Compare Top Online Nursing PhD Programs
Facilitating impactful changes in the nursing field takes commitment and knowledge — and, in most cases, a doctorate. Fortunately, among your online nursing program options is the ability to pursue a PhD in Nursing, allowing for flexibility and different clinical requirements from an MSN or BSN. This EduMed guide can help you take the next step in elevating your career as it offers information about hybrid learning, top-ranked schools, and salary potential upon entering the workforce.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingHealthcare Admin EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
NursingHealthcare AdminStephanie Johannsen is a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA). She has extensive experience across clinical and administrative roles in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, insurance companies, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), pharmaceutical companies, start-up joint ventures, ambulatory centers, hospice, long-term care, home health, travel nursing, and overseas education. Additionally, Stephanie worked as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC), supporting class action lawsuits, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury cases. Her career encompasses a broad spectrum of healthcare environments, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the field, which she shares with those interested in entering healthcare.
Stephanie Johannsen, RN, BSN, MSHA
Stephanie Johannsen is a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA). She has extensive experience across clinical and administrative roles in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, insurance companies, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), pharmaceutical companies, start-up joint ventures, ambulatory centers, hospice, long-term care, home health, travel nursing, and overseas education. Additionally, Stephanie worked as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC), supporting class action lawsuits, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury cases. Her career encompasses a broad spectrum of healthcare environments, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the field, which she shares with those interested in entering healthcare.
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As a working nurse, you’ve seen the need for field improvements, higher educational standards, and improved quality of care first-hand. If you’re eager to make an impactful difference and become a leader in your field, earning an online Nursing PhD is the best route to working in academia or clinical research.
Unlike a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nursing PhD programs can be completed entirely online, as nurses who qualify for a doctoral degree already have hundreds of hours of clinical experience under their belts. Determine the best route to advance your nursing career as you continue down the page.
Gut Check: Is a Nursing PhD Right for You?
Having already attended nursing school, you understand the time and commitment required to graduate from these rigorous programs. A PhD is a serious commitment, especially if you plan to continue working as a nurse while pursuing your doctoral degree. Before diving into an online nursing PhD program, it’s essential to discern whether it is worth the time, money, and potential burnout; these questions can help you assess whether a doctoral degree is the right choice.
- What are my career goals, and how will a PhD in Nursing help me achieve them?
- Am I committed to conducting original research and writing a dissertation?
- How long will it take to complete a nursing PhD program, and am I ready for the time commitment?
- Can I manage potential debt or loss of income while pursuing my PhD, and what financial aid is available to help offset the costs?
- How will this PhD enhance my credibility, leadership, and career opportunities?
What’s the Difference Between a PhD, DNP, and DNE Nursing Degree?
Regarding advanced nursing degrees, the three most common programs are the PhD, DNP, and EdD. Each is a very different program that offers different outcomes for graduates, although there can be a little bit of overlap in what graduates can do with each degree. To help clarify things a bit, here’s what you need to know about these three options.
PhD in Nursing
Program Overview
This degree strongly emphasizes research, theory, and applying new concepts to the nursing profession. Many PhD nursing students use this degree to move into academia and teach other nurses.
Length of Study
Depending upon the program, this can take 3 to 5 years of full-time study, including the time for dissertation and defense. Given the inherently self-paced nature of the dissertation, how long it takes to earn a PhD in nursing largely depends on how quickly the student completes and defends the dissertation.
Clinicals Required?
None
Final Project
PhD students must complete a dissertation and then successfully defend that dissertation before a panel of educators, peers, researchers, and other interested parties in the nursing field.
Common Career Outcomes
This degree often leads to academic pursuits, including healthcare research and teaching the next generation of nurses.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Overview
As the name suggests, a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) focuses on evidence-based care practices for patients, communities, and specific populations.
Length of Study
Five to six semesters of study are standard for those who enter with a master’s degree.
Clinicals Required?
Clinicals are often required, but the amount of hands-on study varies by program. Clinicals are usually necessary for a much shorter period than lower degree levels; 400 hours of study under supervision is a typical number.
