30 Affordable And Shortest Doctoral Program Online

The shortest doctoral programs online or accelerated Ph.D. programs are available in various fields. Institutions offering these shortest Ph.D. programs usually have funds, research, facilities, and exceptional resources available for students to use.

However, before choosing any of the shortest doctoral programs online or easiest doctorate, get information from each school to see their eligibility criteria.

Interestingly, the doctorate is the “final” term that marks the end of the student’s academic journey. A Ph.D. requires a lot of time, patience, and discipline, and only a few selected professions require it. Those looking for post-secondary education or participating in high-level research will usually need a doctorate to do so.

A lot has been said already. In this regard, this article will show the shortest doctoral programs online and links to access them.

You’ll find an outline below to see the topics we will discuss.

Table of contents

Why Should I Earn a Doctoral Program Online?

Many online Ph.D. programs allow students to complete their courses in their own hours and at a distance, making them ideal for professionals who work or for those who care about their families. Getting an online certificate also offers more program options and helps you build a diverse professional network.

Here is a preview of the Average yearly salary:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: $61,000
  • Master’s Degree: $71,000
  • Doctoral Degree: $96,000

What Are the Highest Paying accelerated Ph.D. programs?

Getting an advanced degree can open exciting and profitable career paths. For example, students with master’s or Ph.D. degrees in engineering often earn more than $135,000 a year, or more than four times the average national salary. Research and leadership positions in the economy and in the pharmaceutical industry are also potential for exceptional profits.

However, here is the list of the highest paying Doctoral degrees online:

  • Electrical & Computer Engineering: $142,000
  • Chemical Engineering: $138,000
  • Also, Biomedical Engineering; $137,000 and
  • Economics: $134,000

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctoral Degree Online?

Most students must wait at least two years to obtain a doctorate, although according to grade, students extend the program to seven years or more. Given the nature of self-taught online learning, most online programs have time limits to complete to prevent students from spending nearly a decade completing doctoral degrees.

The exact limit varies according to the specific field of study and school, but students can be expected to have a 7-9 year deadline from the first semester to the end of the thesis. Students’ thesis is often slowed down as a result of the individual’s rhythm schedule.

Given these points, it may be difficult to predict exactly how long it would take to obtain a doctorate. Therefore, the following schedule will focus on a typical timetable for students working for a doctorate.

Are Online shortest Ph.D. programs Cheaper?

Online doctoral programs usually share comparable prices with traditional, on-campus programs. Some unique differences remain between online and on-campus programs that can often make the online route cheaper.

Here is the list of the average published yearly tuition and fees for Graduate Programs:

  • Public institutions: $11,3030
  • Private Nonprofit: $25,817
  • Private for Profit of $14,432

Can You Get Financial Aid for Doctoral Online Programs?

Online programs have become widely accepted in the context of financial assistance, so online enrollment will make no difference to the ability of a doctoral student to receive assistance. Therefore, any Ph.D. student interested in applying for financial aid scholarships must complete the FAFSA free application.

Types of Financial Aid Available for Online Doctoral Students

Here is a list of the types of Financial Aid available for online doctoral students:

  • Scholarships
  • Grants
  • Work-Study
  • Loans
  • Fellowships

How Can I Find the Best Shortest Doctoral Programs Online?

It is difficult to find the best Shortest doctoral program online because many students have different goals and criteria for attending a particular institution. For example, students who are looking for more attention from their tutors may prefer a private school with smaller proportions of students to teachers, but this extra interest often carries a higher cost.

While students may give priority to affordability, others may have more specific criteria in mind. We consider these differences and classify schools taking into account a variety of factors used by students to compare and select universities.

Many students seek an accelerated Ph.D. program to pursue their education without leaving their current job. In an area such as education, employers may require a doctorate to take on certain leadership roles, such as a supervisor or associate dean in finance or economics, a doctorate can help you negotiate a promotion or higher salary.

While you can earn all these degrees entirely at a distance, some programs may also allow you to take some courses on-campus in a hybrid learning format. This forum has listed below the best 30 Affordable & Shortest Doctoral Program Online.

Here are some of the popular online doctorates you should note:

Accounting and Finance, Education, Business and Economics, Psychology, Political Science.

