Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.
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Updated January 2, 2024

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A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that you can attain. Consisting primarily of research, a Ph.D. prepares you for a career in academia or research in the field you study.

Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. online will find it can be completed in less time. Online students also get the added benefit of being able to complete their work from the comfort of home. The overall cost may also be less compared to an in-person program.

We've compiled a list of the best accredited online Ph.D. programs to help you start your search.

Are Online Ph.D. Programs Worth It?

An online Ph.D. program is an ideal choice if you want to balance your career and family responsibilities along with your education.

While there are some preconceived notions that online programs aren't legitimate, as long as the program you choose is accredited, the degree is the same as one earned in person.

While the annual tuition cost to earn a Ph.D. online averages $12,394 for a public institution and $26,621 for a private university, doctoral graduates enjoy a lower unemployment rate and higher weekly salary than those with less education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Did You Know...

Explore Our Featured Online Doctoral Programs

Jump to Top Schools With Online Ph.D. Programs

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD
$11,340 $11,340 47%
#2 Clemson University
Clemson, SC
$10,600 $22,050 49%
#3 Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$29,632 $29,632 96%
#4 Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
$9,110 $24,790 76%
#5 Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$21,153 $21,153 93%
#6 Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
$10,207 $29,851 96%
#7 Saybrook University
Pasadena, CA
$20,856 $20,856 Not provided
#8 Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX
$6,956 $15,136 68%

Top Schools for Online Accredited Ph.D. Programs

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Capitol Technology University

  • Laurel, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $950
Out-of-State | $950

Credits to Graduate: 60

Founded in 1927, Capitol Technology University features 40 doctoral programs, which you can complete online. Majors include aeronautical science, artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, military leadership, occupation risk management, and supply chain management. 

Programs require about 60 credits, but you can choose from a doctoral degree without any research requirements. Coursework focuses on doctoral research, proposal writing, and oral defense. Capitol also offers a dual master's and Ph.D. in technology combination program. 

Admission requirements vary, but generally you need a master's degree in a related major and five years of work experience.

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 Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Clemson University

  • Clemson, SC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $515-$1,319
Out-of-State | $515-$1,319

Credits to Graduate: 60

Clemson's graduate catalog features 52 doctoral programs with the flexibility to study on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Fields like digital history, entomology, genetics, or business administration offer on-campus programs for traditional doctoral students. You have the opportunity to study virtually in nine doctoral programs, including nursing, educational leadership, and parks, recreation and tourism management.

To obtain a doctoral degree, candidates must complete approximately 60 credits over a span of 3-5 years and successfully defend their dissertation.

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 Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Keiser University

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Total Cost:
In-State | $31,712
Out-of-State | $31,712

Credits to Graduate: 60

Keiser University, which was established in 1977, offers 19 flexible doctoral degrees. You can attend classes on the 100-acre main campus or study at one of 23 satellite campuses. Programs offer evening, online, and daytime courses. Keiser's “student first” policy lets you take 1-2 classes at a time, depending on your availability. It takes about 2-5 years to earn your doctoral degree.

To apply for a doctoral program, you need to submit your master's or doctoral transcripts, a resume, personal statement, and an application with a fee.

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 Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Mississippi State University

  • Mississippi State, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $537
Out-of-State | $1,074-$1,468

Credits to Graduate: 60-65

The public research university MSU, which began admitting students in 1880 as an Agricultural and Mechanical College, now boasts 71 doctoral degrees, including 15 virtual programs. Ph.D. programs include engineering, computer science, agricultural sciences, mathematical sciences, and educational leadership. In addition to coursework, you'll need to complete a dissertation and defense on an independent research topic.

As a doctoral candidate, you can access ample research opportunities. The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station runs 16 stations throughout the state. Applicants need a recommended 3.4 GPA for their master's-level coursework.

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 Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Nova Southeastern University

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $969-$1,386
Out-of-State | $969-$1,386

Credits to Graduate: 51-64

Nova Southeastern University, the largest private research university in Florida, boasts 14 colleges and 11 campuses. NSU offers 37 doctoral programs, with 19 of them available online. Earn a doctoral degree online in subjects such as criminal justice, computer science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. 

Departments such as the NSU Fischler College of Education and the School of Criminal Justice offer dissertation resources, including templates and mentor support. Each program sets distinct admission requirements, but you generally need a master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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 Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Old Dominion University

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $599
Out-of-State | $1,439

Credits to Graduate: 31-60 

Old Dominion University offers 10 online doctoral programs through its seven colleges and three schools. The program covers a range of subjects such as nursing, community college leadership, educational leadership, engineering management, English, instruction design and technology, and workforce and organizational development. 

Admission requirements vary across programs. For instance, the Ph.D. in business administration requires GMAT or GRE scores, while the Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction asks applicants to submit master's transcripts, an essay, and three references.

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 Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

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: 54-76

Offering hybrid online degrees since 1970, Saybrook University now delivers 11 online doctoral degrees. You can earn a doctoral degree completely online or in a hybrid format with a low-residency option.

Doctoral students can pursue studies in counseling, integrative social work, organizational systems, mind-body medicine, integrative and functional nutrition, psychology, and wellness. To get admitted, you need at least a master's degree. And you complete up to 76 credits over about 4-5 years.