Final Project
A final scholarly project replaces the dissertation. This project can take many forms, depending upon the student’s focus, but usually includes a look at how nursing practice can be improved for various populations or areas.
Common Career Outcomes
Those who earn this degree are likely to continue working in a patient-facing role, although usually with more clinical and administrative responsibilities.
Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE/EdD)
Program Overview
With a focus on the educational aspects of nursing, this degree prepares students to teach others through evidence-based research, practice, and real-world scenarios.
Length of Study
Students who enter the EdD program with a bachelor’s degree can often complete the program in three years of full-time study.
Clinicals Required?
None
Final Project
The final capstone project usually consists of applying educational theories to real-world scenarios faced by nursing students or nurses in practice.
Common Career Outcomes
Though this degree will help graduates work in a clinical or research setting, the most common career pathway takes graduates into nursing education.
Comparing Online Nursing PhD Programs: Which School is Best?
To help you cut through the noise and find high-quality, accredited, and well-respected online PhDs in Nursing, we’ve selected a few of today’s top programs to compare. Later, we’ll cover different nursing doctorates, tuition costs, career outcomes, and everything you need to know to begin choosing your online Nursing PhD program.
Online PhD in Nursing — University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
As the largest nursing school in Wisconsin, UW-Milwaukee partners with over 160 agencies to educate future nurse scientists, researchers, and educators. Graduates of the online PhD in Nursing program are ready for careers in education, research and practice, and leadership.
Students are admitted as a cohort and must attend a three-day orientation at the beginning of the program, then return to campus at the end of their program. Throughout the four-year program, PhD students work closely with professors to plan and conduct cutting-edge research using various research methods. Students will eventually disseminate their research findings to help advance the nursing field.
Admissions to the online program are offered every two years, and courses must be taken in sequential order. To help alleviate the financial burden of nursing school, UW-Milwaukee awards more than $500,000 of nursing scholarships and funding annually.
Mode: Online
Cost: $49,340
Admissions Requirements:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or health-related field from a professionally accredited program with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (4.0 scale) for all previous graduate coursework
- A written statement detailing previous professional experience, professional career goals, research interests, motivation for PhD study, and educational objectives
- Two examples of original work demonstrating the applicant’s academic potential
- Unofficial transcripts from each academic institution attended where at least nine or more credits were attempted or completed
- Three academic references
- Current curriculum vitae
- Completion of a graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B or higher within the last five years or the first program semester
Curriculum: The program curriculum is focused on teaching students comprehensive research methods, scientific integrity, nursing theory, information technology, quality care standards, and thorough knowledge of a substantive area of nursing expertise.
Best For: Students who want to further the nursing field through innovative scientific research studies.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Online Nursing Education PhD – University of Northern Colorado (UNC)
UNC’s online PhD in Nursing Education is designed to equip scholars for roles in academic or organizational healthcare settings. Graduates will gain the expertise and confidence to excel as nurse educators, with a strong focus on developing a research trajectory specific to nursing education. This doctoral program builds on knowledge acquired at the bachelor’s or master’s level, emphasizing educational strategies, leadership, research, and knowledge development.
A mandatory 5-day orientation is held in July before the program begins. This includes two days on campus in Greeley and three days attending the Nurse Educator Conference in the Rocky Mountains. Additionally, some students choose to visit campus for significant milestones such as their dissertation proposal hearing, dissertation defense, or oral comprehensive exams.
Throughout the program, students will benefit from the university’s interdisciplinary educational resources, drawing on expertise and research opportunities across nursing and other academic disciplines.
Duration: 4+ years
Mode: Online
Cost: $48,444
Admissions Requirements:
- Ensure the program meets your state’s nursing requirements
- Apply via Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS)
- Two academic or professional letters of recommendation from former faculty or colleagues with a doctoral degree
- Official transcript from each college or university where courses were taken, including documentation of earning a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Current vita or resume
- Copy of current, unencumbered RN license
- A statement of career goals, including a potential area of research interest or general dissertation topic
- Sample of written scholarly work, project, or publication in which the applicant was the lead or sole contributor
- A personal interview may be required
Curriculum: The program curriculum is focused on researching and generating new knowledge to advanced nursing science, advancing the professional discipline of nursing via leadership, and promoting innovative, evidence-based approaches in nurse education.
