The most affordable online cybersecurity PhD programs

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.

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Featured PhD Program

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

1. Mississippi State University

   Mississippi State, Mississippi

   
   Program: Ph.D. Computer Science - Computer Security Concentration
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
   Delivery method: Online & campus
   Total tuition: $27,468
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $319 in-state | $436 out-of-state
   Credits: 63
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

2. The University of the Cumberlands

   Williamsburg, Kentucky

   
   Program: Online PhD in Information Technology - Information Systems Security
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Online
   Total tuition: $44,940
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $749
   Credits: 60
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

3. 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 details

4. Marymount University

   Arlington, Virginia

   
   Program: D.Sc. in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Online, campus & hybrid
   Total tuition: $48,060
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,335
   Credits: 36
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

5. Nova Southeastern University

   Fort Lauderdale, Florida

   
   Program: 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 details

6. Capitol Technology University

   Laurel, Maryland

   
   Program: Doctorate (DSc) in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD
   Delivery method: Online
   Total tuition: $51,300
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $950
   Credits: 54
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

7. University of North Texas

   Denton, Texas

   
   Program: Information Science Ph.D. With a Concentration in Cybersecurity
   CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
   Delivery method: Hybrid
   Total tuition: $53,580
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $483 in-state | $893 out-of-state
   Credits: 60
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

8. The University of Fairfax

   Salem, Virginia

   
   Program: Doctorate of Information Assurance
   Delivery method: Online & hybrid
   Total tuition: $55,490
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $895
   Credits: 62
   GRE requirement: Not required
   Learn more: Program details

9. Colorado Technical University

   Colorado Springs, Colorado

   
   Program: Doctor of Computer Science - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
   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 details

10. National University

    San Diego, California

    
    Program: 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 details

11. The George Washington University

    Washington, District of Columbia

    
    Program: Online Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Delivery method: Online
    Total tuition: $79,200
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,650
    Credits: 48
    GRE requirement: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

12. University of Tulsa

    Tulsa, Oklahoma

    
    Program: 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

13. Naval Postgraduate School

    Monterey, California

    
    Program: Ph.D. in Computer Science (may elect Computer Systems and Security specialization)
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Delivery method: Online & campus
    Total tuition: $6750/quarter
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $6750/quarter
    Credits: 64
    GRE requirement: Required
    Learn more: Program details

2024 Affordable listings

Additional resources

• Cybersecurity affordability rankings
• The most affordable online IT degree programs
• Most affordable online cybersecurity degree programs
• Most affordable cybersecurity degree programs
• From scholar to expert: Cybersecurity PhD options