Here is the 30 Affordable & Shortest Doctoral Program Online 

  • University of Colorado Denver
  • The University of Mississippi 
  • Indiana State University
  • University of Arkansas
  • Texas A&M University-College Station
  • Texas Tech University
  • Liberty University
  • The University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • University of Northern Colorado
  • The University of South Carolina-Columbia
  • Penn State World Campus
  • University at Buffalo
  • The University of Texas Medical Branch
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • The University of Montana
  • Wilmington University
  • University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
  • The University of Alaska Fairbanks
  • Hampton University
  • The University of Texas at Tyler
  • University of Michigan-Flint
  • The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  • Mississippi State University
  • Amridge University
  • University of Louisiana at Monroe
  • Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
  • Northern Arizona University
  • Clemson University
  • University of the Cumberlands

1. University of Colorado Denver

With more than 450 online courses, the University of Colorado in Denver offers graduate students the opportunity to participate in distance learning in full or in part. Through CU Online, students can access more than 30 online certification programs, including four doctoral programs online.

Doctoral programs at the University of California at Denver are offered in the practice of nursing, pharmacy, and online nursing by 100%, while the doctoral program in education is offered as a hybrid program and is recommended for Colorado residents. In 2005, the University of California at Denver started the DNP program and became the region’s first university to offer this Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.

This is also an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 48%, a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, a grand rate of 45% with no credit for experience, placement service, and also with counseling services.

Program Link

2. University of Mississippi 

In addition to individual courses and Shortest doctoral program online, the University of Mississippi has specialized programs in full online education with three different concentrations to choose from. Students with a doctorate degree in education can pursue their careers through the EDS program in play therapy, K-12 education, or counselors education.

The EDS Online Curriculum in the Games Therapy and Education programs for consultants fulfills most of the requirements for advanced licensing in every area in Mississippi.

While the leadership cycle from KG to Grade 12 meets state standards for the AAA certification. These programs can be completed within 18 to 24 months and require experimental learning. For EdS students in K-12 Leadership, the part of training can be completed at the student’s current school site. This is one of the easiest doctorates.

However, This also has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 61%, a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, a grand rate of 60% with credit for experience, placement service, and counseling services.

Program Link

3. Indiana State University

Students looking for the shortest doctoral program online at Indiana State University have more than 40 degree and degree programs available through the Indiana University Online Distance Learning website. ISU has six online Ph.D. programs in nursing, educational management, technology management, sports training, and health sciences.

Also, a specialized program in education in school administration. The Ph.D. degree in nursing practice and the Ph.D. in Health Sciences is offered online at 100%, while other programs require some on-campus participation in seminars. This Shortest doctoral program online is also a 1 year Ph.D. program online.

However, this doctoral program online also has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 75%. Also, with a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, a grand rate of 43% with credit for experience, placement service, and counseling.

Program Link

4. University of Arkansas

Doctoral students who can not travel to the University of Arkansas each week can obtain an online degree in education. Also in nursing or human resources. The university has two Ph.D. programs in adult education, continuing education or educational leadership, both of which are approved by the Council for the accreditation of teachers.

EdD is organized in adult education and for life as a cohort, with 75 percent of courses completed online. Which also requires 30 months to complete. The EdD site in Educational Leadership is 100 percent online, yet students are expected to attend the campus once a semester for a seminar.

The EdD program in HR Education, Manpower Development, and Nursing Practitioner is a complete program on the Internet and requires GRE scores sufficient for registration. This is also the easiest doctorates and a 1 year Ph.D. program online.

The doctoral program online has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 38%. Also, with a student-teacher ratio of 19:1, a grand rate of 60% with no credit for experience. But with placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

5. Texas A&M University-College Station

The Texas A & M University-College taught international students as well as students from all over the country through the University’s Distance Learning Department. TAMU offers certification programs online at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including the three shortest Ph.D. programs.

EdD is introduced to the school in 100% online curriculum and teaching, allowing experienced teachers to score higher without having to sacrifice their lives and schedules. Students take two semesters per semester at a traditional pace and finish the program in four years. Before applying, the candidates must have a master’s degree and a minimum of five years’ work experience in the field of education.

This is also one of the easiest doctorates and also a 1-year Ph.D. program online. The doctoral program online has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 80%. Also, with a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, a grand rate of 60% with no credit for experience. But with placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

6. Texas Tech University

Students can earn a quality doctor of education in higher education, agricultural education, or educational leadership without the burden of relocation or commuting to classes. Online doctorate students can also earn a Ph.D. in special education, family and consumer science education, technical communication and rhetoric, or systems and engineering management.