Best For: Practicing RNs who want to become nurse educators, instructors, curriculum coordinators, or consultants.
Online PhD in Nursing – Wilkes University
Wilkes University’s online PhD in Nursing is designed for nurses who want to conduct research that will advance nursing science and education. A strong emphasis on research and leadership ensures graduates are prepared to critically evaluate research findings and apply them to real-world challenges.
Faculty research areas include nursing leadership, cultural competency, advanced practice, disease management, healthcare policy, and nursing education. Once students select a research focus aligned with their interests, they work closely with a dedicated chairperson to build expertise, refine research skills, and develop a comprehensive dissertation.
This part-time program is designed to help working nurses fulfill their leadership and academic potential while balancing current responsibilities. It consists of 17 12-week courses and takes an average of three years to complete (depending on the dissertation). Graduates can expect to work in leadership positions as department heads, program coordinators, and nursing school deans.
Duration: Three Years
Mode: Online
Cost: $48,175
Admissions Requirements:
- MSN with official transcripts from an institution with programmatic and regional accreditation and a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- A current unencumbered RN license; APRN license if appropriate
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Letter of intent describing professional goals, research topic, and the reason for pursuing a PhD
- Two recommendations from graduate-level nurses or faculty who can attest to the applicant’s ability to be successful in a PhD program
- Reside in an authorized state
Curriculum:
The program curriculum is focused on building critical knowledge around nursing theory and education, healthcare issues, and obtaining research funding; advancing research skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis while expanding on study design; and developing a comprehensive dissertation.
Best For: Aspiring nurse leaders who want to balance empirical, scientific research with academic leadership and expertise to advance the nursing profession and improve nursing outcomes.
Answers to Nursing PhD Student FAQs
When deducing the right nursing PhD program for you, it’s likely that you’ll have questions crop up that other prospective students in your position also wonder about. If you’re wondering about clinical hour requirements, potential career roles, whether or not you’re able to forgo a master’s degree, we’ve provided answers to some of these common student questions and more below.
Is it worth it to get a PhD in nursing?
Your career goals will ultimately determine whether or not a PhD is right for you. If you plan to work in academia or conduct research, a PhD is a necessity that opens up these types of roles. In many cases, a master’s degree can still qualify you for a higher-level position within nursing.
Earning a PhD in nursing will significantly boost your income. According to the most recent Salary and Compensation Study for Nurse Leaders by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), over half (57%) of respondents earned between $90,000 and $169,999, while 32% of respondents earned $170,000 or more, broken down as follows:
- 12% earned between $170,000 and $199,999,
- 10% earned between $200,000 and $249,999, and
- 10% earned $250,000 or more.
Does a PhD in nursing require clinical hours?
No, a PhD in nursing generally does not require clinical hours. Instead, nursing PhD programs focus on conducting academic research to advance nursing knowledge. A substantial dissertation based on original research is commonly found in nursing PhD programs. This is why nursing PhD programs are readily available online, whereas a BSN or MSN can only be completed partially online due to in-person clinical requirements.
Can you get a PhD in nursing without a Masters?
Yes, BSN to PhD programs are available for students who want to go straight from earning their baccalaureate to their doctorate. During these programs, students often gain a master’s degree (MSN) and a nursing PhD. While these programs typically take longer than traditional PhD programs, they take less time than earning an MSN and PhD separately, as some of the coursework overlaps. In short, this is an excellent option for fresh BSN graduates who are sure they want to earn a PhD in nursing or seasoned BSN graduates who wish to jump straight into a doctoral program.
What jobs require a PhD in Nursing?
Nurse leaders with senior-level titles must have a PhD or DNP degree, and this includes chief nursing officers (CNOs), chief nursing executives (CNEs), nursing consultants, presidents/vice presidents, and other c-suite titles. According to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, chief executives earned a median salary of $206,680, while nursing positions requiring an MSN (e.g., nurse anesthetists, midwives, and practitioners) earned a median salary of $129,480. Essentially, jobs requiring a PhD in nursing pay over $75,000 more annually than those requiring an MSN.
