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2025 Most Affordable Online Doctoral Degrees

By Bailey Fletcher • Experts Patrick Riccards, Dr. Veronica Ayala • Updated 6/6/2025

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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2025 Most Affordable Online Degrees Badge

Our list of the most affordable schools for online doctoral degrees provides opportunities for career advancement. Each accredited institution has annual tuition come in under $25,000. Below our list, we also spoke with two doctoral graduates who offered firsthand insights into the realities of earning an online master's degree.

Key Takeaways:

  • California Intercontinental University ranks #1 for affordability, offering the lowest annual tuition at ~$7,920 for doctoral programs online. 
  • South College produces graduates with the highest doctoral-level earnings, with graduates reporting a median income of $130,293.
  • Liberty University has over 48,000 graduate students enrolled remotely. 

To ensure fair comparisons, we manually verified tuition figures and selected representative online doctoral programs at each school. This method reflects typical pricing across an institution’s online doctoral offerings and provides a more realistic benchmark for prospective students evaluating their options. For a full explanation, see our methodology.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Online Doctoral Programs

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c Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
27 96 $63,280
d Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
215 809 $142,410
e Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
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p Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
26 221 $94,020

Most Affordable Schools for Online Doctoral Degrees

All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Location Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 California Intercontinental University Diamond Bar (CA) $7,920
# 2 #2 University of Missouri Columbia (MO) $10,868
# 3 #3 Trident University International Cypress (CA) $10,890
# 4 #4 Liberty University Lynchburg (VA) $11,305
# 5 #5 South College Multiple Locations $12,000
# 6 #6 Regent University Online Virginia Beach (VA) $12,200
# 7 #7 University of West Alabama Livingston (AL) $12,600
# 8 #8 Concordia University - Chicago River Forest (IL) $12,612
# 9 #9 Abilene Christian University Abilene (TX) $15,340
# 10 #10 National University La Jolla (CA) $16,080
# 11 #11 University of the Southwest Hobbs (NM) $16,980
# 12 #12 Saint Leo University Online St. Leo (FL) $17,000
# 13 #13 Capella University Minneapolis (MN) $17,730
# 14 #14 Saybrook University Hybrid Online Oakland (CA) $22,030
# 15 #15 Marymount University Arlington (VA) $24,030

Online Doctoral Degrees for the Budget-Conscious Student: A Closer Look at the Data

Earning a doctoral degree no longer requires relocating, quitting your job, or sinking deep into debt. Thanks to the rise of high-quality online programs, it’s now possible to pursue advanced education from anywhere, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional programs.

We evaluated 15 of the most affordable online doctoral degree programs in the country, all from accredited institutions, and found annual tuition ranging from just $7,920 to $24,030. The median tuition is $12,600, a number that sits well below national averages for traditional doctoral programs, which can easily exceed $30,000 per year. Every tuition figure on this list was manually collected and verified by our team to ensure transparency and accuracy.

However, tuition isn’t the only number that matters. That's why we also looked at graduation and retention rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and even graduate earnings (when available). We even incorporated recommendation rates based on direct student surveys, giving prospective students like you a real sense of satisfaction from alumni.

Let’s break down what makes these top-ranking schools stand out, and how to make sense of the data.

Cost Is King: Who’s Delivering the Best Value?

To provide a realistic estimate of what students can expect to pay for an online doctoral degree, we calculated each school's estimated total tuition based on the median tuition rates for their representative doctoral program. We then factored in the total number of credit hours required for graduation, multiplying the per-credit-hour cost by the typical number of credits for a doctorate, which can range from 48 to over 90 credits.

While many doctoral programs are marketed with annual tuition estimates, the actual total cost depends on how long students take to complete their coursework, how many credits are required, and whether the program follows a cohort or flexible schedule.

What These Numbers Tell Us

Let’s break down what the final cost estimates reveal:

CIU remains the most affordable path to an online doctorate, with an estimated total tuition of $31,680. That’s less than half the cost of many traditional programs and signals a strong value.

CU Chicago shows how program requirements affect pricing. With an annual tuition of just $12,612, it may seem moderately priced, but the total cost rises to $50,451, suggesting a higher credit load than its peers.

