online phd free tuition

Best Free Online Ph.D. Programs of 2024

Written by Blanca Villagomez

Updated: October 1, 2023

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Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Once you’ve earned a Ph.D., you’ll be able to enjoy career benefits such as a higher average salary and lower unemployment . The high tuition for these programs may put you off. It is not uncommon for the listed tuition for online Ph.D. programs to exceed $1,000 per credit.

But is that really what a Ph.D. program would cost you? According to the 2021 Survey of Earned Doctorates , most doctorate recipients in every field except psychology report holding absolutely no debt related to their graduate education. By selecting an affordable school and taking advantage of resources such as assistantships and dissertation grants, you may be able to eliminate the cost of earning your Ph.D. entirely. This guide will show you how to reduce the expenses associated with Ph.D. programs as much as possible.

How to Get a Ph.D. For Free

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates referenced above, only 15.3% of doctorate recipients relied on their own money as their primary source of financial support for earning their degree. Below, we’ll show you how to become part of the 85% that can use outside resources to fund their online Ph.D. program.

Avoid non-accredited degree mills

Before we get into the different types of financial resources available for online Ph.D. students, it’s important to note that some programs should be avoided altogether.

You should make sure that any private college you’re considering is a nonprofit organization. Many private for-profit organizations that offer online degree programs, especially those that claim to offer “free” degree programs, are actually degree mills. This means they operate like a postsecondary institution even though they don’t have the proper accreditation to award legitimate degrees.

Degree mills focus more on generating revenue than providing high-quality education. They often attract users by advertising free tuition, only to charge an assortment of other fees (exam fees, graduation fees, etc.). If you attend a degree mill, you’ll likely waste a lot of money on a program that doesn’t have qualified instructors or an effective curriculum. Worse yet, employers generally don’t respect degrees earned from these institutions, so it won’t even help you advance your career.

There are a few ways to determine whether a college is legitimate. First, if a school’s domain name doesn’t end in “.edu,” that’s a big red flag. Even a “.org” suffix is suspicious, and you certainly shouldn’t trust any online college that ends in “.com.”

You can also use the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to review a school’s accreditation records. Look for the names of CHEA-recognized accrediting organizations . Colleges approved by one of these organizations are held to strict standards for academic quality, ensuring that students will be prepared to enter their chosen field upon graduation. This is what employers want to see.

See if you qualify for any scholarships or grants

24.2% of doctorate recipients use fellowships, scholarships, or dissertation grants as the primary source of funding for their doctorate program. We recommend reaching out to the financial aid offices of the schools you’re considering to see what they offer for new Ph.D. students, and you should check out the scholarships provided by private organizations as well.

After submitting your FAFSA each year, apply for any of these financial aid options that you may qualify for. Be sure to research these opportunities as soon as you can, as this will help you avoid missing key deadlines.

Here are a few examples to give you an idea of exactly how these award programs work:

• Meta Research Ph.D. Fellowship Program: This award is for Ph.D. students researching certain areas of computer science and engineering relevant to Meta (the parent company of Facebook), such as database systems and virtual reality. To apply, students must send a resume, research statement, and two letters of recommendation. Fellows receive a total stipend of $42,000.
• CAPCSD Ph.D. Scholarships: Every year, the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders awards $20,000 to students enrolled in a Ph.D. program for communication sciences and disorders. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, a summary of their research dissertation plan, and a letter of support from their research advisor signed by the program director.
• Russell Sage Foundation Dissertation Research Grants: This award of up to $10,000 is for doctoral students researching topics related to the Russell Sage Foundation’s mission of improving social and living conditions in the United States. Funds from this program must be used specifically for dissertation research expenses, such as study participant incentives, laboratory costs, and travel.

You can check out our scholarship database for more information on this subject.

Find a fully funded Ph.D. program

Finally, 21.3% of doctorate recipients fund most of their degree expenses from teaching assistantships, and another 34.7% primarily receive funding from research assistantships and traineeships.

These resources are often packaged with Ph.D. programs to form a “fully funded” Ph.D. option. In exchange for working at your university in a teaching or research role, they’ll cover the cost of your tuition. Such programs may also offer benefits like health insurance, a stipend for living expenses, and tuition waivers. Just keep in mind that fully funded Ph.D. programs tend to be highly competitive, so you’ll likely need to be a top student in order to take advantage of these benefits.

The 50 Best Free Online Ph.D. Programs

intelligent score 99.17

#14 Start Skool

School Information

New York, NY

Graduation Rate: 85%

Admission Rate: 13%

Urbanicity: City

School Size: Large

Delivery Format Online, On-Campus

Required Credits to Graduate 27-36

Estimated Cost per Credit With Funding Packages for Full-Time PhD Students

accreditation

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 212-998-5825

intelligent score 97.87

#4 The Grad Cafe #23 Start Skool

Graduation Rate: 96%

Admission Rate: 6%

School Size: Medium

Delivery Format Online

Required Credits to Graduate 51

Estimated Cost per Credit Offers a number of scholarships and fellowships for funding

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 919-660-3436

intelligent score 97.84

#17 Start Skool

Graduation Rate: 88%

Admission Rate: 19%

Required Credits to Graduate 33

Estimated Cost per Credit Offers Scholarships and Financial Aid

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-353-2696

intelligent score 93.69

#20 Start Skool

Washington, DC

Graduation Rate: 79%

Admission Rate: 64%

Required Credits to Graduate 40

Estimated Cost per Credit $1,918 Offers Partnerships, Discounts, and Scholarships

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 202-807-6173

How We Rank Schools

This list features some of the country’s best free online Ph.D. programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best free online Ph.D. programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The Best Free PhD Programs. Fully funded PhD programs

Navigating the complexities of PhD programs, one term often dominates the discourse – “fully funded”.

It represents a golden opportunity wherein all tuition fees and living expenses are covered by the educational institution, allowing students to focus on their research and studies free from financial constraints.

In this blog post, we explore what fully funded really means, share the author’s personal journey of pursuing a PhD in Australia, delve into the policies of various countries offering free or nearly free PhD programs, and provide key tips for securing a fully funded PhD opportunity.

Whether you’re considering a domestic program or an international adventure, the insights and tips offered here could pave the way to an invaluable, financially stress-free academic journey.

What Does Fully Funded Mean?

In 2023, the concept of a “fully funded” PhD program signifies that the entirety of expenses related to the doctoral program is covered. This includes tuition fees, which are either waived or entirely paid for by the educational institution.

Beyond tuition, the program also encompasses a living stipend or allowance given to doctoral students. 

Fully funded PhD programs essentially function as a comprehensive scholarship, covering everything from tuition fees to books and other necessary supplies.

While the stipend amount can vary based on the institution, it is generally sufficient to cater to the basic living expenses of the students, covering rent, food, and transportation costs.

The main aim of providing this stipend to doctoral students is to facilitate a learning environment where they can focus entirely on their studies, research, and dissertation, without the distraction of financial pressures. 

Universities, including public ones, offer these fully funded doctoral programs with the intention to draw in the best students.

These students, in turn, are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of research in their respective fields and derive a high-quality education from their doctorates.

It is important to note that eligibility for these scholarships or stipends requires proof of commitment to the doctoral degree. In my experience, this meant securing a top-class master’s degree. This reassured the university of my dedication to pursuing a PhD and furthering my education.

In recent years, there has been a rise in such fully funded programs online , offering a wider reach for prospective PhDs.

As we move further into 2023, students may increasingly opt for these online PhD programmes, making the pursuit of doctoral degrees more accessible than ever.

Countries with a free PhD / fully funded PhD

Sometimes doing a free PhD means going abroad and doing your PhD in another country.

Personally, I travelled to Australia to do my PhD for the adventure and lifestyle. I was able to get a fully funded placement and international student fee waiver for three years to finish my degree.

Here’s a summary of some of the best countries you could do you PhD in if you want to do it for free.

In the Czech Republic , public universities host a multitude of English-language PhD programs and these programs are free for all PhD students, irrespective of their nationality. However, additional costs may be incurred by international students which might include language courses, health insurance, or student services fees, depending on the university policies.

Sweden maintains a unique policy that not only eradicates PhD fees at public universities but also provides study grants to some PhD students, which serves as a financial aid for their living expenses during the tenure of their studies.

In Germany , public universities offer feeless PhD programs to all students. However, a nominal administration fee, approximately €300 per semester, is required. This fee usually covers student services and perks like public transportation and access to university facilities.

Austria ‘s policy benefits PhD students from within the EU and EEA who complete their doctorates within a stipulated time frame, offering free education at public research universities. International students, on the other hand, have to pay fees, which, nonetheless, are capped by the Austrian government to maintain affordability.

Norway , like its Nordic counterparts, offers free PhD education at public universities to all students, regardless of their origin. But a small semester fee, usually covering student services, is obligatory.

Denmark also practices a policy of free PhD education for EU, EEA, and Swiss students at public universities, but international students are required to pay fees, which are generally on the higher side compared to other European countries.

Finland doesn’t discriminate in terms of nationality and offers free PhD studies at public universities. However, international students are charged for their Masters programs.

Saudi Arabia stands out with its unique policy where all PhD students are awarded scholarships that automatically cover their education fees, as well as help them with living expenses.

In the Netherlands , PhD study isn’t universally free, but many institutions extend the offer of free PhD study to international postgraduates. Some universities consider the PhD students as university employees, offering them a waiver on fees and potentially a salary or benefits.

Switzerland , although not offering free PhD studies, keeps its fees low at around CHF 1500 per year at public universities. State-funded PhD positions are also available to EU, EEA, and Swiss students that come with no fees and a maintenance grant.

Top tips for finding a PhD for free.

Here are the top tips I would give you when Choosing a free PhD.

• Apply to STEM programs: Many PhD (and Master’s) programs, especially in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) fields, are fully funded in the US. Most state schools and Ivy League schools have fully funded programs for these fields.
• Prepare for stiff competition: Because these programs are fully funded, the competition is high. It’s not uncommon for hundreds or even thousands of students to apply to these programs each year, with only a small fraction being accepted.
• Consider assistantships: Fully-funded programs usually provide a stipend in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions. These roles involve either teaching or conducting research under a professor’s supervision.
• Be ready for some costs: Despite tuition being covered, you may still need to cover some school fees, student insurance, and other miscellaneous expenditures.
• Don’t consider unfunded programs: Many graduate programs do not fund students, but experts advise against attending these schools. The availability of funding indicates the health of the department in terms of research money and growth.
• Work on your application: The application process generally starts around September to December. Standardized tests such as GRE and TOEFL/IELTS are required, along with transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
• Avoid programs that require you to pay: It’s a common sentiment among experts that if you’re paying to be a PhD student, there might be something wrong with the program.
• Apply for fellowships: There are graduate fellowships available for international students that cover tuition and offer a monthly stipend.

Fully funded online PhD programs in the US

Here are some examples of PhD programs in the states that are free and fully funded:

• Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at UCLA are automatically considered for various funding options. A six-year funding package includes “a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support, and up to four years of teaching assistantships.” Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Connecticut

• At Yale University, the School of Nursing offers full funding to its Ph.D. students. They receive a monthly stipend for four years in addition to paid tuition and health care.

District of Columbia

• Georgetown University offers scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years to students in its PhD program in computer science.
• Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding. The stipend provided to students is $36,376 per year for five years, starting in fall 2023, and the full tuition scholarship is worth $70,200 per year. Funding for admitted students also includes a $4,370 annual subsidy that covers 100% of a student’s cost of health insurance. First-year students have no stipend-related work requirements.
• The University of Chicago provides funding for up to eight years of study for its anthropology PhD students. This includes a full-tuition scholarship, health insurance, and a living stipend of $33,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year. Students are also eligible to apply for external fellowships.
• University of Notre Dame doctoral students are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance.
• The Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa provides full funding to “virtually all admitted students.” This includes tuition and fees, a minimum nine-month stipend of about $20,000 with annual adjustments, and 90% coverage of comprehensive health insurance. Additional funding is also provided for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships, and paid time off for independent research.
• At the University of Maryland’s Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ph.D. students without a master’s degree usually have five years of guaranteed funding. Those with a master’s degree usually are funded four years, with awards stemming from a mix of departmental fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships.

Massachusetts

• The T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University offers a PhD in biological sciences in public health, providing expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend, and health insurance for five years, assuming students maintain satisfactory academic progress. Current research involves diseases such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria, and tuberculosis.
• Students enrolled at the Sloan School of Management at MIT have the opportunity to study various fields, such as organization studies, accounting, and information technology. They receive a full-tuition scholarship, a monthly stipend of $4,267, medical insurance, new laptops at the start of their first and fourth years of study, and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.
• Doctoral students studying English at Boston University receive a stipend plus full tuition, fees, and basic health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years, with two of those years typically free from teaching requirements. Funding can sometimes be extended up to seven years, but it’s not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships, and short-term research and travel grants.
• Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance. The exact amount can vary and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.
• Students admitted to the Ph.D. program to study psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities are guaranteed full funding for five years as long as they maintain satisfactory performance and degree progress. This funding includes full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend, and subsidized health insurance.
• PhD students in computer science or computer engineering at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support, health insurance, a generous stipend for living expenses, and a new high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as long as students continue to make satisfactory progress towards their degree.
• Full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. students are eligible for a funding package that includes an annual stipend – $32,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year – tuition coverage for required coursework and student health insurance for five years.
• All students admitted to the interdisciplinary management Ph.D. program at the Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York receive a combination of a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for each academic year, up to four years.
• Cornell University offers full funding to all students admitted to its PhD program in chemical engineering. This funding can come from a teaching assistantship, research assistantship, or fellowship, and full stipends are granted for nine months, with the likelihood of additional aid in the summer.
• Columbia University provides fully funded tuition and a $25,000 annual stipend for three years to students enrolled in its PhD program in clinical psychology. This stipend also carries into the student’s fourth year, during which they may be expected to serve as a graduate teaching or research assistant.