Nursing PhD Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees
For many potential PhD students, the thought of adding to current student loan debt or acquiring new debt is a huge deterrent from pursuing your online nursing doctorate. While some students manage to graduate nursing school debt free, find relief through loan forgiveness programs, or land other forms of financial aid, your best option for minimizing student loan debt is choosing a program within your budget.
Finding and comparing the cost of tuition, program fees, and financial assistance is the best way to narrow your search. As you may have noticed, online Nursing PhDs can cost anywhere between $26,000 to $83,000. While a school may appear to have lower tuition fees, things like the program timeline and additional course fees can result in unexpected sticker shock. To help you better understand the different nursing PhD tuition rates, we’ve linked some programs below, along with their estimated cost.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee | Online PhD in Nursing | $49,340 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Online PhD in Nursing Education | $48,444 |
| Wilkes University | Online PhD in Nursing | $48,175 |
| Liberty University | Online PhD in Nursing Education | $35,700 – $39,000 |
| Ohio State University | Online PhD in Nursing Ethics | $82,955 |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Online Nursing Leadership PhD | $26,694 – $33,367 |
| University of North Dakota | Online Nursing PhD | $73,395 |
Salary & Career Outlook for Nursing PhD Grads
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $49,120 | $80,780 | $130,320 |
| U.S. | $47,950 | $79,940 | $130,040 |
| Wyoming | $42,320 | $69,220 | $99,130 |
| Wisconsin | $49,030 | $79,500 | $104,070 |
| West Virginia | $49,790 | $78,830 | $108,440 |
| Washington | $49,770 | $77,600 | $131,090 |
| Virginia | $38,910 | $79,290 | $104,810 |
| Vermont | $45,370 | $77,710 | $117,400 |
| Utah | $52,330 | $85,050 | $133,410 |
| Texas | $57,590 | $96,000 | $129,080 |
| Tennessee | $51,200 | $78,430 | $110,800 |
| South Dakota | $48,650 | $63,980 | $82,360 |
| South Carolina | $59,040 | $78,450 | $110,320 |
| Rhode Island | $51,720 | $78,510 | $110,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,600 | $80,720 | $130,490 |
| Oregon | $58,650 | $103,790 | $163,530 |
| Oklahoma | $48,260 | $64,260 | $91,070 |
| Ohio | $39,900 | $76,640 | $110,960 |
| North Dakota | $62,130 | $81,320 | $102,250 |
| North Carolina | $43,710 | $71,780 | $110,750 |
| New York | $47,840 | $93,600 | $174,610 |
| New Mexico | $41,020 | $78,740 | $100,780 |
| New Jersey | $51,230 | $102,460 | $151,170 |
| New Hampshire | $51,080 | $82,330 | $122,370 |
| Nevada | $59,690 | $84,580 | $134,850 |
| Nebraska | $49,170 | $69,710 | $110,950 |
| Montana | $60,030 | $84,460 | $105,270 |
| Missouri | $47,990 | $75,260 | $103,940 |
| Mississippi | $46,350 | $64,820 | $90,790 |
| Minnesota | $50,320 | $81,440 | $124,770 |
| Michigan | $41,950 | $82,510 | $122,930 |
| Massachusetts | $49,500 | $82,250 | $130,500 |
| Maryland | $54,460 | $82,330 | $131,090 |
| Maine | $51,350 | $77,370 | $109,190 |
| Louisiana | $52,090 | $73,780 | $109,100 |
| Kentucky | $49,490 | $78,190 | $113,860 |
| Kansas | $43,400 | $76,000 | $91,200 |
| Iowa | $47,110 | $69,290 | $105,580 |
