If you’re looking for an undergraduate education first, we’ve compiled the best online colleges to help with prerequisites. If you’re already ready to further your education, We’ve ranked the schools offering the best online doctorates below.
Top 5 online Ph.D. programs: Quick facts
The best online Ph.D. programs: Our picks
We picked the best online Ph.D. programs using ZDNet’s ranking methodology. Our proprietary formula for assessing online doctoral degrees uses federally reported data, programmatic and professional outcomes, and industry insights. We consider the whole picture to offer an unbiased look at the top online Ph.D. programs. Kirksville, MO Application fee: $70 Montgomery, AL Application fee: $50 Berrien Springs, MI Application fee: $60 Muncie, IN $438 resident $656 nonresident Application fee: $60 Miami, FL Application fee: $70 Once you complete the required classes, you will sit for comprehensive exams and submit a dissertation or project proposal. This is something you develop with a mentor. As an online student, you’ll connect one-on-one with faculty via online office hours, email, and video conferencing. A bad internet connection or technical difficulties can hinder you. You may also need to or want to travel to meet with them personally. Some online Ph.D. 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 self-motivation and dedication. Asking questions, reaching out for help, and remaining in close contact with your mentor is key throughout the process. Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and each school’s website. Note that for public colleges, the average annual net price given is for in-state students.
- A.T. Still UniversityKirsville, Missouri About the program: ATSU offers online doctoral programs in health professions, health administration, health sciences, medical science, and nursing practice.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: Not publicly availableAvg. annual tuition: $40,978Time to completion: VariesAverage MCAT score: 505Enrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous programs
Accreditation: A.T. Still University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 2. Amridge UniversityMontgomery, Alabama About the program: Dedicated to academic programs infused with the ideals and heritage of the Churches of Christ, Amridge offers six online Ph.D. programs alongside three doctor of ministry programs and one doctor of education degree.
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 32%Avg. annual net price: $17,618Time to completion: Three to seven yearsMinimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: N/AEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Amridge University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 3. Andrews UniversityBerrien Springs, Michigan About the program: Steeped 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: $23,408Time to completion: Three to seven yearsMinimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: N/AEnrollment periods per year: VariesCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 4. Ball State UniversityMuncie, 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: $14,765Time to completion: VariesMinimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: N/AEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 5. Barry UniversityMiami, Florida About the program: Grounded in the Roman Catholic Dominican tradition, Barry offers online doctoral programs in nursing, occupational therapy, and education.
Acceptance rate: 65%Graduation rate: 48%Avg. annual net price: $20,539Time to completion: VariesMinimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: GRE required, no minimumEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Barry University is accredited by the Southern Commission of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 6. Baylor UniversityWaco, Texas 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: $37,309Time to completion: VariesMinimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: GRE required, no minimumEnrollment periods per year: VariesCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 7. Bethel UniversitySaint Paul, Minnesota About the program: Bethel, the largest member of a 13-institution Baptist college consortium, offers online doctorates in K-12 education administration and higher education leadership.
Acceptance rate: 87%Graduation rate: 71%Avg. annual net price: $28,178Time to completion: Three to five yearsMinimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: N/AEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Bethel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 8. Boston UniversityBoston, Massachusetts About the program: BU offers online doctoral programs in mechanical engineering and occupational therapy.
Acceptance rate: 20%Graduation rate: 87%Avg. annual net price: $30,395Time to completion: VariesMinimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: VariesEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). 9. University of Massachusetts GlobalIrvine, California About the program: Dedicated to serving non-traditional students and adult learners, UMass Global offers two online doctoral degrees: A education doctorate organizational leadership, and a post-masters to doctor of nursing practice program.
Acceptance rate: 93%Graduation rate: 64%Avg. annual net price: $26,346Time to completion: VariesMinimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse 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 UniversityGainesville, Georgia About the program: Brenau offers six online doctoral programs in education. Concentration areas include elementary education, higher education leadership, higher education teaching and learning middle grades, and special education. A degree completion program is also available.
Acceptance rate: 92%Graduation rate: 44%Avg. annual net price: $22,402Time to completion: Two to five yearsMinimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: OneCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
