"average" cost for a PhD from a for-profit RA school (e.g. UoP, NCU, Capella)

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by mcjon77, Feb 4, 2011.

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  1. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    Hi guys,

    what are the average costs that people are paying for a PhD at the for-profits these days? I hear quotes ranging from $40K-$100K. Any insight you guys can provide would be appreciated.
     
  2. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Well, I am not sure about UoP; however, NCU in the $40K range. According to other forum members, NCU increased tuition about 40% in the last several years. And who knows how much in 3 years Ph.D period.

    Capella University is in the $70K range, and Walden in $60K range. George Washington University is private (non-profit), but in the $60K range.
     
  3. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I would add that the cost to complete a degree at NCU would be higher because of the difficulty of getting approval and the requirement of taking dissertation classes constantly during the process. Every time you are sent back for a rewrite, you will have to take and pay for another class. I would not be surprised if one ended up paying over $50K or more when all is said and done.
     
  4. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Also, I looked into the cost of an DBA (doctorate of business admin.) from UoP about a year ago and they were quoting $48K for that. I'll bet you would end up paying more for that one too in the end.

    The other factor in all of this is that, unless you will get a promotion from your doctorate, you will probably not find it to be a good financial investment.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 4, 2011
  5. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Although, if it is a promotion you are looking for, I have a feeling that Aspen would do just fine for most people.

    Then again, that isnt what the OP asked :smile:
     
  6. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    You have a point, MC. One could earn a doctorate from Aspen University that would be accredited for around $8K. It would be DETC accredited rather than the more widely recognized regional accreditation, but it would be legitimate and should be fine to land a promotion.
     
  7. Cyber

    Cyber New Member

    Aspen's tuition for their doctorate (including the new Doctor of Science in Computer Science, and DBA) is no longer $8k. The new tuition is $300 per credit hour, which puts the total cost at $18k or more.
     
  8. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    Interesting. That makes them only $43.75 less than Dakota State and their DSc in Information Systems. If you already have a Master's, DSU is only 1 credit hour more than Aspen's program. Total cost seems to be only $3K more. Then again, the big question would be getting into DSU's program.
     
  9. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Wow, that's a big change since I looked into it a year ago. At that price, it's no longer a good idea. Much better to go for a RA doctorate for a little more. My Liberty doctorate, while not a PhD, is only going to be about $28K
     
  10. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Does that $28K cover any travel expenses for the residency requirement? I just looked at all my tuition assistance forms for all my classes. All this talk of increased cost and ROI made me really look. My NCU PhD cost $28,455 and it cost me $2,550 out of pocket and includes everything except books.
     
  11. Cyber

    Cyber New Member

    I would agree that DSU is a much better option; however, like you right noted, getting in has become more competitive with specific admission requirements (that include specific undergrad/grad course requirements and GRE).

    That said, any DL-enabled doctorate (like yours) that is less than $30k is a good deal. My tuition calculation for Aspen's new programs may be incorrect, however, I got those figures from their 2011 catalog, although their homepage still says tuition "most program tuition blends* to $100 per credit hour." Indeed, it would be good news if what Aspen's homepage says is accurate; superseding the information found in the 2011 catalog.
     
  12. Dave Wagner

    Dave Wagner Active Member

    Be sure to ask people who have had their degrees conferred about the total out of pocket cost of earning a doctorate. Don't go based on the websites alone. The dissertation fees can go on forever.

    If you absolutely want to earn a doctorate, you should allocate about $100K and about 10 years of your life; and never enroll in one of those "doctoral programs" that graduate 10% or less of the students they enroll. (Again, speaking generally, with no particular school in mind...)
     
  13. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    You say 10 years and $100K. How long and how much was if for your DBA from CPU and your PhD from TUI? Would they ever give you a straight answer on graduation rates? I called Capella and they refused to provide information on the doctoral programs only. They would only provide "school averages".
     

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