| Indiana | $48,100 | $78,160 | $109,970 |
| Illinois | $48,790 | $81,600 | $119,380 |
| Idaho | $59,570 | $73,850 | $108,480 |
| Hawaii | $49,310 | $105,340 | $134,500 |
| Georgia | $46,890 | $72,000 | $107,480 |
| Florida | $59,790 | $81,210 | $111,570 |
| Delaware | $51,550 | $86,020 | $156,580 |
| Connecticut | $50,020 | $84,690 | $191,930 |
| Colorado | $35,740 | $81,610 | $129,330 |
| California | $47,380 | $94,240 | $139,330 |
| Arkansas | $48,290 | $63,560 | $83,230 |
| Arizona | $49,650 | $68,470 | $127,470 |
| Alaska | $53,400 | $92,520 | $137,780 |
| Alabama | $60,730 | $78,610 | $110,230 |
| Alabama | $49,890 | $77,270 | $110,360 |
| Alaska | $56,710 | $92,050 | $124,450 |
| Arizona | $40,260 | $68,360 | $106,030 |
| Arkansas | $48,520 | $64,330 | $91,310 |
| California | $50,680 | $99,010 | $159,250 |
| Connecticut | $50,860 | $81,490 | $192,140 |
| Delaware | $51,240 | $83,420 | $127,780 |
| District of Columbia | $77,840 | $103,780 | $167,170 |
| Florida | $56,250 | $83,940 | $129,040 |
| Georgia | $34,910 | $75,950 | $107,310 |
| Hawaii | $77,330 | $102,180 | $129,260 |
| Idaho | $60,910 | $75,420 | $123,630 |
| Illinois | $48,660 | $78,870 | $123,850 |
| Indiana | $45,340 | $77,270 | $120,770 |
| Iowa | $47,250 | $71,910 | $105,700 |
| Kansas | $44,960 | $70,960 | $92,660 |
| Kentucky | $48,240 | $74,850 | $113,370 |
| Louisiana | $44,150 | $72,990 | $103,270 |
| Maine | $48,230 | $78,770 | $121,630 |
| Maryland | $35,560 | $80,990 | $128,720 |
| Massachusetts | $57,890 | $80,140 | $133,230 |
| Michigan | $41,390 | $80,740 | $125,760 |
| Minnesota | $55,920 | $78,110 | $119,170 |
| Mississippi | $50,500 | $73,160 | $99,760 |
| Missouri | $46,500 | $74,000 | $106,190 |
| Montana | $59,910 | $84,550 | $105,390 |
| Nebraska | $49,630 | $79,120 | $129,030 |
| Nevada | $55,760 | $84,660 | $117,560 |
| New Hampshire | $60,560 | $81,260 | $105,400 |
| New Jersey | $50,340 | $102,090 | $134,950 |
| New Mexico | $40,960 | $77,850 | $105,240 |
| New York | $47,560 | $93,640 | $160,390 |
| North Carolina | $48,120 | $78,740 | $121,480 |
| North Dakota | $57,620 | $83,130 | $102,630 |
| Ohio | $33,720 | $74,570 | $117,770 |
| Oklahoma | $48,190 | $65,100 | $83,110 |
| Oregon | $60,690 | $101,640 | $163,300 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,270 | $79,920 | $119,260 |
| Rhode Island | $48,260 | $74,720 | $99,790 |
| South Carolina | $50,780 | $79,900 | $122,350 |
| South Dakota | $48,530 | $63,940 | $82,900 |
| Tennessee | $51,480 | $76,620 | $105,700 |
| Texas | $51,700 | $97,610 | $200,440 |
| Utah | $52,390 | $75,380 | $108,150 |
| Vermont | $61,110 | $78,800 | $102,960 |
| Virginia | $40,080 | $78,850 | $105,700 |
| Washington | $55,810 | $78,000 | $132,350 |
| West Virginia | $46,740 | $75,550 | $108,020 |
| Wisconsin | $49,340 | $79,810 | $106,470 |
| Wyoming | $50,200 | $75,280 | $95,950 |
Source: Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 85,900 | 101,500 | 15,600 | 18.20% | 8,800 |
| Alabama | 1,630 | 1,880 | 250 | 15.30% | 160 |
| Alaska | 70 | 80 | 10 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Arizona | 1,480 | 1,790 | 310 | 20.90% | 160 |
| Arkansas | 650 | 770 | 120 | 18.50% | 70 |
| California | 6,900 | 8,500 | 1,600 | 23.20% | 750 |
| Colorado | 1,270 | 1,730 | 460 | 36.20% | 160 |
| Connecticut | 1,060 | 1,320 | 260 | 24.50% | 120 |