However, two Ph.D. degrees in curriculum and instruction are formatted as hybrid programs that require face-to-face learning during summer sessions.

Also, with online courses being completed the rest of the year. Students enrolled in fully online courses at Texas Tech receive in-state tuition rates, which can vary based on the program. This is also the easiest doctorate and a 1 year Ph.D. program online.

However, this doctoral program online also has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 39%. Also, with a student-teacher ratio of 22:1, a grand rate of 62% with no credit for the experience but with placement service, and counseling services.

Program Link

7. Liberty University

With so many shortest Ph.D. programs, students can obtain a Ph.D. in areas such as business administration, a specialist in education, theology, ministry, nursing, curriculum, and education. Most Liberty online programs are completed 100 percent online, however, some titles may require elements of face-to-face learning.

As a Christian university, Liberty is a non-profit school that seeks to improve students’ spiritual well-being as well as their professional education. Online students in Liberty can apply for financial assistance opportunities and receive more than 80 percent of students. Special discounts are available on tuition fees for military personnel and their families and emergency personnel.

This is also one of the easiest doctorates and also a 1-year Ph.D. program online. The doctoral program online has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 78%. Also, with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, a grand rate of 46% with credit for experience, with placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

8. The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Through UAH Online, engineers can increase their mastery in the field with a doctorate program in civil, systems or industrial engineering. As well as engineering management. These programs are provided in a hybrid format, which UAH defines as having at least 51 percent of coursework completed online.

The Ph.D. in systems and industrial engineering and engineering management programs require 78 credits. This is one of the easiest doctorates.

This is also one of the doctoral programs online that have an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 66%. Also, with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, a grand rate of 47% with no credit for the experience but with placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

9. University of Northern Colorado

The Shortest doctoral program online are available in nursing and education, and most require some face-to-face coursework either at UNC’s main campus or at a branch center. Nursing professionals can earn their doctor of nursing practice primarily online, with gerontological care and family nursing concentrations available. Students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree can apply for a DNP program.

The doctoral program online has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 37%. Also, with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, a grand rate of 86% with credit for the experience but with placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

10. University of South Carolina-Columbia

The University has an online doctor of education in the curriculum and instructions available in two concentrations, the technology of education and curriculum studies. These programs are designed for accredited teachers seeking advanced work in public and private institutions. (Alprazolam)

Students begin their studies in a group that meets for the first time on campus before starting a study online. South Carolina teachers receive an educational discount when enrolling in an EDD program online. For engineers, USC has three online Ph.D. programs: MEP and Nuclear Engineering. This is also one of the shortest Ph.D. programs.

The doctoral program online has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 47%. Also, with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, a grand rate of 72% with no credit for the experience but with placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

11. Penn State World Campus

Online education at the University of Pennsylvania is great. Within the school system of 25 campuses, Penn State World Campus ranks second behind the Park University campus in enrolling students. Each year, approximately 18,000 students choose to obtain their online degree from one of the 150 programs offered by the Penn State World Campus.

For those who are willing to start their education for a Ph.D., PSU World Campus offers an online Ph.D.

Also, in nursing practice, with curriculum options for graduates or masters. Courses are offered throughout the program online. To ensure student success in the program, there are three intensive courses requiring students to attend the PSU Main School or Hershey Campus. This is also one of the shortest Ph.D. programs.

The doctoral program online has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 79%, with a student-teacher ratio

of 17:1, a grand rate of 45% with credit for the experience, placement service, and counseling services.

Program Link

12. University at Buffalo

The university has expansive online learning opportunities at all levels of academia, with six doctorates in nursing and a Ph.D. in curriculum, instruction and the science of learning. Students can earn a doctor of nursing practice in nurse anesthesia, family nurse practitioner, child nursing, gerontology, mental health or women’s health.

These programs allow nurses with a master’s degree to complete their DNP within one to three years. Either as full or part-time students. This is also one of the easiest doctorates with a 1 year Ph.D. programs online.

The doctoral program online has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 61%. Also, with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, a grand rate of 71% with no credit for the experience but with placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

13. The University of Texas Medical Branch

This program focuses on treating and caring for disadvantaged people: people with impaired access to medical care, such as people without insurance, minorities, the elderly, and the poor. DNP only accepts students with a master’s degree, a part-time program. UTMB also offers an online Ph.D. program in nursing with BSN to pursue a Ph.D. and follow MSN to Ph.D.