North Carolina

• Doctoral students at Duke University studying materials science and engineering generally receive full tuition, a stipend, and fee support for the first five years. Students also receive up to six years of health insurance if they are on the university’s student medical insurance plan.

Pennsylvania

• The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education provides full funding to Ph.D. students as part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package. This funding includes a living stipend, health insurance and coverage of tuition and fees for up to four years if the student maintains full-time enrollment. Some students may also qualify for additional summer funding.
• Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College’s Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and “substantial stipends” toward living expenses.

Rhode Island

• Brown University guarantees full financial support for five years to its PhD students in computer science. This includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees, and a subsidy for health insurance.
• Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt University. This includes full tuition, a “competitive” monthly stipend, and health insurance for up to four years.
• Rice University offers full financial assistance to students admitted to the PhD program at the Jones Graduate School of Business. This includes a research or teaching assistantship, a tuition waiver, and a $40,000 annual stipend, contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress and full-time student status.
• All students admitted to the University of Virginia’s Ph.D. in Nursing program are eligible for four years of scholarship funding to cover tuition, insurance, and fees, as well as annual stipends. To receive certain aid, students must work 10 hours per week as a graduate teaching assistant.

Washington D.C.

• American University offers doctoral students in its international relations program who do not have external funding a renewable four-year Dean’s Fellowship that is contingent on making satisfactory academic progress. The fellowship includes the cost of tuition, fees, and a stipend that must be earned via a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant.
• The University of Wisconsin—Madison guarantees full funding for the duration of the time doctoral students are expected to be on campus. This funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships, and/or traineeships. In addition, doctoral students receive a benefits package that includes health insurance.

Wrapping up

This comprehensive article delves into everything you need to know about free PhD programs, also known as fully funded PhD programs, including the essential details, benefits, and potential challenges that students may encounter.

The term “free PhD” generally refers to a fully funded program that covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses, allowing students to complete their PhD studies without financial burden.

It is crucial to understand why you should never enter a PhD program without proper funding. Hence, pursuing a free or fully funded PhD should be a priority for all PhD students, regardless of nationality or field of study.

These programs may be offered both online and on-campus by various top universities around the world.

Fully funded PhD programs cater to both international and local students, including those pursuing a traditional PhD, online doctorate, or an accelerated executive doctorate of education.

For instance, fully funded online PhD programs in fields like business administration, education policy, and social work in clinical practice are available for students who hold master’s or bachelor’s degrees.

The duration of these programs may range from 1 year for fast-track or shortest doctoral programs to several years for other disciplines. Moreover, many programs focus on specialization in subjects like higher education policy, laboratory research, and much more.

One of the perks of these programs is that many institutions provide a stipend to cover living expenses during the course of study, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their research without worrying about financial constraints.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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2024 Best Fully Funded Online PhD Programs [Doctoral Guide]

In a world where education is a cornerstone of personal and professional development, fully funded online PhD programs stand out as beacons of opportunity. They offer a gateway to advanced knowledge without the burden of financial stress.

These programs not only promise to cover your tuition but may also provide stipends, making it possible for you to focus on your studies and research. From explaining what “fully funded” really means to helping to navigate you through the sea of requirements and options, we’re here to guide you.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

We’ll explore how these programs work, what you can expect, and how to get a PhD without a financial headache.

Fully Funded PhD Programs Online

Diving into the realm of fully funded online PhD programs may allow you to turn the dream of obtaining a doctorate without financial burdens into a palpable reality. Imagine embarking on this highest level of academic pursuit with tuition, fees, and even living expenses covered.

This model is a game-changer, especially when compared to traditional PhD funding models, where juggling teaching assistantships, research, and external employment is often necessary.

Fully Funded PhD Programs: The Essentials

• Tuition and fees are covered in full, so you can focus on your studies without financial stress.
• PhD stipends provide regular payments to support your living expenses, making it easier to commit to your research full-time.
• Additional perks are often offered, such as funding for travel, research materials, and possibly health insurance.

Traditional PhD Funding Models

• Many students in traditional programs must pay out of pocket or take on loans.
• Some students receive partial scholarships but still need to work or secure additional funding.
• Balancing teaching assistantships and external employment with studies is often challenging.

What sets fully funded programs apart isn’t just the financial relief. It’s the peace of mind that comes with it.

Students can focus solely on their research and studies, rather than worrying about how they’ll afford next semester’s tuition or whether they can make rent while finishing their dissertation. This focused environment can significantly enhance both the quality and speed of academic achievement.

Interestingly, a report from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) highlights an encouraging trend. Most doctorate recipients in fields outside of psychology report holding absolutely no debt related to their graduate education.

This statistic underscores the impact of fully funded programs in making debt-free doctorates a reality for many students. It’s crucial to note, though, that not all fully funded programs are created equal, and the specifics can vary widely between institutions. Some cover just the basics, while others include generous stipends, travel grants, and research funding.

The key is to find a program that not only fits your academic and research interests but also offers the level of funding that meets your needs.

Funding Your Doctorate Degree

While the road to funding your online PhD can appear daunting, the presence of numerous options may make it unexpectedly smooth. With the right awards and financial aid, you may even be able to earn a free doctorate degree online.

Here are a few ways you may be able to fund your degree:

• Scholarships : Scholarships for PhD students can help cut down tuition costs significantly. These awards don’t require repayment and are often offered based on achievements or background.
• Grants : Like scholarships, grants offer free money, usually based on financial need.
• Fellowships : Offering more than just tuition coverage, fellowships can provide stipends for living expenses.
• Work-study and assistantships : These provide an opportunity to engage in teaching or research roles that not only waive tuition fees but also provide invaluable experience.

Many students use a blend of these types of funding to pursue their degrees. According to the NCSES, these are the primary sources of support for doctorate recipients.

The right funding can help make achieving your doctoral degree a reality. You can start opening the doors to these opportunities by completing the FAFSA .

Admissions for Fully Funded Doctoral Programs

Embarking on a fully funded online PhD journey requires navigating through a set of eligibility criteria and admission requirements. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll likely need to get your application noticed:

• Bachelor’s degree : This is a foundational requirement, signaling your readiness for advanced study.
• Master’s degree : While not always required, possessing a master’s degree can enhance your application, especially in fields where advanced coursework or research experience gained during a master’s program is valued.
• GRE scores : Many programs still value these scores as a measure of your academic abilities.
• Recommendation letters : Many applications require statements from mentors or professors who can vouch for your potential.
• Statement of purpose : This is your chance to articulate your academic interests, research goals, and why you’re a perfect fit for the program.

Having a strong academic record is crucial, but your clear, compelling research goals can truly set you apart. They show programs exactly why you belong in their incoming doctoral cohort.

Advantages of Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Diving into a fully funded online PhD offers many potential benefits that can help make your academic journey rewarding and manageable.

These are some common advantages of a fully funded online PhD program:

• No need to relocate : An online program allows you to study from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Financial relief : Tuition costs and maybe even some living expenses may be covered.
• Flexibility : It is typically easier to balance studies with personal and professional commitments
• Enhanced career prospects : According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , higher education correlates with lower unemployment rates and increased earnings.

Fully funded online PhD programs offer a blend of convenience, financial savings, and flexibility that can help open the doors to academic and professional growth.

Addressing Challenges and Considerations

While the potential perks of pursuing a fully funded online PhD are substantial, it’s important to consider the challenges that may come from pursuing one of these programs.

Here are some potential drawbacks of fully funded online PhD programs to consider:

• Competitive admission : The application process for these programs is typically extremely competitive due to high demand.
• Requires self-discipline : Your success will depend on your ability to manage time effectively and stay motivated without a traditional classroom structure.
• Potential for isolation : Limited face-to-face interaction may lead to feelings of isolation from peers and mentors.

Awareness of these disadvantages is key to preparing for a fully funded online PhD program. With a proactive approach, these hurdles can be overcome. According to the US Census Bureau , in 2022, 14% of US adults 25 and older were able to overcome the challenges and earn degrees beyond a bachelor’s.

What Can You Get a PhD In?

Deciding to pursue a PhD opens a world of possibilities, and you’ll likely have many options to explore when finding the program perfectly tailored to your passions and career ambitions.

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates , these are some common fields that people pursue PhDs in:

• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
• Health and medicine
• Social sciences and humanities
• Business and management

Each of these fields offers unique paths to building your expertise and chances to make an impact in your chosen field. Whether you’re drawn to the intricacies of molecular biology or the complexities of human behavior, there’s likely a PhD program out there for you.

How Can I Find Fully Funded Online PhD Programs in a Specific Field of Study?

With a bit of careful planning, your journey toward finding free PhD programs online can feel less like a dream and more within reach.

Here are some tips for starting your search:

• Research : Start by compiling a list of programs that interest you. Websites like US News offer rankings and details that can help narrow down your options.
• University websites : Dive into specific university pages for detailed program and funding information.
• Networking : Reach out to current students or alumni for insights on their experiences.
• Academic advisors : Consult with advisors or faculty members in your field for recommendations and guidance.

According to US News, the effort you put into searching for the right program can significantly pay off in your academic and career success.

Universities Offering Fully Funded PhD Degree Programs Online

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer fully funded PhD programs online or in a hybrid format.

Barry University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Brown University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Indiana University – Bloomington is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

New York University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University at Buffalo is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

USC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The University of Wisconsin – Madison is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Paving Your Way to a Fully Funded Online PhD

Starting your journey toward an online PhD with full funding isn’t just a lofty aspiration—it’s a real possibility.

The world is rich in options and support. You can take the first step toward transforming your future by exploring accredited universities that align with your dreams.

Why wait? You can dive into the possibilities today to find the program that speaks to you, including online PhD programs for working professionals . These programs are designed for flexibility and ease, making it possible for you to manage your career alongside your pursuit of higher education.

Your next big adventure in learning is just around the corner, ready for you to make your mark.

We have 255 free tuition online PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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free tuition online PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Biopharmaceutics tools for long acting injectables, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

ESSEC Business School

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

France PhD Programme

A French PhD usually takes 3-4 years and often involves additional training and courses alongside research towards an original thesis. This will be assessed by external examiners before being presented at a public examination and eventually awarded with one of three grades. Some programmes are delivered in English.

Investigating the self-organizing properties of cardiac cells in vivo

Competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Bioelectric signalling in cardiac valve development

E-fuels for low emission gas turbine combustors: epsrc phd studentship, develop high-accuracy prediction models with small datasets and uncertainty of one-sided information in the free-market system phd, self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Combinatorial Artificial Intelligence for Defence Applications

Fast optimisation of wind and tidal-stream turbine arrays, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

The health and wellbeing impacts of poor-quality urban environments

Funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Condition monitoring and non-destructive testing of dynamic cable for offshore renewable energy industry

Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of tumour microstructure in glioblastoma, neurosymbolic goal and plan recognition, a unifying framework for understanding root form and function, power scaling strategies for continuous-wave and short pulse fibre lasers operating in the two-micron wavelength band, competition funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project is one of a number of projects at this institution. It is in competition for funding with one or more of these projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding. The funding is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Generation after next fibre lasers for defence and security applications

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15 Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs – 2024

April 24, 2024

If you’re looking to attain a terminal degree but want to skip the commute to campus, an online doctoral program might be a great option for you. As our world becomes increasingly digital, many top universities have branched out into online learning, offering online PhD and doctoral programs that are just as rigorous as their in-person counterparts. Online graduate education can offer aspiring doctoral students flexibility, a high-quality education, and the option to continue working while pursuing a degree.

Many of the universities below in our round-up of the best online doctoral programs offer degrees in education—a common track for teachers looking to advance their careers. But universities across the country offer a wide range of degrees in everything from engineering management to library science. Read on for everything you need to know as you consider applying.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctoral Degree Online?

Online doctoral programs are often designed with full-time professionals in mind, prioritizing flexibility so that you can complete your degree at your own pace. Program lengths will vary, but most will take four to seven years. For students who need to take things slower, many programs offer options to spread degree requirements out over time. When applying, here are a few good questions to ask your admissions officer:

• How long do most graduate students take to complete their degrees?
• Are there flexible options for how many courses you’ll take per term?
• Will you pay tuition per semester or per credit hour? If paying by credit hour, will you able to choose how many classes you take each semester?
• Will you be required to write a dissertation? If so, how long do students usually take to write them?

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Is an Online PhD Program a Good Fit for Me?

