An online PhD program has a lot in common with a traditional in-person program. By studying online, you will take the same courses and classes on a schedule that suits yours. An online doctoral program includes research and thesis requirements, all of which you complete under the guidance of a mentor.
We have ranked the schools offering the best online doctorates below.
Top 5 Online Ph.D. Programs: Quick Facts
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Middle School |
Program statistics |
How many? |
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At Still University Kirksville, Missouri |
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Per credit hour: $587 to $800 Registration fees: $70 |
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Amridge University Montgomery, AL |
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Per credit hour: $500 to $760 Registration fees: $50 |
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Andrews University Berrien Springs, MI |
Education programs include the opportunity to study abroad |
Per credit hour: $1,428 Registration fees: $60 |
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Ball State University Muncie, IN |
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Per credit hour: $438 resident $656 non-resident Registration fees: $60 |
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Barry University Miami, Florida |
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Per credit hour: $666-850 Registration fees: $70 |
What Should I Expect In An Online PhD? program?
An online doctorate. is comparable to what learners experience on campus. The program typically begins with courses designed to develop your fundamental understanding of the discipline alongside the research essentials.
Once you have completed the required coursework, you will take comprehensive exams and submit a thesis or project proposal. It’s something you develop with a mentor.
As an online student, you will connect one-on-one with faculty through online office hours, email, and video conferencing. A bad internet connection or technical difficulties can hinder you. You may need or may want to travel to meet them personally.
Some online doctorates. programs may provide you with a computer, while others have research resources to help you.
Much of the research you undertake is done independently and requires motivation and dedication. Asking questions, asking for help, and staying in close contact with your mentor are essential throughout the process.
The best online doctorate. programs: our choices
We have chosen the best online doctorate. programs using ZDNet’s ranking methodology. Our exclusive online doctoral degree assessment formula uses federally reported data, programmatic and professional results, and industry information. We consider the big picture to offer an unbiased look at the best online Ph.D. programs.
Unless otherwise specified, data is taken from the Postsecondary Education Integrated Data System, the college scorecard and each school’s website. Note that for public colleges, the average annual net price shown is for in-state students.
1. At Still University
Kirsville, Mo.
About the program: ATSU offers online doctoral programs in health professions, health administration, health sciences, medical sciences, and nursing practice.
- Acceptance rate: Not accessible to the public
- Graduation rate: Not accessible to the public
- Avg. annual tuition fees: $40,978
- Completion time : Varied
- Medium MCAT score: 505
- Registration periods per year: Four
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous programs
Accreditation: AT Still University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
2. Amridge University
Montgomery, Alabama
About the program: Dedicated to academic programs infused with the ideals and heritage of the Churches of Christ, Amridge offers six online doctorates. programs alongside three Doctor of Ministry programs and a Doctor of Education.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 32%
- Avg. annual net price: $17,618
- Completion time : Three to seven years
- Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: N / A
- Registration periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Amridge University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
3. Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI
About the program: Rooted in the beliefs and traditions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Andrews offers online doctoral programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and education.
- Acceptance rate: 49%
- Graduation rate: 55%
- Avg. annual net price: $23,408
- Completion time : Three to seven years
- Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: N / A
- Registration periods per year: Varied
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
4. Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
- About the program: All of Ball State’s online doctoral programs focus on education. Areas of study include adult and community education, educational administration and supervision, elementary education, and special education.
- Acceptance rate: 87%
- Graduation rate: 61%
- Avg. annual net price: $14,765
- Completion time : Varied
- Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: N / A
- Registration periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
5. Barry University
Miami, Florida
About the program: Rooted in the Dominican Roman Catholic tradition, Barry offers online doctoral programs in nursing, occupational therapy, and education.
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Graduation rate: 48%
- Avg. annual net price: $20,539
- Completion time : Varied
- Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: GRE required, no minimum
- Registration periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Barry University is accredited by the Southern Commission of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
6. Baylor University
Waco, TX
About the program: A Baptist institution, Baylor offers online doctoral programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, and education.
- Acceptance rate: 68%
- Graduation rate: 76%
- Avg. annual net price: $37,309
- Completion time : Varied
- Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: GRE required, no minimum
- Registration periods per year: Varied
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
7. Bethel University
St. Paul, Minnesota
About the program: Bethel, the largest member of a consortium of 13 Baptist academic institutions, offers online doctorates in K-12 educational administration and higher education leadership.
- Acceptance rate: 87%
- Graduation rate: 71%
- Avg. annual net price: $28,178
- Completion time : three to five years
- Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: N / A
- Registration periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Bethel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
8. Boston University
Boston, MA
About the program: BU offers online doctoral programs in mechanical engineering and occupational therapy.
- Acceptance rate: 20%
- Graduation rate: 87%
- Avg. annual net price: $30,395
- Completion time : Varied
- Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: Varied
- Registration periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
9. Global University of Massachusetts
Irvine, California
About the program: Dedicated to serving non-traditional students and adult learners, UMass Global offers two online doctoral degrees: a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and a post-master’s program in Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Acceptance rate: 93%
- Graduation rate: 64%
- Avg. annual net price: $26,346
- Completion time : Varied
- Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: Not accessible to the public
- Registration periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous, synchronous, hybrid
Accreditation: The University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
10. Brenau University
Gainesville, Georgia
About the program: Brenau offers six online doctoral programs in education. Areas of concentration include elementary education, higher education leadership, higher education and middle-level learning, and special education. A graduation program is also available.
- Acceptance rate: 92%
- Graduation rate: 44%
- Avg. annual net price: $22,402
- Completion time : two to five years
- Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: Not accessible to the public
- Registration periods per year: A
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
