Are There Free PhD Programs Online in New Mexico?

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'd like to pursue a doctoral degree in New Mexico but are worried about tuition fees and student loans, we've got great news. Although fully funded online PhD programs are rare, New Mexico's public universities offer several free PhD programs online with substantial financial aid packages that significantly reduce the cost of pursuing a free doctorate degree online.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in New Mexico?

Yes, New Mexico's public universities, the University of New Mexico (UNM) and New Mexico State University (NMSU), both offer fully funded online doctoral programs through their respective global campuses. These tuition-free online colleges offer fully funded PhD programs in New Mexico in popular programs like education and nursing. However, these programs are highly competitive and may require on-campus residencies or real-world teaching commitments. Additionally, we've included several options outside New Mexico offering free PhD programs online.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Both the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University automatically consider all applicants for funding. Typically, full funding packages involve a combination of funding sources.

Federal financial aid is available to most students. However, to access these funds, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be sure you apply to accredited online schools that accept FAFSA.

Most fully funded doctoral programs offer graduate students teaching or research project assistantships in exchange for tuition remission and stipends. Assistantships provide learners with the opportunity to contribute by working part-time alongside faculty members.

Additionally, competitive fellowships, scholarships, and grants award funds based on academic merit or financial need and don't require work commitments.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding covers a range of educational expenses. Most schools offer full or partial tuition waivers, which eliminate or reduce the cost of enrollment, including tuition fees. Additionally, many programs offer annual stipends that support students' living expenses, such as housing, food, and transportation. Some funding even includes healthcare coverage, research materials, and conference travel costs.

Keep in mind that there may be additional expenses, like textbooks, technology fees, or laboratory supplies, that are not covered. It is also important to compare stipends to the cost of living in the part of New Mexico where you live, since it may not fully cover the cost of living in all areas.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in New Mexico

The following New Mexico Universities offer free PhD programs online by providing their PhD students with substantial financial aid funding packages.

1. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University (NMSU) offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in curriculum and instruction with specializations in areas such as bilingual education and early childhood education. Financial aid packages typically include full tuition coverage, stipends, and health insurance. You can receive additional funding through fellowships and assistantships, which may involve working as a teaching assistant, research assistant, or in an administrative role.

Average in-state tuition: $444.40 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $444.40 per credit hour

Financial aid: NMSU offers competitive graduate assistantships and fellowships, with additional scholarship support through its College of Education.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico (UNM) offers doctoral programs, available in online courses and hybrid formats, for several nursing programs, including a PhD and a DNP. Financial support includes tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance, often provided through fellowships and assistantships. UNM stands out for its participation in state-funded programs, like the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, which can fully cover tuition for in-state residents.

Average in-state tuition: $10,300 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $33,217 per year

Financial aid: In addition to the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, aid includes assistantships and the Graduate Fellowship Program, which offer generous stipends and healthcare coverage.

Accreditation: HLC

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

There is a limited selection of affordable online PhD programs in New Mexico. However, if you are looking for an online doctoral degree program that isn't offered above, consider one of the following schools outside New Mexico to find additional fully funded online doctoral degrees.

Liberty University

Liberty University has a wide range of online doctoral programs, including a Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational leadership, a DNP, and a PhD in communications. Some programs may require on-campus intensives or in-person practicums to gain hands-on experience in your field of study. Qualified students can receive substantial financial aid, including scholarships and grants, to help offset tuition costs.

Average in-state tuition: $610 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $610 per credit hour

Financial aid: Doctoral students may qualify for financial aid through fellowships, assistantships, grants, and federal aid, with some programs offering full tuition remission and stipends.

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

New York University Steinhardt

New York University (NYU) Steinhardt's online doctoral degree in educational leadership and innovation offers partial to full funding for qualified students. Full-time doctoral students are eligible to receive scholarships, stipends, and health insurance through fellowships and assistantships. The EdD program offers completely asynchronous coursework, with only one required three-day immersive residency at a global NYU site.

Average in-state tuition: $2,272 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $2,272 per credit hour

Financial aid: NYU Steinhardt provides financial aid through merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. Some employers will partially support the cost of tuition.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Thomas Edison State University

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

Start exploring New Mexico's top affordable online PhD programs to find the one that aligns with your academic and financial needs and gets you moving toward your graduate school goals. Reach out to the colleges here on Learn.org to learn more.