Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Louisiana?

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.

Some students choose to pursue professional degrees, such as the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Public Health (DPH), or Doctor of Social Work (DSW), to obtain licensure or further their careers in their field. Others pursue research doctorates, typically Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, because they want a career in academia or research.

Both professional doctorates and PhDs can be time-consuming and expensive. Many students choose online programs because they're more flexible than in-person options but still struggle to pay for their tuition.

While free PhD programs online are rare, by combining a low-cost program with financial aid, you can significantly lower your costs and potentially earn your degree for free. Keep reading to learn more about affordable and free doctorate degrees online in Louisiana.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Louisiana?

There are a few schools offering fully funded PhD programs in Louisiana. For example, Louisiana State University offers a fully funded PhD in media and public affairs on campus. However, there are no fully funded online PhD programs.

Students who want to learn online can look at affordable and free online colleges in Louisiana. Many of these offer low-cost doctoral programs.

By combining a low-cost program with financial aid, you could essentially find a free PhD program online. It depends on what you qualify for; all students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess their eligibility.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

There are several different types of funding available to doctoral and PhD students. One common option is assistantships.

Teaching assistants earn their funding by helping professors teach, while research assistants earn theirs by participating in research projects under the leadership of faculty members. Because assistantships often require on-campus work, they aren't always available to online students.

Gift aid, which may include scholarships, grants, and fellowships, is more likely to be available to online doctoral students. These types of financial aid may be offered based on need or merit and don't usually require you to work for your funding.

To find out what you're eligible for, start by filling out the FAFSA; Louisiana has numerous accredited online schools that accept FAFSA. Reach out to your school's financial aid office or your department head to find out what sort of financial support is available for your online doctoral program.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding usually covers some or all of your tuition costs. Many also cover mandatory tuition fees, textbooks, and supplies as well.

Depending on your financing, you may also receive a stipend for living expenses. These include housing, food, and transportation.

Some fellowships are designed specifically to help fund a research project. These usually require you to submit a detailed project plan with your application.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Louisiana

There are several affordable online PhD programs in Louisiana. By combining these with financial aid, you may be able to eliminate your costs. We've highlighted these affordable and potentially free PhD programs online below.

1. Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University is a public institution in Hammond, LA. It offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program.

This program prepares graduates at the highest level of nursing practice and offers tracks for both bachelor's degree and master's degree holders. Tuition is $286 per credit for in-state residents and $1,326 per credit for out-of-state residents.

Some programs through the School of Nursing are fully funded � but it is unclear if the DNP is included. However, many scholarships are available to help DNP students pay for their online doctoral degree.

Average in-state tuition: $286 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,326 per credit

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

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

2. Louisiana State University Shreveport

At Louisiana State University, Shreveport, students can earn a Doctor of Education (EdD) in leadership studies online. This program offers concentrations in leadership studies, disaster preparedness and emergency management, and health communication and leadership.

LSUS, located in Shreveport, LA, is a public university. It charges $411 per credit hour for this program for both in-state and out-of-state students and offers scholarships.

Average in-state tuition: $411 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $411 per credit

Financial aid: LSUS offers institutional aid, including scholarships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University offers two online degrees for doctoral students. Louisiana Tech is a private research institution in Ruston, LA.

The first degree is an EdD in educational leadership, while the second is a Doctor of Engineering and Technology Management degree. Both programs cost $475 per credit hour, and scholarships are available.

Average in-state tuition: $475 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $475 per credit

Financial aid: Louisiana Tech offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Northwestern State University

Two doctoral degrees are available through online learning at Northwestern State University. The first is an EdD in adult learning and development, and the second is a DNP.

NSULA, located in Natchitoches, LA, is a public university. It charges all online graduate students $475 per credit hour and offers scholarship opportunities.

Average in-state tuition: $475 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $475 per credit

Financial aid: NSULA accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public research institution in Lafayette, LA. It offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice online.

This program requires 39 credit hours and helps students develop their healthcare leadership skills. Tuition is $18,720 for the entire program, which breaks down to $475 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $475 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $475 per credit

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

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Students at the University of Louisiana at Monroe will find two doctoral degrees available through online learning: an EdD in curriculum and instruction and a PhD in marriage and family therapy.

ULM, a public university, is located in Monroe, LA. It charges $500 per credit hour for both online doctorate degree programs and offers scholarships to online learners.

Average in-state tuition: $500 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $500 per credit

Financial aid: ULM offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Grambling State University

Grambling State University offers an online EdD program in developmental education. GSU is a public historically Black university (HBCU) in Grambling, LA.

This distance education program prepares students for research and leadership roles within education. Tuition is $582.67 per credit for in-state students and $693.59 per credit for out-of-state students.

Average in-state tuition: $582.67 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $582.67 per credit

Financial aid: GSU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Explore Online PhD Programs

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