Are There Free PhD Programs Online in New Jersey?

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.

Many learners in New Jersey might hesitate to pursue an online doctoral degree, like a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), due to concerns about accumulating additional student loans. However, several esteemed New Jersey universities offer free PhD programs online. Fully funded online PhD programs are limited, but some universities provide substantial financial aid packages to cover tuition costs, making it possible to find a free doctorate degree online.

Can I Get a PhD Degree Online for Free in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, fully free PhD programs online are rare. Nevertheless, there are several tuition-free online colleges offering fully funded doctoral programs that cover tuition and provide stipends for living expenses.

Education, business, and health sciences are among the fields of study most commonly receive full funding. It is important to note that some of these programs may require on-campus components, such as residencies for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or teaching commitments for a Doctor of Education (EdD).

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Fully funded online PhD programs typically include full or partial tuition waivers, which eliminate or reduce the cost of enrollment. Many programs also offer annual stipends as part of their financial aid package to support living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation. However, you should consider the cost of living in your area, as stipends may not be sufficient to fully cover expenses where you live.

Some comprehensive financial aid packages even cover health insurance premiums, research materials, and conference travel costs. Other schools may require that you apply for additional funding to cover these expenses through scholarships or grants.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

A strong academic record, willingness to take on academic duties, and thorough research of university-based and external funding opportunities are essential to fund your online doctoral program fully.

Federal financial aid is among the easiest funding to acquire. It is available to eligible students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To receive this aid, ensure you apply to accredited online schools that accept FAFSA.

Most fully funded programs offer teaching or research assistantships, which require graduate students to contribute part-time work in exchange for tuition remission and stipends. Competitive fellowships and grants, based on academic merit or financial need, provide funding without a work commitment.

Fully Funded Online PhD Programs in New Jersey

The following New Jersey institutions offer affordable online PhD programs with substantial financial aid for their doctoral students.

1. Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers several fully funded online and hybrid PhD programs in areas like public health and biomedical sciences. Most full-time PhD students receive full financial support. However, the level of support depends on your specific graduate program and degree status.

Graduate students can receive merit-based, need-based, and non-need-based aid, which is awarded through fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships.

Average in-state tuition: $17,736 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $30,144 per year

Financial aid: PhD students can access teaching and research assistantships, university fellowships, and merit-based awards, such as the University and Louis Bevier Dissertation Completion Fellowships.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens Institute of Technology offers strong financial support for its online learning and hybrid PhD programs, particularly in engineering, systems science, and business. It offers the ''Stevens Online Scholarship'' for those pursuing advanced degrees or certificates, and most PhD students receive funding packages that include full tuition and stipends averaging $30,586 annually.

Average in-state tuition: $21,414 per semester

Average out-of-state tuition: $21,414 per semester

Financial aid: Financial aid includes research and teaching assistantships with full tuition waivers and annual stipends, as well as competitive fellowships awarded based on academic merit.

Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Montclair State University

Montclair State University provides full financial support for select doctoral degree programs, including clinical psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and teacher education and development specializations.

Funding typically includes tuition remission, competitive stipends, and health insurance through fellowships and assistantships. The university also participates in state initiatives, like the Garden State Guarantee, which further reduces costs for New Jersey residents.

Average in-state tuition: $13,073 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $21,033 per year

Financial aid: Learners benefit from fellowships, assistantships, and New Jersey state aid programs like the Garden State Guarantee, which collectively support tuition fees, stipends, and healthcare costs.

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University (NJCU) offers two online EdD programs in community college leadership and educational technology leadership. The limited on-campus coursework requirements make this program suitable for educators seeking an affordable and flexible opportunity to develop their educational leadership skills. Scholarships, federal and state grants, and assistantships make these doctoral study programs accessible to most learners.

Average in-state tuition: $13,000 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $22,000 per year

Financial aid: NJCU offers assistantships, merit-based scholarships, and access to federal and state grants to help cover tuition and other educational expenses.

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University's (TESU) doctorate distance learning programs include a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), DNP, and an EdD in organizational leadership, culture, and change. TESU emphasizes flexibility and affordability with options to apply prior learning credits toward your degree.

In addition to its generous transfer credit policies, students can also significantly lower costs through institutional scholarships and federal aid.

Average in-state tuition: $641 to $932 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $641 to $932 per credit hour

Financial aid: TESU provides financial support through institutional scholarships, federal grants, and credit for prior learning.

Accreditation: MSCHE

Explore Online PhD Programs

There are numerous opportunities for free PhD programs online in New Jersey. Thorough research is key to securing funding and achieving your doctoral degree goals. To find programs that align with your academic and financial needs, explore affordable, high-quality online PhD programs on Learn.org.