Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Kentucky?

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.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a terminal degree program that features dissertation research projects and usually leads to a career in academia. On the other hand, a professional doctorate is typically more practical, where students focus on applying knowledge in real-life settings through projects.

Regardless of which one you're interested in pursuing, both degree programs may offer some type of funding. If you're looking for free PhD programs online, it's unlikely you'll find a fully-funded program as free PhD programs online are rare.

However, there are several financial aid opportunities, like scholarships or assistantships, for students seeking doctoral degrees. Keep reading to learn about low-cost programs in Kentucky.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Kentucky?

No, while there may be fully funded on-campus PhD programs, there are no such opportunities for online learners in Kentucky. In general, free online colleges don't award doctoral degrees.

While fully funded online PhD programs are scarce, fortunately, other types of aid can significantly reduce tuition costs, such as scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers. These different types of aid can help you afford your studies, even though you can't earn a free doctorate degree online automatically upon enrollment. Below, we'll explore doctoral degree programs that offer ways to reduce tuition.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

PhD funding is competitive and usually reserved for students attending an in-person program rather than online learning. Funding types vary but often include some sort of responsibility or role, such as a research assistant or teaching assistant. With this type of work, a tuition waiver, a living stipend, and possibly healthcare insurance are awarded.

Additional aid may come in the form of fellowships, grants, scholarships, or paid internships, depending on the university and field of study. Most online programs offer partial scholarships, grants, and fellowships that may help students cover some of the costs of earning a doctoral degree. By combining multiple forms of aid, an online PhD student may be able to significantly lower or even fully pay tuition.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Funding details vary by school and department. Major public research universities may fully cover the cost of earning an on-campus degree, including living expenses. Other schools may only offer tuition waivers. It's essential to gather details about the funding package with the financial aid team to gain a clear understanding of your responsibilities during the program.

As funding may not cover all costs, students should plan for additional expenses such as health insurance, textbooks, research materials, and conference travel. Housing, food, and personal costs are often the student's responsibility. It's important to budget carefully and explore supplemental funding options like grants or part-time work to cover gaps.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Kentucky

While there aren't free PhD programs online in Kentucky, several schools offer doctoral programs with significant aid opportunities. Read on to explore top online schools in Kentucky with low tuition rates, scholarships, and other great financial assistance.

1. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky offers several fully online PhD programs, including notable options in social work and arts administration. These programs provide flexibility for working professionals while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

Many fellowships are available for graduate students and vary in award amount. For example, the Presidential Fellowship is worth $20,000. Recipients also receive a tuition scholarship and a healthcare plan.

Average in-state tuition: $753 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $753 per credit hour

Financial aid: Over 73% of online learners received some sort of financial aid. Scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships may be available to qualifying doctoral students.

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

2. Morehead State University

Morehead State University offers one of the cheapest doctorate degrees online in Kentucky. Its fully online Doctor of Education (EdD) program can be completed while still working full-time, as all coursework is done fully online.

To help students pay for this degree, the school offers hundreds of foundation scholarships that graduate students may qualify for. An alumni scholarship is also available for those who previously completed a bachelor's degree or master's degree at the university. Financial support may cover tuition, fees, and other educational costs, helping to make advanced education more accessible and affordable.

Average in-state tuition: $570 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $570 per credit hour

Financial aid: Scholarships, student loans, and other types of aid may be available.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Murray State University

Murray State University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses for leadership in clinical practice and health systems management. Several scholarships are reserved exclusively for graduate students. Doctoral students should talk with the financial aid office for eligibility guidelines and details about application deadlines.

Average in-state tuition: $593.50 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $593.50 per credit hour

Financial aid: Graduate students may qualify for institutional scholarships. To be considered, online learners must complete the Murray State General Scholarship Application by the specified deadline.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University offers a fully online 72-credit BSN-to-DNP program designed to advance nursing professionals into clinical and leadership roles. Scholarships and other types of aid may be available to lower tuition costs. Military service members receive a significant tuition discount, paying just $275 per credit hour, making this program a highly affordable path to a terminal nursing degree.

Average in-state tuition: $350 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $350 per credit hour

Financial aid: Scholarships, tuition discounts, and loans may be awarded after a student submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Accredited online schools that accept FAFSA are some of the cheapest options for students who aren't accepted in a fully funded program.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University offers online doctoral programs, including a DNP program. Several funding opportunities are available, including scholarships, employer tuition reimbursements, and corporate education partnerships. Typically, these funding options only provide money toward tuition fees. However, this program is designed for working professionals, so doctoral students can continue earning money through their jobs.

Average in-state tuition: $716 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $716 per credit hour

Financial aid: Employer tuition reimbursement, corporate education partnerships, and scholarships may be available.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University offers a 60-credit online EdD in educational leadership, designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in education. Members of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators, Kentucky Education Association, and Southeast Southcentral Education Cooperative are eligible for tuition discounts, reducing the per-credit cost to $450 or $425, depending on the organization. Additionally, grants for research and travel may also be available to graduate students.

Average in-state tuition: $607 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $607 per credit hour

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, teaching assistantships, discounts, and other types of aid may be available.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Online doctoral degrees can lead to positions in academia or leadership positions within your chosen field. To get started on your educational goals, browse the high-quality degree programs listed on Learn.org. When you find one that suits your needs, contact their enrollment team directly for more information.