There’s no denying it: online doctoral programs are different than traditional ones. Many traditional PhD programs are designed for future academics, aka for graduate students who intend to apply for jobs as university professors after graduation. Traditional PhD programs are full-time, research-focused, in-person, and often offer graduate students funding in exchange for teaching or research assistant responsibilities. Online doctoral programs do also involve research, but most online graduate students are not full-time students. Rather, many students enrolled in online doctoral programs are working professionals who attend classes in the evenings or asynchronously. With that in mind, an online program can be a fantastic opportunity to further your current career.

An online doctorate program could be a great fit for you if:

• You want to advance your career. A doctorate can lead to further opportunities for promotion and certain fields offer automatic pay increases for people with advanced degrees.
• You love research and want to develop expertise in a topic that fascinates you.
• You learn well in online settings, including asynchronous classes.
• You plan to continue working while you study.

Online doctoral programs typically do not offer their students funding, though there may be scholarships and grants available to you.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – What to Consider When Choosing an Online Doctorate Program

Since a doctorate can take 4-7 years or more to complete, choosing the right school for you is a huge decision. Our list below dives into many details you’ll need to know like acceptance rate, retention rate, and cost of tuition. It’s important to consider big-picture factors such as:

• Time to complete degree
• Professors and mentors—you’ll want to make sure you can study with faculty who have expertise in your academic interests
• Flexibility—does the program fit with your schedule? Do they require any in-person meetings?
• Graduation rate—ask your admissions officer for the most recent figures

You’ll also want to consider whether you want to pursue a PhD or a doctorate degree. If you’re pursuing a PhD, you can expect to focus more significantly on academic research and you’ll need to complete a dissertation. A doctorate is an equivalent degree that is less focused on academic research and may not require a dissertation. Doctorates can often involve more career development or hands-on practicum experience.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Are Online PhDs Respected?

Yes, online doctoral programs are just as rigorous and respected as their in-person counterparts. If you hope to earn a tenure-track faculty position at a university, it’s likely a traditional PhD program will be a better route. However, if you’re seeking a doctorate for career advancement and further learning, an online doctoral program can be a great fit. Many of the most prestigious universities offer online programs, and your diploma will likely not specify whether you completed an online or traditional degree.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – What Do I Need to Apply?

Application requirements will vary depending on the program you’re applying to. All programs will require your academic transcripts, many require letters of recommendation, and some require GRE scores. On top of that, some programs will require a personal statement or writing portfolio. Contrary to what you might think, Master’s degrees are not always required for admission to online doctoral programs.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs

1) university of florida.

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida offers 10 different online doctoral programs . Well known for its graduate programs in education, educators can pursue PhDs in educational leadership, special education, computer science education, among other options. UF also offers online programs in nursing, Latin and Roman studies, microbiology, and a few other fields. Established in 1853, UF is a flagship state university with a strong reputation.

• Graduation Rate: 89%
• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• In State Tuition: $6,380
• Out of State Tuition: $28,658
• Application Requirements: Application portfolio (sample essays or projects), GRE scores, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or graduate GPA of 3.5, letters of recommendation

2) George Washington University

George Washington University ’s Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering leads the way with the university’s most comprehensive online PhD offerings . Through them, students can pursue doctoral degrees in cybersecurity analytics, engineering in artificial intelligence, systems engineering, or engineering management. Educators can also pursue well-respected degrees in education leadership and human and organizational learning.

• Graduation Rate: 85%
• Acceptance Rate: 43%
• Tuition: $31,770
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, personal statement, letters of recommendation, academic records

3) Johns Hopkins University

• A ten-year-old program , Johns Hopkins ’ online PhD in education allows students to specialize in digital age learning, entrepreneurial leadership, urban leadership, and other topics. Note their high graduation rate: Johns Hopkins is a competitive program , but admitted students are well-supported on their path to graduation.
• Graduation Rate: 94%
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Tuition: $57,010
• Application Requirements: Master’s degree, minimum GPA of 3.0

Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs (Continued)

4) texas tech university.

Texas Tech University offers a wide range of online and hybrid PhD programs that provide their students flexibility as they work toward completing their terminal degree. An affordable university in Lubbock, Texas Tech is a great place for future doctors of education, consumer science, technical communication, engineering management, and financial planning.

• Graduation Rate: 63%
• Acceptance Rate: 70%
• In State Tuition: $6,788
• Out of State Tuition: $14,968
• Application Requirements: Academic transcripts, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

5) Iowa State University

Although Iowa State University ’s online doctorate programs require some in-person meetings, ISU may still be a good fit for online students. With more uncommon online doctoral programs in hospitality management and apparel, merchandising, and design, ISU offers flexible routes to completing your dissertation.

• Graduation Rate: 75%
• Acceptance Rate: 88%
• In State Tuition: $9,758
• Out of State Tuition: $24,720
• Application Requirements: Academic records, minimum 3.0 GPA

6) University of Alabama

Online University of Alabama students may miss out on a lively campus culture and football games, but they can still take advantage of UA’s top-notch academics. Well-known for its online education graduate programs, UA also offers programs in social work, communication and information sciences, and engineering.

• Graduation Rate: 72%
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• In State Tuition: $11,940
• Out of State Tuition: $32,300
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic records

7) University of Missouri

One of the most robust in terms of online offerings, the University of Missouri ’s online PhD classes are taught by the same professors who teach Mizzou’s in-person classes. Mizzou offers programs in education and nursing. They also allow students to pursue doctorates in harder-to-find subjects like health sciences, agriculture, architecture, and library science.

• Graduation Rate: 73%
• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• In State Tuition: $9,478
• Out of State Tuition: $25,946
• Application Requirements: Academic record, minimum GPA of 3.0, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

8) University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

One of the oldest public universities in the U.S., University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill is known as a leader in education. UNC Chapel Hill offers just three online PhDs: public health, nursing, and education. Although some online classes require in-person or proctored final exams, doctoral requirements can mostly be completed online.

• Graduation Rate: 91%
• Acceptance Rate: 25%
• In State Tuition: $9,208
• Out of State Tuition:  $36,891
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic records, letters of recommendation, personal statement

9) Georgia Southern University

Located in Savannah, Georgia Southern University works hard to create an environment of support and collaboration, even online. One of the more robust programs out there, GSU offers respected online programs in public health, nursing, education, and engineering.

• Graduation Rate: 54%
• Acceptance Rate: 91%
• In State Tuition: $4,986
• Out of State Tuition: $19,890
• Application Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0

10) Indiana University

Indiana University allows students to study at their own pace through flexible online doctoral programs. One of the only schools to offer online programs in music therapy and philanthropy leadership, IU also allows students to pursue tracks in health sciences, education, and computing and technology. Most classes are asynchronous and students can take courses through any IU campus.

• Graduation Rate: 41%
• Acceptance Rate: 92%
• In State Tuition: $9732
• Out of State Tuition: $21,160
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic record

11) Mississippi State University

A solid option for future doctors of philosophy, Mississippi State University is a research-focused and inclusive university. An especially strong option for those looking to study engineering or computer science, MSU offers 9 different majors within those fields.  MSU also offers tracks in plant science and education leadership.

• Graduation Rate: 64%
• In State Tuition: $9,398
• Out of State Tuition: $25,444
• Application Requirements: Academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement

12) Appalachian State University

Although Appalachian State University is known for its beautiful setting in Boone, North Carolina, App State still has much to offer online students. This school offers only one part-time PhD program in education leadership , but its affordability compared to other programs makes this school stand out.

• In State Tuition: $4,839
• Out of State Tuition: $18,271
• Application Requirements: Academic record, GRE scores or 3.0 minimum GPA, Master’s degree

13) Purdue University

An online doctoral program that maintains a high standard of excellence, Purdue is a great place for future doctors of technology, educational leadership and policy, and higher education. Purdue graduate students can expect to co-author papers with faculty and gain hands-on experience in research.

• Graduation Rate: 38%
• Acceptance Rate: 30%
• Tuition: $420 per credit

14) Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University ’s online doctoral programs allow students to complete their degree in three to five years. Through their shortened term system, students take 8-week classes and then write their dissertation in their final three semesters. A leader in online doctoral programs, Concordia offers paths in strategic innovation, healthcare management, education leadership, and organizational leadership.

• Tuition: $9,090
• Application Requirements: Academic record, Master’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

15) Clemson University

A public school in South Carolina, Clemson aims to prepare online doctoral students for diverse career paths. Proudly offering programs that are difficult to find elsewhere, Clemson graduate students can study healthcare genetics and parks, recreation, and tourism management. Education professionals can complete degrees in education systems, learning science, and teaching, literacy, language, and culture.

• Graduation Rate: 84%
• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• In State Tuition: $10,600
• Out of State Tuition: $22,050
• Application Requirements: Academic record, letters of recommendation, portfolio and personal statement vary by program

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Additional Resources

Looking to learn more about graduate school admissions? We’ve got you covered.

Admissions Tips

• What is a Good GRE Score?
• Write a Grad School Statement of Purpose in 12 Simple Steps
• How to Get into Grad School with a Low GPA
• Do You Need a Master’s to get a PhD?

More about Online Learning

• Best Online MSW Programs
• Best Master’s in Public Health Online Programs
• Hybrid and Online DBA Programs 
• Graduate School Admissions

Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)

Key Takeaways

• There are a number of highly reputable colleges that offer the doctoral degree online at relatively lower tuition rates than most.
• A PhD in public health prepares professionals who will secure advanced practice leadership positions in research, teaching, and administration in the field.
• Public health focuses on public health policy, management, administration, population health, and health systems.

Most Affordable Online Public Health PhD's

Indiana university bloomington, university of north carolina at chapel hill, pennsylvania state university, university of illinois chicago, university of south florida, kent state university, university of montana, university of alabama at birmingham, east carolina university, old dominion university.

• Old Dominion University 95%
• University of Montana 95%
• East Carolina University 92%
• Nebraska Methodist College 91%
• Kent State University 88%
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 88%
• University of Alabama at Birmingham 87%
• Indiana University Bloomington 82%
• Central Michigan University 79%
• University of Illinois Chicago 79%
• Capella University 35 to 1
• University of South Florida 22 to 1
• Walden University 21 to 1
• Kent State University 19 to 1
• East Carolina University 18 to 1
• University of Illinois Chicago 18 to 1
• University of Alabama at Birmingham 18 to 1
• Central Michigan University 17 to 1
• University of Montana 17 to 1
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17 to 1
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences $37,230
• Nebraska Methodist College $16,883
• Capella University $14,328
• Central Michigan University $13,650
• Walden University $12,483
• University of Illinois Chicago $12,396
• Kent State University $11,218
• Indiana University Bloomington $10,012
• University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,832
• Old Dominion University $7,239
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences $23,850
• Central Michigan University $15,942
• Capella University $14,826
• University of Illinois Chicago $14,181
• Nebraska Methodist College $12,113
• Kent State University $12,071
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $10,552
• Old Dominion University $10,519
• Indiana University Bloomington $10,033
• Walden University $9,902

Nebraska Methodist College

Capella university, massachusetts college of pharmacy and health sciences, walden university, central michigan university.

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17%
• University of South Florida 44%
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 10 to 1
• Nebraska Methodist College 12 to 1
• Old Dominion University 16 to 1
• Indiana University Bloomington 17 to 1
• East Carolina University $4,452
• University of South Florida $4,559
• University of Montana $5,515
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $7,019
• East Carolina University $4,749
• University of Montana $5,166
• University of South Florida $8,350
• University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,424

Earning a PhD degree in public health can help advance your career and open doors to new leadership opportunities in the healthcare industry. Doctoral public health degrees can also give credibility to graduates, allowing them to make an influential and positive difference in public health in general.

Featured Programs

What is an online phd in public health degree.

A PhD in public health is a research doctorate degree designed to prepare students for careers in government, academia, or the private sector. This graduate school program emphasizes interdisciplinary training and research for future public health researchers in the environmental health, biomedical, and social sciences.

Doctoral online programs in public health use epidemiological methods to investigate health and disease prevention. The aim is to design and implement interventions to improve population health, and to evaluate the efficiency of the interventions to benefit the healthcare system.

How We Rank the Most Affordable Online PhD Programs in Public Health

In most cases, the most affordable online doctoral degree programs in public health will be those offered by universities in your state. Online students who attend public universities enjoy access to in-state tuition rates just like traditional on-campus doctoral candidates.

That’s why we’ve ranked these online doctorate degree programs by placing the highest weight on in-state tuition rates. The tuition price listed below may not reflect the lower rate extended to in-state residents.

We have set a max tuition fee of $20,000.

Click on each school to learn more about in-state tuition discounts. Other factors included in our ranking are Influence—the measure of a school’s excellence based on the real-world impact of its professors, students, and alumni; and the percentage of full-time students enrolled in online degree programs at each institution.

Below is a mix of both public and private universities offering the most affordable online PhD degree programs in public health.

The Most Affordable Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs

• #2 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
• #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024
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• #2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
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• #6 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
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• #18 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #24 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for Public Health degree at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Communications
• Anthropology
• Social Work
• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Political Science

Most Influential Alumni

• James Watson
• René Girard
• David Chalmers
• David Starr Jordan
• Alice Dreger
• Stephen F. Cohen
• Robert M. French
• Isiah Thomas
• Marcia Baron
• Will Shortz

Indiana University Bloomington , the flagship campus of Indiana University, is a public research university offering more than 550 academic programs, many of which are nationally ranked in the Top 10 or higher.