This is also one of the shortest doctoral programs online. Which is also offered as either full or part-time and students make one trip to campus each year for about a week. The doctoral program online has an accelerated Ph.D. program with no financial aid.

Also, with a student-teacher ratio of 24:1, no grand rate, with no credit for the experience. But with placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

14. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The university’s online and distance education department houses all undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs provided in an online or hybrid format. For students ready to take on a doctorate program, the University of Nebraska provides three programs in education online.

Two doctoral programs online can be earned in educational studies or educational administration. In addition, a Ph.D. can be completed in educational studies with concentrations in special education, teacher education, or educational administration.

This is also a 1 year Ph.D. program online, and one of the shortest Ph.D. programs. The online doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 69% and a student-teacher ratio of 21:1, 65% grand rate, with no credit for the experience. But with placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

15. The University of Montana

The university has more than 50 doctoral programs available in subjects such as business, chemistry, education, law, psychology, biology, and anthropology, with many concentrations offered. While the university has a series of online master’s and bachelor’s degree options, UM’s doctoral programs are not provided online and require residency at the school’s Missoula campus.

Doctoral students who are Montana residents receive a competitive per credit hour tuition rate, and out-of-state students can expect double to triple that of in-state. This is one of the shortest doctoral programs online. The doctoral program online has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 67%.

Also, with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, a grand rate of 49%, and with no credit for the experience. But with placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

16. Wilmington University

Graduate nursing students at WilmU can obtain a Ph.D. in professional nursing directly from home and through accelerated learning speed. Nursing students who receive MSN at the moment can start their doctoral studies at the same time, saving time and money for students.

Students who have completed MSN can start DNP with acceleration with the option to add a certificate program and specialize in family nursing, gerontology, or mental health. DNP is also available online at a traditional pace. This is also one of the shortest Ph.D. programs.

However, This also has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 20%, a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, a grand rate of 34% with credit for experience, placement service, and counseling services.

Program Link

17. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Nursing students at the University of Minnesota can obtain a Ph.D. in nursing practice through online learning with 11 concentrations. This concentration is areas to specialize in health. These programs are designed for holders of bachelor’s degrees and require between 69 and 102 credit hours, depending on the specific course.

When studying full-time, students are awarded a doctorate in three years and the curriculum is mainly divided into the UM category on the Internet. This is also one of the Shortest doctoral programs online.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 54% with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. Also, with a grand rate of 73%, a credit for the experience, placement service, and counseling services.

Program Link

18. University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University currently has 18 final titles available, mostly in multi-use scientific fields, such as oceanography, atmospheric sciences, biology, anthropology, and earth sciences. Most programs require at least a GRE score as part of admission and college and graduate degrees obtained previously.

Graduate students can transfer the equivalent of half the total credits in their undergraduate program freely between the university campus. And can transfer one-third of the credit hours from an external university. This is also one of the shortest Ph.D. programs.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 43% with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. Also, with a grand rate of 33%, a credit for the experience, placement service, and counseling services.

Program Link

19. University of Florida

There are currently nine online PhDs available in education, audiology, nursing, pharmacy, Latin and Roman studies, and classical civilization. A Ph.D. in education can be obtained within four years, mainly through distance learning, with four positions in educational leadership, curriculum, and teaching, educational technology, or higher education management. EdD Kefog begins with 16-week classes and a campus seminar during the summer.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 29% with a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. Also, with a grand rate of 85%, with no credit experience, but with a placement service, and counseling services.

Program Link

20. Hampton University

Students can earn a Ph.D. in business administration, counselor education and supervision, nursing, or educational management through distance learning practices. While courses are predominately offered in an online format, some programs may require campus attendance for short seminars and workshops.

During the first years of their program, business students are required to spend four weeks on campus during the summer for instruction. Depending on the program, students can expect to devote two to four years to earning their doctorate degree.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 47% with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1. Also, with a grand rate of 59%, credit experience, placement service, and counseling services.

Program Link

21. The University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler has online doctorate programs available in nursing, giving access to the highest levels of education to those unable to traditionally attend a university. After a five-day orientation at the start of the program, UT Tyler’s Ph.D. in nursing program can be completed entirely through online coursework.

The program can be undertaken by both bachelor and master’s degree holders, either as full-time or part-time students. For full-time students with a bachelor’s degree, the Ph.D. degree can be earned in four years, skipping the master’s degree step.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 39% with a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. Also, with a grand rate of 41%, credit experience, placement service, and counseling services.

