Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Illinois?

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.

Illinois doesn't have many fully funded online PhD programs available because most of these opportunities are reserved for on-campus graduate students who work as research assistants or in teaching assistantships. These pathways include Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs as well as other doctoral-level degrees. However, doctoral students in Illinois can find online education opportunities available from both in-state and out-of-state schools.

Learn more about the fully funded online PhD programs available nationwide to find the best program for your education and career goals.

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

There are some fully funded degrees available in Illinois, but they are limited. Most fully funded doctoral degree programs aren't available through online learning because of the way benefits are awarded. Many schools provide learners with stipends or tuition waivers for their advanced degrees in exchange for service as a teaching assistant or for work on research projects. This also leads to more limited choices in fully funded degrees, even for in-person students.

Additionally, there are no truly free doctorate degree online programs, as schools generally require some sort of fees; however, some financial aid programs could cover the total cost of tuition, making it a free degree. Even PhD students at tuition-free online colleges will have some fees and costs that aren't covered by tuition waivers or stipends.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding varies from program to program, but the actual expenses covered are similar in most cases. There are three main types of funding for online doctoral degrees: full, partial, and self-funded.

Fully funded programs award financial support to graduate students, usually in the form of a monthly or semi-monthly stipend. These stipends function like a paycheck, but students can use them for tuition, supplies, and other expenses. Some students even qualify for housing support, but this is almost always reserved for students living on campus. There aren't any truly free PhD programs online, even with fully funded programs, as students will have other costs they will have to cover with financial aid or out of pocket.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Each school has slightly different requirements for receiving PhD funding. Unlike undergraduate financial aid programs, most graduate-level aid isn't awarded based primarily on financial need.

Most schools assign funds in return for assistantships, either on research projects or as a teaching assistant. Other popular funding opportunities include traditional financial aid programs, such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, as well as fellowship programs, which are essentially paid internships that provide students with compensation for working at a company or research organization.

Fully Funded Online PhD Programs in Illinois

Students in Illinois can pursue enrollment opportunities in multiple online PhD programs with full funding and additional financial support options. These degrees include the Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and more.

1. Olivet Nazarene University

Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) offers a fully online Doctor of Education in ethical leadership program. This program can be completed in 32 months and includes 48 hours of coursework and 12 dissertation credit hours. There are optional opportunities for students to meet their classmates on campus, as well as additional opportunities to connect and network with faculty members.

Average in-state tuition: $735 per credit hour

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

Financial aid: ONU students can qualify for scholarships and grants for additional funding.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Concordia University Chicago

Two online doctoral-level degrees are available at Concordia University Chicago (CUC). Students can choose from a DBA with two specializations or a PhD/EdD in leadership.

Learners in the DBA program can choose between innovation in health care management or strategic leadership and innovation, depending on their desired career path. Both the PhD and EdD help learners develop their leadership skills, but each program approaches it differently. The PhD program is more research-focused, while EdD students have more action-focused coursework.

Average in-state tuition: $858 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $858 per credit hour

Financial aid: CUC students can receive institutional grants and scholarships as well as federal aid programs

Accreditation: HLC

3. Governors State University

Governors State University (GSU) offers a fully online EdD. This degree focuses on interdisciplinary educational leadership skills with three concentration options. Students can choose from higher education administration, nonprofit/social entrepreneurship leadership, or superintendent (P-12)-focused programs.

This program is designed specifically to support working professionals and offers flexible scheduling. Students can complete this degree in as few as three years.

Average in-state tuition: $537 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $537 per credit hour

Financial aid: GSU has scholarships and grants at an institutional level, but students can also qualify for federal programs and student loans.

Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) can earn a Doctor of Education in education policy, organization, and leadership. This EdD includes 64 credits of coursework, four total written and oral exams, and a doctoral dissertation.

Average in-state tuition: $538 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $538 per credit hour

Financial aid: Students at UIUC can qualify for grants, scholarships, and federal work-study programs to receive additional funding.

Accreditation: HLC

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Even though there are limited online doctoral options in Illinois, online learning opens doors to college degrees in other states. Learn more about the affordable online PhD programs available to find the best program for your needs.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) offers a part-time Doctor of Public Health (DPH) available online or on campus in Baltimore, MD. This degree has six tracks, including women's and reproductive health, global health, and health policy and management. Students complete 57 hours of coursework and seven hours of proposal and thesis work.

Learners can also enroll in the Online Plus, which allows students to attend face-to-face experiences on campus. Students can receive full tuition and fee coverage through the Bloomberg Fellowship program.

Average in-state tuition: $1,429 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,429 per credit

Financial aid: JHU has both internal and external funding opportunities available to learners. These include institutional funding programs, scholarships, fellowships, and grants.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

University of Buffalo

The University of Buffalo (UB) offers a PhD in information science. This degree is available to part-time and full-time students, allowing them to find the best schedule for their studies. This degree focuses on the research skills needed to evaluate systemic and organizational problems in the modern world.

Average in-state tuition: $924 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,186 per credit hour

Financial aid: UB students can qualify for scholarships, grants, and work-study programs after submitting their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Accreditation: MSCHE

Explore Online PhD Programs

Learn more about all of the online doctoral programs available from accredited online schools that accept FAFSA in Illinois and beyond by reading our articles and school profiles. We also have tips for how you can reduce tuition to essentially complete a free PhD program online. After you identify the best school for your goals, use our resources to request more information or start your application process.