IU-Bloomington offers an online doctorate in public health with a concentration in environmental health . This doctoral program provides a solid foundation in the field of public health, focusing on the effects of environmental factors on human health and disease. The tuition is $12,488.

• Required Credits: 90
• Completion Time: 3 years
• Format: Online

What we love about Indiana University Bloomington:

IU Bloomington is a diverse and welcoming campus with more than 140 countries represented in the student body and 175 multicultural, international student organizations.

Indiana University Bloomington is ideal for students who:

Want a community with faculty that treats you like family.

IU Bloomington might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer a more homogenous or conservative environment.

• #17 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024
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• #1 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
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Career Outlook for Public Health degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Lawrence Ferlinghetti
• Francis Collins
• James E. Webb
• Howard T. Odum
• Jeffrey Beall
• Charles Tart
• Robert F. Furchgott
• Sidney Powell
• Christine Blasey Ford
• David Brinkley
• James Rachels

Public research school University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the flagship campus of the University of North Carolina system. Considered a Public Ivy, it is a public institution that offers an academic experience similar to that of an Ivy League university.

The Executive Doctoral Program in Health Leadership at UNC-Chapel Hill is suitable for mid-to senior-level professionals who want to seek the skills needed to assume top-level roles in public health practice in their private or public sector settings at the local, national, and international levels. The tuition fee is $11,110.

• Required Credits: 45

What we love about UNC-Chapel Hill:

With more than 230 years of public service, UNC is dedicated to equipping students with the courage to influence change and a voice for critical thought.

UNC-Chapel Hill is ideal for students who:

Want to be a part of the country’s first public university with centuries-old traditions and a well-connected alumni network.

Chapel Hill (UNC) might not be the best fit for students who:

Do not prioritize or not interested in outreach and engagement with their local and wider communities.

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• #21 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

Pennsylvania State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Earth Sciences
• Engineering
• Criminal Justice
• Steven Levy
• Graham Harman
• Douglas Comer
• Benjamin Bloom
• Harry J. Anslinger
• Iris Marion Young
• T. Colin Campbell
• John Mashey
• Thomas R. Dye

Penn State World Campus is the Pennsylvania State University’s online campus. It offers more than 175 online ungraduated and graduate degree and certificate programs in partnership with Penn State academic units, with more programs being added to the curriculum on a continuing basis.

This online school’s Doctor of Public Health is designed to provide students with the necessary advanced public health education and training. Graduates are prepared for evidence-based practice and translational science leadership. The tuition fee is $18,194.

• Required Credits: 45 for coursework, plus 15 for doctoral research
• Completion Time: 3-4 years

What we love about Pennsylvania State University:

Whether online or on-campus courses, Penn State offers the same quality education to its students.

Pennsylvania State University is ideal for students who:

Want a career-centered curriculum developed based on the latest industry updates.

Pennsylvania State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer to physically see or be with their peers or cohorts, as many of the courses are available online.

• #4 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2024
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• #1 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #3 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024

Career Outlook for Public Health degree at University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• William A. Dembski
• Polykarp Kusch
• Joseph Mercola
• Nancy Cartwright
• David Schweickart
• Bernard Shaw
• Al Jourgensen
• Timothy Shanahan
• Georgiann Davis
• Adrian Smith
• Richard Hunt
• Thomas A. DeFanti

The University of Illinois at Chicago , a public research university, has 15 campuses and an online school. It offers 94 masters and 62 doctoral degree programs, including the online Doctor of Public Health Leadership.

UIC’s online Ph.D. in Public Health Leadership is designed for mid-career public health professionals who wish to broaden their knowledge and practice of public health and improve their leadership capacities to address complex challenges. The tuition fee is $11,884.

• Required Credits: 96
• Completion Time: 4-6 years

What we love about University of Illinois Chicago:

UIC is one of the country’s most diverse campuses with a commitment to fostering accessibility to underrepresented students.

University of Illinois Chicago is ideal for students who:

Want to be a part of a culturally and ethnically diverse learning community to broaden their worldview and perspective.

University of Illinois Chicago might not be the best fit for students who:

Want to study in a university with a more rural environment.

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Career Outlook for Public Health degree at University of South Florida

University of South Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Joe Barresi
• Shlomo Sawilowsky
• Tony La Russa
• Saraju Mohanty
• Joanna Fowler
• J. Budziszewski
• Eric M. Bost
• Susan Cutter
• David A. Wolfe
• Randy Borum

The University of South Florida in Tampa, is a public research university that is one of the 12 schools in the State University System of Florida and offers more than 180 academic programs through both traditional and online formats.

USF’s online Doctor of Public Health program prepares students for leadership roles in health departments, nonprofit organizations, international agencies, and community-based organizations. The tuition is $11,766.

• Required Credits: 43
• Completion Time: 2-3 years

What we love about University of South Florida:

USF is internationally recognized for its leading research initiatives in technology, science, engineering, and medicine.

University of South Florida is ideal for students who:

Want several options on extracurricular activities and love sporting events.

USF might not be the best fit for students who:

Do not find the learning environment of huge campuses appealing.

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Career Outlook for Public Health degree at Kent State University

Kent State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• G. William Domhoff
• David Sedaris
• Stephen R. Donaldson
• Connie Schultz
• Lawrence Schick
• Michael Keaton
• Chrissie Hynde
• Dolph Ziggler

One of Ohio’s leading public universities, Kent State is located in northeastern Ohio, about 40 miles south of Cleveland. The school has seven regional campuses scattered across the state and offers more than 300 academic programs.

Kent State provides numerous online programs, including its PhD in Public Health specializing in Health Policy and Management with a concentration in Health Policy and Management. The program prepares graduate students for a career in public health research, which calls for interdisciplinary skills to meet community health and global health challenges of the field. The tuition fee is $18,156.

• Required Credits: 91
• Completion Time: within 10 years

What we love about Kent State University:

Dedicated to preparing students for the real-life employment in Ohio, Kent State University has provided a $5-billion economic impact throughout the state.

Kent State University is ideal for students who:

Are looking for hundreds of opportunities in education-abroad programs in at least 60 countries.

Kent State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Do not prefer studying in a large campus with open spaces.

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Career Outlook for Public Health degree at University of Montana

University of Montana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Harold Urey
• Bruce L. Benson
• Jack Horner
• Lindsey Doe
• Mike Mansfield
• Jeannette Rankin
• William Finnegan
• Brian Wesbury
• Jim Messina
• Earl Douglass
• James R. Browning

The University of Montana is a public research university in Missoula, Montana, and is the flagship institution of the Montana University System. Students at UM can choose from any of its nearly 400 areas of study, with internship opportunities and career potentials that can take them anywhere in the world, with little to no student loan debt.

UM offers its PhD in public health , designed to prepare the next generation of public health research team scientists who will work across various disciplines to produce new knowledge. Applicants must hold a Master of Public Health (or equivalent) degree before enrollment. The tuition fee is an astoundingly affordable $4,716 for residents.

• Required Credits: 60
• Completion Time: 2 years

What we love about University of Montana:

Research opportunities and facilities abound in this University renowned for its quality education.

University of Montana is ideal for students who:

Have no problems balancing their academic life and extracurricular activities.

University of Montana might not be most suitable for students who:

Are easily distracted from their academic studies by the abundance of outdoor activities available in the area.

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Career Outlook for Public Health degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Alabama at Birmingham’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Rebecca Bace
• Ray L. Watts
• Eli Capilouto
• Lawrence J. DeLucas
• Hadiyah-Nicole Green
• Graeme McDowell
• David B. Allison
• Clancy Blair
• Bruce R. Korf
• Selwyn M. Vickers
• Ricardo Azziz
• Jason Aaron

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public research university in Birmingham, Alabama. It offers 140 programs of study in 12 academic divisions leading to bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees in various fields.

UAB offers its comprehensive online doctorate in public health that takes seven years to complete. It has four concentrations: biostatistics, health policy and organization, maternal and child health policy, and outcomes research. The tuition fee is $11,040, in-state, and $26,520 out-of-state.

• Required Credits: 42
• Completion Time: up to 7 years, depending on the concentration

What we love about UAB:

The University offers a range of specialized courses and research opportunities, particularly in the fields of global and community leadership, and science and technology.

UAB is ideal for students who:

Are not easily distracted from their academic studies despite the plenty of partying and other Greek life activities in the school.

UAB might not be the best fit for students who:

Find it challenging or uncomfortable to constantly tackle the major problems that modern society is facing.

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Career Outlook for Public Health degree at East Carolina University

East Carolina University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Constance Bumgarner Gee
• Chris Johnson
• James Dodson
• Kevin Williamson
• Timothy Z. Keith
• Blue Edwards
• S. Gregory Boyd
• David Ginty
• Barbara Trader Faires
• Tony Collins

East Carolina University is located in Greenville, North Carolina. This public research university is the fourth-largest university in North Carolina. The school offers 77 master’s programs, 15 doctoral programs, 50 graduate certificates, and 6 first-professional programs.

ECU’s Doctor of Public Health program has two concentrations: Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) and Health Policy, Administration, & Leadership (HPAL). Students must have a relevant master’s degree before enrollment, otherwise, they will have to take both master’s and doctoral-level courses.

• Required Credits: 75

What we love about East Carolina University:

ECU consistently delivers quality education and graduates that make a difference in the health sectors of the region as well as nationwide.

East Carolina University is ideal for students who:

Value social responsibility and civic engagement, as ECU highlights community engagement and service-learning initiatives.

ECU might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer a graduate program with a strong liberal arts focus.

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Career Outlook for Public Health degree at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Justin Verlander
• Nancy Lieberman
• Serkan Golge
• Ticha Penicheiro
• Linda B. Hayden
• Richard C. McCarty
• Kent Bazemore
• Bonita V. Saunders
• Sarah McCoy
• Jack T. Kirby
• Philip C. Kendall

Old Dominion University , located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a public research university and is one of the biggest universities in the state. The school offers more than 100 academic programs, and students get to choose from any of the more than 300 clubs and organizations in their spare time.

ODU’s online Ph.D. in Nurse Executive program aims to improve leaders and problem solvers in the nursing industry whose professional services will help advance the health of the population not only in Eastern Virginia, but also nationally and internationally. The tuition is $15,213.

• Required Credits: 36
• Completion Time: 1-2 years

What we love about Old Dominion University:

The University provides experiential learning opportunities so that students can gain the knowledge and skills necessary for the real world of employment.

Old Dominion University is ideal for students who:

Want to be a part of a prestigious public research institution in a metropolitan area.

ODU might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer a learning environment in a more urban setting.

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Career Outlook for Public Health degree at Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Dick Enberg
• Anthony Zinni
• Clark Howard
• Helen Murray Free
• Steven Radelet
• C. W. Thornthwaite
• Arthur Stinchcombe
• John Grogan
• James A. Berlin
• Chris Kaman
• William Benoit
• James C. Renick

Public research institution Central Michigan University is home to more than 300 academic programs across seven colleges in its Mount Pleasant campus.

The school offers the Doctor of Health Administration program designed to prepare students to become more effective healthcare leaders with a deeper knowledge in many key areas. The tuition is $850 per credit hour.

• Required Credits: 63
• Completion Time: 3-5 years

What we love about Central Michigan University:

CMU is dedicated to providing every student an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Central Michigan University is ideal for students who:

Prefer to study in large, public universities with research opportunities.

Central Michigan University might not be the best fit for students who:

Are looking for Doctorate programs in the field of Humanities, Business, and Fine Arts.

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Career Outlook for Public Health degree at Walden University

Walden University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• John Antonakis
• Eboni Edmonson Haynes

Walden University is a private online for-profit university located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs and over 260 concentrations and specializations.

Walden University’s online Ph.D. in Public Health program is number one in the US. Students can build upon their skills and expertise to become more effective scholar-practitioners and make significant contributions to advancing wellness among diverse populations. The tuition fee is $610 per credit hour.

• Required Credits: 83
• Completion Time: 8 years

What we love about Walden University:

The University is recognized for its high-quality distance programs for higher education that are suitable for working professionals.

Walden University is ideal for students who:

Want a more structured approach with weekly goals in completing their doctorate.

Walden University might not be most suitable for students who:

Are not committed or find it challenging to meet professional-level expectations.

Career Outlook for Public Health degree at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences is a private university that primarily offers medical and health-related science degree programs. This Boston-based college provides conventional and accelerated programs in the health sciences and health education discipline.

MCPHS offers an online Doctor of Health Sciences degree. This program is designed to prepare educators, clinicians, and leaders to meet the future challenges of health professions and education through evidence-based practice. The tuition is $1,325 per credit hour.

• Required Credits: 54
• Completion Time: 9 semesters (part-time)

What we love about MCPHS:

MCPHS is considered as one of the top transformative U.S. colleges where practice and academia are combined for students to gain hands-on experiences on real-life health science scenarios.

MCPHS is ideal for students who:

Are seeking quality education that prepares them for real-life industry situations through experiential learning.

MCPHS might not be the best fit for students who:

Are considering careers that are not related to health sciences.