Program Link

22. University of Michigan-Flint

A practicing nursing practitioner can be reached online through several methods. Nurses registered after a bachelor’s degree can register full-time and complete the DNP program within four years or choose to work and study simultaneously and finish in six years. Students can choose to focus on one of the four areas, which requires additional clinical practice.

Licensed nurses and others with a master’s degree can complete their DNP program. Also, as part-time student for three years. Online courses are completed and UM-Flint attempts to secure clinical locations near the home or work life of the student; however, periodic campus visits are required periodically during the program.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 50% with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Also, with a grand rate of 36%, with no credit experience, and no placement service, but with counseling services.

Program Link

23. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

An online practitioner can be contacted through several methods. Nurses registered after a bachelor’s degree can register full-time and complete the DNP program within four years, or choose to work. Also, study simultaneously and finish in six years. Students can focus on one of the four areas, which requires additional clinical practice. Licensed nurses and others with a master’s degree can complete their DNP program as part-time students for three years.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 49% with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. Also, with a grand rate of 54%, with no credit experience, but with a placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

24. Mississippi State University

As a member of the NC-SARA agreements to provide online education nationwide, MSU is eligible to do so in most states. Yet, additional requirements may be necessary to meet outside state standards. Doctorate students at MSU can complete their degrees online in engineering and educational leadership.

Engineering students have six majors leading to a Ph.D. degree in civil, computational, aerospace, electrical, mechanical, and industrial and systems engineering. This is also one of the Shortest doctoral programs online.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 68% with a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. Also, with a grand rate of 58%, with credit experience, placement service, and counseling services.

Program Link

25. Amridge University

Today’s students can obtain various degrees online, including Ph.D. in ministry, Bible studies, family counseling, marriages, and multidisciplinary studies. Eight doctoral programs can be completed online, most of which require four years of full-time study to complete. The Department offers three physician programs with a focus on family therapy, designed for professionals who focus on the church.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 100% with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. Also, with no grand rate, but with credit experience, and no placement service, but with counseling services.

Program Link

26. The University of Louisiana at Monroe

The Ph.D. in marriage and family studies with an emphasis on systemic studies is a program that examines creativity’s impact and influence on change. The program was developed for individuals with diverse backgrounds and is structured as a conjunctional program.

As such, students do not complete any clinical hours necessary for professional therapist licensing through the program. This is also one of the shortest Ph.D. programs and easiest doctorates.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 56% with a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. Also, with a grand rate of 37%, with no credit experience, but with a placement service, and counseling services.

Program Link

27. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

The DNP online program was adopted at SIUE, which was adopted by the Nursing Community Education Committee for nurses for advanced medical care. The program is open only to applicants who have completed a master’s degree with at least a cumulative 3.0 average.

This is also a 1 year Ph.D. program online and one of the shortest Ph.D. programs. The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 47% with a student-teacher ratio of 181. Also, with a grand rate of 52%, with no credit experience, but with a placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

28. Northern Arizona University

In addition to the 14 residential doctorates at the University of Northern Arizona, the university offers a distance learning program for nurses. The practice of doctoral nursing is a rigorous program, which is offered mainly online with intermittent visits to the campus. The program is only for students who have received MSN and are willing to assume superior healthcare leadership roles.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 66% with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. Also, with a grand rate of 49%, with no credit experience, but with a placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

29. Clemson University

This membership allows Clemson to offer online education to residents in 48 other partner states and has special agreements with California and Massachusetts (non-SARA partners). Clemson offers three online Ph.D. degrees in genetics in health care, recreational therapy, eloquence and communication, and information design.

All three programs follow Clemson’s combined program guidelines, which include teleconferences, online and personal classes, as well as individual studies. This is also one of the shortest doctoral programs online and the easiest doctorates.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 59% with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. Also, with a grand rate of 82%, with no credit experience, but with a placement service and counseling services.

Program Link

30. University of the Cumberlands

The Ph.D. in leadership program prepares students for supervisory roles in higher education. Also, additional credits can be completed to procure a Kentucky certification in the field. The school’s EdD in educational leadership degree can also be earned entirely online within three years of study and offers voluntary campus classes over the weekend. This is one of the shortest Ph.D. programs.

The doctoral program has an accelerated Ph.D. program with a financial aid of 100% with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. Also, with a grand rate of 45%, with no credit experience, no placement service, but with counseling services.

Program Link

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