Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Oklahoma?

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 for free PhD programs online in Oklahoma? While students can't earn a free doctorate degree online from schools in the state, many programs are available with low tuition fees and great financial aid options. Read on to explore Oklahoma institutions providing cost-friendly alternatives to fully funded online PhD programs.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Oklahoma?

Unfortunately, there are no tuition-free online colleges offering doctoral programs in Oklahoma. However, many institutions offer low-cost degrees with financial aid, scholarships, and other forms of funding for students seeking alternatives to free PhD programs online. Below, we'll highlight some of the state's most affordable programs. We'll also discuss how schools deliver PhD funding and what it covers.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

The ways programs deliver PhD funding vary. Factors such as degree type (e.g., Doctor of Public Health vs. Doctor of Social Work), enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time), and whether learners are in-state, out-of-state, or international students can all make a difference. While graduate schools often provide different types of funding, many choose the following:

• Fellowships: These free funds, commonly granted based on merit, support graduate study research projects or professional development.
• Assistantships: An assistantship is an employment opportunity enabling students to work (typically as research assistants or teaching assistants) in exchange for financial support.
• Grants and scholarships: Institutions offer free funds such as grants or scholarships to support doctoral study, without requiring repayment.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

PhD programs providing financial support often cover tuition and fees. But the funding doesn't always stop there. Some institutions offer a monthly stipend to cover additional fees or help enrollees pay personal expenses. Depending on the program, PhD funding might cover students' health insurance costs and extras, such as travel to conferences.

While programs can pay a range of expenses, students might be responsible for some costs. For instance, you could be required to buy a learning device (e.g., laptop or tablet), pay internet costs for online education, or purchase your textbooks.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Oklahoma

Numerous institutions in Oklahoma offer affordable alternatives for students seeking free PhD programs online. Review the schools below to find low-cost degrees for PhD students.

1. East Central University

Oklahoma students seeking the cheapest doctorate degrees online might consider the Doctor of Education (EdD) in rural education at East Central University. This is a 100% online program, with coursework designed to strengthen leadership skills as students prepare to address challenges and foster change in rural settings.

It offers one of the most affordable doctoral degree tuition rates in the state. In-state learners pay less than $400 per credit and can use federal student aid, military benefits, grants, and scholarships to boost savings.

Average in-state tuition: $388.80 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $734.80 per credit

Financial aid: At East Central University, doctoral students can lower costs with scholarships, grants, military benefits, and federal aid.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Northwestern Oklahoma State University

The Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a 73-credit program that consists of an online component and a required six-day on-campus summer residency. While this degree is designed for bachelor's degree holders, nurses with a master's degree could qualify for the school's advanced placement DNP option.

DNP program enrollees enjoy a budget-friendly tuition rate. NWOSU also helps students save with federal financial aid.

Average in-state tuition: $400 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $654 per credit

Financial aid: Learners attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University can use federal student aid to lower costs.

Accreditation: HLC

3. Oklahoma State University

Students ready to advance their careers in education, healthcare, and forensic science can find accredited online doctoral degrees at Oklahoma State University. Programs include the EdD in applied educational studies, Doctorate of Health Care Administration (DHCA), Doctor of Forensic Sciences (DFS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in fire and emergency management administration.

To help enrollees pay for these programs, academic departments offer assistantships and scholarships. Federal aid is also available.

Average in-state tuition: Starting at $233.80 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $364 per credit

Financial aid: Students can make doctoral degree programs more affordable using assistantships, scholarships, and federal aid.

Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Oklahoma

The EdD in educational administration at the University of Oklahoma is a 100% online, 54-credit degree that students complete in as few as 36 months. This program, which includes tracks in PK-12 educational leadership and higher education leadership, prepares students for advanced roles in school-district level education, academia, and nonprofit organizations.

Learners enrolled online at OU Online can qualify for the OU Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver & Fee Exemption if they work as full-time employees of the university. Other financial aid options include employer benefits, student loans, and military benefits.

Average in-state tuition: $550 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $550 per credit

Financial aid: Students earning a doctoral degree at OU can boost savings with a tuition waiver, employer and military benefits, and student loans.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Oral Roberts University

Oral Roberts University offers two distance learning programs for doctoral students. The hybrid DNP with a family nurse practitioner track, which blends online learning with an in-person residency, prepares students for advanced nursing roles. Mid-to-senior working professionals eager to enhance their business careers can pursue the Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) with specializations in applied research, strategic foresight, and more.

Individuals seeking accredited online schools that accept FAFSA will find that ORU offers many financial aid options, including loans, scholarships, and military discounts.

Average in-state tuition: $640 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $640 per credit

Financial aid: ORU offers scholarships, student loans, military discounts, and other financial aid for graduate students.

Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Tulsa

BSN-prepared registered nurses ready to take their careers to the next level can find an online DNP with a family nurse practitioner focus at the University of Tulsa. This program, which prepares students for licensure as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), offers 100% online courses and real-world practicum experiences with a local preceptor.

Enrollees seeking financial support can use federal aid to fund their degrees. Oklahoma's Nursing Student Assistance Program, loan forgiveness, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement can also reduce costs.

Average in-state tuition: $775 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $775 per credit

Financial aid: Learners can make their degrees more affordable with scholarships, loan forgiveness, tuition reimbursement, the state's Nursing Student Assistance Program, federal aid, and more.

Accreditation: HLC

7. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Students interested in online doctoral programs in business or nursing can find two degree options at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. The DNP in executive leadership is a 100% online program with two pathways to completion: the BSN to DNP and the post-masters DNP. OKWU's Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), a fully online accelerated degree, opens doors to senior-level positions and academic roles in universities and research institutions.

While enrolled in these programs, learners can reduce costs with federal student aid. Outside scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and veterans benefits are also available.

Average in-state tuition: $799 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $799 per credit

Financial aid: Students pursuing doctoral degrees at OKWU can use scholarships, tuition assistance, military benefits, and federal aid to save.

Accreditation: HLC

Explore Online PhD Programs

Take the next step toward an exciting experience in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs at Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn how these institutions can help you excel academically and in your career.