Top Cheapest Online PhD in Nursing Programs for 2026
Earning a PhD in Nursing is an impressive accomplishment that prepares you for high-level roles in nursing research, education, and leadership. Most programs take three to four years to complete, but they can be expensive. To help you choose a path that fits your budget, we have ranked the ten cheapest online PhD in Nursing programs for 2026.
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Elevate your nursing journey with The Ohio State University’s renowned College of Nursing—where academic excellence meets flexible, evidence-based learning. Whether you're a practicing RN ready to earn your BSN through the online RN-to-BSN program, or aiming to pursue advanced practice and leadership through online MSN or DNP programs with specialty certification, Ohio State empowers you to lead and innovate across healthcare settings.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Ohio State for details.
Nurse.org’s Top 10 Cheapest Online PhD in Nursing Programs
Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| Duquesne University | $1,840 per credit hour | 3 - 4 years | CCNE |
| Wilkes University | $1,105 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
| Hampton University | $695 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| Florida International University | $32,806 - $99,167 | 4 - 5 years | CCNE |
| Liberty University | $610 - $675 per credit hour | 3 - 4 years | CCNE |
| University of Alabama | $500 per credit hour | 3 - 4 years | CCNE |
| East Carolina University | $454.84 - $1,221.84 per credit hour | 3 - 4 years | CCNE |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | $500 - $801 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| University of Kentucky | $790 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| Endicott College | $1,133 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
Students can complete the program at Duquesne in three to four years. However, they may take up to five if they receive an extension under special circumstances. While the program is primarily online, students attend three on-campus residencies for intensive scholarly inquiry. These include doctoral week, study abroad, and dissertation topic approval.
Program Highlights
- Offers the first completely online PhD program in the country
- Qualified students may earn a 30% tuition discount
Requirements
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV (including Research/Scholarly Activity and Service)
- Completed online admission application
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Two years of relevant registered nursing experience
- B grade or higher in Graduate Statistics and Nursing Research/Evidence-Based Practice
- Scholarly writing sample
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Application Deadline: February 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (412) 396-6539
- Email Address: bostb@duq.edu
Why We Picked This School
Wilkes University offers one of the cheapest online PhD in nursing programs, but it is also among the fastest. Students can complete the program on a part-time basis in as little as three years. The curriculum is entirely online to allow nurses to balance classes with work and home commitments.
Program Highlights
- U.S. News & World Report has ranked Wilkes for 20+ consecutive years
- 2025-2026 Military Friendly School – Silver Ranked
- Top 10% ranked institution nationally according to Brookings
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV (including Research/Scholarly Activity and Service)
- Completed online admission application
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Two years of relevant registered nursing experience
- B grade or higher in Graduate Statistics and Nursing Research/Evidence-Based Practice
- Scholarly writing sample
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Application Deadline: June 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) WILKES-U
- Email Address: admissions@wilkes.edu
Why We Picked This School
Hampton University is one of the cheapest online PhD in nursing programs available. Despite its status as a private school, it offers ample opportunities for financial aid and scholarships. Although it is an HBCU, Hampton opens its online classes to any applicant who meets the admission criteria.
Program Highlights
- Affordable Colleges Online recognizes the school as one of Virginia’s top affordable online colleges.
- Ranked as one of the top 10 most influential HBCU schools in the U.S. in 2026.
- Ranked as the #3 best online HBCU doctoral programs 2025.
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV (including Research/Scholarly Activity and Service)
- Completed online admission application
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Scholarly writing sample
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Application Deadline: June 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (757) 224-0280
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Elevate your nursing journey with The Ohio State University’s renowned College of Nursing—where academic excellence meets flexible, evidence-based learning. Whether you're a practicing RN ready to earn your BSN through the online RN-to-BSN program, or aiming to pursue advanced practice and leadership through online MSN or DNP programs with specialty certification, Ohio State empowers you to lead and innovate across healthcare settings.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Ohio State for details.
Why We Picked This School
The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences is a top-ranked R1 research institution. The nurse faculty lead cutting-edge nursing research ranging from clinical trials to community interventions. While the program is more costly for out-of-state students, residents find a great deal for a top-ranked PhD.
Program Highlights
- Over 85% of the current students are minorities.
- U.S. News Public Nursing Programs considers this a Top 50 program.
- Ranked #30 doctoral program according to U.S. News & World Report.
- Ranked the #4 most affordable college in Florida in 2026.
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV (including Research/Scholarly Activity and Service)
- Completed online admission application
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Two years of relevant registered nursing experience
- Scholarly writing sample
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Traditional PhD Tuition:
- Resident: $32,806 total
- Non-Resident: $72,112 total
- BSN to PhD Tuition:
- Resident: $45,108 total
- Non-Resident: $99,167 total
- Application Deadline: January 29th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (305) 348-7703
Why We Picked This School
Liberty offers two PhD pathways with similar outcomes; however, specific classes and dissertation work focus on either nursing education or leadership. Not only is it among the cheapest online PhD in nursing programs, but Liberty also offers a substantial discount for military personnel.
