Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Indiana?

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.

Are you searching for free PhD programs online? If you're looking to earn a terminal degree but can't commit to an in-person program, online doctoral degrees are a flexible alternative. Fully funded online PhD programs are rare, but some schools offer programs to significantly reduce costs. Fortunately, many schools in Indiana offer aid to those pursuing an online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or doctorate. Below, we'll dive deeper into these opportunities and explore tuition rates, scholarships, and more.

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

Currently, Indiana schools don't offer fully funded online PhD programs that cover 100% of tuition and living costs. However, several universities offer substantial financial aid � including scholarships, grants, and tuition discounts � that can make earning a doctoral degree much more affordable.

Fields like education, leadership, and healthcare are especially well supported. While earning a free doctorate degree online in Indiana isn't likely, the available funding can significantly reduce overall costs, making a high-quality doctoral education accessible to many students.

If you're looking outside of the state for tuition-free online colleges, the University of the People is the only accredited option. However, it only offers free bachelor's and master's degrees, not doctoral degrees.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding typically covers tuition and provides a modest living stipend to support students during coursework and dissertation research. Funding packages often include health insurance contributions and research travel grants.

However, stipends may not account for additional expenses such as housing, transportation, conference fees, textbooks, and healthcare co-pays. Students should budget for teaching materials, professional development costs, and potential family or childcare needs.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Receiving PhD funding usually hinges on full-time enrollment and on-campus engagement. Programs may admit students directly from a bachelor's degree into fully funded tracks, or students could hold a separate master's degree.

Graduate students usually receive funding by working as a research assistant or teaching assistant. Additional support can be secured via competitive fellowships, departmental grants, or scholarships.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Indiana

There are several distance learning opportunities for those looking to earn a doctoral degree in Indiana. While you're not going to find free PhD programs online, these schools offer low tuition fees, significant scholarships, grants, and more. Keep reading to learn about affordable online PhD programs.

1. Ball State University

Ball State University offers an online Doctorate of Education (EdD) in elementary education designed for educators aiming to advance leadership, curriculum, and teaching expertise. While the program is not fully funded by default, various financial aid options can significantly reduce costs.

Notably, the William Jennings Casey Transition to Teaching Scholarship awards two scholarships annually � one each for the fall and spring semesters � to students majoring in elementary education who demonstrate financial need. Three other institutional scholarship opportunities are available to graduate students pursuing elementary education.

Average in-state tuition: $464 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $696 per credit hour

Financial aid: Departmental scholarships, outside scholarships, federal loans, and veteran benefits may help lower the cost of the degree.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. American College of Education

American College of Education offers fully online doctoral programs in education, leadership, nursing, and healthcare. Online learners can significantly reduce tuition through various financial aid options. The college partners with thousands of school districts, hospitals, and community colleges to provide discounted tuition, transfer credit pathways, and employer grants to eligible PhD students.

Average in-state tuition: $306 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $306 per credit hour

Financial aid: Institutional scholarships and grants, tuition partnerships, and private loans.

Accreditation: HLC

3. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University offers online degree programs focused on business administration, leadership, and organizational development. Tuition varies by program but features locked-in tuition rates, helping students avoid unexpected cost increases.

Like others on this list, these online education programs aren't automatically funded upon enrollment. However, there are many opportunities to lower the cost of a degree. For example, the school offers a church-matching scholarship, where your church donates money on your behalf and the school contributes an equal amount.

Average in-state tuition: $660 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $660 per credit hour

Financial aid: Grants, student loans, scholarships, veterans' benefits, and employer reimbursement are available to students meeting eligibility criteria.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Indiana Institute of Technology

Indiana Institute of Technology, also known as Indiana Tech, offers an online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or a PhD in global leadership with multiple specializations available. While not fully funded, these programs provide up to 20% off tuition. Eligible groups for this scholarship include first responders, military members, veterans, and higher education employees.

Average in-state tuition: $935 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $935 per credit hour

Financial aid: Institutional and outside scholarships are available. Students should also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Accredited online schools that accept FAFSA may provide other types of institutional aid, so it's important to complete it.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers an online doctoral degree in instructional leadership, designed for educators aiming to enhance curriculum design, instructional quality, and inclusive learning environments.

Doctoral students can significantly reduce costs through various institutional scholarships, such as the Ann & Vance England Scholarship for Educational Leadership, the Dr. Bonnidell Clouse Scholarship, and the Edgar L. Morphet Research Scholarship, which support those pursuing advanced studies in education.

Average in-state tuition: $462 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $909 per credit hour

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans are available.

Accreditation: HLC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Are you ready to earn an advanced degree? Explore the high-quality online doctoral degree programs listed here on Learn.org and contact any school that interests you to learn about their financial support, like teaching assistantships, tuition waivers, and scholarships.