Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Florida?

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 live in Florida and you'd like to know more about free PhD programs online, you've come to the right place. Read on as we answer your questions about fully funded online PhD programs. We'll also talk about other ways to get a free doctorate degree online and look at some Florida schools offering highly affordable programs you may want to consider.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Florida?

Some schools in Florida, such as the University of Florida, provide full funding for students in select PhD programs. However, none of these programs are available online, so there are no fully funded doctoral programs in Florida for online learners.

Though there are many affordable schools in Florida and throughout the U.S., there is only one tuition-free online college, the University of the People (UoPeople), and it does not offer doctoral degrees. Online students may find fully funded online doctoral programs at several out-of-state schools; if they plan to earn their doctoral degree at an in-state school, they may be able to greatly reduce their costs through financial aid, but fully funded programs are not available.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Financial aid for doctoral degree programs can be used to cover various related costs. These costs generally include tuition fees, other mandatory fees, books and materials, living expenses, research costs, and more.

Fully funded programs often provide funding through scholarships and grants, assistantships and fellowships, health insurance coverage, and stipends. Remember, though, Florida does not offer any fully funded online programs; therefore, any student aid you receive may not cover all of your costs.

Additionally, there may be stipulations about how you can use certain forms of aid. For example, some scholarships may be used for tuition but not for living expenses. You'll likely need to combine several different forms of aid to ensure you cover as many of your college costs as possible.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Graduate students, including doctoral students, typically receive funding in much the same way as undergraduate students. They are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and attend accredited online schools that accept FAFSA to secure federal and state aid like grants, student loans, and work-study placements.

PhD students may also receive funding through their school in the form of institutional scholarships or grants, and they can apply for private financial aid from outside sources, such as businesses and nonprofits.

Finally, doctoral students may receive assistantship or fellowship placements, where they work as research assistants, teaching assistants, or interns in their fields of study. These competitive placements may help students earn tuition waivers and stipends that provide financial support for their studies.

Regardless of the types of funding students use to cover their online education, it's important to remember that the amount of aid received can vary depending on full-time or part-time status, grades, resumes, work experience, and many other factors.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Florida

Though Florida doesn't offer fully funded online doctoral degrees, several high-quality schools provide affordable programs and generous financial aid packages that can help students nearly eliminate their out-of-pocket costs. Let's take a closer look at a few of these schools.

1. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University is a public school located in Boca Raton, FL. It provides some of the most affordable online PhD programs in Florida and offers the following three options:

• computer science
• computer engineering
• electrical engineering

Students enrolled in these programs have several financial aid options available to them through the FAFSA. In addition, many school-based and outside scholarships, grants, and loans are available.

Average in-state tuition: $5,467

Average out-of-state tuition: $16,695

Financial aid: State and federal aid, scholarships, student loans, grants

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

2. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida, located in Orlando, offers a wealth of online and on-campus degree programs. Online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees are available in specializations such as:

• nursing (bachelor's degree to PhD)
• curriculum and instruction
• DNP executive track

Students with a healthcare background can pursue nursing degrees whether they have a master's or only a bachelor's degree. Fellowships, scholarships, and various other forms of financial aid are available to help students save big on already low tuition costs.

Average in-state tuition: $6,916

Average out-of-state tuition: $25,759

Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, work-study, student loans

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is located in Tampa. This public school offers PhD degrees in social sciences and humanities � namely, music and curriculum and instruction. These programs prepare students to conduct research projects in these fields and pursue careers in academia, education, and the arts.

Students build leadership skills through flexible coursework and hands-on projects, all while saving money with an affordable education. The school provides a variety of scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships specifically designed to help graduate students afford their education.

Average in-state tuition: $8,350

Average out-of-state tuition: $19,048

Financial aid: Fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, state and federal aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of North Florida

The University of North Florida is a public school located in Jacksonville. Students can earn several online doctoral degrees, including:

• nursing practice
• health administration
• clinical nutrition

Students in these programs are prepared for various clinical and educational healthcare careers. Various scholarships and other forms of financial aid are available through the school, as well as state and federal governments and other sources.

Average in-state tuition: $8,570

Average out-of-state tuition: $19,585

Financial aid: Scholarships, state and federal aid, student loans, grants, work-study

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a large research university located in Gainesville. This public school provides various online PhD, EdD, and DNP degrees. Areas of study include:

• educational leadership
• classical civilization
• special education

This school provides a wide range of scholarships for graduate students. Government and state financial aid are also available, as well as private aid from outside organizations.

Average in-state tuition: $10,770

Average out-of-state tuition: $27,335

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work-study, student loans

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Explore Online PhD Programs

If you're ready to pursue enrollment in a free PhD program online, check out the schools featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools today to find out more about their online learning opportunities and choose the best program for you.