Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Maryland?

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.

Finding free PhD programs online is possible if you know what to look for. Combining low-cost tuition rates with different forms of financial aid can make your online doctoral degree cheap, or potentially free.

Depending on your enrollment and program, you might be eligible for scholarships, grants, or even fellowships, which bring down your program costs considerably. Fellowships can be especially beneficial as they might allow you to be involved in your chosen field (such as being a research assistant) while covering the cost of part or all of your tuition. Continue reading to explore the top schools in Maryland for fully funded online PhD programs.

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

There are no completely free PhD programs online in Maryland, but you can potentially earn a free doctorate degree online by using financial aid toward a low-cost program. For example, enrolling in an online doctoral program with a tuition rate of $500 rather than $1,000 per credit already cuts the program cost in half.

Utilizing financial aid resources, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships, can ultimately bring the remaining costs down to very little or possibly nothing. One of the programs below, for example, offers a potential assistantship that covers the full cost of tuition for two years. Some of the top free online colleges are covered below, as well as what tools are available to help cover potential costs.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

When you are awarded financial aid, it can be used for multiple types of costs. Most aid is sent directly to your school, which applies funds toward your tuition and other fees. As an online student, you might have technology fees, program fees, and various other costs associated with your doctoral program. Aid that is sent to your school is applied to your balance by the financial aid office. Your school may also enable you to purchase your books from your financial aid balance, as well, although many schools provide e-books as part of your online learning costs.

If you have chosen to receive refunds and there are funds remaining after school costs have been deducted, then your school will send them to you as a refund. Once you have received your financial aid refund, you can apply it toward whatever program or related expenses you need. You can use it to buy a new computer, purchase school supplies, or cover your everyday expenses like rent or groceries.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

You can obtain funding for an online doctoral degree through several sources. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to discover what federal aid you qualify for. Many accredited online schools that accept FAFSA offer online doctoral programs, and the FAFSA serves as a sort of foundation for applying for your PhD funding. You may be able to get scholarships and other aid directly from your school, and the financial aid office at your university will let you know what federal aid you qualify for.

The vastest source of potential aid for your PhD, however, is that of private or external sources. There are thousands of scholarships, grants and other awards offered by private organizations, and you will have to search for most of them on your own. There are several sites which list some of what is available, but no singular list of all options exists. You can also find state financial aid options through websites such as Maryland's Higher Education Commission state financial aid page.

For example, if you're planning to pursue a degree in criminal justice, Open Society Foundations offers a $120,000 fellowship as well as an $80,000 fellowship. You might instead be interested in applying for a $50,000 scholarship for a computer science degree, or a $60,000 for programs in social sciences and humanities.

Whatever program you are planning to pursue, there are likely countless tools that you can use to pay for it. If you choose a school with an affordable tuition rate, you will have fewer costs to try to cover through financial aid. Be proactive and search for different types of aid from different sources, and keep in mind that some aid is available based on merit, while other aid is offered by demographic, area of study, or other criteria.

Low-Cost Online PhD Programs in Maryland

Maryland students who are looking for the cheapest doctorate degree online can find a variety of online degree programs from several schools in Maryland. The top schools with potentially free PhD programs online are discussed below.

1. Salisbury University

Salisbury University has two online doctoral programs available: a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in literacy studies. The DNP program is open to students with a bachelor's degree or a graduate degree, and offers optional concentrations in family nurse practitioner or leadership. Both programs are eligible for financial aid, and the EdD program has several education-specific awards, such as a two-year assistantship that completely covers tuition.

Average in-state tuition: $583 to $613 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $583 to $613 per credit

Financial aid: Salisbury University offers an array of financial aid options, including several scholarships and a full-tuition assistantship for education students.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Bowie State University

Bowie State University has an online EdD in educational leadership program that is designed to improve the skills and knowledge of education professionals who already hold a master's degree. Students complete 20 online courses and a research project as the capstone for their program. In addition to Bowie State aid, students can apply for a myriad of outside financial aid, including awards that are dedicated to students in education programs.

