2023 Best Online Colleges for Doctoral Programs
The highest level of education that college students can achieve is a doctoral degree. A doctoral degree often requires students to engage in high-level research within a specific discipline. Several colleges offer online doctorate programs for students who cannot attend a traditional program on campus. Prospective students can expect the same quality of education and opportunities as in-person students. Many online colleges and universities offer online doctoral programs in various fields like nursing, public health, physical therapy, and education. In addition, online doctoral students living near their school’s campus can join student-led organizations and participate in volunteer opportunities.
Our rankings below show the best online doctorates based on the amount that alums earn compared to graduates across the country with the same degree. View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn more about OnlineU.
Types of Doctoral Degrees
| d | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNP | 150 | 505 | $115,570 |
| e | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
| Educational Leadership | 143 | 394 | $81,070 |
| o | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
| Occupational Therapy | 28 | 52 | $70,410 |
| p | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
| Pharmacy | 6 | 9 | $107,960 |
| Physical Therapy | 7 | 8 | $70,410 |
| t | Online Schools | Programs | Alumni Salary |
| Teaching | 29 | 77 | $67,100 |
#1 A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
- Salary Score: 76
- Median Starting Salary: $77,978
- Locations: Kirksville (MO)
- Accreditation: HLC
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) is a private, nonprofit institution. The medical school is a learning-centered university home to the world’s first osteopathic medical school. ATSU offers ten online doctoral programs prospective students can pursue, such as a (1) Doctor of Athletic Training, (2) Doctor of Health Administration, and (3) Doctor of Nursing.
At ATSU, online students complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. The university has several student organizations and leadership opportunities across its Missouri and Arizona campuses. Online students at ATSU have access to many resources, like counseling, learning and disability resources, and tutoring.
#2 University of Southern California
- Salary Score: 71
- Median Starting Salary: $90,437
- Locations: Los Angeles (CA)
- Accreditation: WSCUC
The University of Southern California (USC) is a private, nonprofit institution offering several online doctoral programs for students to choose from. The university is one of the leading private research institutions in the world. USC has six online doctoral programs, like (1) Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, (2) Doctor of Physical Therapy, and (3) Doctor of Regulatory Science.
USC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. Regarding USC student life, the university offers in-person opportunities for students to get involved, like student organizations, a volunteer center, and student government. At ATSU, online student resources include a writing center, peer tutoring, academic advising, disability support, and career services, to name a few options.
#3 The George Washington University
- Salary Score: 65
- Median Starting Salary: $75,819
- Locations: Washington D.C.
- Accreditation: MSCHE
At George Washington University (GWU) — a private, nonprofit institution — students can pursue a range of online doctoral degrees. The university, located in the nation’s capital, boasts a compassionate teaching faculty, Division I athletics, exclusive internships, and service learning opportunities. GWU offers 12 online doctoral programs, from Executive Leadership to Health Policy.
At GWU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. Student life at GWU includes many student organizations, well-being initiatives, and leadership opportunities. Online students at GWU have access to resources like an online library, student success coaching, military and veteran services, counseling and psychological services, and IT support.
#4 Johns Hopkins University
- Salary Score: 61
- Median Starting Salary: $73,910
- Locations: Baltimore (MD)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a private, nonprofit institution, where prospective students can choose from several online doctoral programs. Among JHU's 13 doctoral programs are Phds like a Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track, Education, and Doctor of Public Health.
JHU’s online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously through the software Canvas. JHU is America’s first research university, and it has provided high quality higher education since 1876. At JHU, there are hundreds of student-led organizations, student-run festivals, and varsity sports teams. JHU’s online student resources include disability services, counseling, an online library, career services, and academic advising.
#5 Loma Linda University
- Salary Score: 60
- Median Starting Salary: $82,447
- Locations: Loma Linda (CA)
- Accreditation: WSCUC
Loma Linda University (LLU) is a private, Christian, nonprofit institution offering several online doctorate degrees. LLU delivers its programs with a Christ-centered Seventh-day Adventist approach. Prospective students can pursue various specialties within LLU’s 15 online doctorate programs, like Nurse Leadership, Preventive Care, and Social Work.
At LLU, online students may complete coursework in both asynchronous and synchronous formats via Canvas. LLU’s Seventh-day Adventist approach to teaching offers a learning environment that's integrated with health, science, and faith topics. Student life at LLU includes mission-focused learning opportunities, weekly university worship, and other student activities. Online student resources at LLU include counseling, an online bookstore, and an online library.
