Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Delaware?

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 have your master's degree and are ready to take the next step in your education journey, you may be interested in earning a free doctorate degree online. Read on to learn about the fundamentals of fully funded online PhD programs and free PhD programs online in Delaware.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Delaware?

Presently, there are no Delaware schools that provide fully funded online PhD programs. There are, however, many affordable online degree programs in popular fields of study, some even offered by free online colleges. In this article, we highlight Delaware universities that charge relatively low-cost tuition rates and provide generous financial support.

We also feature a few schools elsewhere in the United States; these colleges and universities have significant funding resources available to online doctoral students.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Funded PhD programs are partnerships between a college or university and its doctoral student, wherein the student works in exchange for a tuition waiver and/or living stipend. Traditionally, this involves in-person employment; examples include being a teaching assistant or a research assistant. This partnership gives the student real-world experience in academia and the opportunity to learn closely from faculty members.

Affordable online PhD programs offer funding via fellowships, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Earning your doctoral degree is a significant investment in time and money. To offset education costs, PhD funding is designed to cover tuition and related fees, living expenses (like housing, transportation, and meals), and healthcare. More extensive funding covers costs related to research projects and travel, like visiting program-related conferences.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Delaware

These featured schools offer affordable online doctoral degrees and provide numerous opportunities for financial assistance. All are accredited online schools that accept FAFSA. Popular fields of study include public health, computer science, and business administration.

You can learn more about state-specific financial aid resources at the Delaware Higher Education Office.

1. Delaware State University

Delaware State University (DSU) is a public, nonprofit school with two online doctoral program options: a Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational leadership and a Doctor of Social Work (DSW). Both programs follow an accelerated, eight-week format as online learners work synchronously with their on-campus peers. To help keep education costs low, doctoral students may apply up to 25% of transfer credits toward their degree.

Average in-state tuition: $675 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $675 per credit

Financial aid: Federal and state aid eligibility is determined by applying for FAFSA. Other financial support opportunities include work-study programs and scholarships for transfer and international students.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Wilmington University

Based in its namesake city, Wilmington University (WilmU) has offered online learning programs since 2007. More than 77% of its students complete their degrees entirely online. WilmU has twelve online doctoral degree programs, including specializations in business administration, prevention science, and educational leadership. The university has a broad network of local and national corporate partners to help working students receive employer tuition assistance.

Average in-state tuition: $731 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $731 per credit

Financial aid: In addition to accepting FAFSA, WilmU offers financial aid in the form of institutional scholarships and military benefits.

Accreditation: MSCHE

3. University of Delaware

Located in Newark, the University of Delaware (UD) offers one 100% online doctoral program, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). You can earn your DNP as either a full-time or part-time doctoral student over three to five years.

UD has a special benefits program to support lifelong learning. Delaware residents over the age of 60 who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program do not pay tuition or related fees. While technically not a fully funded online PhD program, as students still need to cover the costs of books and materials, this program is an excellent opportunity to earn a tuition-free degree.

Average in-state tuition: $1,069 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,069 per credit

Financial aid: The University of Delaware accepts FAFSA, offers military benefits, and awards scholarships, grants, and fellowships.

Accreditation: MSCHE

Other Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs

While the following schools are located outside of Delaware, coursework is 100% online and tuition fees are low. This makes these doctoral programs accessible and affordable to PhD students across the United States.

University of Arkansas

You can earn one of five online doctoral degrees from the University of Arkansas (U of A), including a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a Doctor of Education. U of A has scholarship opportunities unique to online learners�for example, the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship awards online graduate students $2,000 per year. If you're a military service member, you may benefit from one of the university's many military-specific scholarships.

Average in-state tuition: $447 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $447 per credit

Financial aid: The University of Arkansas accepts FAFSA, offers scholarships and loans, and provides military benefits.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

University of Maine

Located in Orono, the University of Maine (UMaine) has five online doctoral degree programs. These include specializations in educational leadership, instructional technology, and special education. UMaine offers a range of institutional scholarships, which can be merit- or need-based. The Linda N. Lancaster Professional Development Fund awards funding to doctoral students enrolled in the College of Education and Human Development, which supports research projects.

Average in-state tuition: $567 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $567 per credit

Financial aid: Students at UMaine receive federal state aid by applying for FAFSA; grants and scholarships are available at the institutional level.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona (U of A/Arizona) is another affordable option for graduate students, as its low tuition rate is the same for both in-state and out-of-state residents. Online doctoral programs offer degrees in education and various nursing practice specializations. Military members can receive tuition assistance benefits and may earn credit for foreign languages and other skills.

Average in-state tuition: $650 per credit

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

Financial aid: Arizona accepts FAFSA and awards scholarships, grants, and loans to eligible students.

Accreditation: HLC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Find out more about free PhD programs online and other advanced degree options at Learn.org. Connect with the educational institutions featured on our site to discover which best fits your goals.