Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Utah?

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.

Most Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are quite a financial investment for a growing number of students who prefer to study online while working other jobs. If you'd like to know where to find free PhD programs online, it's better to focus on how you can make your online doctoral degree practically free by securing financial aid. Although you may not find 100% free PhD programs online, many aspiring professors have gotten the next best thing through fully funded online PhD programs.

We invite you to see how this works by canceling most of your graduate tuition through assistantships, private grants, and tuition waivers. This could help you avoid student loans while working toward a PhD in healthcare, computer science, the social sciences, social work, and several other fields.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Utah?

Tuition fees for advanced credentials can be very steep these days, which is why many graduate students search for free PhD programs online. While you cannot enroll in a completely free doctorate degree online, certain fields of study offer more generous financial support, such as education, business administration, and even nursing practice. Our aim is to give you the chance to explore tuition-free online colleges so that you can pursue your PhD in a fully funded program in Utah or elsewhere.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

A fully funded PhD is one where you acquire fellowships, internships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and scholarships to pay for your education. Ideally, this eliminates tuition fees and addresses other expenses. PhD students can work part-time for these funds or receive them as award money with no obligation to repay them.

Finally, make sure to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This qualifies you for many generous funding opportunities, such as grants and Federal Stafford Loans. All the schools on our list below qualify as accredited online schools that accept FAFSA.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding covers everything from tuition fees and textbook costs to lab equipment and supplies for major research projects. It's also important for full-time doctoral students to consider all other personal living expenditures if they do not have outside employment while studying.

Fortunately, you can cover all of your graduate school costs if you secure enough money working as a research assistant or teaching assistant, while supplementing it with scholarship awards. We welcome you to research some of the most affordable online PhD programs in the country along with these select Utah PhD programs that offer generous stipends and financial aid.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Utah

Utah residents can begin their journey into academia by pursuing one of the following affordable PhD programs in their state. These universities utilize the same faculty for online doctoral programs as they do for on-campus coursework.

1. Weber State University

Weber State University prepares nurses for senior positions in healthcare facilities through its online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, specializing in executive leadership. This doctoral degree program is among the most affordable for advanced nursing majors � and you can complete its capstone project locally rather than at the campus. Weber State's nursing school faculty members provide the same high-quality education for distance learners as it does for in-person instruction.

Average in-state tuition: $308 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $308 per credit hour

Financial aid: The nursing school mentions multiple financial aid resources, such as grants and specific nursing scholarships (including National Medical Fellowships).

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Utah State University

Utah State University offers a PhD in Career and Technical Education, focusing on educational leadership. All coursework is online except for week-long seminars during the summers. This doctoral program provides its students a balanced focus on practical leadership skills in education, combined with advanced training in research methodologies.

Average in-state tuition: $518 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $518 per credit hour

Financial aid: Doctoral students should explore the university's ScholarshipUniverse section for graduate funding. The financial aid website also mentions Utah-based scholarships, like the Adult Learner Grant and other FAFSA award opportunities.

Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University's Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program is technically a hybrid option but offers one of the few affordable ways to pursue an advanced degree in the field. This program might be suitable for Utah residents who aspire to a psychology career in the public health sector, especially in underserved regions.

Besides the low tuition rate, Southern Utah's financial aid page mentions several graduate funding opportunities, including scholarships, tuition waivers, and work-study programs.

Average in-state tuition: $600 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $600 per credit hour

Financial aid: The university also offers generous award money through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. This scholarship program gives select graduate students up to $150,000 over four years.

Accreditation: NWCCU

4. University of Utah

The University of Utah is one of the few schools in the area to offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This is a hybrid program but consists of mostly online, asynchronous coursework.

Since it's a full-time program, students should not hold outside employment while studying for this degree. The school encourages DPT students to offset expenses by taking work-study roles and assistantships.

Average in-state tuition: $871.55 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $871.55 per credit hour

Financial aid: The department's website lists 23 physical therapy scholarships and suggests students seek additional aid from the American Physical Therapy Association.

Accreditation: NWCCU

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

We also recommend searching outside of your state for online doctoral programs. There are several online colleges, like Liberty University, that offer online learning opportunities for working professionals, part-time students, and international students anywhere in America.

Liberty University

Liberty University has an online version for virtually every subject it offers. This includes either a PhD in business or a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

This private, nonprofit university also offers a Doctor of Education (EdD) in over two dozen specializations, along with PhD options for the same subject. Liberty is a solid option for military members and spouses, who can earn a doctorate online for only $375 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $610 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $610 per credit hour

Financial aid: Graduate students should explore the university's discount offers for first responders, small-business owners, and military personnel. The school also devotes a section of its website to its Liberty University Online (LUO) Scholarships.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Explore Online PhD Programs

We invite you to explore more about online PhD programs on Learn.org. This is your top resource for bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, online doctoral degrees, professional licensure, financial aid resources, and more.