Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Hawaii?

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 Hawaii and would like to learn more about fully funded online PhD programs, you're in the right place. Keep reading as we answer your questions about free PhD programs online, including what it takes to get an affordable or free doctorate degree online if your program isn't fully funded.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Hawaii?

There are no truly tuition-free online colleges in Hawaii, and all online doctoral degree programs in the state charge for tuition, fees, and other expenses.

Fortunately, doctoral students can earn financial support from a variety of sources, including their schools and external organizations. By combining different types of financial aid, online learners can greatly reduce and potentially eliminate their out-of-pocket expenses, earning their degrees for free or nearly free.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Funding for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or some other type of doctoral degree may come in various forms. If you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and attend an accredited online school that accepts FAFSA, you can receive grants and other types of federal or state funding simply by demonstrating financial need.

Assistantships and fellowships are commonly offered by schools and involve a work component. Students agree to work as teaching assistants, research assistants, or interns in their chosen field in exchange for tuition waivers and stipends that reduce or eliminate their college costs.

Finally, PhD students can receive grants and scholarships by meeting specific eligibility criteria. This criteria may include having an exceptionally high GPA or demonstrating excellence in a particular area of study or interest.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

There are many different types of funding, which can generally be used to cover college expenses, including fees, tuition costs, research projects, travel and transportation, room and board, materials, and other related costs.

That said, not all types of funding can be used for all expenses. Some grants are specifically available to cover travel costs, for example, and many scholarships can be used for tuition fees but not room and board or other expenses.

It's also worth noting that even fully funded programs may not cover every expense. For example, non-mandatory fees and living expenses may not be fully covered. Doctoral students can pursue outside funding opportunities that may help them pay for these uncovered costs.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Hawaii

Though there are no fully funded programs in Hawaii, online learning can still be affordable. Let's take a look at the schools offering the cheapest doctorate degrees online in the state.

1. Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University is a private school located in Honolulu. It provides a handful of online doctoral degrees, including:

• Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational psychology
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy

Various scholarships are available to help students afford their college expenses. Students can also apply for other types of aid, including grants, student loans, and federal aid.

Average in-state tuition: $21,183

Average out-of-state tuition: $21,183

Financial aid: Students can apply for scholarships, grants, assistantships and may be eligible for tuition discounts and state and federal aid.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University of Honolulu is another top private school in Hawaii. Students can earn the following degrees either fully online or in a hybrid format:

• DNP (post-bachelor's degree and post-master's degree specializations available)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Students learn real-world methodologies that prepare them for high-level healthcare licensure and career paths. Various types of funding are available to help them pay for college, including scholarships and grants.

Average in-state tuition: $26,040

Average out-of-state tuition: $26,040

Financial aid: State and federal aid, scholarships, grants, and student loans are available.

Accreditation: WSCUC

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Graduate students can study online from the comfort of their own homes � no matter where their schools are located. Let's explore a handful of private, nonprofit universities offering affordable and free PhD programs online.

Liberty University

Liberty University is located in Virginia and provides a wealth of online and on-campus degree programs. Some of the many online doctoral degrees available include:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• PhD in educational leadership
• Doctor of Public Policy

These flexible programs can be completed full-time or part-time. Though they are not fully funded, they offer a variety of funding opportunities, including research and teaching assistantships and scholarships.

Average in-state tuition: $7,740

Average out-of-state tuition: $7,740

Financial aid: Assistantships and scholarships, as well as state and federal aid, are available.

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

George Washington University

George Washington University is located in Washington, D.C. and features a wide range of online programs. Some of its online doctoral degrees include:

• PhD in systems engineering
• Doctor of Engineering (DEng) in cybersecurity analytics
• DEng in artificial intelligence and machine learning

Exceptional students in select programs may receive full funding packages. A variety of funding options are available to all students, including assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and tuition assistance.

Average in-state tuition: $35,100

Average out-of-state tuition: $35,100

Financial aid: Students can consider fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, military benefits, tuition assistance, and state and federal aid.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Baylor University

Baylor University is located in Texas and features a large online enrollment in its graduate school. Some of the doctoral programs available include:

• PhD in social work
• DNP (many specializations)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Coursework and hands-on experiences prepare students to take on leadership roles in academia and the professional fields of their choice. Some programs are fully funded, and generous financial aid options are available to all students.

Average in-state tuition: $41,130

Average out-of-state tuition: $41,130

Financial aid: Scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, stipends, and state and federal aid are available.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Explore Online PhD Programs

If you're ready to build your leadership skills through a doctoral degree program, check out the schools featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges today to learn more about their in-person and online learning options and to choose the right program for you.