Schools like LU and the University of West Alabama (UWA) present strong mid-range options, with total tuition estimates under $40,000.

This analysis reinforces the importance of digging deeper than sticker price. Annual tuition is just one piece of the puzzle, which is why students should consider the length of the program, number of required credits, cost per credit hour, and potential earnings outcomes. 

What Student Experience Metrics Really Tell You — And Why They Matter in Doctoral Education

While affordability is a key driver in choosing an online doctoral program, student experience data — like recommendation rates, graduation outcomes, and faculty access — can reveal just as much about program quality and support. For online doctoral students, who often juggle full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and independent research, these metrics can be the difference between graduating or burning out.

Recommendation Rates: Trust the Graduates Who’ve Been There

Across our list, 9 out of 15 schools have a recommendation rate above 70%, indicating a broad base of student satisfaction. 

Two standouts rise above the rest:

UM boasts a 99% recommendation rate, a near-unanimous endorsement of the quality of education at this school. Combined with its 91% retention rate, this tells us students stick with it and feel it was worth it.

ACU follows closely with 94%. It's combination of practical career prep and Christian-informed pedagogy clearly resonates with its students.

Graduation Rates and Faculty Access

Online doctoral students need guidance. That’s why graduation rates and student-to-faculty ratios are worth paying attention to at this advanced level. Programs with higher completion rates often reflect better student support, clearer expectations, and more flexible pathways.

CIU is in a class of its own with a 100% graduation rate, while Marymount and ACU sit around the 60% mark, both above the national average for online doctoral programs.

Trident (11%) reports a much lower graduation rate, which may suggest fewer wraparound services or less structured academic pacing. That’s especially concerning at the doctoral level, where the stakes (and the personal investment) are higher.

Faculty access is another key component. Doctoral work is complex and often isolating, so responsive mentorship is vital. The lowest student-to-faculty ratios — CIU (11:1), Marymount and Concordia (13:1)— suggest strong advising availability, while schools like South College (23:1) or Regent (20:1) may offer a less personalized experience.

Earnings and Experience: What Sets These Doctoral Programs Apart

Among the schools that report program-specific earnings, a few stand out for their clear return on investment. South College leads the pack, with graduates from its featured doctoral program earning a median salary of $130,293, placing it in the top 11% nationally. Concordia University - Chicago isn’t far behind, with earnings around $118K, while Capella University and Saybrook report $81K and $72K, respectively. 

These numbers can you help assess how a doctoral program’s cost aligns with real-world financial outcomes.

Of course, the best online doctoral programs also provide structure, flexibility, and features that support your personal goals and lifestyle. Take Saybrook, for instance. While its tuition sits near the top of our affordability list, it offers a hybrid model that blends online coursework with in-person intensives, perfect for psychology or counseling students pursuing licensure.

Then there’s the University of the Southwest, where students can design their own doctoral track and even access free virtual healthcare, a thoughtful perk rarely seen in higher education. At Capella, the standout is its FlexPath learning format, which lets students control their pace and progress based on competencies, not credit hours. That model can save both time and money, especially for experienced professionals.

Together, these features and outcomes show that while cost is the entry point, the value of a doctoral degree is shaped by a program’s flexibility, relevance, and long-term career impact. 

Expert Voices: What It Really Takes to Succeed in an Online Doctorate

Headshot of Patrick Riccards

Ed.D.

Riccards holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from USC Rossier School of Education, where he completed a fully online doctoral program — an experience that informs his insights on the unique demands and rewards of virtual graduate education.

Is an online doctorate worth it? 

An online doctorate can be enormously valuable IF the learner approaches the process open-eyed and aware. If one is seeking to recapture their undergraduate years and experience higher education again, this is the wrong path to take. If one seeks a terminal degree and the opportunities there come with it, it can be a real winner.

An online doctorate allows the learner to pursue the degree while not putting their lives in hold. You can continue to work. You can continue to raise a family. You can continue to volunteer. Online learning just becomes a part of your life, forcing you to successfully manage it.

