Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Montana?

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 live in Montana and want to learn more about free PhD programs online, keep reading. Below, we'll discuss fully funded online PhD programs and how to earn an affordable or free doctorate degree online, whether or not your program is fully funded.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Montana?

Tuition-free online colleges are rare, especially those that provide truly free online doctoral programs. All programs in the state charge tuition, fees, and various other expenses.

That said, doctoral students can save big while pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or other type of degree by applying financial aid. There are many different types of aid and funding opportunities that provide financial support for learners in the state; by combining different options, you can eliminate most, if not all, of your out-of-pocket expenses.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

PhD students can receive funding in various ways depending on the types of aid they pursue. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrating financial need, those attending accredited online schools that accept FAFSA can receive grants, student loans, and work-study assignments.

Other funding opportunities, however, may require some kind of work commitment. Assistantships are programs in which doctoral students work as teaching assistants or research assistants to earn stipends or tuition waivers while in school. Fellowships provide similar rewards in exchange for students working internships or other assignments within their chosen fields of study.

Finally, those seeking scholarships and grants to fund their education may need to demonstrate academic merit or excellence in a particular area. They will not need to work in exchange for funding, but they may need to maintain their grades or meet other requirements to remain eligible for the aid they receive.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Different types of funding may cover various college costs. These costs may include tuition, mandatory fees, transportation and travel, material costs, research projects, room and board, and various other expenses.

Not all forms of aid can be used for all of these expenses, however. For example, some scholarships and grants stipulate that they can only be used for tuition fees; other types of aid may only pay for specific costs, like travel and research expenses.

Even fully funded graduate school programs may not cover every expense. You may need to turn to external funding sources to cover the costs of anything not covered by school-based or need-based funding packages.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Montana

If you're looking for high-quality but affordable online PhD programs in Montana, you're in the right place. Keep reading as we explore the best online learning opportunities in the state for doctoral students on a budget.

1. Montana State University

Montana State University is a large public school in Bozeman. It offers two online PhD degrees: one in curriculum and instruction and one in mathematics education. These programs help students learn methodologies and develop research and leadership skills to prepare them for high-level roles in education and academia.

The school provides many funding opportunities for PhD students, including an $11,000 stipend for first-time students. Various assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships are also available.

Average in-state tuition: $5,451

Average out-of-state tuition: $22,757

Financial aid: Fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, grants, federal and state aid

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Rocky Mountain College

Rocky Mountain College is a private school in Billings. Those attending this school online can earn a Doctor of Medical Science that is flexible and designed for working professionals. The degree can be finished in as little as a year, as students gain real-world experience in their careers while completing flexible online coursework.

The school offers numerous scholarships that both undergraduate and graduate students can apply to. Students can also pursue work-study opportunities and federal aid to help them cover their costs.

Average in-state tuition: $31,903

Average out-of-state tuition: $31,903

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work-study, student loans, federal and state aid

Accreditation: NWCCU

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Unlike in-person education, online programs enable students to learn at schools anywhere in the country from the comfort of their own homes. Let's look at some top fully funded online doctoral degree programs available through private, nonprofit schools throughout the U.S.

3. Baylor University

Baylor University is a large private school offering various online graduate degrees. It is located in Texas but offers education programs to students nationwide. Some of the online doctoral programs include:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (several specializations)
• Doctor of Education (EdD) in learning and organizational change
• PhD in social work

Some of these programs help students pursue advanced licensure and top-level careers in their industry, while others prepare them for teaching or research careers. Most PhD students receive full funding; however, students in other programs can pursue partial funding through various sources.

Average in-state tuition: $41,130

Average out-of-state tuition: $41,130

Financial aid: Tuition assistance, stipends, assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, federal and state aid

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

4. Liberty University

Liberty University is a Christian school located in Virginia that provides hundreds of on-campus and online programs, with both full-time and part-time options available. Doctoral degrees that can be completed online include:

• PhD in educational leadership
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) (many specializations)
• PhD in health sciences (healthcare leadership and other specializations)

Though programs are not fully funded, tuition rates are highly affordable and many funding opportunities are available. Students can pursue a range of scholarships, assistantships, and more to help them cover their costs.

Average in-state tuition: $7,740

Average out-of-state tuition: $7,740

Financial aid: Scholarships, assistantships, federal and state aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. George Washington University

George Washington University, located in Washington, D.C., features many online degree programs. Some of these include doctoral degrees such as:

• DNP (various specializations)
• Doctor of Engineering (DEng) (various specializations)
• PhD in systems engineering

The school provides a wealth of funding opportunities as well as options to help military members and employees save on their education. Assistantships, fellowships, and other forms of aid can help students in some programs receive full funding.

Average in-state tuition: $35,100

Average out-of-state tuition: $35,100

Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, military benefits, tuition assistance, federal and state aid

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Explore Online PhD Programs

If you're ready to start your path to an affordable or free PhD program online, explore the schools here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the universities to learn more about the enrollment process and to choose the best program for you.