Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Minnesota?

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 two types of doctoral degrees: professional doctorates, for those seeking licensure or specific careers, and research degrees, for those wanting careers in academia or research. The most common type of research degree is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Many students want to go beyond their bachelor's degree and pursue advanced degrees. However, cost is a major factor as well as time. Online doctoral degrees can help, as they are more flexible than in-person programs, but can still be expensive.

Some schools offer free PhD programs online, but these are rare and aren't available in every field. However, with the right strategy, you can significantly lower your tuition costs. Keep reading to learn about affordable and free doctorate degrees online in Minnesota.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Minnesota?

Unfortunately, there are no fully funded online PhD programs in Minnesota — and very few free PhD programs online in the U.S. as a whole. Students in Minnesota looking for low-cost doctoral degrees have a few options. They can look for fully funded online PhDs in other states, although keep in mind, these are very rare.

Another option is to choose on-campus programs, though this doesn't work for all PhD students. For example, the University of Minnesota offers a few fully-funded PhDs in fields like engineering and psychology.

Finally, students can also choose a low-cost doctoral degree program and use financial aid to further lower their costs. Low-cost and free online colleges is possible in Minnesota with financial aid.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

To receive PhD funding, you typically need to apply for a fellowship, teaching assistantship, or research assistantship. Some schools also offer grants or scholarships.

Working as a teaching assistant or research assistant requires students to help professors and faculty members teach or conduct research. Fellowships are usually merit-based and competitive, similar to scholarships. They may or may not require you to work for the school.

Reach out to your school's financial aid office and your program department to find out what financing options are available to help you cover your doctoral program. Additionally, all students should start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); there are many accredited online schools that accept FAFSA in Minnesota.

In addition to funding from your school, you may find options from private organizations or your employer that help you avoid student loans.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding will first focus on covering your tuition costs and mandatory fees. Some programs are also set up to provide a stipend for living expenses, like housing, transportation, and food.

In some cases, especially with private aid, your funding may be allocated for you to conduct research into a specific topic. You may need to submit a comprehensive research project plan with your application for this type of financial aid.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Minnesota

By choosing some of the cheapest doctorate degree online and applying for financial aid, students in Minnesota can significantly reduce their costs. Below, we've highlighted some of the most affordable online doctoral degrees in the state.

1. Herzing University

Herzing University is a private, nonprofit institution based in Milwaukee, but with several campuses across the U.S., including one in Minneapolis. It offers multiple Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees online, with specializations like adult/gerontology, family nursing practice, pediatric nursing practice, and public health nursing.

The tuition rate for all online DNP programs is $755 per credit hour. Multiple funding opportunities are available for graduate students, including scholarships specifically for nursing programs.

Average in-state tuition: $755 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $755 per credit

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

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. College of St. Scholastica

At the College of St. Scholastica, students will find several affordable doctoral degrees online. These include a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) at $775 per credit, a Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational leadership at $832, and a DNP at $962.

This private Catholic college is located in Duluth, MN. It offers scholarships for all students as well as assistantship opportunities in clinical and lab settings for nursing students.

Average in-state tuition: $856.33 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $856.33 per credit

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

Accreditation: HLC

3. Capella University

Capella University offers a unique tuition structure for many of its online doctoral degrees. While it does charge a per-credit rate, it also caps the total students will pay for each type of degree.

The private, for-profit institution is headquartered in Minneapolis. Capella offers over a dozen online doctoral degrees.

• Doctor of Education: max $32,000
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: max $32,000
• PhD in behavior analysis: 78 credits at $555 per credit for a total of $43,290
• PhD in counselor education and supervision: 60 credits at $730 per credit for a total of $43,800

Additionally, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and a Doctor of Information Technology (DIT) are available for a maximum price of $45,000. The school offers up to $5,000 in scholarships for counseling and psychology students and up to $20,000 in scholarships for doctoral students in the behavior analysis program.

Average in-state tuition: $717.73 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $717.73 per credit

Financial aid: Capella offers institutional scholarships and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.

Accreditation: HLC

4. St. Catherine University

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice at St. Catherine University is available to students with a master's degree in nursing and can be completed in as few as 21 months. This program is for those already in nursing practice who want to influence change in healthcare settings and improve patient outcomes.

St. Kate's, based in Saint Paul, MN, is a private Catholic institution. It charges $1,200 per credit for this 34-credit program, for a total of $43,200. Financial support, including scholarships, is available specifically for nursing students.

Average in-state tuition: $1,200 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,200 per credit

Financial aid: St. Kate's accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional financial aid, including nursing scholarships.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Winona State University

Winona State University is a public institution in Winona, MN. It offers a Doctor of Education through online learning that includes core coursework on education trends and policy and helps students develop leadership skills.

The tuition rate for this program is $757.06 per credit hour. At 57 credits, that comes to a total of $43,722.42 in tuition costs. Winona State also offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to help online learners lower their tuition.

Average in-state tuition: $757.06 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $757.06 per credit

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

Accreditation: HLC

Explore Online PhD Programs

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