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Career Outlook for Public Health degree at Capella University

Capella University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Arthur Seale
• Tammy Duckworth
• Xavier Woods
• Ethan F. Becker
• Brandt Smith
• Annesa Flentje

Capella University is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This private for-profit online university is owned by the publicly traded Strategic Education, Inc, and has 52 programs and nearly 2,000 online courses!

Capella University’s online Doctor of Public Health teaches students to apply research to design public health programs, create solutions to address long-term and immediate health issues, identify emerging trends, and lead with integrity. The tuition fee is $14,365.

What we love about Capella University:

The University offers a range of support services for their online students such as enrollment counselors, faculty members with doctoral statuses, and academic coaches.

Capella University is ideal for students who:

Are looking for cost reduction opportunities without sacrificing quality education.

Capella University might not be most suitable for students who:

Want a university with a more rigorous enrollment screening, as Capella University has a 100% admission rate.

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Career Outlook for Public Health degree at Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Methodist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health is located in Omaha, Nebraska. This private Methodist college offers popular majors including Radiologic Technician, Nursing, and Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.

The school’s MSN/MHP to DNP - Public Health Policy is an online program designed to produce nurses who are experts in evidence-based practice, allowing them to serve as consultants, mentors, and researchers. The tuition fee is $20,836, and financial aid is available.

• Required Credits: 50 + 960 clinical practice hours
• Completion Time: 24 months full-time, 3-4 years part-time

What we love about Nebraska Methodist College:

The University is committed to the success of students through the support services offered both online and on campus.

Nebraska Methodist College is ideal for students who:

Are interested in the career of nursing, allied health and related sectors.

Nebraska Methodist College might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer a career that isn’t related to the healthcare industry.

Career Outlook for Students with Public Health Degree

Public health, degree level: doctorate.

• Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
• Avg. Cost of Degree*: $12,330
• Avg. Expenses*: $18,957
• Avg. Starting Salary*: $72,098
• Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $80,795
• Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 9 years
• Job Growth: 23.19%
• Number of Jobs: 899,900
• * denotes ‘annually’
• ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

Average Career Salaries

Promising Job Markets

Top Industries

How much does an online PhD in public health cost?

Doctorate degrees in public health typically cost graduate students anywhere between $17,000 and $53,000 (or between $385 and $875 per credit) depending on the type of university, the school’s residency rules, program length, and other fees, if any.

It is worthwhile to note that many online doctorate degree programs in public health may charge a higher tuition rate for non-state residents, but there are affordable online doctoral programs that charge a flat tuition rate regardless of graduate student state residency.

Can I get an affordable online doctorate degree in public health?

Yes, there are a number of affordable online doctoral programs in public health. A growing number of highly reputable universities provide partially or fully online doctoral programs. Time management is one of the biggest challenges facing doctoral students. Balancing coursework, career, and family demands makes online PhD programs especially attractive.

Earning an online doctorate degree as opposed to a traditional on-campus doctorate degree makes it possible to save money on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees. However some schools may still charge a technology fee whether attending school online or on campus.

Online PhD programs also make it possible to continue working in your field, which means you can complete your degree program while still earning a living. This can ultimately reduce your dependence on student loan debt.

If affordability is a particular concern, and it is making you reluctant to pursue a public health doctoral program, you may be able to take advantage of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

For more information on financial aid, check out the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website. Note that to qualify for financial aid, the college or university that you attend must be accredited.

Many schools offering PhD degree programs have assistantship opportunities for their doctoral students. Assistantship may give teaching opportunities in exchange for tuition waivers and a stipend. Each school is different, so you will need to check into the online public health doctorate degree program you are interested in.

If a cheap online doctorate degree is important to you, you have options! Check out our other cheap degree rankings .

Bottom Line: Affordable online doctoral programs are possible when you factor in things like in-state tuition, financial aid, grants, and assitantships.

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• Image Source for Pennsylvania State University

30 Best Online Doctoral Programs [2024 Guide]

Online doctoral programs can provide a smart, flexible path toward a top degree in your field.

For working professionals, earning online degrees can provide an invaluable way to gain expert-level knowledge and advance your career opportunities.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Through online doctoral study, you can become a leader in your field.

Universities Offering Online Doctoral Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University  is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middles States Association of Colleges and Schools.

2. City University of Seattle

The City University of Seattle is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

3. Clemson University

Clemson University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

4. Franklin University

Franklin University  is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

5. George Washington University

GW  is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Mercy University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

7. Indiana University

Indiana University  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

8. Iowa State University

Iowa State University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

9. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

10. Keiser University

Keiser University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

11. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

12. Northeastern University

Northeastern University  is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.

13. Nova Southeastern University

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

14. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus

Penn State World Campus  is regionally accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

15. Regent University

Regent University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

16. Saybrook University

Saybrook University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

17. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University  is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

19. Union University

Union University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

20. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

21. University of Florida

The  University of Florida  is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

22. University of Kansas

The  University of Kansas  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

23. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

24. University of Nebraska – Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

25. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

26. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

27. University of Southern Mississippi

The  University of Southern Mississippi  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

28. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

29. Walden University

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission

30. Wilmington University

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Online Doctorate Programs

Select this list of online degrees that most interest you to jump to that section of the guide:

Business Administration

Counseling & therapy, criminal justice, healthcare administration, human services, information systems, public administration, public health, public policy.

These advanced degree fields offer plenty of opportunity for growth, a lot of different job prospects, and plenty of job security.

You may feel like you already know all of the ins and outs of financial reporting, but during a doctoral program, you can discover just how much more there is to learn about numbers and financial records. Whether your area of focus is corporate accounting, taxation or auditing, you can reap benefits from a doctoral accounting program.

Your coursework may address topics such as advanced finance theories, tax code interpretation and investigation into financial records. The curriculum can also enhance your ability to conduct research on business topics.

You may have opportunities to explore ways that contemporary developments, such as increased globalization, have influenced accounting practice.

Earning a doctoral degree may increase your chances of becoming a corporate executive, such as a chief financial officer or a finance vice president. You could also teach in a business school or hold a high position in a government revenue department.

Business leaders have the potential to shape the future of retail, manufacturing, insurance and other industries throughout the country and worldwide. A business doctorate can help you gain the knowledge and the clout to be a leader who steers companies toward innovation, growth and long-term success.

In a doctoral program, you can dive deep into studying what makes marketing work, what employees are looking for in their leaders, how to formulate a strategic growth plan and how to operate in a global era.

Part of your success will be rooted in learning from those who have gone before you — analyzing case studies and studying others’ business research. Concentration for this degree are common; options may include marketing, leadership, supply chain management or organizational strategy.

Earning a doctorate in business may prepare you for the top executive positions in large corporations. You may also be well-qualified to provide business consulting services to various companies.

You don’t typically need a doctoral degree to work as a marriage and family therapist or a licensed professional counselor; even still, earning a doctorate can give you new insights and skills for counseling practice.

In counseling, clients may sometimes come to you with issues that you haven’t dealt with before. Although you may never be entirely prepared for every situation, doctoral studies can increase your ability to deal with difficult problems.

Your program may also give you opportunities for in-depth studies about working with certain demographics, such as children or the elderly.

Earning your doctorate and conducting research on one specific area of counseling may help you focus on a particular client niche and allow you to advertise yourself as an expert in that domain. Having a doctoral degree may also give you opportunities to train and supervise counseling students in the classroom or on internships.

People hold many different views on the best ways to reduce crime and rehabilitate offenders, but research can provide key insights into what actually works.

Whether your goal is to lead initiatives based on others’ research or become a researcher yourself, a doctoral degree in criminal justice can help you become a leader who guides policy decisions and transforms communities.

Your curriculum may focus on ensuring that, in every step of the process from investigations to corrections, justice is served in the best way possible. You may also explore what it means to administer justice, support victims, empower justice professionals and improve communities.

With a doctorate, you may be ready to advance to some of the highest leadership roles in your law enforcement organization. You could also pursue work in a particular investigative or security specialty, such as hostage negotiation or intelligence analysis. Influencing public policy is another important role you could play.

Learning is a complex process, but the better you understand it, the better you will be at helping others grow and develop. If you are passionate about equipping others with knowledge, then you may be ready to earn a doctoral degree in education.

In a doctoral program, you may study how factors like family support, income level and school setting affect students’ learning processes. You may also discuss learning theories and how principles from psychology play a role in classroom practices. Other topics may include school leadership, digital technology and curriculum selection.

School administrators, such as principals, superintendents and state education directors, often hold doctoral degrees. An education doctorate can help you advance to positions of leadership in higher education as well; for example, you could become a provost or a college president.

This degree can also open doors to positions that can allow you to head up curriculum projects or shape education policies.

Without solid financial guidance, businesses can quickly fail. If you wish to be a leader who understands the relationship between financial figures and the future direction that companies should take, consider enrolling in doctoral finance studies.

The coursework for this program covers a range of topics in economics and finance. You may work with statistics and modeling while growing your ability to use those tools for making reliable business decisions. In other courses, you may refine various finance skills like asset pricing, business valuation and portfolio management.

Not only can you improve your practical skills, but you can also learn to think critically about finance theory and conduct your own research in this field.

Financial leaders can hold some of the most critical roles in a corporation; these include chief financial officer, treasurer and controller. If you choose a career in research, then government authorities, financial institutions and individual investors may rely on your insights.

Healthcare is a medical discipline, but it’s also a business discipline. Those in administrative roles must carefully balance the relationship between these two aspects of the industry. A doctoral degree in healthcare administration can help you explore the issues facing modern medical systems and consider innovative ways to move the industry forward.

Since legal regulations play an enormous role in how healthcare systems operate, developing a deeper understanding of health law may be a key component of your studies. Other classes may cover organizational leadership, global public health, quality analysis, and medical ethics.

You may also discuss how to develop your healthcare organization as a force for good in your community.

Healthcare experts can take leadership roles in hospitals or other medical systems. Your expertise may also prepare you for a role in pharmaceutical or health insurance companies. Government officials may rely on your guidance as they shape future healthcare laws.

Although most people agree that it’s important to help those who are in difficult situations, they often disagree on the best ways to go about it.

A doctoral program in human services can give you opportunities to explore current research on the topic, develop your personal views on assisting others, and become a leader whose work makes a difference for people in need.

Studying the history of human services can give you a foundation for understanding today’s systems. In your doctoral program, you will probably compare different strategies for reaching people in need and improving communities. You may also learn about overseeing teams, evaluating programs, managing budgets and securing grants.

With this advanced degree, you could pursue a management role in a public human services organization or head up a nonprofit group. Human services directors often work in government agencies, and they may conduct research that influences how public funds are allocated.

If you work in information technology, consider enhancing your skill set by earning a degree in information systems. This degree can help you learn about innovations that are making a difference in data organization and prepare you to make your own significant contributions to this field.

Your studies can help you improve your knowledge of programming languages and security procedures. Other courses in your program may cover building hardware systems, analyzing data, overseeing projects and developing policies for technology use in an organization.

You may also discuss data mining, mobile-friendly technologies, system audits and machine learning.

With your doctorate, you may be able to lead teams of data scientists or analysts. You may also head up technology departments in large organizations, taking care of network development, security measures and policy establishment.

As you do research and produce new technologies, you may influence IT practices used by organizations throughout the world.

Organizations and industries everywhere require strong leaders who understand what it takes to make wise decisions, create effective policies and motivate teams.

You can earn a doctoral degree to study the science behind smart management. This advanced degree can help prepare you to rise to organizations’ top leadership positions or contribute new research that helps others improve their management abilities.

In a management program, you can study team dynamics and read research on how people interact with one another. You can also learn how to use technology to your organization’s advantage, establish an effective chain of command and work through conflicts that arise.

You might play a powerful role in an organization as a senior-level manager. As a college professor or a business consultant, you could be well-suited to helping others become better managers. You could also work as a management analyst who advises organizations on establishing effective systems of leadership.

If you work in a religious vocation, you probably chose that profession because you felt a calling to serve God and people. By earning a doctorate, you may be able to improve your effectiveness at that calling. The program can help you learn more about theology, the Bible and working among people.

In your program, you may work on enhancing your practical ministry skills, such as preaching, counseling and starting new congregations. You may also study the history of the church and the theology of the Bible.

The school may offer program concentrations like urban ministry, spiritual formation, family ministry, pastoral leadership and global evangelism.

Some people with Doctor of Ministry degrees hold pastoral positions in local churches. You might also have opportunities to advance to positions of leadership in your denomination’s regional or national organization. At a theological school, you might serve as a professor or an administrator.

Although you can enter the nursing field with only an associate’s degree, the entry-level knowledge you can acquire in that nursing program is only the beginning.

As you move forward in your successful career, gaining more education can help you earn nursing positions with greater responsibility and higher pay. Under your leadership, newer nursing students can learn to provide excellent patient care.

Although you may take some classes on disease and healing in your nursing program, just as much of your time may be on leadership development. You may also learn to evaluate healthcare quality and use that data to improve outcomes.

Earning your Doctor of Nursing Practice can help qualify you to become an advanced practice registered nurse. That means that you can be a nurse practitioner, a nurse anesthetist or a certified nurse-midwife. With a doctorate, you may be chosen to head up the nursing department in your healthcare organization, or you might teach college nursing students.

