Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Mississippi?

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.

Are you looking to enter a rewarding career in academia? A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) may be crucial to completing this goal.

Unfortunately, free PhD programs online are rare. In Mississippi, all online doctoral programs have tuition fees. However, many schools offer low tuition rates, generous scholarships, tuition waivers, and more to make earning a doctoral degree more affordable.

If you're looking for fully funded online PhD programs, you might instead consider low-cost options within Mississippi. Keep reading to learn about these inexpensive degree programs that offer significant financial aid opportunities.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Mississippi?

Currently, there are no fully funded online PhD programs in Mississippi. While several universities offer online doctoral degrees with financial aid options, none provide a completely tuition-free experience. Students searching for a free doctorate degree online or tuition-free online colleges should consider a combination of financial aid and other assistance programs to see if they can fully cover all costs. Some schools offer significant tuition discounts, assistantships, and scholarships that can greatly reduce costs.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

PhD funding is often awarded through academic roles such as research assistant or teaching assistant positions, where students support faculty members in exchange for tuition waivers and stipends. Additional aid may come from internships, fellowships, grants, or scholarships. While online learning programs may offer fewer assistantship opportunities, some still provide tuition discounts or employer-based aid.

Applicants should contact enrollment coordinators to explore all available funding options. Most schools require that prospective students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Accredited online schools that accept FAFSA, will likely offer various types of aid, including loans.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

A fully funded PhD supports doctoral students who are pursuing their degrees full-time. It often includes tuition waivers, a stipend to cover living expenses, and, in some cases, health insurance. These competitive and prestigious awards are usually awarded to on-campus students with research and teaching responsibilities.

While generous, these packages may not cover all costs � learners should budget for books, technology, fees, and potential travel. Online students may have more limited options but can still receive scholarships, tuition discounts, or employer support.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Mississippi

Affordable online PhD programs offer the same quality education as in-person programs. You'll gain leadership skills and industry knowledge to move forward in your career path. Below, we'll cover low-cost doctoral and PhD degree programs in Mississippi.

1. Delta State University

Delta State University offers a fully online Doctor of Education (EdD) in professional studies. Mississippi community college employees are eligible for a 50% tuition remission. The program may also offer assistantships and fellowships, making it more affordable for qualified students.

Average in-state tuition: $469 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $469 per credit hour

Financial aid: Students may receive assistantships, fellowships, loans, and scholarships.

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

2. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University offers several online doctoral degree programs, including:

• computer science
• community college leadership
• computational engineering
• industrial and systems engineering
• plant and soil sciences

Graduate students may receive financial support through scholarships, which can cover tuition costs. Additionally, university employees are eligible for partial tuition remission.

Average in-state tuition: $581 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $581 per credit hour

Financial aid: Various institutional scholarships are available for graduate students. Additionally, university employees can receive tuition remission.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi is a public university with many on-campus degree programs. It also offers an EdD in higher education with 100% online coursework. Qualified graduate students may receive assistantships that cover tuition and provide stipends. Additional support may come from external scholarships and grants.

Average in-state tuition: $300 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $300 per credit hour

Financial aid: External scholarships and grants may be available. Doctoral students may also qualify for assistantships.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Belhaven University

Belhaven University, a nonprofit Christian institution, offers fully online doctoral programs, including a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and an EdD in Educational Leadership. All EdD students receive a special discounted tuition rate of $492 per credit hour. Additional funding may include tuition discounts, institutional scholarships, and student loans to help cover educational costs.

Average in-state tuition: $625 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $625 per credit hour

Financial aid:Tuition discounts, various institutional scholarships, and student loans can help make tuition costs more manageable.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. William Carey University

William Carey University, another private Christian university, offers several online PhD and doctoral programs, including music, health administration and education, and educational leadership. These programs are designed to accommodate working professionals seeking advanced leadership roles in their respective fields. Financial aid options include tuition discounts, scholarships, and grants for qualified PhD students.

Average in-state tuition: $582.50 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $582.50 per credit hour

Financial aid: Tuition discounts, scholarships, and grants may be available to qualified graduate students.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Explore Online PhD Programs

If you're searching for an affordable online doctoral degree, check out the high-quality programs listed here on Learn.org. Contact any school that interests you for more information about funding opportunities and tuition fees.