Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranking college for the best online PhD in nursing is Indiana University, followed by the University of Arizona.
- Online Ph.D. programs in nursing offer advanced research and teaching roles.
- Fewer nurses have Ph.D. degrees, making them stand out in the field.
- Programs emphasize affordability, accreditation, and potential salary post-graduation.
- Most programs blend online coursework with some in-person requirements.
Your RN license doesn’t have to be the end of the road for your nursing career. If you are more focused on the research or academic aspects of nursing and healthcare, one of the best online Ph.D.s in Nursing might be a great choice for you.
These online programs are great for catapulting young nurses into specialty research and teaching positions in their field. There are plenty of excellent nurses and medical facilities all around the world, but there are far fewer nurses with doctoral-level degrees. Such a career path is an excellent way to make yourself stand out.
What are the Best Online PhDs in Nursing?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of CollegeRank utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects:
- 40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
- 30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation
- 30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. To supply you with the best of the best in Ph.D.s in Nursing degree programs, we also considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:
- The school’s ability to provide a quality Ph.D. degree program in the field of Nursing,
- Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
- Taught by professionals in the field of Nursing,
- Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
- Prepares graduates for career advancement in Nursing.
For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net. Also, see our Methodology page for more information.
Indiana University
The Hoosier State’s flagship university dates back to 1820 and has grown into a major player in American higher education. Niche’s 2020 grades recognized Indiana University with a No. 32 among Top Public Universities in America and No. 69 among Colleges with the Best Professors in America. The Hoosiers’ athletics programs have also achieved success, bringing three national titles in men’s soccer to Bloomington in the 21st century.
Indiana University’s Ph.D. in Nursing Science allows completion of up to 99% of degree requirements through online courses. This 90-credit program includes courses on middle-range theory, biostatistics for public health, and the responsible conduct of research. Doctoral candidates also complete 16 credits of dissertation research with assistance from faculty advisors.
Undergraduates attending Indiana University can opt for the BSN-to-Ph.D. track to streamline their nursing education. The program also offers an MSN-to-Ph.D. with a 30-credit cap on transfer credits from other institutions. Every track requires two in-person sessions on campus during doctoral work, each lasting four days.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona, based in Tucson, Arizona, has earned a global reputation for scientific research and education. Students and faculty have drawn millions in grant funding for NASA projects through the university’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory.
The federally funded iPlant Collaborative placed the school at the forefront of the cloud-computing wave. U.S. News & World Report also highlights the College of Nursing’s successes with a No. 47 rank among Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Ph.D. in Nursing courses can be completed entirely online at the University of Arizona. The only in-person requirement is the Resident Summer Intensive Experience (RISE), which is held in Tucson every August. U of A doctoral candidates complete their degrees in an average of 4.6 years, besting the 2017 national average of