I was fortunate to earn a doctorate from USC Rossier School of Education. Fully virtual. My goal was to get to get the credential. I succeeded. So it was [a] worthwhile process for me.



An online doctorate allows the learner to pursue the degree while not putting their lives in hold.


What should online doctoral students know about program structure and self-direction?

Synchronous learning is easier than asynchronous, providing a cohort and colleagues on the path. But the learner has to be self directed, particularly when it comes to the dissertation. No one will be there to ensure you are doing the research or making progress on your writing. The university and the program isn't necessarily invested in degree completion. That's on the learner and those paying the tuition.

You know your program is well designed when you can see the learning is scaffolded and one is building on classes and following a specific sequence of courses.  It requires faculty, though, that are willing and eager to work virtually and engage a different type of student. Mid careers are very different than those on a traditional campus learning trajectory.

Before enrolling one, one needs to ask themselves WHY they are seeking the degree. Online doctorates can be expensive and frustrating. It is largely self directed. So if you aren't excited to start, committed to the process, you'll be hating it later. Particularly when you see a third of your cohort drop before defending a dissertation proposal.

Headshot of Dr. Veronica Ayala

D.B.A.

Dr. Vee Ayala holds a Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from National University, completed in 2024. Her doctoral research focused on The Gender Pay Gap and Latinas in Tech, reflecting a commitment to applied, equity-centered research.

What's the biggest benefit and the biggest challenge of earning a doctorate online?

The biggest benefit of earning a doctorate online is flexibility, you can keep working, stay with your family, and still finish. But the challenge? It's lonely. No in-person support, and you've gotta be very self-motivated. 

How do you know if a doctoral program will actually challenge and support you?

The biggest transformations I've seen are confidence and credibility, especially for latinas and women of color who are often dismissed in leadership. Online doctoral grads often move into consulting, executive leadership, or teaching at the college level. 

A good program will guide you through applied research, not just toss you a dissertation template. ... To evaluate rigor, look at faculty credentials, publishing expectations, and whether mentorship is actually built into the program, not just office hours. 

What are the best fields for an online doctorate?

Strong ROI fields? Business, psychology, organizational leadership, and education, especially for career switchers or consultants. My advice: Don't just chase the letters, know why you want them and what you'll do with them. A doctorate should expand your options, not just your workload.

* Dr. Veronica Ayala is alumni of National University, which ranked in our top 10 most affordable doctoral degrees.

Final Takeaways

Affordability may open the door, but the true value of an online doctorate lies in how well a program supports your growth, aligns with your goals, and sustains long-term career momentum. This analysis reveals that the best doctorates online offer meaningful structure, faculty mentorship, and real pathways into leadership, consulting, or academia.

 Whether you’re pursuing credibility, career change, or intellectual fulfillment, the most rewarding online doctoral experiences are intentional and deeply personal. 

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FAQs About Affordable Online PhDs

What are the Differences Between PhDs and Professional Doctorates?


In the U.S., the highest terminal degree a person can earn is a doctoral degree. Indicating an advanced level of expertise, doctoral degrees are generally divided into two categories: research doctorates, commonly known as PhDs, and professional doctorates. Both of these can be earned online, and we outline the differences between each below:

  • Research Doctorate — Probably the most familiar research doctorate is a Doctor of Philosophy, better known as a PhD The title is somewhat misleading because a student can earn a PhD in a number of subjects in the sciences and the humanities. Students earning research doctorates conduct original research that serves as the foundation of a written dissertation or project, which must be defended and approved before the degree can be awarded. Doctoral students in this category sometimes earn a master's degree in their chosen field before continuing on for a doctorate, and they often need three or more years to complete all of the requirements. Once they've earned their research doctorates, students typically move into academia or research positions.
  • Professional Doctorate — In contrast to a research doctorate, a professional doctorate focuses on acquiring the advanced knowledge and application-based skills needed to go into professional practice. Examples include a Doctor of Medicine (MD) for physicians, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for high-level nurses, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) for lawyers. These are just a few of the many occupations that call for a professional doctorate, some of which also require licensure to go into practice. Students in this category may or may not need to earn a master's degree first, and it is not unusual for a student to take at least six years beyond the completion of a bachelor's degree to fulfill all of the requirements for earning a professional doctorate.

