Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Alaska?

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.

If you'd like to learn more about free PhD programs online and you live in Alaska, you've come to the right place. Keep reading as we discuss fully funded online PhD programs and other ways you can get a free doctorate degree online.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Alaska?

Unfortunately, there are no tuition-free online colleges offering fully funded online doctoral degree programs in Alaska. Only two schools in the state offer doctoral degrees online, and only a couple of areas of study are covered in these programs.

That said, doctoral students who enroll in these programs can save money through various financial aid and funding options. Funding for the online doctoral programs in Alaska includes scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, grants, and state and federal aid, such as student loans and work-study programs.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students who attend accredited online schools that accept FAFSA can receive some financial support simply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This financial support comes in the form of federal grants, loans, work-study placements, and need-based scholarships.

However, most online doctoral programs involve some form of student teaching or employment. PhD students often earn funding by working part-time or full-time as a teaching assistant or research assistant.

Funding may also be available through fellowships, which provide tuition coverage, stipends, health packages, and other benefits in exchange for students working internships or other supervised work appointments in their chosen field of study. Finally, scholarships and other merit-based awards may be offered to exceptional students with high grades or other credentials.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Graduate students can use the funding they receive from scholarships, research and teaching assistantships, and other forms of financial aid to cover a variety of college costs. These costs may include tuition and mandatory fees, research projects, transportation and travel expenses, and room and board.

Depending on the type of funding you receive, there may be stipulations about how you can use the money. For example, some schools offer travel grants that must be used for travel-related expenses; you cannot use these funds for tuition fees or other costs.

What's more, the funding you receive may not be sufficient to cover all of your costs, especially if your program is not fully funded. It's important to understand your expenses and the financial aid you receive to ensure as much of your PhD program as possible is covered.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Alaska

Though there are no fully funded options in Alaska, both in-person and online learning opportunities are available for doctoral students. Let's explore the schools offering the cheapest doctorate degrees online in Alaska.

1. University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage is a public university offering online degrees at various programs levels. One of the options is a post-master's degree, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in nursing science.

The program develops students' leadership skills and prepares them for career advancement within the healthcare system. The program features affordable tuition rates and provides scholarships, assistantships, and various other forms of financial aid to help students greatly reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.

Average in-state tuition: $9,234

Average out-of-state tuition: $19,422

Financial aid: Scholarships, assistantships, state and federal aid

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Alaska Pacific University

Alaska Pacific University is a private school located in Anchorage. Online learners at this school can pursue a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in counseling psychology.

This program prepares students to pursue licensure and work as psychologists. The school offers a wealth of scholarship and funding opportunities, and nearly all students enrolled receive at least some financial aid to help them save money.

Average in-state tuition: $11,700

Average out-of-state tuition: $11,700

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, state and federal aid

Accreditation: NWCCU

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Learners who study online can study at any school in the country from the comfort of their own homes. With that in mind, let's look at some affordable out-of-state schools providing partially and fully funded doctoral degrees.

George Washington University

George Washington University is located in Washington, D.C. As a private, nonprofit university, it provides a wealth of online degree programs, including:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (various specializations)
• Doctor of Engineering (DEng) (various specializations)
• Doctor of Philosophy in systems engineering

Some students in some of these programs receive full funding packages, while others receive partial funding. Students receive funding through many sources, including assistantships and fellowships, scholarships, and military tuition benefits.

Average in-state tuition: $35,100

Average out-of-state tuition: $35,100

Financial aid: Assistantships, fellowships, military benefits, tuition assistance, scholarships, state and federal aid

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Baylor University

Baylor University is a large public school in Texas. It offers many online graduate degrees, including doctoral programs such as:

• Doctor of Education (EdD) in learning and organizational change
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• PhD in social work

Students gain real-world skills in a flexible format with these online programs. Most PhD students receive full funding through tuition coverage, stipends, and a health benefits package. Partial funding is available for other programs from various sources.

Average in-state tuition: $41,130

Average out-of-state tuition: $41,130

Financial aid: Fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, stipends, tuition waivers

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

Liberty University

Liberty University is a private school located in Virginia. It offers hundreds of on-campus and online degree programs, including more than 100 doctoral degrees. Some of the many options include:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) (many specializations)
• PhD in educational leadership
• PhD in aviation

Students learn methodologies for research and leadership positions in their chosen field through these flexible online degree programs. Though programs are not fully funded, the school provides degrees at a low cost and a wealth of financial aid options, ranging from scholarships and assistantships to grants, work-study programs, and student loans.

Average in-state tuition: $7,740

Average out-of-state tuition: $7,740

Financial aid: Assistantships, scholarships, state and federal aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Explore Online PhD Programs

If you're ready to take your place in academia and begin online coursework toward your doctoral degree, explore the affordable and free PhD programs online at the schools here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about their programs and choose the right one for you.