Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Arkansas?

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.

Some students want to further their education beyond a bachelor's or master's degree by pursuing a doctoral degree. This may be a professional doctorate, like a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Education (EdD), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These can help students obtain licensure or reach higher career goals.

The other type of doctoral degree is a research degree, the most common of which is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These degrees are available in almost any field, from healthcare to humanities to technology, and are usually for those wanting to pursue careers in research or academia.

However, many students have a hard time finding the time or money to pursue these advanced degrees. Earning a degree online is much more flexible than earning one on campus, but it can still be pricey.

Although there aren't many free PhD programs online, there are ways for students to reduce their costs without incurring substantial student loan debt. Keep reading to learn more about earning a low-cost or even free doctorate degree online in Arkansas.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Arkansas?

There are no inherently fully funded online PhD programs in Arkansas. The closest comes from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which offers assistantships for its PhD in computer science. This program covers nine credits per semester as well as a monthly stipend of $1,500. However, it is not available to all students and does not cover expenses such as textbooks or registration fees.

Although there aren't any totally free online colleges in Arkansas, students can lower their rates by choosing a low-cost college and applying for financial aid. This can significantly reduce your costs, so you may be able to create free PhD programs online for yourself.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Most PhD students fund their degree programs through a blend of different types of financial aid. All students should start their financial aid search by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

FAFSA determines what federal aid you qualify for and is also required for many need-based financial aid programs, especially those through the state or your school. Arkansas has many accredited online schools that accept FAFSA.

Many colleges and universities offer financial aid to graduate students. This includes gift aid, like scholarships, grants, and fellowships, as well as assistantships. Assistantships require you to work for the school under the guidance of a teacher or faculty member in exchange for financial aid. Teaching assistants work in classroom settings, while research assistants aid research projects.

Consult with your school's financial aid office to see what you might be eligible for. If options are limited through your school, you can also pursue aid through private entities or see if your employer offers tuition assistance. The more financial aid you receive, the closer you can get to a free PhD program online.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Most financial support for PhD programs covers some or all of your tuition as well as mandatory tuition fees. Some may also cover textbooks, supplies, and other miscellaneous fees.

Many programs, especially assistantships and fellowships, offer stipends for cost of living expenses, such as housing, food, and transportation. Some research fellowships provide funding that is to be used specifically to conduct research.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Arkansas

There are only a handful of schools in Arkansas that offer online doctoral degree programs. However, these are all affordable online PhD programs and doctorate degrees. We've featured them below.

1. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a private research institution in Little Rock, AR. It offers an online PhD in computer and information sciences with two specializations: information quality and information science.

This degree costs $396 per credit hour. Funding opportunities are available in the form of research and teaching assistantships, which cover nine hours of tuition per semester and provide a monthly stipend of $1,500. Only a select number of assistantships are available.

Average in-state tuition: $396 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $396 per credit

Financial aid: UALR accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Central Arkansas

At the University of Central Arkansas, students can choose from two online doctoral programs. The first is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and the second is a PhD in change leadership, which includes several concentrations.

UCA, a public university, is located in Conway, AR. It charges $363 per credit for both programs and offers scholarships and other types of institutional aid.

Average in-state tuition: $363 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $363 per credit

Financial aid: UCA offers instructional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

3. Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University offers a Doctor of Education (EdD) in rural and diverse educational leadership through online learning. SAU is a public university in Magnolia, AR.

This program helps doctoral students hone their leadership skills in rural and diverse educational settings. Tuition is $400 per credit, and financial aid is available to online learners.

Average in-state tuition: $400 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $400 per credit

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

Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Arkansas

Two types of doctoral degrees are available online through the University of Arkansas. Students can choose from a DNP or an EdD with concentrations such as educational leadership and human resource development.

The University of Arkansas, located in Fayetteville, AR, is a public research institution and the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas system. It charges $446.29 per credit for the Doctor of Education degrees and $594.77 for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Average in-state tuition: $520.53 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $520.53 per credit

Financial aid: U of A accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a public research institution in Jonesboro, AR. It offers a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and a Doctor of Nursing Practice with optional concentrations in leadership and education online.

Tuition at A-State varies by program. The EdD is $477 per credit, while the DNP programs are $550 per credit, regardless of the concentration. Financial aid options are available to online students.

Average in-state tuition: $513.50 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $513.50 per credit

Financial aid: A-State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Start your journey toward a doctoral degree by exploring the high-quality and affordable options featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about tuition, enrollment, and financial aid.