Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Connecticut?

Although fully free online PhD programs may not be available in every field of study, students seeking an affordable degree path can significantly reduce costs through various financial aid options. Federal and state aid, scholarships from higher education institutions, and other funding sources can cover a portion of tuition costs for eligible students. However, it is important to note that additional costs beyond tuition may apply.

While fully funded online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are uncommon, several universities in Connecticut provide low-cost or partially funded options for doctoral students. These programs often include financial support through tuition waivers, stipends, or assistantships, making advanced degrees in higher education more accessible. Read on to explore fully funded online PhD programs and how to reduce costs in Connecticut and beyond.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Connecticut?

Connecticut universities do not widely advertise tuition-free online colleges that offer free PhD programs online. Most doctoral programs in the state are on-campus or hybrid, with funding packages tied to in-person teaching or research assistant roles.

That said, many institutions offer financial aid to qualifying students, both part-time and full-time students. If you're looking for fully online programs with full funding, we'll highlight additional options available at schools nationwide.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Funding for master's degrees and doctorates is often through service-based roles within the university; learners agree to work as teaching assistants or research assistants, which is why it's difficult to find free PhD programs online. These positions typically come with tuition waivers and stipends.

Additional aid may include fellowships, grants, and scholarships offered by universities or third-party organizations. Students should also complete the FAFSA to unlock federal financial aid opportunities and only apply to accredited online schools that accept FAFSA. Even without full funding, combining these resources can significantly reduce the cost of a PhD degree.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Funding for PhD students usually includes tuition assistance, a living stipend, and sometimes health insurance. Some programs may also provide funding for research-related travel or conference fees. However, students should plan for other potential expenses (e.g., books, personal supplies, and administrative fees) which may not be fully covered. Because funding packages vary by institution and program, you should carefully review these offerings as you search for free PhD programs online.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Connecticut

Though fully free programs are limited, Connecticut does offer affordable online or hybrid PhD degrees through accredited universities. These programs are ideal for working professionals and part-time students looking for flexible online learning options supported by financial aid. Continue reading to explore affordable online PhD programs.

1. Southern Connecticut State University

Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) offers flexible online and hybrid graduate programs designed for working professionals. While specific online PhD programs are limited, learners can pursue advanced degrees in educational leadership, counseling education and supervision, nursing, and social work.

Various financial aid options are available. In-state students will experience much lower tuition fees compared to out-of-state or international students.

Average in-state tuition: $14,960 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $28,690 per year

Financial aid: Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, assistantships (part-time only), and benefits for active duty military, veterans, and first-generation college students.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University offers a fully online Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD). Enrollment in this degree program allows licensed occupational therapists to advance their careers with a terminal degree.

The school does not guarantee full funding to all students; however, there are numerous financial aid packages and student employment opportunities that allow students to cover most, if not all, of their costs.

Average in-state tuition: $1,072.50 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,072.50 per credit hour

Financial aid: Graduate students at Quinnipiac University can receive funding through grants and scholarships. The school also has graduate work opportunities that allow students to earn money through research and assistantships.

Accreditation: NECHE

3. Western Connecticut State University

While there are no online PhD programs, Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Nursing Education degree. These degree programs are delivered in synchronous formats, meaning that students will meet in scheduled virtual class sessions.

Neither program offers a funding guarantee for all students; however, WCSU provides graduate assistantships, scholarships, and grants to most students.

Average in-state tuition: $4,358 per semester (In-state rate applies to CT, NY, and NJ students)

Average out-of-state tuition: $6,537 per semester

Financial aid: WCSU has graduate assistantships, scholarships, and grants for students. Students can submit their FAFSA to qualify for federal aid and need-based aid before applying for merit- and program-based funding through the school.

Accreditation: NECHE

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Students seeking a free doctorate degree online may consider institutions outside of Connecticut. While rare, some universities offer online doctoral programs with tuition waivers, stipends, and research assistantships. These programs are ideal for working professionals aiming to develop leadership skills and engage in real-world research projects.

Kansas State University

Students at Kansas State University can pursue several PhD degrees in an online or hybrid format. The PhD programs available 100% online include:

• counselor education and supervision
• curriculum and instruction
• security studies
• student affairs in higher education

Other doctoral programs, such as the Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational leadership, offer online coursework. Tuition may vary slightly depending on the degree or specialization. Scholarships and assistantships are available to help students cover costs.

Average in-state tuition: $551.14 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $551.14 per credit hour

Financial aid: Assistantships and scholarships are available to reduce costs.

Accreditation: HLC

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide (TUW) offers fully online doctoral programs, including the Doctor of Management (DM), Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), and the EdD. Tuition is $700 per credit hour, and the university does not charge additional fees for services like media, parking, or library access. Although the doctoral program is not fully funded, students can earn enough in scholarships to significantly reduce the cost.

Average in-state tuition: $700 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $700 per credit hour

Financial aid: Financial aid options include federal student aid, military benefits, and institutional scholarships. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for financial assistance.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) offers an online PhD in nursing and a post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Students at UWM have access to multiple forms of financial assistance, including tuition waivers and more than $500,000 awarded each year in nursing-specific scholarships and funding. This flexible program is an excellent option for those seeking to advance their healthcare career.

Average in-state tuition: $12,728 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $26,159 per year

Financial aid: Financial support includes loans, grants, work-study opportunities, fellowships, and military education benefits. The university also provides substantial aid for those pursuing careers as nurse educators or faculty members.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo (UB) is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network that offers on-campus and online programs across New York and beyond. Students can enroll in the online PhD in information science.

This program can be completed either on campus or online, with both groups of students receiving education from the same instructors. Students can transfer some of their master's-level credits to apply toward their PhD credit load.

Average in-state tuition: $5,655 per semester

Average out-of-state tuition: $12,495 per semester

Financial aid: UB offers graduate assistantships that can lead to hourly or stipend pay models, which enable students to receive regular payments throughout the semester, rather than a single payment at the start. In addition to these payments, students can qualify for grants and scholarships from federal programs and the university.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Explore Online PhD Programs

Connecticut offers several low-cost and fully funded online PhD programs for students who can attend classes in person, though some online programs can also provide these same benefits. If you want to earn a PhD fully online, you can apply for grants, scholarships, and other federal financial aid to cover your tuition. Continue exploring Learn.org for more information on affordable doctoral programs.