Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Virginia?

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.

Earning a doctoral degree is one way to increase your desirability in the job market. It's also a major investment in your time and budget, and you may be curious about the availability of free PhD programs online. Read on to find out more about fully funded online PhD programs.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Virginia?

There are no Virginia schools or universities currently offering fully funded online PhD programs. There are, however, significant ways to reduce the overall cost of your online doctoral program. Funding sources include scholarships, grants, work-study programs, fellowships, and low-interest-rate student loans.

Tuition-free online colleges can provide Virginia learners another opportunity to earn a free doctorate degree online.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

PhD funding is traditionally tied to in-person employment. In addition to taking classes, doctoral students will often serve as research assistants or teaching assistants to faculty members. This partnership provides the school with much-needed support, and doctoral students gain a deeper understanding of academia.

Additional financial support comes from fellowships, grants, and scholarships; these may be institutional (from the school itself) or from independent organizations. Federal aid is another major source of funding. You can determine your eligibility through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Note that the schools featured below are all accredited online schools that accept FAFSA.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Doctoral degree program funding covers tuition and enrollment fees in the form of a tuition waiver. Stipends that cover cost-of-living expenses (like housing, meals, and transportation) are another standard form of PhD funding.

Some programs offer healthcare benefits as part of the award package; others cover travel and research project costs. Funding varies depending on your field of study and school of choice.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Virginia

While the following Virginia schools do not offer fully free PhD programs online, they do offer quality degree programs at relatively low-cost tuition rates. Doctoral degree programs include specializations in computer science, public health, and social work.

Unique to Virginia residents is the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG). This program awards eligible graduate students up to $5,000 towards tuition fees per semester. VTAG is an excellent funding resource for affordable online PhD programs.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private, nonprofit institution that features extensive programming for online learners. PhD students may pursue online degrees in communication, music education, strategic leadership, and more. You can save on tuition by transferring credits up to 50% of your degree total and enrolling in classes as a full-time student.

Average in-state tuition: $610 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $610 per credit

Financial aid: Students determine their eligibility for federal aid by applying for FAFSA. Liberty University provides additional financial support with scholarships, interest-free payment plans, and discounts for military members and first responders.

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

2. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) is based in Norfolk, VA, and offers a wide range of degree programs to on-campus and online students alike. Popular online PhD programs include educational leadership, public administration and policy, and English. ODU alumni returning for a graduate degree are eligible for the Monarch Pride scholarship.

Average in-state tuition: $620 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $642 per credit

Financial aid: ODU encourages its students to apply for FAFSA. Old Dominion University also offers scholarships and military benefits.

Accreditation: SACSCOS

3. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA) has provided high-quality higher education to its Charlottesville student body since 1819. In recent years, the university has expanded its programming to include online learning, from bachelor's degrees to doctoral degrees. UVA currently features one online doctoral degree: a Doctor of Education specializing in curriculum and instruction. This self-paced, part-time program is designed to accommodate working educators.

Average in-state tuition: $622 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $622 per credit

Financial aid: In addition to accepting FAFSA, the university provides financial support for students through scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and loans. UVA offers special funding opportunities for doctoral students earning degrees in education.

Accreditation: SACSCOS

4. Hampton University

There are several online doctoral programs available at Hampton University, including business administration, counselor education and supervision, and education management. Online coursework and total credit hours vary by degree program; some, like the Doctor of Philosophy in nursing, may be taken on a part-time basis. Graduate students at Hampton University are eligible for up to $10,125 annually in tuition assistance through VTAG.

Average in-state tuition: $695 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $695 per credit

Financial aid: Federal student aid is a major source of financial support for students at Hampton University. The school provides institutional scholarships and military benefits for active service duty members and veterans.

Accreditation: SACSCOS

5. Regent University

Located in Virginia Beach, Regent University is a private, nonprofit school with a wide scope of online doctoral degrees. According to U.S. News & World Report, Regent University consistently ranks among the top graduate schools in the country. Fields of study range from communication to organizational leadership to clinical psychology. Note that tuition fees are the same for both full-time and part-time doctoral students.

Average in-state tuition: $900

Average out-of-state tuition: $900

Financial aid: More than 80% of Regent University students receive financial aid in the form of federal and state grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Accreditation: SACSCOS

Explore Online PhD Programs

If you've earned your master's degree and are ready to take the next step in your online education, connect with the institutions on Learn.org to find out more.