Are There Free PhD Programs Online in South Dakota?

Although fully free online doctor of philosophy or 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.

A PhD is the highest degree a person can receive in academia. While universities do not offer free PhD programs online, many affordable online PhD programs do exist. These programs may also be beneficial to those looking for free PhD programs online, as financial aid combined with low costs could cover the majority or all of the degree.

If you've been looking for free PhD programs online, you may be wondering what your options are. Below, we highlight 10 affordable online PhD programs for South Dakota students.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in South Dakota?

Although there do not appear to be any fully funded online PhD programs in South Dakota, learners can still find affordable online PhD programs offered by accredited universities in the state. These programs can benefit working adults who can't fit a traditional in-person PhD program into their schedule.

Since tuition-free online colleges are rare, earning a free doctorate degree online is hard to come by. However, learners can reduce the cost of their education by researching accredited online schools that accept FAFSA or applying for loans and graduate assistantships.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Students enrolled in a PhD program can receive funding through various means. Most universities offer fellowship or assistantship opportunities that allow students to teach or conduct research in exchange for their degree. Students conducting research develop a methodology to address a specific question. Likewise, students may receive grants or scholarships to help fund their doctoral research. These grants can even be geared toward their chosen area of study.

It is important to note that the amount of money international students may receive typically differs from that of other students. Enrollees should check with their universities regarding their funding policies.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Typically, PhD funding provides tuition waivers as long as students maintain good academic standing while completing their program. Students also receive a stipend to help cover their living expenses while earning their degree. Included in the stipend may be tuition remission, health insurance, and travel funding. Since not all PhD programs are fully funded, students may also need to utilize financial aid options such as FAFSA, loans, or employer tuition assistance benefits.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in South Dakota

Top universities in South Dakota offer accredited programs to learners who want to complete their online doctoral or PhD program. We'll highlight a few of these programs below.

South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University (SDSU) offers an online doctoral degree in nursing. The program is open to students who have already completed their bachelor's degree or master's degree and are looking to further their education. Students are also equipped with the knowledge and opportunities needed for specialization in roles such as research or policy.

Available financial aid options include scholarships, loans, and a student emergency fund that provides temporary financial support to students facing unexpected hardships.

Average in-state tuition: $350 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $673 per credit hour

Financial aid: The university accepts FAFSA, federal direct PLUS loans, and private loans. The university also offers scholarships and provides a student emergency fund. To qualify for federal loans, students must complete a FAFSA application.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota (USD) offers multiple online doctoral programs, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational leadership, and a PhD in health science. These online programs allow learners to complete their coursework on a more flexible schedule compared to an in-person, on-campus degree program. Similarly, the DNP program is open to nurses who have already received their licensure and want to further their education.

PhD students who are looking to reduce the overall cost of their education can apply for loans or graduate assistantships, including teaching assistant and research assistant positions. Students who apply for graduate assistantship positions receive reduced tuition fees and a monthly stipend.

Average in-state tuition: $484.10 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $484.10 per credit

Financial aid: Students have multiple financial aid options such as FAFSA, federal direct PLUS loans, private loans, and graduate assistantships. To determine the maximum amount of financial aid needed, students must fill out a FAFSA application.

Accreditation: HLC

Dakota State University

Dakota State University (DSU) offers online doctoral degree programs in cyber defense, cyber operations, and information systems. The university also offers an on-campus doctoral degree program in computer science.

Doctoral students who enroll in this program typically pay $508.10 per credit. Financial aid options such as reduced tuition programs exist for learners who want to lessen the cost of earning an education. Employees who work for the state of South Dakota receive reduced tuition for the university's online programs. Similar benefits are also extended to individuals aged 65 or older and members of the National Guard.

Average in-state tuition: $508.10 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $508.10 per credit

Financial aid: Dakota State University accepts FAFSA and offers graduate assistantships (including teaching assistantships) and reduced tuition programs. Students must complete the FAFSA to qualify for federal financial aid, including federal loans.

Accreditation: HLC

Kairos University

Kairos University offers online doctoral programs in ministry, professional counseling, and theology. The university also follows a monthly tuition subscription plan to make the cost of earning an education more affordable. Depending on the area of study they choose, learners who enroll in this program pay between $300 and $600 per month.

In addition, the university offers a tuition exchange program for students and faculty members. Reciprocal scholarship opportunities are available at over 700 individual member schools, including those who wish to earn their degree at Kairos University.

Average in-state tuition: $300 to $600 per month (varies by concentration)

Average out-of-state tuition: $300 to $600 per month (varies by concentration)

Financial aid: In addition to accepting FAFSA and federal student loans, the university offers a monthly tuition subscription plan and tuition exchange program. Students must complete the FAFSA application to determine their eligibility to receive Stafford Loans, or federal loans offered to graduate students.