Average in-state tuition: $457 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $730 per credit

Financial aid: Students can apply for several scholarships through Bowie State and have access to a database of outside scholarship opportunities.

Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Frostburg State University

Frostburg State University (FSU) has an online Doctor of Education in educational leadership program that can be completed in three to four years without any in-person requirements. This online doctoral program strengthens and expands the leadership skills for students who want to work in the field of education. Students can apply for several FSU scholarships to decrease program costs, as well as use external aid from private or public sources.

Average in-state tuition: $684 per credit

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

Financial aid: FSU offers several in-house scholarship and grant options and connects students with some outside grants and other financial aid awards.

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Morgan State University

Morgan State University has several online doctoral programs, including an EdD in community college leadership, a Doctor of Social Work (DSW), and a Doctor of Public Health (DPH). In addition, learners with qualifying prior coursework can complete a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in fields like mass communication and computational sciences. Morgan State offers a variety of in-house and partner aid to students, including both grants and scholarships.

Average in-state tuition: $473 to $485 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $473 to $950 per credit

Financial aid: In-house scholarships as well as other grants and awards from partner groups are available to online graduate students.

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has two online doctoral programs:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Management, with a concentration in community college policy and administration

Both programs run in a cohort model and take 2.5 to three years to complete. Students attend a two-day residency once each semester, enabling the development of deeper connections and understanding. UMGC offers several different financial aid options to online graduate students, including around 100 donor-backed scholarship awards.

Average in-state tuition: $1,087 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,087 per credit

Financial aid: Students may be eligible for in-house aid as well as a wide variety of scholarships offered by donor organizations to UMGC students.

Accreditation: MSCHE

Other Affordable Online PhD Programs

In addition to the schools in Maryland listed above, there are several places from which online learners can earn a doctoral degree for little to no cost. Many schools across the U.S. offer affordable tuition and affordability resources, from scholarships to state grants. More of the top schools for low-cost online doctoral degrees are discussed below.

University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia (UWG) has an online EdD program with four specialization options:

• higher education administration
• professional counseling and supervision
• school improvement
• nursing education

UWG offers an online scholarship portal for easy access and application, as well as a database of external scholarship awards. Students who plan to acquire teaching licensure may also be eligible for one of Georgia's teaching grants.

• Average in-state tuition: $247 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $247 per credit
• Financial aid: In addition to UWG scholarships, students can search for external awards through their scholarship portal.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

California Coast University

California Coast University has an online EdD program that is completely self-paced and allows students to begin at any time. With one of the cheapest doctoral tuition rates of $320 per credit, California Coast University also offers several payment plan options for students with as low as $150 monthly costs. Students may qualify for one of the available program discounts, and can also apply for employer tuition reimbursement.

• Average in-state tuition: $320 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $320 per credit
• Financial aid: Students may qualify for tuition discounts, partner assistance, or employer reimbursement programs.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

Boise State University

Boise State University has an online EdD in educational technology program that consists of 60 credit hours of fully online classes. Doctoral students can apply for financial aid that is specific to their field and level of study, including a fellowship that provides up to $4,300 toward doctoral programs. Students may also be eligible for assistantships and grants through the school, as well as external sources of aid.

• Average in-state tuition: $427 to $599 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $480 to $599 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can apply for a variety of scholarships and other aid awards, including an award for students of in-demand programs that covers 80% of tuition.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Liberty University

Liberty University has dozens of online doctoral programs, with options in fields such as:

• education
• theology
• history
• business administration
• nursing
• public policy
• criminal justice

Full-time doctoral tuition is $610 for all students, although military and veteran students have a tuition rate of as little as $375 per credit. Doctoral students can apply for several grants and other aid through Liberty, but can also utilize external awards.

• Average in-state tuition: $375 to $675 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $375 to $675 per credit
• Financial aid: Liberty University offers several discounts (including military) as well as access to several scholarships and external aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Our team at Learn.org is committed to helping you find the best options for affordable and flexible distance learning. Explore more programs to find the right fit for you, and reach out to schools directly for information on how to apply and qualify for financial aid.