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 Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Texas Tech University

  • Lubbock, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,107-$6,877
Out-of-State | $2,107-$6,877

Credits to Graduate: 60-96

Created in 1923, Texas Tech's 13 colleges and schools offer 98 doctoral degrees. Texas Tech offers doctoral degrees in agricultural and applied economics, animal science, computer science, curriculum and instruction, and special education. 

Many of the doctoral programs, such as the Ph.D. in psychology and Ph.D. in wind science and engineering, offer STEM OPT Extension eligibility to extend your F-1 visa for up to two years. Programs require about 60 credits on average and a dissertation. Depending on the program, you may need to submit GRE scores to apply.

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

How We Rank Schools

Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.

We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.

For this page, we created a directory of online accredited Ph.D. programs that meet our criteria. The list is organized alphabetically rather than ranked.

Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page.


Does Accreditation Matter for Online Ph.D. Programs?

A college is accredited after being recognized by an independent institution that verifies the school's courses and programs meet set quality standards.

The school you choose must be accredited in order for your Ph.D. to be recognized by employers, earn professional licensures, and qualify you for federal financial aid.

Legitimate accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. Cost?

In general, you can expect to pay around $13,000-$30,000 per year in tuition and fees for your online Ph.D.

Several factors affect how much your Ph.D. program will cost, including:

  • Whether the program is fully funded
  • Whether your school is public or private
  • Whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
  • How long your program lasts (most Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete)
  • How much financial aid you get

While many in-person and online doctoral programs in the U.S. are fully funded, these tend to be highly competitive.

One way to save money on your online Ph.D. is to attend a program that offers in-state tuition to residents. Make sure you submit the FAFSA each year so you can secure federal financial aid.

You may also need to budget for occasional travel to and from campus and research sites, especially as you work on your dissertation.

What's the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a Doctorate?

While a Ph.D. and a doctoral degree, or doctorate, both signify the same level of education completed, their uses are different.

Doctorate is the broader term — a Ph.D. is a type of doctorate. Specifically, a Ph.D. is an academic degree that prepares you for a career in research or teaching in your field of study (such as science, English, or economics).

Besides a Ph.D., other types of doctorates include a doctor of medicine (MD), a doctor of education (Ed.D.), and a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). These degrees are typically used in either an academic or professional setting.

Online Ph.D. Programs That Don't Require a Dissertation

A dissertation is a final written project culminating in a student's original research at the end of their Ph.D. program. A dissertation is typically presented and defended by its author. It's typically required for degrees with an academic or research focus.

Not all Ph.D. programs require a dissertation. For example, some Ph.D. programs in humanities, education, business administration, and criminal justice require simple or no dissertations for a quicker completion time.

What Jobs Can You Get After Earning an Online Ph.D.?

Once you finish your online doctoral program, you can explore a variety of career paths both within and outside academia.

Many Ph.D. graduates, especially those who studied the humanities, go on to become professors. Other popular roles include administrator, scientist, and psychologist.

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs earn a relatively high average base salary of $105,000 a year, according to Payscale.

Popular Careers for Ph.D. Grads
Job Median Annual Salary (May 2022) Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)
Political Scientists $128,020 7%
Economists $113,940 6%
Biochemists and Biophysicists $103,810 7%
Mathematicians and Statisticians $99,960 30%
Postsecondary Education Administrators $99,940 4%
Medical Scientists $99,930 10%
Psychologists $85,330 6%
Postsecondary Teachers $80,840 8%
Epidemiologists $78,520 27%
Historians $64,540 3%
Anthropologists and Archaeologists $63,940 4%
Source: BLS

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs

What is the quickest Ph.D. to get?

The quickest Ph.D. to earn are those that award professional degrees and don't require extensive research projects or dissertations at completion. These Ph.D. programs can include accounting, business, education, and media.

To finish your degree faster, you can also look for accelerated programs that quicken the pace of a program and shorten the time it takes to complete.

Are online doctoral programs legit?

If the online doctoral program is accredited, it is legitimate. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the rigorous educational standards of other comparative doctoral programs.

With accreditation, employers and other institutions of higher learning will recognize your degree. As more universities turn toward online programs to serve a more diverse student population, there are a growing number of legitimate, accredited online Ph.D. programs.

How long are online Ph.D. programs?

Online Ph.D. programs, like any other doctoral program, can vary in length but typically take 5-7 years to complete. A doctoral degree balances coursework with research. Usually, students must meet a certain number of course requirements before they can start original research.

While coursework may take only a year or two, writing a dissertation that meets the program requirements varies from candidate to candidate.

Can I earn my Ph.D. entirely online?

Yes, many accredited colleges and universities offer 100% online Ph.D. programs. That said, some programs may require on-campus experiences, such as library research and a dissertation defense.

What do employers think of online doctoral programs?

It takes a high level of discipline and persistence to obtain a graduate degree, no matter the context. Most employers will recognize and value the hard work it takes to get a Ph.D., whether you completed your doctorate online or in person.

Make sure you research potential programs. If you're attending an accredited, well-regarded school, employers will value your online Ph.D. just as much as a traditional one.


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Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.

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AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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