Accreditation: HLC, Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Online PhD programs are not limited to universities in South Dakota. Multiple universities throughout the U.S. offer affordable online doctoral degree programs.

Capella University

Capella University offers multiple online learning programs that allow students to earn their doctoral degrees in fields such as social work, information technology, public health, education, and social sciences. Students who enroll in one of these online programs are not required to take the GMAT or the GRE.

Students who want to reduce the cost of their education can utilize various financial aid options, including federal loans. In addition, Capella University allows students to transfer credits earned at other institutions, which may also help them save time and money.

Average in-state tuition: $525 to $1,020 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $525 to $1,020 per credit

Financial aid: Capella University provides various financial aid options, including FAFSA, federal loans, scholarship opportunities, and the ability to transfer previously earned credits. Students' eligibility to receive federal loans is determined based on their FAFSA application.

Accreditation: HLC

Liberty University

Liberty University (LU), a nonprofit university based in Virginia, offers online doctoral programs in business, healthcare, and the humanities. Students who complete one of the university's online doctoral programs earn degrees such as Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc).

The university also offers multiple options to make tuition more affordable for students. Members of the military receive a tuition discount of $300 per credit. Similarly, first responders receive a 25% tuition discount.

Average in-state tuition: $595 per credit (for full-time doctoral students), $650 per credit (for part-time doctoral students)

Average out-of-state tuition: $595 per credit (for full-time doctoral students), $650 per credit (for part-time doctoral students)

Financial aid: LU accepts FAFSA, federal direct PLUS loans, and private loans. The university also offers discounts to military and first responders. Students who want to apply for loans should first submit a FAFSA application to determine their eligibility.

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

University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers online doctoral degrees in business administration and management with a concentration in community college policy and administration. This program combines knowledge with real-world scenarios and leadership skills needed to prepare students to enter the competitive job market.

Tuition costs are $1,087 per credit. To lessen the cost of completing this online program, students can submit the FAFSA, apply for federal loans, or take advantage of the university's interest-free monthly payment plan, which allows them to pay their tuition over the course of several months.

Average in-state tuition: $1,087 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,087 per credit

Financial aid: Students who enroll in an online program through UMGC can save money on their tuition by applying for FAFSA and federal loans. In addition, students who are members of the military may receive tuition assistance. The university also offers a monthly payment plan to help students finance their education. Students should complete a FAFSA application to determine if they are eligible to receive loans.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University (Texas Tech) offers online doctoral programs in agricultural education, personal financial planning, and more. These online programs are delivered via synchronous or asynchronous formats and typically require 60 credit hours for completion.

Financial aid options available through this program include federal direct PLUS loans for graduate students or professional students and private loans provided by banks or credit unions.

Average in-state tuition: $450 to $800 per credit hour (depending on the program)

Average out-of-state tuition: $450 to $800 per credit hour (depending on the program)

Financial aid: Financial aid options include federal loans (based on eligibility determined by the FAFSA), external scholarships, and military tuition benefits.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix (UoPX) offers online doctoral programs in business administration, education, health administration, and management. In addition to completing relevant coursework, learners also complete research projects to earn their PhD.

Students who want to save money on their doctoral degree have multiple financial aid options, including the ability to transfer previously earned credits. The University of Phoenix allows students to transfer up to 27 credits toward their doctoral degree.

Average in-state tuition: $810 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $810 per credit

Financial aid: Students seeking financial aid can apply for federal aid through the FAFSA, loans, or scholarships. In addition, University of Phoenix allows students to transfer previously earned credits. Graduate students seeking loans such as the direct PLUS loan are required to fill out a FAFSA application.

Accreditation: HLC

University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky (UK) offers online doctoral programs in areas, including nursing, social work, and educational leadership. Tuition costs range from $753 to $1,002 per credit and vary by area of concentration.

Students seeking to save money on their education can submit the FAFSA to be considered for federal funds or apply for graduate assistantships. Students can also apply for external funding, including funding provided by government agencies, to support their doctoral research.

Average in-state tuition: $753 to $1,002 per credit (varies by concentration)

Average out-of-state tuition: $753 to $1,002 per credit (varies by concentration)

Financial aid: UK offers fellowship and assistantship opportunities, and students can apply for external funding. In order to receive federal financial aid, such as loans, students must complete a FAFSA application.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Not sure which online PhD program is right for you? Explore doctoral degrees offered at the accredited colleges and universities featured on Learn.org and reach out to individual schools to get started today.