While a master’s degree is typically sufficient for becoming a licensed counselor, working as a licensed psychologist requires a doctoral degree. By earning your psychology doctorate, you can increase your opportunities to reach patients in need or conduct scientific research about thought and behavior.

The coursework may compare and contrast various theories of personality or behavior. You can also learn about mental health disorders, client evaluations and treatment options, including pharmaceuticals and behavior-modification strategies.

Some graduate programs are designed with a focus on clinical work, and others may address additional aspects of the field, such as industrial-organizational psychology or forensic psychology.

Earning your doctorate can help prepare you to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and become licensed in your state. With licensure, you could work as a clinical psychologist in private practices, long-term care facilities or medical organizations.

You could also head up mental health initiatives in corporate or public health settings.

Government leadership is a weighty responsibility. To manage this responsibility as best you can, consider successful career development through a public administration doctoral program.

Not only will you be better suited for positions of high responsibility, but you may also improve the public’s confidence in your abilities. That’s particularly important when it comes to elected offices.

Public administrators, especially those who hold doctorates, are leaders, so a good portion of your studies may be dedicated to leadership development. Other courses may focus on analyzing, adapting and implementing policies. You may discuss ways to ensure that the work you do helps to improve equality for all people in your community.

After your doctoral studies, you may be poised to assume one of the highest leadership roles in a municipal government. State and federal positions may be available to you as well. Plus, the skills you can gain readily transfer to nonprofit work.

Matters of life and death often rest on the recommendations of public health officials. With so much riding on your policies and initiatives, it only makes sense that you’d want to acquire as much education as you can.

Through your studies and work, you’ll have opportunities to improve health outcomes and bolster the quality of life for entire communities.

The health sciences classes you take can help you become more knowledgeable about gathering and analyzing public health data. You can also strategize ways to turn that data into actionable public health initiatives. This may include learning about applying for funding, increasing community awareness and campaigning for updated public health policies.

Your doctorate may increase your eligibility for health sciences positions such as an epidemiologist or another researcher who studies community health data. It’s also possible that you could advance to a leadership role in a public health sciences organization at the state or national level.

If you believe that government regulations hold the power to help or hinder citizens’ lives, then you probably understand the importance of a career in public policy. Doctoral studies in this area can help give you an advanced understanding of what it takes to create and maintain policies that truly benefit the members of a community.

This program can equip you with skills for surveying a community and evaluating needs; this research can serve as the foundation for new policies. Your studies may help you develop a framework for evaluating the costs and benefits of policy decisions. It’s also important that your program addresses the ethical responsibilities of a policymaker.

A successful career as a senior-level political scientist may begin with a doctoral degree in public policy. You could also find success as the director of an organization that oversees public safety, community outreach, municipal government or emergency management.

Choosing an Online PhD Program

As online degree programs have grown more prevalent, prospective students have had an increasing number of reputable universities from which to choose for their studies. Consider the following characteristics when looking for a doctoral program.

• Degree Program –  Not only do you need a school that offers a doctoral degree in your general area of interest, but you may also want that degree to be in your preferred format — professional doctorate or PhD — and include appealing concentration options.
• Flexible – In general, online doctoral degrees offer increased flexibility compared to on-campus programs. Pay attention to whether online doctoral students are required to log in at certain times, come to campus for residencies or stick to a rigid course schedule.
• Accessible –  Before settling on a school, explore the range of resources that you’ll have access to as an online student, such as faculty mentoring, library access or student organizations.
• Transfer Credits –  If you already have credits from other doctoral studies, a school that allows you to transfer those in can save you both time and money.
• Admissions – Doctoral programs can vary greatly in what percentage of applicants they accept; graduate programs for professional doctorates often admit more graduate students than PhD programs.
• Required Technology – To complete your coursework, you will need a reliable computer with certain peripherals and educational programs, but some schools’ tuition fees cover the cost of laptops for their online doctoral students to use.

If you can find a few program offering online degrees that satisfy many of your preferences in these six areas, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the best doctoral program for your needs.

PhD Careers & Salaries

Earning a PhD is typically thought of as an academic track, preparing you for a university faculty position or a role as a scientific researcher in your chosen field. You may design experiments, collect data and publish your findings in industry journals. It’s also possible that you could enter higher education administration.

With a PhD you won’t be limited only to academic careers, of course. These terminal degrees may qualify you for some of the top leadership roles in your field. For example, you might become a division manager, a corporate executive, or a director in a nonprofit organization, a healthcare system or a government agency.

Some degrees can help you earn professional qualifications that you wouldn’t be able to achieve without that level of education. For example, a psychology doctorate can prepare you to become licensed as a clinical psychologist, and a nursing doctorate can allow you to become an advanced practice registered nurse.

Earning a doctoral degree can help you understand the theories and scientific concepts that underpin practices in your field. This deepens your knowledge and may qualify you to provide expert insights about public policies or legal matters that pertain to your area of study.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers that typically require a doctoral degree lead to a median annual salary of $110,200 . With your PhD or professional doctorate, you may work in one of the high-paying jobs listed below.

The figures above represent median salaries based on employment statistics from across the U.S.; your actual earnings may vary.

Admissions Requirements for Online PhD Programs

The competition to get into doctoral programs can be tough. Some schools admit only around 5% of the people who apply. To increase your chances of getting into your top graduate programs, you’ll have to compile a strong application package that sets you apart from the crowd and showcases your strengths.

• Testing –  Many schools depend on GRE or GMAT test scores to determine whether you have what it takes to succeed in the high-pressure world of doctoral studies, but you may qualify for testing waivers.
• Resume –  Work experience is required for admission to some schools. Even if a program doesn’t insist on a set number of years in the field, the committee may still look at your work history to provide insight about the knowledge and skills that you possess.
• Transcripts –  Admissions committees want to see what you’ve previously studied: the fields you majored in, the courses you took and the grades you earned. There may be a minimum GPA that’s required before even being considered for admission.
• Personal Statement –  An essay gives you the opportunity to share your goals with the admissions committee. You’ll want to present details about how your research plans align with the faculty’s areas of interest, so it’s important to customize this essay for each school.
• Letters of Recommendation –  Two or three people who have supervised you in academic or professional settings will need to write letters vouching for your suitability for doctoral studies.
• Prerequisite Courses – Doctoral students must be prepared to perform high-level work; to ensure that you’re ready, a program may only admit prospective students who have already taken graduate courses on certain topics. Some schools offer separate tracks for online learners who already have a relevant master’s degree and those who still need foundational graduate-level courses in the field. However, in rare cases, applicants may be accepted into doctoral degree programs with only a bachelor’s degree.

Admissions requirements can vary significantly from one program to the next. Always pay careful attention to the instructions before submitting your applications.

PhD vs. Professional Doctoral Degree – What’s the Difference?

Doctoral degrees come in two different forms: PhD and professional doctorate. Either one can be considered a terminal degree in most fields. Each has a different focus, though. A PhD is usually thought of as the more academic path, and the emphasis is on creating original research.

Although a professional doctorate may address research, it usually focuses more on developing high-level skills that can enhance your career as a practitioner in your field.

Despite these differences, there can be overlaps between the outcomes of these two educational programs. With a PhD, you may end up joining the professional workforce, and a professional doctorate may qualify you for teaching positions at some institutions of higher education.

Accreditation

To ensure that you earn a credible degree, you should enroll only in universities that have regional accreditation. A doctoral degree earned at a non-accredited school may not hold much value.

Regional accreditation can be granted only by an officially recognized organization. Approved accreditors in the U.S. include the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The Council for Higher Education Association (CHEA) maintains a list of organizations that grant regional accreditation.

This type of accreditation is granted to an institution as a whole; either the entire school is accredited, or none of it is. To determine whether an a school qualifies to be an accredited institution, an accrediting association evaluates factors like academic quality, student supports and administrative structure.

National accreditation isn’t the same as regional accreditation. It’s granted by different organizations and usually requires less stringent qualifications to be an accredited institution. Because the standards are higher for regional accreditation, it is always preferable.

There’s nothing wrong with selecting a school that holds both types, though. For example, an accredited institution might have regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Why Does Accreditation Matter?

Being a regionally accredited institution is a testament to a university’s quality and indicates that it has what it takes to deliver a good education. By attending an accredited school, you can rest assured that your degree will mean something after graduation.

Future employers will think more highly of degrees from a regionally accredited institution, so you may have an easier time securing good jobs. Other colleges will also look more favorably on an accredited school, so you may be able to transfer your credits elsewhere.

Accreditation can also affect financial aid. Federal assistance can only be used at regionally or nationally accredited institutions.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The sticker price on doctoral studies can be shockingly high at first. Fortunately, there are things you can do to significantly reduce your expenses.

The government has programs in place for providing college tuition financial assistance for those in need. Based on your income, you may be able to receive state or federal grants — money that you won’t need to repay.

Even if you can’t get grants, you may be able to take out low-interest government loans. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn more about your options for financial assistance at the graduate level.

To complement the government financial assistance you might receive, you can also apply for scholarships and fellowships from private sources, such as industry associations, philanthropic groups or even your university.

Some doctoral programs — most often, PhD tracks — offer funding or stipends to doctoral candidates who work as teaching or research assistants.

Can You Get a Doctorate Degree Online?

Yes, many universities have online educational programs for earning doctoral degrees. Both PhDs and professional doctorates are available as online doctoral degrees.

Some schools have fully online programs, and others require students to come to campus at some point for one or more residencies.

Even 100% online programs sometimes require in-person internships, but online learners may be able to work with an organization in the local area.

What Is the Best Online Doctoral Program?

Instead of looking for the single best doctoral program, strive to figure out which one is best for you. First of all, look for a school that offers a program that aligns with your goals and interests.

It’s also smart to consider factors like a school’s accreditation status and how quickly you can complete the online program. For instance, if you don’t have enough time to enroll full time, you should consider looking into PhD part time programs .

A low student-faculty ratio may increase your satisfaction as a student.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD Online?

How long it takes to get a PhD can vary from one school to the next, and the amount of time it takes you to complete your dissertation or doctoral project can greatly influence the overall length of your studies. As a general rule, professional doctorates may take around four years, and PhDs may take seven years.

Is an Online PhD Worth it?

Yes, an online PhD is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for jobs where a doctoral degree is required is projected to grow 6% for the next 10 years.

An online PhD program can be a smart way to further your career goals, and thinking deeply about a topic of interest to you can bring great personal satisfaction. Online students may be able to keep up with family or work responsibilities without sacrificing their ambitious goal of earning a doctorate.

Are There Any 1 Year Online Doctoral Programs?

There are multiple steps to earning a doctorate. For example, you may need to take courses, pass exams, complete an internship and write a dissertation. As a result, these degrees always take more than one year.

Even still, the accelerated format of some of the shortest doctoral programs online may help you speed up the process compared to traditional on-campus studies.

Is It Cheaper to Get a Doctoral Degree Online?

The cost per credit hour of an online doctoral degree can vary a great deal from one school to the next. On average online students might expect to spend between $500 and $1,200 per credit hour.

While some online classes are priced comparably to on-campus ones, others are noticeably cheaper. Getting an online education also means that you can save on commuting, housing and relocation costs.

Are There Any 100% Online Doctoral Programs?

Many schools offer programs for earning a doctorate without ever needing to step foot on campus. You may even be able to defend your dissertation from afar.

Keep in mind that some programs have in-person internship requirements, but you may be able to find a site in your local area.

Is an Online Doctorate Degree as Good as an On-Campus Degree?

The material covered in online courses is comparable to what you’d learn in a traditional classroom, so you can count on getting a quality education through flexible online classes.

Of course, just like you would for a campus-based program, it’s important to choose a regionally accredited school offering online doctoral degrees.

Who Should Consider an Online Doctoral Degree?

Graduate students with sights set on earning a terminal degree should consider the option of online doctoral studies. Digital programs offer a smart, flexible way to take classes and engage in stimulating research without relocating to campus.

Online learning is especially beneficial for those graduate students who need to balance school with work or family responsibilities.

How Do Online PhD Programs Work?

Completing the classes for your doctorate may involve watching recorded lectures, engaging in conversations with fellow online students and submitting assignments digitally.

Once you move into the research and writing portion, you can also complete that work from afar via online learning and touch base with your faculty advisor as needed.

Even a fully online program may have you come to campus a few times throughout the program or to defend your dissertation face-to-face.

Are Online Doctoral Programs Easier to Complete?

Graduate students should expect to put just as much work into an online degree program as they would an on-campus one. The curriculum, workload and expectations should be quite similar.

In fact, to be successful with online education, you will need to make organization and self-discipline some of your top priorities.

What is an Applied Doctorate?

A professional doctorate is a terminal degree that can equip prospective students with doctoral-level insights that are directly applicable to the workforce. “Applied doctorate” is an alternative name for this type of degree. It’s not the same as a PhD, which focuses on academic research.

These doctorates are available in many fields, including business, education and psychology.

Getting Your Doctorate Online

By earning a doctorate, you can prove to colleagues, employers and yourself that you have the drive and determination to rise to the top of your field. Studying online can remove many of the obstacles that might keep you from accomplishing this impressive goal.

With hard work, you can complete your PhD or professional doctorate, and that achievement may help you to take your career to the next level. To show yourself and the world that you’ve got what it takes to succeed, research universities and send applications to the online doctoral programs of your choice.