Can You Earn a Doctorate Degree Online?


Yes, there are many online doctoral programs to choose from, both for research doctorates and professional doctorates. Some of the more popular online options include the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and the Doctor of Education (EdD). Online doctorates are especially appealing for working professionals. Students can usually arrange their coursework around their work schedules and other personal commitments. Plus, online doctoral candidates can choose among a multitude of options at schools across the country and beyond, selecting the best online program to help them achieve their career goals without having to change jobs or move.

How Do Online Doctoral Programs Compare to In-Person Programs?


Online and in-person doctoral programs share many similarities. Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree with a high GPA, competitive GRE scores, and strong references and personal essays. The curricula and requirements for online doctoral degrees are comparable to those of in-person programs, requiring significant time and effort, including primary research. Many online programs also require some on-campus meetings or residencies. Online doctoral candidates must effectively manage their time, stay on top of assignments, and communicate regularly with advisors. Degrees from accredited schools are respected equally, whether earned online or in-person.

Are Online PhD Programs Legitimate?


While some online PhD programs lack credibility, many reputable ones are offered by respected schools. The key to identifying credible programs is accreditation. The best online PhD programs are at accredited colleges and universities that meet accepted standards of accountability. An online PhD or doctorate from an accredited institution indicates you have completed the same rigorous coursework, passed the same exams, and conducted the same level of research as those with traditional degrees. Today's hiring managers increasingly recognize the self-discipline and perseverance required to complete a degree through online learning.

Why Is Accreditation Important When Choosing an Online Doctoral Program?


If you're considering going back to school for a doctorate and you're trying to decide which colleges or universities to apply to, one of the most important things to look for is institutional accreditation. Accreditation means that the school's programs, faculty, and student services have been evaluated by an approved, independent agency and found to meet or exceed recognized standards of excellence in education. The best online schools have been approved by one of six authorized regional accrediting boards or by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (). A doctoral degree from an accredited institution assures future employers that you have received a rigorous, high-quality education. Also, it may be a requirement for you to earn licensure to practice your chosen profession.

For a complete list of accrediting agencies and accredited colleges and universities, visit the website or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation () website. Most schools' websites also list their accreditation status, or you can contact the school directly for more information.

At OnlineU, we only list accredited colleges and universities.

What are the Prerequisites and Admissions for Online Doctoral Programs?


The admission requirements for online doctoral programs vary by school, just as they do for traditional doctoral programs. Some programs are only open to students who have already earned a master's degree in the same or a related discipline, while others accept students who have earned a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in an unrelated field. In addition to a previous degree, most admissions boards are looking for candidates who have the following: 

  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Strong letters of recommendation
  • Persuasive personal statements
  • Competitive GRE or other standardized exam scores
  • In some cases, applicants will need to have accumulated a substantial number of hours of field experience or years of related work experience as well

Is It Possible to Get a Doctorate Without First Getting a Master's?


Yes, it is possible to get a doctorate without first obtaining a master's degree. Many doctoral programs, both online and on-campus, accept students directly from a bachelor's degree. Completion time varies widely, typically ranging from three to eight years, depending on required credit hours (36 to 120). Students with a related master's degree may receive credit for previous coursework, reducing their required credits and time. The dissertation or capstone project, along with individual commitments and revisions, can also extend the program length. Nonetheless, entering a doctoral program directly from a bachelor's degree is a viable and streamlined path.

In the U.S., many schools offer the option to skip a master's degree and go directly to a doctoral program, which is beneficial if you're certain about pursuing a doctorate. For example, if you aim for a career in academia, you can find PhD programs that accept students with only a bachelor's degree in the relevant field. Often, you will complete the coursework for a master's degree as part of your doctoral studies and be awarded the master's along the way.

While starting with a master's degree allows you to explore your interests and adjust to higher academic expectations, it also provides the opportunity to study at different universities and learn from diverse faculty. However, if you choose this route, ensure that your master's credits will transfer to your doctoral program, as not all programs accept credits from other institutions.

What Are Some Popular Doctoral Degrees to Earn Online?