| Delaware | 310 | 400 | 90 | 29.00% | 40 |
| District of Columbia | 140 | 160 | 20 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Florida | 5,760 | 7,350 | 1,590 | 27.60% | 670 |
| Georgia | 1,470 | 1,800 | 330 | 22.40% | 160 |
| Idaho | 400 | 510 | 110 | 27.50% | 50 |
| Illinois | 3,180 | 3,680 | 500 | 15.70% | 320 |
| Indiana | 1,340 | 1,610 | 270 | 20.10% | 140 |
| Iowa | 840 | 1,050 | 210 | 25.00% | 100 |
| Kansas | 960 | 1,150 | 190 | 19.80% | 100 |
| Kentucky | 700 | 830 | 130 | 18.60% | 70 |
| Louisiana | 540 | 660 | 120 | 22.20% | 60 |
| Maine | 400 | 450 | 50 | 12.50% | 40 |
| Maryland | 1,140 | 1,480 | 340 | 29.80% | 140 |
| Massachusetts | 760 | 970 | 210 | 27.60% | 90 |
| Michigan | 2,630 | 3,090 | 460 | 17.50% | 270 |
| Minnesota | 960 | 1,130 | 170 | 17.70% | 100 |
| Mississippi | 680 | 830 | 150 | 22.10% | 70 |
| Missouri | 1,290 | 1,540 | 250 | 19.40% | 130 |
| Montana | 200 | 250 | 50 | 25.00% | 20 |
| Nebraska | 670 | 690 | 20 | 3.00% | 60 |
| Nevada | 420 | 530 | 110 | 26.20% | 50 |
| New Hampshire | 490 | 580 | 90 | 18.40% | 50 |
| New Jersey | 2,480 | 2,980 | 500 | 20.20% | 260 |
| New Mexico | 250 | 320 | 70 | 28.00% | 30 |
| New York | 5,850 | 7,120 | 1,270 | 21.70% | 130 |
| North Carolina | 2,300 | 2,880 | 580 | 25.20% | 260 |
| North Dakota | 220 | 250 | 30 | 13.60% | 20 |
| Ohio | 3,580 | 4,150 | 570 | 15.90% | 360 |
| Oklahoma | 750 | 870 | 120 | 16.00% | 80 |
| Oregon | 670 | 820 | 150 | 22.40% | 70 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,110 | 4,790 | 680 | 16.50% | 410 |
| Rhode Island | 240 | 290 | 50 | 20.80% | 30 |
| South Carolina | 830 | 1,050 | 220 | 26.50% | 100 |
| South Dakota | 270 | 330 | 60 | 22.20% | 30 |
| Tennessee | 1,640 | 2,200 | 560 | 34.10% | 210 |
| Texas | 6,820 | 8,480 | 1,660 | 24.30% | 760 |
| Utah | 860 | 1,180 | 320 | 37.20% | 110 |
| Washington | 1,490 | 1,960 | 470 | 31.50% | 230 |
| West Virginia | 300 | 350 | 50 | 16.70% | 30 |
| Wisconsin | 1,190 | 1,460 | 270 | 22.70% | 130 |
| Wyoming | 130 | 170 | 40 | 30.80% | 20 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Today’s Best Online Nursing PhD Programs
Many high-quality, accredited online PhD nursing programs are available to students seeking a terminal degree. As online learning allows you to enroll in a program thousands of miles away, you have many options when choosing a school. But with so many quality programs to choose from, how do you find the best program fit? Our list of top online PhD nursing programs can help jumpstart your search.
Our data team researched various schools with PhD nursing programs and scored them on factors like tuition cost, program flexibility, and accreditation. Our goal was to create a collection of programs that provide quality doctoral education at a reasonable price and offer the most learning flexibility. See which schools came out on top in our rankings.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected CUNY Hunter College
- The program offers a 50-credit post-master’s track that can be completed in just three years with part-time courses scheduled on the same day year-round, accommodating working professionals.
- Students engage in a 360-hour research residency early in the program, working closely with experienced faculty mentors in an apprenticeship model that strengthens research skills and professional mentorship.
