Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Kansas?

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.

There are many reasons students may want to earn a doctoral degree. Some pursue professional doctorates, like Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees, to further their career opportunities and hone their leadership skills.

Others pursue research degrees, like Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, because they want to work in academia or research. PhD students can pursue degrees in numerous fields, from computer science to healthcare to one of the social sciences.

For many students, learning online provides more flexibility than learning on campus. However, the cost of school can still hold them back. Although free PhD programs online are rare, there are ways to significantly reduce your costs so you pay very little, or even nothing, for your program. Keep reading to learn about affordable and free doctorate degrees online in Kansas.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Kansas?

There are some fully funded PhD programs in Kansas, but they are in-person programs. For example, the University of Kansas offers tuition funding for students earning a PhD in social work.

Unfortunately, there are no fully funded online PhD programs. However, by learning from one of the affordable or free online colleges in Kansas and applying for financial aid, you may be able to reduce your tuition costs enough that you can complete a free PhD program online.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

Many doctoral students fund their programs through a blend of different types of financial aid. All students should start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what they qualify for; Kansas has several accredited online schools that accept FAFSA.

Students may be able to find gift aid, including grants, scholarships, and fellowships, through the federal or state government, their school, or a private organization. This type of aid typically does not need to be repaid except in specific circumstances.

Many schools also offer assistantship opportunities, where you receive tuition funding in exchange for working under a professor or faculty member. Teaching assistants help teach classes, while research assistants work on research projects.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding is typically meant to cover some or all of your tuition and mandatory tuition fees. Other things your financial support may cover include extra fees, textbooks, and equipment.

Some programs may include a stipend to help cover living expenses, like housing, food, and transportation. Others may include funds for research. Note that research funding often requires submitting an in-depth research proposal with your application.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Kansas

There are no inherently free PhD programs online in Kansas, but the state does have multiple affordable online PhD programs and doctorate degrees. We've highlighted a few of these below.

1. Wichita State University

Wichita State University is a public research institution in Wichita, KS. It offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program through online learning.

This degree is for students who already hold a master's degree in nursing, and as a result, the program only requires 29 credits and can be completed in as little as two years. The tuition rate is $338.87 per credit hour. Scholarships are available for this online doctoral program.

Average in-state tuition: $338.87 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $338.87 per credit

Financial aid: Wichita State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Southwestern College

At Southwestern College, graduate students can earn a Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational leadership online. The program offers specializations in PK-12 educational leadership and higher education leadership.

Southwestern College, a private, nonprofit Christian school, is located in Winfield, KS. It charges a tuition rate of $388 per credit hour for the online EdD and offers limited scholarships.

Average in-state tuition: $388 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $388 per credit

Financial aid: Southwestern offers a few institutional scholarships to graduate students. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

3. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice through online education. FHSU is a public university in Hays, KS.

This program offers pathways for both bachelor's degree and master's degree holders. Tuition is $453.68 per credit for all students, and scholarships are available, including some specifically for nursing students.

Average in-state tuition: $453.68 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $453.68 per credit

Financial aid: FHSU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Kansas State University

Kansas State University offers several online doctoral degrees. These include:

• professional doctorates in leadership in academic advising and personal financial planning
• EdDs in adult learning and leadership, curriculum and instruction, and educational leadership
• PhDs in security studies, as well as several fields of education

K-State, located in Manhattan, KS, is a public research institution. It charges $551.14 per credit for most of its online learning doctorate programs; however, the PhD in security studies is $574.50 per credit and the personal financial planning doctorate is $676.14 per credit. A variety of financial aid options are available to online learners here.

Average in-state tuition: $569.69 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $569.69 per credit

Financial aid: K-State accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid, including scholarships.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Pittsburgh State University

Pittsburg State University is a public institution in Pittsburg, KS. It offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice in nurse leadership with specializations in organizational leadership and educational leadership.

This program is for those who already hold an MSN and want to advance to leadership roles within nursing. Tuition costs $569 per credit. Note that while the school offers institutional aid, the State of Kansas also offers a scholarship for students in nurse educator graduate programs.

Average in-state tuition: $569 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $569 per credit

Financial aid: Pitt State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Find your perfect online doctoral degree program by exploring the high-quality options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.