Exploring the right online PhD program involves several critical factors. For many students, affordability is a key driver in their ultimate choice.
Bearing this in mind, our research team at the Cybersecurity Guide has researched an extensive list that highlights the top online PhD programs. These selections are notable not just for their academic rigor but also for their relative affordability in tuition costs.
Affordability does not equate to a sacrifice in quality or career preparedness.
Ad
cybersecurityguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Clicking in this box will show you programs related to your search from schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.
Featured PhD Program
| School Name | Program | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Walden University | Doctor of Information Technology | website |
| National University | Ph.D. in Cybersecurity | website |
These 13 programs made the cut. To qualify for the 2025 rankings of the most cost-effective online PhD degree, each program on the list is also acknowledged as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE). This ensures that students receive an education that is both financially accessible and academically robust, equipping them with the tools needed for a successful professional journey.
2025 rankings for the most affordable online cybersecurity PhD programs
Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota
Program: Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Defense (PhDCD)
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $47,736
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $374 in-state | $663 out-of-state
Credits: 72
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsNova Southeastern University, College of Computing & Engineering
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaProgram: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity Management
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $49,929
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $979
Credits: 51
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsColorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, ColoradoProgram: Online Doctorate in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $59,800
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $598
Credits: 100
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsNational University
San Diego, CaliforniaProgram: Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity (PhD-CY)
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $62,340
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,039
Credits: 60
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Tulsa
Tulsa, OklahomaProgram: Cyber Studies, Ph.D.
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Delivery method: Hybrid
Total tuition: $106,128
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,474
Credits: 72
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program details