Some of the most commonly offered online doctoral subjects include criminal justice, health care administration, psychology, engineering, counseling, information technology, business management, and organizational leadership. Perhaps even more popular are the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Education (EdD) — two online doctoral programs that are available alongside many specializations. 

Nursing (DNP): Program Length: 2-3 years

An affordable nursing DNP program can help increase your return on investment in the long-run. Some common careers with this doctoral program is to become a certified nurse practitioner or a nurse manager. 

Education (EdD): Program Length: 3 years

When choosing an affordable EdD program, you should keep in mind the careers for graduates, which include roles such as college president or chief learning officer. Coursework typically covers topics like organizational leadership and curriculum theory. 

Psychology (PsyD): Program Length: 4-6 years

An affordable psychology doctorate can help you obtain the necessary licensure to become a clinical psychologist, or you may want to pursue a role as an HR manager. Courses like Advanced Theories of Psychology and Cognitive Behavior can be helpful for many careers.

Counseling (PhD): Program Length: 4-6 years

An affordable counseling doctoral program opens the door to all kinds of counseling careers, from a counseling psychologist to a school psychologist, with coursework that covers ethics and various laws in the field.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD Online?


According to the most recent data from the (NCES), the average total cost of all graduate degrees — both master's degrees and doctoral degrees — ranges from about $12,596 at public schools to $28,017 at private, nonprofit universities. While these NCES numbers may be helpful as a starting point, they aren't specific to online students, and what an online student will pay is sometimes substantially different from what an on-campus student will pay. 

Of the schools we researched in order to rank the most affordable online doctorate degrees, the median annual tuition rate is $12,600.

To get an accurate comparison of the online doctoral programs you're interested in, you can start by determining the per-credit tuition rates and multiplying that by the number of credit hours needed to complete the program. Then, to find your total cost, you must add in other fees shown on the schools' website and additional expenses, such as books, travel for residencies, and childcare.

However, most doctoral candidates do not pay the full price for their degrees. Many are offered fully funded programs or receive partial financial assistance towards their education.

What Financial Aid Options Are Available for Online Doctoral Students?


There are many financial aid options for doctoral students, but the options differ for online students versus on-campus students. Many traditional PhD candidates are eligible for fully funded programs that feature paid tuition and stipends, but most students who get this kind of support earn it by working on campus, teaching and conducting research within the school's facilities. In this regard, online doctoral students are more like on-campus students who are pursuing terminal degrees in the humanities and the social sciences. They rarely qualify for full funding either, simply because there are so few school-sponsored research projects for them to contribute to.

However, online doctorate students can reduce the cost of their advanced degrees by considering affordable online PhD programs and by applying for other types of financial aid, especially those that do not have to be paid back, such as grants, scholarships, and fellowships. Tuition discounts due to military service or tuition reimbursement programs through employers are also preferred types of financial assistance.

If none of these options are available, or if they do not adequately cover all financial needs, doctoral students can apply for federally funded loans by filling out the FAFSA form or for private loans through banks and other financial institutions. The advantage of federal student loans is that they offer fixed interest rates (generally lower than private loan interest rates) and repayment plans tied to the graduate's income.

Student Reviews of Online Doctoral Programs

James French, Graduating 2028

Attended: University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix has been a wonderful experience that has enabled me to pursue a higher education while working full
Time. The university of Phoenix instructors have been and incredible asset by providing support, encouragement, and insights into the doctoral journey

Review Date: 5/18/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

James French, Graduated 2028

EdithB, Graduating 2027

Attended: University of Phoenix

I’m very much pleased with the school and the methodology to obtain the dissertation certification. The collaborative platform for learning is effective and easily accessible. The communicative notes from the school promote positivity and increase motivation to continue the academic journey - thank you.

Review Date: 6/11/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

EdithB, Graduated 2027

KAB, Graduating 2026

Attended: Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University School of Nursing has allowed me the opportunity to go to school online while still working as a nurse practitioner. The online platform is easy to use. There are an extensive amount of resources available to ensure success. The faculty are very responsive and available to chat one-on-one as needed. I highly recommend Chamberlain University College of Nursing!