Doctor of Education : Doctor of Education

Johns Hopkins’ newly redesigned, global online Doctor of Education is at the forefront of education doctoral programs with the most innovative, challenging, and student-centered program of its kind.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the program continues to lead with the “EdD 2.0” offering, which is ideal for the busy education practitioner within any professional context. Our program recognizes that learning is both lifelong and occurs outside of formal schooling.

The vision of the Johns Hopkins EdD program is to prepare education-practitioners across the country and around the world to think critically about problems within their education environment and develop the insights and capacity to lead positive, sustained change.

Questions? Please reach out and we’ll be in touch soon.

Upcoming admissions events.

Have questions about our degree programs, the application, or financial aid and costs? Join us for an inside look at a graduate experience defined by innovation and driven by evidence-based research. Learn more about your area of interest or career path, meet some of our faculty, and connect to the Johns Hopkins School of Education community. Check out our admissions events and register for a virtual information session today.

Fall 2024 Semester Classes Begin

Core Faculty

Yolanda abel, edd.

Associate Professor

Affiliation

Advanced Studies in Education

Administration, Organization & Leadership, Education Policy & Politics, Social Context of Education

Camille Bryant, PhD

Joshua travis brown, phd.

Assistant Professor

Marcia Davis, PhD

Associate Professor (Research) Co-Director, Center for Social Organization of Schools Director of Research, Baltimore Education Research Consortium

Center for Social Organization of Schools, SOE Leadership

Learning & Instruction, Research, Evaluation & Assessment

Christine Eith, PhD

Keri m. guilbault, edd.

Associate Professor Faculty Lead, Gifted Education Programs

Counseling & Educational Studies

Gifted Education, Learning & Instruction

Ranjini Mahinda JohnBull, PhD

Learning & Instruction, Mind, Brain, & Teaching

Olivia Marcucci, PhD

Advanced Studies in Education, Center for Safe and Healthy Schools

Social Context of Education

James Diamond, PhD

Educational Technology, Learning & Instruction

Wendy Osefo, PhD

E. juliana pare-blagoev, edd, eric rice, phd.

Social Context of Education, Urban Education

Laura Flores Shaw, EdD

Assistant Professor Faculty Lead, Doctor of Education

Learning & Instruction

Henry M. Smith, EdD

Administration, Organization & Leadership, Education Policy & Politics

Program Overview

Exceptional education-practitioners will engage with an internationally renowned faculty to cultivate and practice curiosity, critical discourse, and perspective taking in a unique and rigorous course of study using the lenses of social justice, systems thinking, appropriate research methods, and empirical inquiry.

Coursework includes the latest research on the social determinants of education; mind, brain, and teaching; entrepreneurship; data and measurement; and technology. The redesigned program allows our doctoral students to customize their program by expanding their choice of electives so that they may focus more deeply on their professional interests that align with their problem of practice. Our online EdD prepares education practitioners to be transformational leaders within their professional settings.

The vision of the Johns Hopkins EdD program is to impact complex educational problems across the globe by preparing education practitioners to think critically and systemically about problems within their professional settings and develop deep understanding and insights to lead positive, sustained change within those settings.Our graduates create new areas of research, promote distribution and utilization of research findings in professional practice, and contribute to wider public discourse and policy.

Areas of Interest

The EdD program includes areas of interest. Applicants can indicate one or more areas of interest they think are related to a problem of practice and would like to explore. Current areas of interest are:

Creativity, Advanced Learning, and Twice Exceptionality

Digital age learning and educational technology, entrepreneurial leadership in education, mind, brain, and teaching, urban leadership.

Courses in this area of interest are designed to prepare candidates for leadership roles in advanced academics and gifted education with an emphasis on research and application of current best practices in the field. Based on the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Advanced Standards in Gifted Education Teacher Training, candidates will develop specialization in leading and evaluating programs and services for students who are creative, advanced, gifted, and twice exceptional. This area of interest is appropriate for candidates who: (a) want to deepen their expertise and prepare for leadership roles in their school, district, or state; (b) work in related nonprofit organizations, independent schools, or plan to develop their own educational enrichment programs; and (c) aspire to move into teacher preparation and research roles.

Available Courses:

• Twice Exceptional Learners
• Creativity in Education
• Seminar I in Gifted and Talented Education
• Leadership of Gifted Education and Talent Development Programs
• Seminar II in Gifted Education and Talent Development Programs
• Research in Gifted Education, Creativity, and Twice Exceptionalities

The Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology area of interest in the EdD program provides students opportunities to take courses in educational communication and technology. Select courses are available from the School of Education’s Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology (DALET) master’s degree program. This program prepares aspiring and practicing professionals and entrepreneurs in the field of educational communication and technology to design, develop, implement, and evaluate digital technology-supported tools and environments for learning across the lifespan in a variety of formal and informal settings, including pre-K–12, higher education, industry, government, and museums.

• Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators
• Explorations in Blended and Hybrid Learning
• Foundations of Online Teaching and Learning
• Fundamentals of Design Thinking
• Gaming and Simulations for Learning
• Instructional Design for Online Learning
• Maker Education: Cultivating Curiosity, Creativity, and Problem Solving in Theory and Practice
• Technology for Learner Variability
• Technology Integration for the 21st Century Learner
• Technology and the Science of Learning

Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education offers a unique opportunity for school and other educational organization leaders in both public and private educational environments. Students develop their knowledge, skills, and dispositions as they engage in leading efforts to build new venture opportunities in varied educational organizations. Through multidisciplinary lenses, educational leaders promote innovation in the paradigms, strategies, values and culture in school systems, social entrepreneurial ventures, and education companies. Each of the courses offers an opportunity to explore leadership theoretical frameworks, identify a Problem of Practice, and create a plan of action, through analysis and synthesis of presentations, readings, and discussion of the current state of multiple educational environments and the visions and challenges for the future.

• Entrepreneurship in Education
• Talent Management and Organizational Finance for Entrepreneurial Leaders
• Data Driven Decision Making
• Partnerships and Educational Organizations

Mind, Brain, and Teaching is designed for educators interested in exploring research from cognitive theories and neurosciences and its potential to inform the education field. Courses promote integration of diverse disciplines that investigate human learning and development. This area of interest builds upon basic and applied research from the fields of cognitive science, psychology and brain sciences, neurology, neuroscience, and education. It provides educators with knowledge of how emerging research in the learning sciences can inform teaching and learning. Students gain the knowledge and skills to interpret basic and applied research and apply relevant findings to educational practices and policies. This area of interest is designed to support the development of knowledge, insights, and competencies among students with two different levels of prior knowledge in the learning sciences: those who have had limited formal exposure to the learning sciences, and those who have a master’s degree or master’s certificate in the learning sciences.

• Fundamentals of Cognitive Development
• Neurobiology of Learning Differences
• Cognitive Processes of Literacy and Numeracy
• Special Topics in Brain Sciences

Cities are usually characterized by diverse populations with rich communities made up of many different races, classes, languages, and nationalities, and this dynamism is a chief strength of urban areas. However, urban schools typically serve populations characterized by high concentrations of poverty and therefore face difficult choices about how to allocate scarce resources. Urban Leadership is designed for educational professionals interested in exploring this dual nature of urban schools through a deep understanding of a Problem of Practice based in their unique context of professional practice. This area of interest prepares educational leaders to work in urban environments through a focus on topics such as building a strength-based understanding of the complexities of urban communities, engaging the latest research on urban educational programs, developing strategies for program improvement, and building partnerships with families, communities, and other organizations.

• Approaches to Urban Education
• Individuals in Urban Context
• Organizations and Institutions
• Partnerships and Community Organizing

Graduates from our EdD program work in diverse areas, including executive roles in educational organizations and start-ups, leadership in K-12 school districts and systems, consultancy in specialized education fields, and more.

• Administrator
• Superintendent
• Instructional Designer
• Chief Learning Officer

100% Online

Continue your full-time career and apply what you learn in real time as you earn your degree 100% online.

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Students should be aware of additional state-specific information for online programs . Johns Hopkins University is a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate , which is the knowledge forum on the EdD. It has a membership of over 100 schools of education in the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand working collaboratively to improve professional preparation in education at the highest level.

• Best Online Doctorates In Education

Best Online Doctorates In Education Of 2024

Published: May 15, 2024, 10:59am

If you’re a rising or mid-career education professional, you may have considered earning a doctorate in education, whether it’s a Ph.D. or a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).

A doctoral degree can lead to higher earning potential and better job opportunities, including leadership roles in education, government, and both the nonprofit and private sectors. But earning that doctorate involves a multiyear commitment—and often a hefty price tag.

Earning your doctorate in education online can make this career step more accessible. Online degree programs often cost less than their on-campus counterparts, and they offer more flexibility, allowing you to keep working while you complete your studies.

To help jump-start your program search, we ranked the 10 best U.S. colleges and universities offering online doctorates in education according to metrics such as affordability, flexibility and student outcomes. Get the details on each program, learn why accreditation is critical for any degree and find out what to consider before committing to online study.

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Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 149 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online education doctoral programs in the U.S. using 14 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 86% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Degree Finder

Best online doctoral degrees in education, should you enroll in an online doctorate in education program, accreditation for online doctoral degrees in education, how to find the right online doctorate in education for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctoral degrees in education, johns hopkins university, endicott college, university of central florida, alverno college, union institute & university, gwynedd mercy university, university of southern mississippi, ball state university, indiana university bloomington, liberty university, featured online schools.

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Program Tuition Rate

$2,100/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Baltimore, Maryland-based Johns Hopkins University offers a four-year Doctor of Education Program that emphasizes social justice, critical thinking and effective communication.

Designed to accommodate working practitioners, this part-time program is fully online. Students focus on a “Problem of Practice”—a topic of concern that they’ve encountered in their work—which becomes the subject of a culminating dossier-style dissertation project. This project is required for graduation and can take the form of an oral presentation, public-facing or scholarly writing, or a video.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on Your Schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $80
• Degree Credit Requirements: 48–54
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of education, applied research and evaluation
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,113/credit

A private institution in Beverly, Massachusetts, Endicott College offers online Ed.D. and Ph.D. in education programs that combine research with practical field experience. The school’s Ed.D. program in educational leadership with a concentration in pre-K-12 education promotes an innovative mindset. This program features primarily online coursework along with residency weekends.

Endicott’s two research-based, fully online Ph.D. programs train students through coursework, mentorship and doctoral apprenticeships. The curriculum and teacher education concentration centers on teacher preparation and development and curriculum theory, while the higher education concentration delves into the administrative, financial, legal and sociocultural dimensions of present-day higher education.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 51–60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced qualitative methods, current issues in educational policy
• Concentrations Available: Curriculum and teacher education, higher education, pre-K–12 education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, in the Ed.D. in educational leadership program

$327/credit

The fully online Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Central Florida in Orlando allows students to choose among 13 specialization areas such as curriculum and instruction, health and human performance, and educational psychology.

Core coursework covers topics like learning and motivation, organizational theory in education and identifying complex problems of practice. All specializations include a “Laboratory of Practice” that gives students practical leadership and research experience in a professional setting.

• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $31
• Degree Credit Requirements: ​​54–57
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Evaluation of school programs; data, assessment and accountability
• Concentrations Available: Curriculum and instruction; education psychology; English language arts; exceptional student education; gifted education; global, international and comparative education; health and human performance; instructional design and technology; ; methodology, measurement and analysis; reading education; social science education; TESOL; K-8 mathematics education; signature research area (mindfulness and meditation in education)
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, a field-based “Laboratory of Practice”

$1,043/credit

Alverno College is a private, Catholic women’s college in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that offers coeducational graduate programs. The college’s online Ed.D. in education offers three concentration options: K–12 leadership, higher education leadership and teaching and learning in higher education.

Each program places students in a cohort of fellow education professionals who proceed through the program in unison. Small class sizes foster personal and professional connections with fellow students and instructors. All three concentrations provide resources and support for the concluding dissertation from the first semester.

Although Alverno’s online Ed.D. is primarily online, students in all concentrations are expected to attend two on-campus weekend residencies.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54–57
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Equity in diverse educational settings, higher education curriculum and assessment
• Concentrations Available: Higher education leadership, K–12 leadership, teaching and learning in higher education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, two on-campus weekend residencies

$795/credit

The Ed.D. Program at Cincinnati’s Union Institute & University emphasizes issues surrounding equity and social justice. Majors in pre-K–12 educational leadership and higher education leadership help students develop the skills needed to lead organizations and institutions toward real-world change.

Structured for maximum flexibility, the 100% online program comprises three terms per year (spring, summer and fall), with a virtual residency at the start of each. Union also allows eligible students to transfer up to 24 credits of previous graduate coursework for an accelerated timetable.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 66
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Schools, society and culture; education and social justice; research methods
• Concentrations Available: Educational leadership, pre-K–12; higher education leadership

$980/credit (in-state)

Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU), located outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers an online executive Ed.D. featuring four concentrations geared toward leadership positions in all levels of education (pre-K through college) and in education-related nonprofits and government. Coursework covers topics like assessment, education research and teaching, faculty management and community relations.

