Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Ohio?

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 looking for fully funded online PhD programs in Ohio? While no schools in the state offer a free doctorate degree online, affordable alternatives are available. Don't know where to find them? Keep reading to learn which schools have low-cost options for students seeking free PhD programs online.

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

Ohio schools don't offer fully funded online PhD programs; however, you can find online doctoral programs in the state that provide affordable tuition rates and financial assistance via scholarships, assistantships, or federal aid to help doctoral students reduce the cost of attendance.

If you're seeking tuition-free online colleges for PhD students, read on. We'll highlight schools offering high-quality doctoral degree programs and plenty of financial support.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

The funding available to pursue free PhD programs online varies by program and the chosen school. Some colleges provide a tuition waiver and a stipend for personal expenses in exchange for part-time or full-time work. Schools also offer fellowships that pay full tuition fees and other related school costs.

PhD funding might pay for health insurance, the equipment and materials needed to complete research projects, and travel costs when students attend conferences for professional development. However, keep in mind that you could be required to cover housing, books, and other expenses while enrolled in your program.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

How students receive PhD funding depends on their program (e.g, public health vs. social work) and degree type (e.g., Doctor of Philosophy vs. Doctor of Education). However, the following are common funding methods:

• Fellowships: Fellowships provide free funds to support a student's graduate study, research projects, or professional development. Monthly stipends, travel funds, and health insurance are sometimes included.
• Assistantships: Many schools allow graduate students to work as general assistants, research assistants, or teaching assistants in exchange for a tuition waiver and/or stipend. In these roles, learners work independently or with faculty members to complete projects or tasks.
• Scholarships: Some programs provide scholarships to cover a portion or all costs associated with earning a doctoral degree, including tuition, fees, and personal expenses.
• Grants: Grants, similar to scholarships, are free funds schools sometimes provide doctoral students to cover program expenses and additional costs.

Fully Funded Online PhD Programs in Ohio

Do you want to earn an affordable online PHD in Ohio? Explore the schools below to discover low-cost programs.

1. Bowling Green State University

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Bowling Green State University is a good choice for students seeking affordable online PhD programs in Ohio. This degree, which consists of online and in-person coursework and prepares students to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for licensure. It offers affordable tuition, graduate assistantships, and dozens of scholarships to increase affordability.

Average in-state tuition: $508.20 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $519.20 per credit (out of state); $569.20 (international students)

Financial aid: Graduate assistantships, scholarships, and student loans are available to reduce the cost of the DPT degree.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Ohio University

Ohio University offers the OHIO Online Incentive Scholarship, an award that lowers program costs by 15% for military members, Ohio University alumni, and employees of corporate partners. Two online doctoral degree programs at the institution qualify for this scholarship.

The Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) is a 100% online advanced degree boosting students' clinical analysis and research skills. The Master of Science in nursing (MSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) provides an online education with on-campus intensives and boosts students' leadership skills in healthcare.

Average in-state tuition: Starting at $528 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $547 per credit

Financial aid: Learners can save with help from the OHIO Online Incentive Scholarship and federal financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Toledo

Learners at the University of Toledo who are ready to advance their education or nursing careers can choose from two online Doctor of Education (EdD) programs in curriculum and instruction (educational technology or special education) and two online DNP degrees (for bachelor's degree and master's degree holders).

The institution offers over 800 graduate assistantships to help students reduce costs. Fellowships, scholarships, and federal aid can make learning even more affordable.

Average in-state tuition: Starting at $571 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $571 per credit

Financial aid: UToledo enrollees can boost savings with graduate assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and federal student aid.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Shawnee State University

Shawnee State University offers several online learning opportunities for graduate students, including the post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy, a flexible 16-month program for working healthcare professionals. After gaining enrollment, students explore occupational justice and how to influence policy in preparation for roles in clinical leadership and academia.

Shawnee State is one of many accredited online schools that accept FAFSA in Ohio. Students can apply for federal funds and scholarships to lower program costs.

Average in-state tuition: $646.43 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $727.23 per credit

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, student loans, and military benefits increase affordability at Shawnee State.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Kent State University

At Kent State University, learners ready to further their education careers can pursue the 100% online EdD in interprofessional leadership. This degree, which can be completed in three years, offers specializations in special education, athletic training, cultural foundations, and more.

To help learners pay for this program, Kent State offers a fellowship that provides some funding toward tuition through the coursework phase of the program and a scholarship covering some of the final year (dissertation phase).

Average in-state tuition: $594.78 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $604.78 per credit

Financial aid: Eligible enrollees can use the Bowman Fellowship and Wilson Scholarship to cover some costs during different program phases.

Accreditation: HLC

6. Mount St. Joseph University

Mount St. Joseph University is home to an EdD with a concentration in reading science, available fully online with on-campus summer institutes. This program is designed for working professionals with a master's degree and a 3.5 GPA in graduate coursework.

The institution provides scholarships covering 80% of tuition expenses for all accepted candidates. Qualifying students can receive need-based scholarships covering 100% of tuition.

Average in-state tuition: $825 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $825 per credit

Financial aid: All program candidates receive scholarships to cover 80% of tuition. Some students might qualify for full coverage.

Accreditation: HLC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Begin an exciting journey in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn how they can help you excel in your studies.