Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Arizona?

Arizona colleges and universities offer a range of online PhD programs. Explore the many ways to keep education costs affordable for graduate school programs.

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.

Earning a PhD is an investment in your professional future. As online degree program options expand, so does interest in earning a free doctorate degree online. If you're a student in Arizona and you want to learn more about fully funded online PhD programs, read on.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Arizona?

Currently, there are no fully funded online PhD programs in Arizona. However, there are numerous funding opportunities to keep education costs low. These include scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and fellowships � some may even cover all costs with the right combination.

Federal student aid is a significant source of financial support; eligibility is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All the colleges and universities featured here are accredited online schools that accept FAFSA.

While there are no fully free PhD programs online at Arizona schools, there are opportunities elsewhere in the U.S. There are other affordable advanced degree options at various free online colleges.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Funding for doctoral degree programs comes in many ways. In exchange for funding, schools usually require doctoral students to participate in program-related work, such as research or teaching. These are known as assistantships. For example, a student pursuing a PhD in educational leadership may work as a teaching assistant to support an undergraduate faculty member.

PhD students also receive fellowships and grants to support projects in their field of study. Scholarships are another way you can receive funding for your PhD program. Fellowships, grants, and scholarships are forms of financial support that do not need to be repaid.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Typically, PhD students in fully funded programs receive waivers or reimbursements for tuition fees, with stipends for living expenses. Some programs cover additional costs, such as healthcare, travel, and research projects. Others cover expenses related to degree conferences and forums.

Please note that funds for PhD programs vary by school and field of study; expenses covered by one program may not be covered by another.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Arizona

The following schools feature some of Arizona's most affordable online PhD programs. You can pursue your online doctoral degree in nursing practices, business administration, computer science, and more.

1. Aspen University

Aspen University is a private school based in Phoenix, AZ. It has various online doctoral degree programs in popular fields, including nursing, education, computer science, and public health. Courses are flexible with start dates every two weeks.

Aspen University offers a payment plan with monthly installments and a 0% interest rate. Doctoral degree students pay a fixed monthly fee of $450 until their program is paid in full.

Average in-state tuition: $595 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $595 per credit

Financial aid: Students receive federal student aid by applying for FAFSA and may pay tuition in installments with a zero-interest rate payment plan.

Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

2. The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona (U of A) is a public, nonprofit school that serves its student body on campus and online. The university offers online doctoral degrees in nursing practices, software engineering, and educational leadership.

U of A has partnered with regional and national companies to promote employer tuition waiver benefits; the university also provides military discounts for active-duty service members.

Average in-state tuition: $650 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $650 per credit

Financial aid: In addition to FAFSA, the school provides funding via scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) is affiliated with the University of Arizona but specializes in online learning only. UAGC has four online doctoral programs:

education
human services
psychology
organizational development and leadership

There is no application fee; graduate students can keep degree costs low by earning credit through UAGC's Prior Learning Assessment and Experiential Learning programs.

Average in-state tuition: $812 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $812 per credit

Financial aid: UAGC accepts FAFSA and helps its students connect to grant and scholarship opportunities via an online platform. The university provides special tuition rates and fee waivers for military members.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

4. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) has two high-quality online doctoral degree programs. Online graduate students can pursue either a Doctor of Engineering (DEng) or a Doctor of Professional Practice (DPP).

Coursework in both programs focuses on applied research and developing leadership skills. Many students receive federal and state aid � ASU gives out almost $700 million in financial aid each year.

Average in-state tuition: $1,033 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,033 per credit

Financial aid: Financial support comes through federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. There are also state-level grant and scholarship opportunities.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Prescott College

Prescott College is a private, nonprofit university geared towards education in sustainability and social work. It offers one online doctoral degree program: a Doctor of Philosophy in sustainability education.

Online learners may complete the program on a part-time or full-time basis. Prescott College offers a range of scholarship opportunities; its PhD Changemaker Scholarship awards $4,000 each term to qualified full-time PhD students.

Average in-state tuition: $1,298 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,298 per credit

Financial aid: Prescott College encourages its students to apply for FAFSA to receive federal student aid. The school offers generous scholarships, grants, and veterans' benefits.