Review Date: 3/13/2025

Attended: Chamberlain University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

KAB, Graduated 2026

ethel summers newby, Graduating 2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

the University is amazing and is staffed with professional instructor that are ver knowledgeable. They are very help full in giving their feedback and guidance. I feel the departments such as financial aid, academics and others are aways going beyond the mark to assist

Review Date: 7/30/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

ethel summers newby, Graduated 2026

Student NP 2025, Graduating 2026

I am not understanding all the negative comments.
If you are a hard working student, you will succeed in any program, and if you are not you will not anywhere!
I’ve been a Maryville student for almost 2 years and graduate next year. My instructors have been great, they are all responsive and caring. Super knowledgeable. The only thing I’d say I don’t like is that I do not have breaks at all until Christmas. It is super rigorous. But DOABLE. You are responsible for finding placement but guess what?... Read More

Review Date: 7/14/2025

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Student NP 2025, Graduated 2026

Chris, Graduating 2026

Attended: Liberty University

Liberty’s EdD program is pretty amazing. The 8 week format is great for moving quickly. Taking 2 classes at a time gets you through 24 hours per year, not including the summer. I’ll be finished with my degree in 3 years. It has been a great experience.

Review Date: 2/26/2024

Attended: Liberty University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Chris, Graduated 2026

Steven M OQuinn, Graduated 2025

Attended: Liberty University

The Criminal Justice program is worth it if you are a working professional. I completed my masters in person at another university, so I value that experience. However, traditional universities make it almost impossible to accept middle aged working professionals. They don’t want you, but Liberty does and it is a means to an end. Don’t expect to be coddled. Don’t expect the professors full attention. You’re a working professional, and so are they. You will do a lot of self study, and take away basically... Read More

Review Date: 4/1/2023

Attended: Liberty University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Steven M OQuinn, Graduated 2025

DNP2025CC, Graduated 2025

Attended: Chamberlain University

Overall, faculty within the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program are excellent, responsive, and willing to help you when you are struggling or have questions to clarify assignments and expectations. I have learned much about research, data collection, translational science, and how to begin my doctoral manuscript and project. While working full-time as an acute care nurse practitioner, this program is challenging but doable if you put in the time and work. The only downside is communicating with... Read More

Review Date: 3/13/2025

Attended: Chamberlain University

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

DNP2025CC, Graduated 2025

Bobbi Bolton, Graduated 2025

I have a problem with financial aid. I have never received documentation in writing, cant speak with anyone in financial aid, and have been told by three different GCU employees three different prices for the cost of the residency. It takes about a month to receive my financial aid every time which seems prehistoric. I really wish I had made another choice.

Review Date: 11/20/2023

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: Yes

Bobbi Bolton, Graduated 2025

Current Doctoral candidate DBA, Graduated 2025

Attended: Liberty University

Liberty University offers programs that are manageable, but they come with a significant level of complexity. A key issue lies with the instructors, who are inconsistent in their teaching methods and grading standards. The workload varies greatly from class to class. Some professors struggle to look beyond their perspectives to exercise sound professional judgment. The university claims to uphold Christian values, but I often found myself disagreeing with this assertion.

Review Date: 7/8/2024

Attended: Liberty University

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 2/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Current Doctoral candidate DBA, Graduated 2025

Dr. Donna Lucek, Graduated 2024

Attended: Aspen University

While the journey through the DNP program has had its challenges, it is understood that such a path is not meant to be easy. The structure of Aspen's program, which is designed to accommodate nurses' schedules alongside their professional responsibilities, made the process seem significantly less daunting. Aspen's reasonable tuition fees further demonstrate their commitment to making advanced nursing education accessible and practical.
I wish to thank Aspen University for their dedication to creating... Read More

Review Date: 4/24/2024

Attended: Aspen University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Dr. Donna Lucek, Graduated 2024

SS, Graduated 2024

Attended: Concord Law School

Any school - and I have been to many and have taught at a few - is only as good as its students. If you are unmotivated, need to be spoonfed because you failed to read assignments before class or have an entitlement mindset, Concord is not for you. It requires that you put in the work and often more than a traditional brick and mortar school. My daughter is a practicing attorney who went to school in Boston. With the likely exception of her given focus, I guarantee you that I know more than she learned... Read More