Program Highlights
- Niche.com ranks the brick-and-mortar campus as the #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026.
- Over the last 10 years, Liberty has raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5%.
- Gold-ranked Military Friendly School.
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV (including Research/Scholarly Activity and Service)
- Completed online admission application
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Two years of relevant registered nursing experience
- B grade or higher in Graduate Statistics and Nursing Research/Evidence-Based Practice
- Scholarly writing sample
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Tuition:
- Full-time: $610 per credit hour
- Part-time: $675 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: June 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 424-9595
- Email Address: luograd@liberty.edu
- Specialities Offered: Nursing Leadership, Nursing Education
Why We Picked This School
This joint PhD program requires students to visit campus for three days in the fall semester each year for a mandatory intensive experience. The BSN to PhD pathway includes three 1-hour seminars to support the transition into doctoral-level nursing research.
Program Highlights
- The Joint Nursing Science PhD program is a joint effort of The University of Alabama and The University of Alabama in Huntsville.
- College of Education Scholarships are available to online students to reduce overall costs.
- The Alumni Scholarship Program supports over 3,000 students each year with $5 million in scholarships.
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Completed online admission application
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- 1 year of relevant clinical experience
- Scholarly writing sample
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Priority: November 1st
- Final: April 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (205) 348-8163
- Email Address: vsamuel@ua.edu
Why We Picked This School
ECU offers various PhD options, including a BSN to PhD pathway, MSN to PhD, and DNP to PhD. The length of the program and the final cost depend on the starting degree and required credits.
Program Highlights
- BSN students can apply to the PhD program as part of the Early Assurance Program via the ECU Honors College
- Recognized as an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education
- SSH Society for Simulation in Healthcare Accredited Program
- AAMN Best Schools For Men in Nursing
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program (BSN and DNP pathways also available)
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Completed online admission application
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Scholarly writing sample
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Tuition:
- Resident: $454.84 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,221.84 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: August 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (252) 744-6433
- Email Address: ecunursinggradprgms@ecu.edu
Why We Picked This School
IUP offers one of the fastest PhD programs for those who already hold a DNP degree. Students can complete the program in as few as eight semesters. The university allows for the transfer of 24 credits, after which nurses complete the remainder at an accelerated rate.
Program Highlights
- Traditional PhD students finish in eleven semesters, while DNP to PhD students finish in eight.
- EduMed ranks the online nursing program as a top-five program in Pennsylvania.
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Completed online admission application
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Scholarly writing sample
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Tuition:
- Resident: $500 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $801 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (724) 357-2222
- Email Address: graduate-admissions@iup.edu
Why We Picked This School
Classes at UK utilize asynchronous learning, allowing students to complete coursework on their own timeline. Students can apply through the Post-BSN/Post-MSN track or the Post-DNP track. The university customizes the curriculum for each student depending on experience and earned credit hours.
Program Highlights
- The National Research Council ranks UK among the top eight programs in the U.S.
- Students pay for only nine standard credit hours per semester, even if they take more.
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Completed online admission application
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Scholarly writing sample
- 2 faculty interviews
Program Information
- Application Deadline: October 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (833) UK-LEARN
- Email Address: UKonline@uky.edu
10. Endicott College
Why We Picked This School
Endicott provides a reasonable option for those interested in earning a terminal degree. Faculty are well-versed in nursing research, and students have ample opportunities to partner with them on research projects. This program is also faster than most traditional PhD programs.
Program Highlights
- Boasts an impressive 7:1 student-faculty ratio
- Faculty with current, real-world experience provide strong advising
- Endicott focuses on the cohort learning model, where students move through the program as a group
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV (including Research/Scholarly Activity and Service)
- Completed online admission application
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Two years of relevant registered nursing experience
- Scholarly writing sample
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (978) 232-2199
- Email Address: gradadmissions@endicott.edu
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Elevate your nursing journey with The Ohio State University’s renowned College of Nursing—where academic excellence meets flexible, evidence-based learning. Whether you're a practicing RN ready to earn your BSN through the online RN-to-BSN program, or aiming to pursue advanced practice and leadership through online MSN or DNP programs with specialty certification, Ohio State empowers you to lead and innovate across healthcare settings.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Ohio State for details.
What to Expect in an Online PhD in Nursing Program
PhD in nursing programs typically require 40-60 credit hours. Your classes will focus on nurse education, leadership, and especially nursing research. To graduate, you must complete and perform a dissertation defense before a panel of professors and colleagues. You should expect a rigorous academic schedule; while some students work during the program, others may need to focus solely on coursework.
FAQs
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