Are There Free PhD Programs Online in California?

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.

It's not always easy to finance the costs of obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or other advanced degrees. Many California residents want to know where they can find free PhD programs online or at least ones that are more affordable without borrowing tens of thousands of dollars.

The good news is that you can drastically reduce out-of-pocket expenses by choosing degree programs with generous scholarship, fellowship, and grant opportunities. We'll show you how to find practically free PhD programs online by applying for financial aid, identifying large funding sources, and choosing affordable online doctoral programs in California.

Can I Get a PhD Degree Online for Free in California?

There are no fully funded online PhD programs in California unless you attend one of the state's tuition-free online colleges and secure scholarships for the other fees. Otherwise, the degree wouldn't be totally cost-free because you would still need to cover the costs of applications, textbooks, technology and equipment, and other miscellaneous charges.

You can, however, obtain an almost free doctorate degree online by funding your PhD coursework with a financial aid package featuring scholarships, teaching assistantships, and other forms of financial support.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding covers all the expenses mentioned above. Sometimes, it can include a living stipend if you wish to pursue your degree full-time. Funding is available to online learners, on-campus students, international students, and others attending graduate school.

You should also prepare yourself to handle miscellaneous costs not fully covered by funding resources for PhD students. You still have to afford your living expenses, plan for retirement, and maintain an emergency fund while completing your education.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

The first and most important step to getting PhD funding is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This lets you apply for various federal grants and scholarships through your university.

Most universities provide a five-digit code, which you can use to complete the application and coordinate with the school's financial aid department. There are several accredited online schools that accept FAFSA in California.

Once you've done that, speak with faculty members to learn more about remote work-study options. Even online learning graduate students can obtain research assistant or teaching assistant positions, which are a terrific way to offset tuition costs. It also helps you get a head start on doing what professors and higher education administrators do throughout their careers.

Fully Funded Online PhD Programs in California

Consider this list of affordable online PhD programs for doctoral students in California. These institutions offer generous funding opportunities for in-person and online students alike.

1. California Southern University

California Southern University grants a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) with a clinical specialization or a general research focus. The school also offers multiple ways to reduce costs substantially with alumni discounts (10% off tuition), first-responder discounts (15% off), and tuition waivers.

California Southern provides two large grant programs: one through its educational alliance and another based on achievement. You can also make the PsyD degree more affordable by transferring 30 course credits from other graduate programs if you already have a master's degree. That would account for almost half the 66 credit hours required for graduation.

Average in-state tuition: $645 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $645 per credit hour

Financial aid: California Southern also assists doctoral students with loan deferment, military/veterans' benefits, and interest-free loan repayment plans.

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

2. California Baptist University

California Baptist University (CBU) permits online enrollment for its doctoral programs in public administration, educational leadership, business administration, and medical science. These programs range in cost between $735 and $875 per semester hour.

If you choose CBU, you should check to see if you work for one of its preferred employers who provide generous 20% tuition scholarships. CBU is also a solid option for former military service members who qualify for a low rate of $250 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $735 to $875 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $735 to $875 per credit hour

Financial aid: Tuition scholarships apply to all degree levels, including online doctoral students, provided they maintain good grades. You can also apply for California state grants and federal aid.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

3. Trident University International

Trident University International grants California students the chance to earn advanced degrees in the healthcare field, educational leadership, health administration, and business administration. These doctoral programs omit several expenses, such as lab fees and application fees.

The education programs are the most affordable (at $761.25 per credit hour) but students can lighten the financial burden by getting strong recommendations from faculty members for outside scholarships, grants, and fellowships.

Average in-state tuition: $761.25 to $990.00 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $761.25 to $990.00 per credit hour

Financial aid: Trident not only offers valuable faculty support with career planning and career transition assistance, but also offers military discounts, tuition payment plans, and corporate tuition reimbursement options.

Accreditation: WSCUC

4. Concordia University Irvine

Concordia University Irvine (CUI) allows students to pursue two specializations in its online Doctor of Education (EdD) program: educational leadership and counselor education. This nonprofit college helps teachers build leadership skills, participate in research projects, and more for a degree that takes just three years to complete.

Although the tuition rate is somewhat high, CUI's Department of Education receives significant grant money from the California Department of Education to hire graduate research assistants. The school also grants a 20% discount to doctoral students who work as teachers or administrators in Lutheran schools.

Average in-state tuition: $795 to $1,080

Average out-of-state tuition: $795 to $1,080

Financial aid: You can reduce tuition fees for online education by leveraging the GI bill, taking advantage of CUI's alumni discount, and pursuing outside funding sources in California.

Accreditation: WSCUC

5. Alliant International University

Alliant International University offers a PhD in Marital and Family Therapy for prospective clinical therapists preparing for California state licensure. The university partners with the National Health Services Corps to grant up to $50,000 in student loan reimbursement for graduates who intend to practice in underserved areas in California.

Alliant International also claims its doctoral students routinely receive public, private, and institutional scholarships to pay for their education.

Average in-state tuition: $839 to $1,400 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $839 to $1,400 per credit hour

Financial aid: Los Angeles residents may qualify for a $500 award through the Arthur Kovacs Academic Merit Scholarship or apply for the Allan Harry Rhoads Scholarship worth up to $1,000.

Accreditation: WSCUC

Explore Online PhD Programs

We invite you to check out all the other terrific information we've written to help you find online doctoral degree programs, master's degrees, bachelor's degrees, professional licensure, and more. Make Learn.org your primary resource for finding high-quality and affordable online credentials.