Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Vermont?

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.

As enrollment in online advanced degree programming expands, there is also increased interest in free PhD programs online. If you'd like to learn more about fully funded online PhD programs, read on.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Vermont?

Affordable online PhD programs are an appealing option to busy adults balancing professional and personal commitments. While many Vermont universities and colleges offer online bachelor's degree and master's degree programs, there are no fully funded online PhD programs in the state.

One of the many benefits of online learning is that you are not limited by your physical location. Many other schools around the country offer high-quality, affordable online doctoral programs. Popular fields of study at free online colleges and beyond include public health, humanities, and social sciences.

By choosing the right school and utilizing financial aid opportunities, you can earn as close to a free doctorate degree online as possible.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Traditional funding for PhD programs is linked to employment. In return for tuition waivers and/or a living stipend, a PhD student supports his or her school as a research assistant or teaching assistant. Though many colleges and universities now offer online doctoral degrees, most still require graduate students to work on-campus. This enables graduate students to get real-world experience in academia and receive direct mentorship from faculty members.

However, there are other opportunities for online PhD students to receive financial support at the institutional level. Fellowships, scholarships, grants, and low-interest-rate loans help keep overall education costs low. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important resource for financial assistance; the colleges and universities highlighted in this article are accredited online schools that accept FAFSA.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding covers education costs and basic living expenses. In exchange for working for their colleges and universities, PhD students receive full or partial tuition waivers, living stipends (for housing, meals, and transportation costs), and healthcare benefits. More extensive PhD funding covers program-related expenses like research projects and travel to forums and conferences.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs

The following schools, while located outside of Vermont, offer affordable online doctoral programs to students all over the United States. Tuition rates are relatively low-cost and can be offset with additional funding opportunities like fellowships, grants, assistantships, and scholarships.

1. Georgia State University

Georgia State University (GSU) serves in-person and online doctoral students from its campus in Atlanta, GA. GSU currently offers two doctoral degree programs in the health profession: its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing. The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis; coursework is a combination of both real-time and on-demand classes.

To help offset tuition fees, doctoral students may apply for fellowships and graduate assistantships. Graduate assistants at GSU are eligible for partial or complete tuition waivers in exchange for at least eight hours of university work per week.

Average in-state tuition: $408 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $408 per credit

Financial aid: GSU accepts FAFSA and awards internal scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to graduate students.

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

2. Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock University is a public university located in Slippery Rock, PA, that offers four online doctoral programs. These include special education, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Military members receive a 15% discount on tuition and are eligible for select scholarships.

Slippery Rock University awards more than 90 full-time and part-time assistantships to its graduate students. Online PhD students are eligible to receive these assistantships; however, while they complete coursework online, graduate assistants must report to work on campus.

Average in-state tuition: $516 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $568 per credit

Financial aid: Slippery Rock University accepts FAFSA; the school also provides scholarships, assistantships, and military benefits.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. Liberty University

Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University (LU) has a range of affordable online doctoral degree options. Popular online doctoral programs include specializations in communications, strategic leadership, and nursing education. Full-time students enjoy a lower tuition rate than those enrolled part-time. Learners can also transfer credits up to 50% of their degree total.

Liberty University features generous military benefits. The special $375 doctoral student tuition rate is available to active-duty military members, veterans, and their spouses. Department of Defense employees are also eligible for tuition discounts.

Average in-state tuition: $610 per credit

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

Financial aid: Students should apply to FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal student aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Bridgeport

The University of Bridgeport (UB) is a Connecticut-based school offering select doctoral programs to online students. Fields of study include computer science, educational leadership, and health sciences.

If you are pursuing a doctorate through the university's School of Education, you may be eligible for the TEACH Grant Program; this program awards up to $4,000 per year to select educators. You can subsidize the cost of tuition by applying for UB's graduate scholarship program.

Average in-state tuition: $680 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $680 per credit

Financial aid: In addition to accepting FAFSA, the University of Bridgeport has institutional scholarships, grants, and loan options for graduate students.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. New England College

New England College is a private, nonprofit college not far from the border of Vermont. The college offers an online Doctor of Education (EdD) in three specializations, including educational leadership and higher education administration. Doctoral students may receive tuition waivers for previous coursework; you must submit your transcripts for eligibility review. Military veterans and their spouses can benefit from a 10% tuition discount.

Average in-state tuition: $685 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $685 per credit

Financial aid: Federal student aid comes in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs. New England College accepts transfer credits and provides military benefits.

Accreditation: NECHE

Explore Online PhD Programs

Pursuing your doctorate is both a big investment and an exciting opportunity. Find out about other free PhD programs online by connecting with the institutions featured on Learn.org.