Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Alabama?

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.

After earning a bachelor's degree and maybe even a master's degree, finding the time and funds to pursue a doctoral degree can be tricky. However, for many students, a doctoral degree is crucial to obtaining licensure, developing key leadership skills in their field, and overall reaching their career goals.

Whether pursuing a professional doctorate, like a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Education (EdD), or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in fields like healthcare, computer science, or social sciences, a doctorate can be expensive. Some programs are fully funded, but it can be hard to find fully funded online PhD programs.

Despite that, there are ways that students can reduce their costs and potentially earn their doctorate for free. Keep reading to learn more about low-cost and free doctorate degrees online in Alabama.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Alabama?

There are no fully funded online PhD programs in Alabama. Fully-funded online degrees are rare; even tuition-free online colleges don't typically offer them.

Students in Alabama can find in-person, fully-funded programs through schools like the University of Alabama or Alabama State University. However, on-campus learning doesn't work for everyone.

For those who prefer to learn online, choosing an affordable program and pursuing financial aid are the best options. These can lead to you completing a low-cost or even free PhD program online.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

There are multiple types of PhD funding you can pursue. One common option is research or teaching assistantships, where you're paid to assist professors and faculty members. As a research assistant, you work on research projects. As a teaching assistant, you help teach classes.

You can also pursue gift aid, like grants, scholarships, and fellowships. These types of programs may be need-based or merit-based, and do not usually require you to work.

Additionally, you could receive aid through your employer or private organizations. Speak with your school's financial aid office and your department head to find out what funding opportunities are available for your program.

All students, even graduate students, should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. FAFSA determines what federal aid you qualify for but is also required for many need-based aid programs. There are multiple accredited online schools that accept FAFSA in Alabama.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Funding for PhD programs will usually cover some, if not all, of your tuition costs and standard tuition fees. Your aid may also provide stipends for things like:

• textbooks and equipment
• housing
• other living expenses (e.g., food and transportation)
• research costs

Because coverage can vary between aid programs, it's important to understand what your program will cover and how you're going to fund whatever remains.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Alabama

Although there aren't any inherently free PhD programs online in Alabama, there are affordable online PhD programs and doctorate degrees in the state. We've highlighted some below.

1. University of Alabama in Huntsville

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a public research institution in Huntsville, AL. It offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), as well as online PhDs in engineering management, industrial engineering, systems engineering, and civil engineering.

The tuition rate depends on which program you're taking. The DNP is $445 per credit hour, while the PhDs in engineering cost $655. UAH offers scholarships and assistantships, and many students participate in fellowships to fund their doctoral degree programs.

Average in-state tuition: $550 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $550 per credit

Financial aid: UAH accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

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

2. Jacksonville State University

At Jacksonville State University, students can choose from two online doctoral degrees: a Doctor of Science (DSc) in emergency management and a DNP. The DNP offers focuses on adult-gerontology acute care nursing practice and family nursing practice.

JSU, a public university, is located in Jacksonville, AL. Tuition is $450 per credit for the emergency management degree program and $500 for the DNP. Both scholarships and assistantships are available to doctoral students.

Average in-state tuition: $475 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $475 per credit

Financial aid: JSU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Alabama State University

Alabama State University offers an online Doctor of Education (EdD) and a PhD in educational leadership, policy, and law. ASU is a public historically Black university (HBCU) in Montgomery, AL.

The cost for both the EdD and the PhD is $477 per credit for online students. There's no difference in tuition for in-state or out-of-state students. ASU offers scholarships to help students with the cost of their online doctoral programs.

Average in-state tuition: $477 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $477 per credit

Financial aid: ASU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers several doctoral programs through online learning. These include PhDs in education, engineering, and communication, as well as EdDs, DNPs, and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degrees.

UA, located in Tuscaloosa, AL, is a public research university. It charges $480 per credit for online graduate programs and offers scholarships and grants to doctoral and PhD students.

Average in-state tuition: $480 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $480 per credit

Financial aid: UA accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Montevallo

The University of Montevallo is a public liberal arts institution in Montevallo, AL. It offers an online EdD in educational leadership.

This 60-credit program is for experienced professionals seeking opportunities to advance their careers. The tuition rate is $498 per credit, and both scholarships and assistantships are available.

Average in-state tuition: $498 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $498 per credit

Financial aid: The University of Montevallo accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Amridge University

Students at Amridge University can choose from a variety of online doctorate programs. These include Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degrees, an EdD in higher education administration, and several PhDs in organizational leadership, biblical studies, and marriage and family therapy.

This private, nonprofit Christian school is located in Montgomery, AL. Tuition here varies by program, ranging from $535 for the DMin and PhD in biblical studies to $780 for the PhDs in marriage and family therapy and professional counseling. Scholarships are available.

Average in-state tuition: $682 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $682 per credit

Financial aid: Amridge offers some scholarships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Troy University

Troy University offers multiple PhDs and DNPs online. The public university is located in Troy, AL, and charges $550 per credit hour for all online doctoral programs.

Online PhDs at Troy are available in fields like criminology, global leadership, and sport management. The DNP is offered online in family nurse practitioner and nursing leadership. Troy offers scholarships to help online students.

Average in-state tuition: $550 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $550 per credit

Financial aid: Troy offers institutional financial aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Start your journey toward a doctorate degree by exploring the high-quality and affordable online programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial support options.