- Faculty expertise focuses on health equity and urban health issues, enabling students to conduct community-engaged research that addresses diverse populations and advances urban health promotion.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Molloy College
- Molloy University’s Nursing PhD program offers a research residency that provides experiential learning through close collaboration with faculty actively engaged in research.
- The program allows customization through cognates, enabling students to tailor their studies to deepen expertise in specific nursing research areas and career goals.
- Grounded in a humanistic nursing framework, the curriculum emphasizes scholarly inquiry, self-enrichment, and high personal and professional standards to prepare nurse scholars for leadership and knowledge generation.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Idaho State University
- The Ph.D. in Nursing program offers a strong research emphasis on rural and vulnerable populations, with an interprofessional approach fostering collaboration with other professionals to lead health care improvements.
- Students work closely with expert faculty advisors to develop individualized research programs, supported by online delivery that integrates multidisciplinary mentorship and collaboration.
- The program admits students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nursing from accredited programs, providing flexible full-time or part-time study options suited to varied career and life demands.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 80% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Saint Louis University
- The SLU Nursing PhD program offers a hybrid format with live, real-time Friday classes that combine on-campus and distance learning, providing flexibility and synchronous engagement with faculty and peers.
- The program supports international students extensively through the Office of International Services and Student Success Center, offering language and writing assistance to facilitate academic progression.
- Students receive personalized mentoring from interdisciplinary faculty, preparing them to generate innovative, ethically sound nursing research and assume leadership roles in healthcare and academia.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 80% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Wisconsin
- The UWM Nursing PhD program offers close mentorship with expert faculty, enabling students to conduct groundbreaking research and advance nursing science effectively.
- It admits students as a cohort with a research-intensive curriculum, requiring minimal campus visits (orientation and program end), facilitating an accessible online learning experience.
- The program is part of an R1-designated research university, enhancing its prestige and providing students access to extensive academic resources and a supportive professional network.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Virginia Commonwealth University
- The VCU Nursing PhD program offers a hybrid online format with immersive on-campus sessions three times annually, fostering intensive networking and personalized faculty interaction.
- Graduate teaching assistantships provide tuition coverage and stipends, reducing financial burdens while offering valuable research experience.
- Exceptional faculty expertise spans biobehavioral science, health equity, and innovative health systems, supporting specialized, cutting-edge research development.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Utah
- The Nursing PhD program at the University of Utah offers a high completion rate of 83%, reflecting strong student support and program effectiveness.
- Students benefit from synchronous distance education with online course meetings and two on-campus sessions per semester, allowing flexibility for local and non-local students.
- The program provides access to mentorship and collaboration with nationally and internationally prominent researchers across multiple disciplines, enhancing research opportunities and professional networking.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Azusa Pacific University
- Azusa Pacific University’s Nursing PhD program offers customizable degrees with three specialized concentrations: Health of the Family and Community, International Health, and Nursing Historical Research, allowing tailored academic and research focus.
- The program is distinguished by APU’s ranking in Money’s Best Graduate School Programs 2025, emphasizing affordability, value, and return on investment for nursing graduate studies.
- Students benefit from integrating rigorous nursing research with a Christian faith perspective, fostering ethical frameworks and social change leadership in healthcare through faculty expertise and hands-on experience.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University at Buffalo
- The Nursing PhD program offers all doctoral classes scheduled just two days per week, accommodating working professionals with a flexible distance-accessible format.
- Students benefit from a rigorous interdisciplinary research focus that prepares graduates to lead change in policy, practice, and the nursing profession nationally and globally.
- The program provides several entry tracks including Post-BS, Post-MS, and Early Assurance options, supporting diverse nursing backgrounds and career goals with flexible part-time and full-time enrollment.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Northern Colorado
- The UNC Nursing Education PhD program offers a mostly online curriculum with brief Colorado campus visits, supporting working professionals' flexibility while ensuring valuable face-to-face engagement.
- Students receive personalized mentoring from expert faculty who help tailor the program to align with individual academic interests and career goals, enhancing specialized research and leadership development.
- The program fosters a strong cohort experience, building lasting professional relationships among diverse peers, which supports networking and collaborative opportunities throughout the doctoral journey.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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