can help cut down the cost. We hope this article provided you with the right information. It was a lot of effort! Let us know your thoughts in the Comment Section.