Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Pennsylvania?

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're exploring free PhD programs online in Pennsylvania, it's essential to understand the availability and scope of such programs. Finding free or fully funded online programs can be challenging since they are often limited. Nevertheless, a few Pennsylvania schools offer top-notch online doctoral degrees. Here, you will find our top five fully funded online PhD programs.

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

In Pennsylvania, free PhD programs online remain limited, particularly when compared to traditional in-person doctoral tracks. Some high-quality universities offer online doctoral degrees and comprehensive financial support, including full tuition waivers and annual stipends. However, it is rarely available for distance learning formats.

However, fields such as education, public health, healthcare, and social sciences are more likely to offer partial or full funding, especially when aligned with workforce needs or research-based roles.

Students should research institutional funding options, like assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships. Additionally, learners may exploretuition-free online colleges in other states that maintain fully funded online PhD programs, expanding their opportunities beyond Pennsylvania.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding typically includes a tuition waiver that covers the full cost of coursework, along with a monthly or quarterly living stipend. Many programs also provide health insurance and cover university fees.

In exchange, students commonly serve as teaching or research assistants, contributing to faculty members' projects or undergraduate instruction. While this support significantly reduces out-of-pocket expenses, it may not cover everything. Students should budget for books, lab fees, conference travel, and personal living costs.

Some universities also offer additional funding through fellowships or grants. It's essential to read the funding agreement carefully to understand exactly what is and isn't covered.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

PhD funding is typically awarded through assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and grants. Most fully funded online doctoral degree programs require students to work as teaching assistants, research project assistants, or graduate assistants. These positions offer valuable academic and real-world professional experience in addition to covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend.

Fellowships are another common funding source. Fellowships are often merit-based, providing financial support without requiring employment. Some advanced degree programs may also offer institutional grants or external funding from government agencies, nonprofits, or private foundations.

To be considered for funding, graduate students typically need to submit a strong application, which includes their academic records, letters of recommendation, and a compelling statement of purpose. Funding can be highly competitive, so submitting an application early is crucial.

Fully Funded Online PhD Programs in Pennsylvania

Here are a few accredited online schools that accept FAFSA in Pennsylvania offering fully funded degrees. While these affordable online PhD programs may not be available completely online, they do offer comprehensive financial support, including tuition waivers and stipends.

1. Gratz College

Gratz College currently offers two fully online learning doctoral programs: the Doctor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational leadership. The college plans to offer a doctorate in Jewish studies in the near future. These programs are well-suited to working professionals, offering six term starts per year.

Average in-state tuition: $21,420 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $21,420 per year

Financial aid: Online doctoral students can qualify for institutional scholarships, federal aid, and the Walder PhD Fellowship, which fully covers tuition for eligible learners.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Temple University

All PhD students at Temple University are considered for full financial support for up to five years. Fully funded PhD programs are available in areas such as psychology, biomedical sciences, and education. Students typically receive full tuition coverage and a living stipend through teaching or research assistantships. These packages are renewable each year based on academic performance and progress toward degree completion.

Average in-state tuition: $1,000 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,250 per credit hour

Financial aid: Doctoral students at Temple University receive financial aid through federal aid fellowships, assistantships, and grants, including the Doctoral Dissertation Completion Grant.

Accreditation: MSCHE

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Many Pennsylvania universities limit full funding opportunities to in-person doctoral students. However, the following reputable universities outside of Pennsylvania offer ways to earn free doctorate degrees online through funding opportunities.

Liberty University

Liberty University has a wide range of online doctoral programs, including an EdD in educational leadership, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a PhD in communications. Some programs may require on-campus intensives or in-person required 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)

University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo offers select online PhD programs with funding opportunities through the Graduate Opportunity Program (GOP) and graduate fellowships for eligible students. These fellowships include full tuition coverage and stipends supporting learners in diverse fields, such as education and public health. Funding may require research or teaching assistantship commitments.

Average in-state tuition: $25,000 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $25,000 per year

Financial aid: PhD students may qualify for the GOP, which supports economically disadvantaged New York residents. The university also offers competitive fellowships and assistantships that provide tuition remission, a stipend, and healthcare benefits.

Accreditation: MSCHE

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University offers a range of diverse online doctoral specializations, including an EdD in educational policy and organizational design, a PhD in computer science, and a Doctor of Plant and Soil Sciences with a concentration in agronomy. The university is a great choice for out-of-state residents, since online classes are available to all at in-state tuition rates.

Average in-state tuition: $9,100 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $24,800 per year

Financial aid: Mississippi State University offers scholarships and assistantships that can fully fund tuition and provide stipends to qualified students.

Accreditation: SACSCC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Pursuing a PhD is a significant commitment. To find the program that best aligns with your aspirations and financial needs, explore our comprehensive list of free PhD programs online with detailed information on various programs to help you make an informed decision.