Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Idaho?

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.

While Idaho does not currently offer fully funded online PhD programs, several universities provide low-cost or hybrid doctoral degrees with financial aid opportunities. These programs are designed to accommodate working professionals and part-time learners through flexible online education formats. Continue reading to discover affordable online PhD programs that can help you advance your career without incurring significant debt.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Idaho?

At this time, there are no free online colleges with PhD programs in Idaho. However, institutions like the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and Boise State University provide various forms of financial support, including scholarships, teaching assistantships, and tuition waivers, to help offset tuition fees for their doctoral programs. It's important to note that it's more common to fully fund full-time, on-campus PhD students. If you're solely seeking free PhD programs online, exploring programs in other states may be beneficial since Idaho does not offer any free doctorate degrees online.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Securing funding for a PhD program typically involves a combination of institutional support and external financial aid. Many universities offer graduate assistantships, which provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching or research duties�sometimes under titles like research assistant or teaching assistant. Additionally, doctoral students can apply for fellowships, scholarships, and grants offered by the university or external organizations. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also essential to determine eligibility for federal financial aid programs.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding packages often include tuition waivers or reimbursement, healthcare coverage, research and travel funding, and stipends to assist with living expenses. Learners should also be aware of additional costs such as books, supplies, and personal expenses, which may not be fully covered by funding packages. Each PhD or doctoral program has its own unique funding packages, so it's important to review each program's funding details and plan accordingly.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Idaho

Though fully free programs are limited, Idaho offers affordable online or hybrid doctoral degrees through accredited universities. These programs are ideal for working professionals and part-time doctoral students looking for flexible online learning options supported by financial aid and rolling enrollment.

1. Idaho State University

Learners have several doctoral degree program options at Idaho State University, including a Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational leadership, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in applied physics. The university provides financial support through graduate assistantships, scholarships, and tuition waivers to help offset tuition fees.

Average in-state tuition: $11,522 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $30,632 per year

Financial aid: Graduate assistantships, scholarships, and tuition waivers are available for eligible learners.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. University of Idaho

The University of Idaho (U of I) offers several online doctoral degree programs in education, including an EdD and a PhD in education. Tuition costs and fees vary by program. If you aren't looking to go into academia, U of I has nearly 50 online master's degrees and certificate programs. U of I's wide variety of coursework could be a good starting point for your graduate school journey.

Average in-state tuition: $618 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $850 per credit hour

Financial aid: While not fully funded, the university provides various financial aid options such as scholarships, assistantships, and partial tuition waivers to help reduce tuition fees.

Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Boise State University

Boise State University offers online doctoral programs, including a DNP with specialization as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) or a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), both designed to support licensure pathways. While not fully funded, the university provides financial aid options such as scholarships and assistantships to help reduce tuition fees.

Average in-state tuition: $9,646 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $24,988 per year

Financial aid: Scholarships, assistantships, and federal financial aid are available.

Accreditation: NWCCU

4. The College of Idaho

The College of Idaho offers a fully online Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program designed for practicing physician assistants. The program has six concentrations aligned and is optimized for flexibility and specialization. While not fully funded, the program offers financial aid options to help reduce tuition costs.

Average in-state tuition: $695 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $695 per credit hour

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages are available for eligible students. The College of Idaho even offers financial aid worksheets to make the application process less daunting.

Accreditation: NWCCU

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Fully funded online PhD programs are difficult opportunities to come by. Many accredited online schools that accept FAFSA do offer online doctoral programs with partially funded support, such as tuition waivers, stipends, and research assistantships to support graduate students. Keep reading to explore options that might fit your needs.

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) offers a variety of online doctoral programs, such as the EdD and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Tuition rates vary by program, and students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to explore available financial assistance.

Average in-state tuition: $650 per credit hour

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

Financial aid: Federal and state aid, scholarships, grants, and employer tuition reimbursement are options at IWU.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC-Chapel Hill is a reputable university offering online doctorate degrees in public health, nursing, and education. Each program has unique admissions criteria�students can enroll in the EdD program as long as they have a bachelor's degree. UNC-Chapel Hill's fully online programs give you the flexibility to complete coursework from anywhere. Tuition costs vary by program.

Average in-state tuition: $686 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1884 per credit hour

Financial aid: Graduate financial aid opportunities include university fellowships and assistantships, work-study programs, departmental assistantships, GI benefits, and student loans.

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

Explore Online PhD Programs

While Idaho may not offer fully funded online PhD programs, the state provides affordable options with various financial aid opportunities. For more information on affordable doctoral programs, continue exploring Learn.org.