Review Date: 4/22/2021

Attended: Concord Law School

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

SS, Graduated 2024

Narine Dat Sookram, Graduated 2024

Attended: Capella University

I am in my first year in the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and my experience as been great. The professors are very helpful and are easy to reach if/when needed. I realize that this is my journey and my financial invest.....WHAT I put in is what I'll get out of it. So far I have been getting all A's but it's a matter of staying on top of everything. NS

Review Date: 9/4/2022

Attended: Capella University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Narine Dat Sookram, Graduated 2024

Wilson, Graduated 2024

I am very happy to have graduated from CSU with my MBA. Education is what you vision it be for yourself. I have returned to CSU for my DBA recently. I can say from experience that I'm happy to have returned to CSU for another learning experience. CSU is a well rounded university for not only the working adult but also for anyone who desires an affordable education. CSU is no diploma mill. Whoever believes and says otherwise should do more research on accreditation standards for national and regional... Read More

Review Date: 2/26/2023

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Wilson, Graduated 2024

Dusten Copeland, Graduated 2023

Attended: Liberty University

At the beginning of 2019, I visited Liberty online. Online learning is fantastic, depending on which professor you have with good professors teaching the course. The only thing I've got is that Liberty is not really diverse. I think that with Liberty being a predominantly white conservative Christian university, Liberty is a little biased against some races of students and different cultures. I am a still attending Liberty as a Doctorate student so We'll see how the race role plays out throughout... Read More

Review Date: 12/1/2020

Attended: Liberty University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Dusten Copeland, Graduated 2023

KALI, Graduated 2023

Attended: Liberty University

I am enjoying learning at Liberty University. It is a great school. I would recommend this school to anyone, plus the tuition is low and affordable. I was reading some of the reviews, and some of them must be from first-time college students who are/were not prepared to attend an institution of higher learning and education. Liberty University is not a high school or a community college. The professors are not supposed to hold your hand but rather guide and point you in the right direction. It is... Read More

Review Date: 7/15/2022

Attended: Liberty University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

KALI, Graduated 2023

Anonymous, Graduated 2023

Attended: Aspen University

Don't bother. The DNP degree is a joke. We do a "project" as though we are third grade science fair entrants (which is not the fault of Aspen, rather, that is the idiocy of the AACN). However, the IRB requires hack "projects." Anything with any type of originality is shot down immediately. Also, unless you are affiliated with a corporation, you don't have a chance to obtain your degree. The DNP through Aspen is solely unpaid quality improvement (and weak, at that!) for your employer. Go the PhD route,... Read More

Review Date: 5/13/2023

Attended: Aspen University

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Anonymous, Graduated 2023

mc, Graduated 2023

Attended: Aspen University

The main reason I would not recommend this school to someone pursuing a DNP degree is because after your final defense, you have to pass a written comprehensive exam. Also, whoever is grading the exam expects that every doctoral project should meet every DNP essential and this is not always true. Also, the instructions for the exam should be clearer e.g. put the main questions in a bold font. I think the written comprehensive exam requirement should be achieved in another manner. I have heard that... Read More

Review Date: 4/12/2023

Attended: Aspen University

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

mc, Graduated 2023

Jil, Graduated 2023

Attended: Aspen University

Aspen’s DNP was challenging and very relevant to the issues in the field of healthcare at the management level. My DNP project was well-supported and the faculty were very responsive to questions for feedback. I am very pleased with Aspen. I have several job opportunities with this new degree. I am very pleased with Asoen for keeping the DNP affordable yet relevant and achievable with its organized online format. .

Review Date: 4/3/2023

Attended: Aspen University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Jil, Graduated 2023

Norka perez, Graduated 2023

Attended: Purdue Global

My experience with Purdue Global University has been excellent and I highly recommend it. Professors are very professionals and helpful. It is very comfortable to know that you have professors who support you and are there for you all the time and not matter what.

Review Date: 9/22/2022

Attended: Purdue Global

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Norka perez, Graduated 2023

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