Are There Free PhD Programs Online in Washington?

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.

If you're a resident of Washington state and would like to find out more about affordable and free PhD programs online, keep reading. In this article, we'll discuss fully funded online PhD programs and what it takes to get a free doctorate degree online if your program isn't fully funded.

Are There Any Fully Funded PhD Programs in Washington?

The University of Washington offers several partially and fully funded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs. Some of the options include:

• political science
• information science
• public policy and management

These programs may offer some online coursework but are primarily considered on-campus programs; as such, they primarily consist of in-person components. Those looking for fully funded online doctoral degree programs will have to look out of state, as there aren't tuition-free online colleges in Washington that provide truly free doctoral degrees for remote learners.

What Does PhD Funding Cover?

Both fully and partially funded online doctoral programs are financed in numerous ways. Scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, grants, and stipends are just a few of the ways doctoral students can pay for their education.

In general, these types of financial aid can cover a variety of expenses, including tuition, fees, room and board, research projects, and more. They are available to provide financial support for graduate students in whatever ways they may need.

That said, funding options may not cover all expenses, even in fully funded programs. For example, students may receive tuition waivers but may still have to pay some fees or material costs. Additionally, some scholarships may be applied toward specific costs, such as tuition and fees, but not others, like room and board.

How Do I Receive PhD Funding?

PhD students can receive PhD funding by winning scholarships, grants, and other need- or merit-based awards, but in many cases, the funding will be attached to some form of student teaching or employment. Assistantships and fellowships are the most common.

Assistantships are available to students willing to work as teaching assistants or research assistants while completing their doctoral program. Fellowships may involve special teaching or research assignments in their specific area of study.

Graduate students attending accredited online schools that accept FAFSA may also receive government financial aid in the form of grants, student loans, and work-study programs. These types of aid are generally need-based and are less competitive than fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and private or institutional grants.

Low-Cost Online Doctoral and PhD Programs in Washington

Though there are no fully funded online doctoral degrees in Washington, you can still pursue a high-quality and affordable advanced degree in your state. Let's look at some of the most affordable online schools in Washington providing affordable online PhD programs.

1. Western Washington University

Western Washington University is a public school headquartered in Bellingham. It provides a Doctor of Education (EdD) in education leadership that students can complete online or in person at the school's Everett campus.

The school provides various funding opportunities for graduate students, including research and teaching assistantships. Travel grants, scholarships, stipends, and other forms of financial support may also be available to cover tuition fees and other expenses.

Average in-state tuition: $12,167

Average out-of-state tuition: $25,285

Financial aid: scholarships, assistantships, research stipends, student loans, grants

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. City University of Seattle

City University of Seattle is a private university offering flexible program for students at every educational level. Three online doctoral programs are available, as follows:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Information Technology
• EdD in leadership

These flexible programs help students develop leadership skills through full-time or part-time study options. Affordable tuition rates combine with scholarships, grants, and various other forms of aid to help students graduate without breaking the bank.

Average in-state tuition: $12,167

Average out-of-state tuition: $12,167

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, student loans, state and federal aid

Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Washington State University

Washington State University is a large public school located in Pullman. It offers an online doctoral degree in field crop management that helps students pursue advanced careers in agriculture and agronomy.

The program contains some hands-on components that must be completed in person, typically at a location convenient to you. Various scholarships are available to help students reduce their financial burden, along with internship opportunities and other types of funding.

Average in-state tuition: $12,675

Average out-of-state tuition: $27,842

Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, state and federal aid, student loans

Accreditation: NWCCU

Other Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Online learning opportunities make it possible to study from the comfort of your own home � no matter where your school is located. With that in mind, let's look at a couple of top out-of-state schools offering fully funded online doctoral degrees.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a prestigious private, nonprofit school in Los Angeles, CA. It offers online doctoral degree programs in several specializations, including:

• social work
• physical therapy
• mental health leadership

Many of these programs prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare, education, and academia. The school strives to provide full funding for all doctoral students through a combination of tuition coverage, stipends, and health benefits. Other forms of funding are also available.

Average in-state tuition: $66,640

Average out-of-state tuition: $66,640

Financial aid: Fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, grants, student loans

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

George Washington University

George Washington University is a private school in Washington, D.C., with a large online enrollment. It offers a wide range of online graduate degrees, including several doctoral programs in systems engineering

and artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with post-bachelor's degree and post-master's degree options.

Not all programs are fully funded, but many PhD students receive full funding packages. Various forms of financial aid are available to help students in non-fully funded programs afford their education.

Average in-state tuition: $35,100

Average out-of-state tuition: $35,100

Financial aid: Scholarships, tuition assistance, fellowships, assistantships, student loans, military benefits

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Explore Online PhD Programs

If you're ready to explore cheap or free PhD programs online, check out the schools featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of the universities to find out about their online education opportunities and choose the best program for you.