Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Nebraska?

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.

Keep reading to explore partially and fully funded online PhD programs, whether you're starting with a bachelor's degree or already hold a master's degree. Below you can discover free PhD programs online, giving you affordable paths to reaching your Doctor of Philosophy goals across a range of fields.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Nebraska?

Yes, several Nebraska institutions offer fully funded PhD programs, primarily in on-campus formats with some online courses. Fields of study include biomedical sciences, economics, business, and education. These fully funded online PhD programs often cover tuition and health insurance; they may also provide living stipends through assistantships or fellowships. For students seeking free PhD programs online, we'll also highlight additional tuition-free online colleges so you can gain your free doctorate degree online.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

PhD funding is typically awarded through teaching and research assistantships, which require students to engage in academic or departmental work. Additional funding options may include internships, fellowships, grants, and scholarships. Make sure to look for cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA. Completing the FAFSA is an important first step to accessing federal aid, while institutional awards may require separate applications or nominations.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD funding generally includes full tuition coverage, health insurance, and a stipend for living expenses. Some packages also waive university fees and provide research funding. However, students should plan for additional expenses such as housing, textbooks, and travel. Stipends may not fully cover all living costs, so make sure to budget for out-of-pocket expenses.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Nebraska

Nebraska offers a range of affordable online PhD programs that are partially or fully funded. While most programs are campus-based with online components, several institutions provide flexible options for busy working professionals.

1. University of Nebraska Medical Center

The University of Nebraska Medical Center offers a highly competitive, fully funded PhD through its Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS). Covering fields such as pharmacology, pathology, and molecular genetics, the program provides full coverage of tuition fees, waives university fees, includes individual health insurance, and offers a stipend to cover living expenses. While primarily on campus, some components are available online.

International students must meet additional requirements beyond those for general admission.

Average in-state tuition: Waived

Average out-of-state tuition: Waived

Financial aid: PhD students may pursue external stipend support by applying for fellowships, assistantships, or grants.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers fully funded, full-time residential PhD programs in economics and business, with specializations including accountancy, finance, and marketing. Students receive a tuition waiver, a stipend of around $25,000 annually, health insurance, and additional benefits for four to five years. The program includes being a teaching assistant and research assistant, with limited online coursework.

A high faculty-to-student ratio allows faculty members to provide personalized research support, helping students publish work that enhances academic and research career prospects.

Average in-state tuition: Waived

Average out-of-state tuition: Waived

Financial aid: Additional support can be found through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form, scholarships, grants, and loans.

Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Nebraska Omaha

The University of Nebraska Omaha offers partially funded PhD programs with concentrations in fields such as computing, biomedical informatics, gerontology, criminology, and psychology. These programs require some in-person attendance, while the Doctor of Education (EdD) in education administration is fully online.

Funding includes tuition support for nine credit hours per semester, monthly stipends through graduate teaching assistantships, and limited tuition waivers for qualified Nebraska residents.

Average in-state tuition per credit: $322.89

Average out-of-state tuition per credit: $859.48

Financial aid: Doctoral students can reduce education costs using scholarships, fellowships, waivers, assistantships, grants, and loans.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Methodist College offers fully online EdD programs in public health policy and education leadership in healthcare, designed for working adults. While not fully funded, the programs feature many support services, including writing and statistical guidance, and personalized counseling.

No GRE or dissertation is required. Students attend two brief on-campus sessions, with overall program completion in 24-36 months.

Average in-state tuition per credit: $850

Average out-of-state tuition per credit: $850

Financial aid: Graduate students have access to a variety of funding opportunities, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Accreditation: HLC

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

The following fully or partially funded online PhD programs offer flexible, accessible paths to advanced study, often including assistantships, financial aid, and in-state tuition rates.

University of Pennsylvania

The Education Policy PhD program offers full funding through the Dean's Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship. This package covers tuition, fees, health insurance, and a living stipend for four years of full-time, on-campus study with few online options.

Designed for future scholars and policy researchers, the program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research organizations, government, and non-profits.

Average in-state tuition per semester: Waived

Average out-of-state tuition per semester: Waived

Financial aid: The school offers financial aid options, including federal aid and work-study opportunities, to support eligible students.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina's online EdD in educational practice and innovation offers four concentration areas:

• curriculum studies
• education systems improvement
• learning design and technologies
• STEM education

While not fully funded, all admitted learners � regardless of residency � pay the in-state tuition rate, making this program a more affordable option for out-of-state students.

Average in-state tuition: $515 to $572.25

Average out-of-state tuition: $515 to $572.25

Financial aid: Students can pay for their online learning through FAFSA, grants, loans, and scholarships.

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

Liberty University

Liberty University offers various online PhD programs designed for busy adults seeking advanced academic and leadership roles. Concentrations include public policy, education, business administration, counseling, and theology, among others. Eligible students can also benefit from graduate assistantships that provide tuition remission and stipends. The online doctoral programs feature flexible, fully online enrollment with rolling admissions, allowing students to start throughout the year.

Average in-state tuition: $610

Average out-of-state tuition: $610

Financial aid: Students can access various financial aid options, including FAFSA, grants, scholarships, and student loans.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Take the next step in your academic journey by browsing accredited online PhD programs on Learn.org. Reach out to schools directly to learn how they can help you achieve your goals with flexible options and financial support.