Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Nevada?

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 a Nevada student looking for fully funded online PhD programs? While you won't find schools in the state with free PhD programs online, plenty of low-cost options are available. Below, we'll highlight Nevada's most affordable distance doctoral degrees. You'll also learn where in the country you can earn a free doctorate degree online.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Nevada?

No schools in Nevada offer free PhD programs online; however, great alternatives are available. Institutions throughout the state deliver education, nursing, business, and other online doctoral degree programs with scholarships, assistantships, and federal aid to lower costs.

If you're looking for free online colleges outside of Nevada, keep reading. You'll discover a program offering full funding for graduate students interested in pursuing a PhD in social work.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

The ways in which students can receive funding depend on factors such as the type of degree they pursue (e.g., Doctor of Philosophy vs. Doctor of Nursing Practice), their area of study (e.g., public health vs. computer science), and their enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time). However, schools most often provide funding through free award dollars and employment opportunities. Common funding delivery methods include:

• Scholarships and grants: These free funds are granted based on merit or financial need and don't require repayment.
• Fellowships: A fellowship typically provides a partial or full tuition waiver and stipend to support graduate study.
• Assistantship: Many schools enable doctoral students to work as graduate assistants, teaching assistants, or research assistants in exchange for a tuition waiver and/or stipend.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

The costs that PhD funding covers vary by school and degree. Some institutions pay all tuition and mandatory fees for the entirety of a program, while others might pay a portion of these costs each semester or fully cover them for a limited number of years.

In addition to tuition fees, schools often help PhD students cover health insurance, travel costs to attend conferences, and resources to complete research projects. It's good to keep in mind, however, that funding may not cover all costs related to earning a doctoral degree (e.g., living expenses, internet access, online learning device costs, etc.).

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Nevada

Students attending Nevada colleges and universities can find high-quality online doctoral and PhD degrees in varying areas of study. Explore the list below to discover low-cost programs in the state.

1. Touro University Nevada

Students looking for accredited online schools that accept FAFSA can find reputable and affordable doctoral programs at Touro University Nevada. Enrollees choose from a Doctor of Education (EdD) for K-20 educators and a Doctor of Physician Associate (DPA) for graduate PAs.

Both programs are available 100% online and offer affordable tuition. To help students cover school costs, the university offers scholarships, grants, student loans, and other financial aid.

Average in-state tuition: Starting at $580 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $580 per credit

Financial aid: At Touro University Nevada, learners can lower costs using scholarships and federal and state funds.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas

At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, nursing students who want to gain the skills to excel in advanced roles in academia or clinical settings can choose from two online doctoral nursing programs.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing prepares learners for nursing education or clinical research positions, while the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers nurse practitioner and anesthetist programs for bachelor's degree and master's degree holders. To help students afford their doctoral programs, UNLV offers graduate assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, and federal aid.

Average in-state tuition: $593 per credit (registration fee and upper-level nursing course fee)

Average out-of-state tuition: $981.75 per credit (registration fee, non-resident tuition, and upper-level nursing course fee)

Financial aid: Students attending UNLV can reduce graduate program costs with assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, federal aid, and more.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno offers two online DNP programs for students ready to enhance their nursing leadership skills and excel in healthcare settings. The Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) to DNP offers on-campus and online coursework, and the Master of Science in nursing (MSN) to DNP is available exclusively online.

Through the Orvis School of Nursing, scholarships are available to help enrollees save on tuition and fees. The university also reduces costs with assistantships, fellowships, and other awards.

Average in-state tuition: $688.50 per credit (registration fee and School of Nursing upper-level course fee)

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,077.25 per credit (registration free, non-resident tuition, and School of Nursing upper-level course fee)

Financial aid: Nursing scholarships and various graduate financial aid opportunities make learning more affordable.

Accreditation: NWCCU

4. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix, with a campus location in Clark County, NV, is home to an EdD with four elective tracks, a Doctor of Health Administration (DHA), a Doctor of Management (DM) with two specializations, and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). These programs qualify for the school's Doctoral Scholarship, a $3,000 award for new students and alumni.

Additional financial aid resources are available to reduce tuition for doctoral enrollees. The institution also offers the Tuition Guarantee, which locks in each student's tuition rate from enrollment to graduation.

Average in-state tuition: $810 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $810 per credit

Financial aid: Students pursuing an online education at the University of Phoenix can save with scholarships, financial aid, and a locked-in tuition rate.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Students seeking free PhD programs online can find one outside of Nevada. Explore the following list to learn where to earn a fully funded online doctoral degree.

Baylor University

Learners eager to earn the cheapest doctorate degree online can find a top program at Baylor University in Texas. The PhD in social work, a competitive, fully funded online program primarily taught in a synchronous video classroom, prepares learners to serve in academic research and teaching posts in social work programs.

To fully fund this degree, the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work provides 100% financial assistance for up to five years. Enrollees may receive stipends for grant-funded research positions or teach one or more courses in Baylor's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program as adjunct faculty members.

Average in-state tuition: N/A (fully funded)

Average out-of-state tuition: N/A (fully funded)

Financial aid: Learners receive 100% financial support and can secure stipends for research positions or teach online or in-person for bachelor's and master's social work programs.

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

Explore Online PhD Programs

Take the next step in your higher education journey by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest to discover ways they can help you achieve your academic and career goals.