What Will You Learn in an Online Doctoral Program?
Like their on-campus peers, students enrolled in an online doctoral program take advanced coursework in research, writing, and data analysis that allow them to improve upon or apply existing knowledge in their chosen discipline. Aside from gaining an in-depth understanding of the theories, practices, and challenges of their field, doctoral students also learn how to work independently, manage projects, and solve complex problems — both in academia and more practical or professional settings.
Like their on-campus peers, students enrolled in an online doctoral program take advanced coursework in research, writing, and data analysis that allow them to improve upon or apply existing knowledge in their chosen discipline.
Popular Subjects
Among the most popular online doctoral programs are PhDs in STEM subjects. While distance education programs for professional doctorates are less common, students can nevertheless pursue a Doctor of Education, Doctor of Engineering, Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Social Work, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and Doctor of Nursing online. It is also possible to attain a law degree online, either by completing a hybrid Juris Doctorate (JD) or enrolling in the first fully online accredited JD program.
Which Doctorate Is the Highest in Demand?
Graduates may experience job shortages and career insecurity in academia, but some doctoral degrees remain in high demand according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These include PhDs in STEM fields, an industry which is rapidly growing and where a doctorate may increase job opportunities. Additionally, demand for JD graduates and nurse practitioners with a doctoral education also remains high.
Benefits of Earning a Doctoral Degree
In general, the benefits of earning a doctorate are likely to vary from person to person. For those who value constant learning, personal growth, and career advancement, earning a doctorate may prove to be a worthwhile effort.
While many individuals may want to earn a doctorate to achieve their career goals and increase their earning potential, it's equally important to note that this degree can deliver other, non-career related benefits as well. For instance, given that doctoral degree holders are rare, they are typically recognized as experts or leaders in their field of study.
Furthermore, with doctoral programs being so difficult to complete, students may gain a set of practical and life skills — such as effective financial management, future career planning, and self-motivation — in addition to in-depth professional knowledge. Indeed, despite the difficulty involved with earning a doctorate, pursuing this degree can be an intrinsically valuable endeavor that leads to self development.
Cost of Online Doctoral Degrees
According to EducationData.org, the average cost for a graduate degree is $92,200 at public institutions and $127,100 at private institutions. Online students may pay less annually for their degree than their on-campus peers as they typically don't have relocation, transport, or on-campus living expenditures. However, distance learners may still have to pay fees in order to access online university resources, such as cloud servers. In most cases, online students may not qualify for tuition waivers and living stipends — common among on-campus PhD candidates. Instead, they must find other forms of financial assistance to help fund their education.
Financial Aid
Online doctoral students can apply for federal, state, and private forms of financial aid in the form of scholarships, fellowships, and grants. While it is possible to finance a doctoral degree using student loans, this is not advisable given that it can take several years to earn a PhD or professional doctorate. Online learners looking to apply for financial assistance should first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a form that helps determine how much aid a student is eligible for. They should also check with the financial aid departments of their prospective schools to explore university or departmental sources of funding.
Students already enrolled in a doctorate program may consider applying for the following scholarship opportunities:
- Award: $35,000, plus expenses and health insurance
- Award: Up to $100,000
- Award: Varies
Careers and Job Outlook
An online doctorate can open up career opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable to bachelor's and even master's degree holders. For instance, a JD is typically required to become a practicing attorney, and in some high-growth fields such as nursing, a professional doctorate may be essential to land high-level positions or advance one's career. Overall, the BLS projects that a doctoral degree comes with a favorable job outlook through 2030 in sectors such as education, healthcare, and law.
Their ability to interpret different kinds of data, translate complex problems for wide audiences, identify unique funding opportunities, and evaluate multiple sources of information can make graduates valuable assets for employers.
Aside from expanding job opportunities in specific areas, an online doctorate offers general career advantages as well. Students who successfully earn this degree typically gain considerable experience with skills that are relevant to government organizations, non-profits, and startups. In particular, their ability to interpret different kinds of data, translate complex problems for wide audiences, identify unique funding opportunities, and evaluate multiple sources of information can make graduates valuable assets for employers in these industries.
For more information about online degrees, explore our Trends & Insights hub, where we feature expert insights and data-driven articles.
FAQs About Online Doctoral Degrees
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