Each concentration takes about three years to complete and consists of online coursework, two on-campus residencies, field experience and one week of international study in Limerick, Ireland (costs of the latter are included in tuition).

The program provides a high level of dissertation support from the outset. GMercyU also offers an 18-month ABD variant for students who have completed Ed.D coursework but not the dissertation.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a Set Schedule
• Application Fee: N/A
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Designing interventions and assessing outcomes, school law and policy in special education
• Concentrations Available: Teaching and learning in higher education, leadership in pre-K–12 schools and school districts, leadership in special education, leadership in higher education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, on-campus and global residencies

$535/credit

The University of Southern Mississippi ’s fully online Ed.D. in higher education administration dispenses with a dissertation requirement in favor of a capstone research project. This project focuses on real-world problems students have encountered in their professional lives. Capstone courses are scheduled in parallel with the content courses so that students finish the capstone in tandem with their required coursework.

Synchronous classes take place weekly, typically in the evening, allowing students to form a genuine learning community with instructors and classmates. Applicants need a current educator license and at least three years of teaching experience.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn Around Your 9-to-5
• Application Fee: $60
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Public school finance, school law

$464/credit (in state)

Ball State University ’s online doctorates in education include three Ed.D. programs and two Ph.D. programs. These programs cater to educators and school administrators who aspire to higher-level teaching positions or leadership roles in policy or administration.

Located in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State’s programs are among the few online doctoral programs in the Midwest. Students may continue working full time through their programs and can choose a start date in the fall, spring or summer to accommodate their schedules. Some programs include an in-person field experience in areas like clinical work, college teaching or in-service training.

Note: The stated 91 to 97 credits may sound like a lot, but Ball State University encourages doctoral candidates in education to transfer credits from their master’s degrees. Students must complete a minimum of 48 credits through Ball State.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 91–97
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Statistical methods in educational and psychological research; behavior studies
• Concentrations Available: Elementary education, literacy/reading education; early childhood education, higher education, community college leadership, adult and community education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, field experience

$500/credit (in state)

Indiana University Bloomington lets applicants choose among five online doctorates in education—an Ed.D. in literacy, culture and language education, an Ed.D. in instructional systems technology, and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction with specializations in art, math and science education.

All four programs require 60 credits and a successfully completed dissertation for graduation. Fully online and asynchronous, these doctorates serve working practitioners who want to teach at colleges and universities or advance to high-level administrative positions in those and other institutions (such as museums, in the case of the art education specialization).

• Application Fee: $70
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Theoretical issues in the study of language and literacies; research seminar in literacy, culture and language education
• Concentrations Available: Literacy, culture, and language education; science education; math education; art education; instructional systems technology

$565/credit

Liberty University is a private, Christian institution in Lynchburg, Virginia. The university’s online doctoral offerings in education consist of six Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs with a wide array of specializations available in areas like curriculum and instruction, higher education leadership and special education.

All courses are fully online and asynchronous, with each course lasting eight weeks to offer learners maximum flexibility. Ph.D. students conclude their course of study with a dissertation, while Ed.D. programs culminate in a research-driven capstone project, developed with a faculty mentor, that addresses a real-world challenge in the education field.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 54–60
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced learning theory and research, history and future of special education
• Concentrations Available: Educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, elementary education, instructional design and technology, middle grades education, online teaching and learning, secondary education, special education, higher education administration, assessment and evaluation, organizational leadership, student affairs, educational law

An online doctorate in education can be a practical option if you need the flexible schedule and lower costs that come with remote learning. However, consider these key questions before you commit to earning a doctorate online:

• Is the program accredited? Before anything else, verify that an accrediting organization approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education has accredited any school or program you have in mind. Accreditation ensures that the program meets minimum quality standards and that future employers will recognize your doctorate.
• How do you prefer to learn? Consider which mode of online learning best suits your learning style. Synchronous delivery means you log into class at set times every week, whereas asynchronous delivery means your learning schedule is in your hands. Hybrid learning combines these two modes. Decide whether you benefit from more built-in structure or if you’re comfortable creating your own.
• Will distance and location affect your availability? Even though most of their coursework takes place online, some programs listed here require students to attend residencies or other activities on campus. Think about whether factors like travel time or the need for childcare or a pet sitter will affect your ability to fulfill in-person requirements.

Two kinds of accreditation are critical for anyone considering an online doctorate in education. Institutional accreditation confirms an educational institution’s overall quality and effectiveness. It attests to the school’s academic rigor, faculty qualifications, financial governance and student services, among other criteria.

Verify a school’s accreditation via the accreditation page on its website or use CHEA’s directory to research accredited schools, departments and programs.

Programmatic or specialized accreditation applies to specific programs or departments within an institutionally accredited school. In the U.S., the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the most prominent accreditor of degree programs in education. You can verify your program’s accreditation using CAEP’s online directory .

Consider Your Future Goals

Settling on the right doctorate in education program is a major decision that will shape your academic and professional trajectory. Before you start researching, ask yourself what you want to get out of your doctoral study. Are you interested in teaching, research, administration, policy or some other aspect of education? Defining your objectives can help you choose a program that fits your needs.

Next, you can begin assessing individual doctorate in education programs. Ph.D. programs often emphasize research and academia, while Ed.D. programs may focus more on practical applications in educational leadership and administration. Decide which type of program matches your career goals and learning preferences.

Finally, examine the student outcomes for any potential program. Consider where graduates have found jobs, how far they’ve advanced in their careers and what contributions they’ve made to the education field. Alumni networks and testimonials can give you insight into the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the careers they want.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition costs for the online doctorates covered on this page range from less than $20,000 to more than $110,000. Financing options differ by program, and your eligibility for assistance depends on your financial situation at the time you apply. To find out what types of aid you qualify for, you’ll need to do some research.

Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid programs. Online students are usually eligible for federal aid, but some programs may have specific eligibility requirements, so ask your school’s financial aid office for more information.

The financial aid office may be able to point you to some of the following resources as well:

• Scholarships and grants. Some doctoral students, including those enrolled in online programs, may qualify for these forms of gift aid. Grants and scholarships can be merit-based, need-based or specific to certain disciplines.
• Employer tuition reimbursement. If you’re currently working, ask your employer whether they offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorships. If your doctorate is relevant to your present role or a potential future role within the organization, some employers may be willing to cover at least part of your tuition costs.
• Fellowships. Occasionally doctoral programs will offer fellowships: financial support in the form of a stipend or tuition remission in exchange for research or teaching assistance.
• Student loans. Private loans from banks, credit unions or online lenders are a potential resource, but remember that private loans typically mean higher interest rates and less-flexible repayment options than federal loans.

Scrutinize all terms and conditions, ideally in writing, before you agree to any financing option, to avoid any potentially adverse effect on your financial status after you graduate.

Is it worth getting a doctorate in education?

The value of a doctorate in education depends on several factors, including career goals and financial considerations. If you suspect you’re not fully committed to several more years of academic study, explore other ways you could achieve your career goals in education, such as a professional certification or a specialized training program.

How long does a doctorate in education take?

Earning an online doctorate in education typically takes from three to seven years. Factors that can affect completion time include specific program requirements, whether the student already holds a master’s degree in education and whether they enroll full time or part time.

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a doctorate?

The terms Ph.D. and doctorate are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are important differences between them. A Ph.D. is a research-oriented doctoral degree in a wide range of academic disciplines, such as the humanities, sciences, social sciences, education and engineering. A “doctorate” refers to a broader category that encompasses all types of doctoral degrees, including Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., M.D. and Psy.D. degrees.

What is a doctoral degree in education?

A doctoral degree in education, sometimes known as a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D. in Education), is the most advanced degree in the education field. It prepares teachers, researchers, administrators and other professionals to contribute to the education field through scholarly inquiry, critical analysis and the practical application of knowledge.

Jeff Tompkins is a writer and teacher of English as a Second Language living in New York City. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1967 and was educated at Brown University and University College London. His articles and reviews have appeared in CHA Review of Books and Films, the Brooklyn Rail, the Chicago Review of Books, PopMatters, Words Without Borders, and other outlets.

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You don’t have to be on a Johns Hopkins campus to get the benefits of a Johns Hopkins education. We offer dozens of online courses and programs, some for credit, some for free through our partnership with Coursera.

More information about our online programs is available below

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

More than 25 master’s and certificate programs are offered fully or partially online via the Krieger School’s Advanced Academic Programs division

Carey Business School

The Flexible MBA program provides a part-time business education for full-time professionals seeking to advance their careers; the business of health care graduate certificate is designed for leaders in health care and medicine

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Explore the world of international relations through innovative graduate courses and degree programs offered online.

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Doctoral, master’s, and certificate programs offered fully online, plus a selection of professional development courses

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More than 140 online courses are available via Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals, including programs in computer science, cybersecurity, environmental engineering, and information systems engineering

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The Department of the History of Medicine offers an online master’s and certificate in the History of Medicine, as well as individual courses for credit

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Online prerequisites for health professions—including anatomy, biostatistics, microbiology, and physiology—plus master’s programs and certificate options

Bloomberg School of Public Health

Offering online degree programs, courses, certificates, and training, plus an expanding portfolio of free online courses via OpenCourseWare, Coursera, and iTunes

Choose from more than 60 online classes  offered through Coursera, a leading provider of massive open online courses, or MOOCs. Courses are free and open to anyone who is interested—you don’t have to be enrolled at Johns Hopkins. Topics include bioinformatics, data analysis, the science of patient safety, and caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

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The Office of Continuing Medical Education at our School of Medicine offers educational activities—including online courses —designed to help doctors maintain, develop, and/or increase the knowledge and skills they need to best serve their patients, the public, and the profession.

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20 Free PhD Programs Online

Are you aware that there are free PhD programs online? Even though it cost a lot to earn an online PhD degree, there are still few online universities that offer tuition-free programs and fully funded scholarships for PhD programs.

Earning a PhD is no joke. To achieve this academic level, you will have to be ready to devote enough time, dedication, and money. However, there are easy doctoral programs that requires less time and no dissertation.

We realized that a lot of students wish to obtain a PhD but are discouraged because of the cost of pursuing a PhD program. This is why we decided to share with you some of the free PhD program online.

Let’s briefly discuss about the meaning of PhD, and how you earn a PhD for free.

Table of Contents

What is a PhD?

PhD is the abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy. A Doctor of Philosophy is the most common degree at the highest academic level, earned after completing the required credit hours and dissertation. It is also the most common research doctorate.

A PhD program can be completed within three to eight years. After obtaining a PhD degree, you will have the opportunity to earn higher or get high paying jobs.

How to Earn a PhD degree Online for Free

• Enroll in Tuition-free Online PhD Programs

Online universities hardly offer tuition-free PhD programs but there are still few universities that have tuition-free online PhD programs. Although, most tuition-free online PhD programs are not accredited. IICSE University is one of the few universities that offer free online PhD programs, but the PhD programs are not accredited.

• Apply for Scholarships

Some online universities offer scholarships to online students. In most cases, the scholarships can only cover a part of the tuition. You may be lucky to get a fully funded scholarships for online PhD programs but it is very rare and have strict eligibility requirements.

• Get help from your Employer

Some companies fund their workers education, if it will benefit them and their companies. All you have to do is convince your employer that obtaining a new degree will benefit the company.

• Apply for FAFSA

Students can apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of financial aid for Colleges in the US. Even though, FAFSA is common with traditional programs, there are still online universities that accepts FAFSA.

Below are some of the free PhD programs online categorized in: tuition-free online PhD programs and online PhD programs funded with scholarships

Tuition-free Online PhD Programs

Below is a list of tuition-free online PhD programs:

• PhD in Business Administration
• PhD in International Relations
• PhD in English Language and Literature
• PhD in Sociology
• PhD in Accounting and Finance
• PhD in Applied Statistics
• PhD in Nursing
• PhD in Economics
• PhD in Higher Education
• PhD in Healthcare Administration .

1. PhD in Business Administration

Institution: IICSE University Accreditation Status: Not Accredited

The PhD in Business Administration consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a MBA or master’s degree in a business field.

2. PhD in International Relations

The PhD in International Relations consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.

3. PhD in English Language and Literature

The PhD in English Language and Literature consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

4. PhD in Sociology

The PhD in Sociology consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

5. PhD in Accounting and Finance

Institution: IICSE University Accreditation Status: Not Accredited

The PhD in Accounting and Finance consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

6. PhD in Applied Statistics

The PhD in Applied Statistics consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

7. PhD in Nursing

The PhD in Nursing consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

8. PhD in Economics

The PhD in Economics consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

9. PhD in Higher Education

The PhD in Higher Education consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

10. PhD in Healthcare Administration

The PhD in Healthcare Administration consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

Online PhD Programs Funded by Scholarships

Here is a list of online PhD programs that can be funded with scholarships:

• PhD in History
• PhD in Public Policy
• PhD in Criminal Justice
• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in Education
• PhD in Bible Exposition
• PhD in Psychology (General Psychology)
• PhD in Psychology (Developmental Psychology)
• PhD in Business Management (Accounting)
• PhD in Business Management (General Business Management) .

11. PhD in History

Institution: Liberty University Accreditation Status: Accredited

Liberty University’s PhD in History is a 72 credit hours program, that can completed within 4 years.

The PhD in History prepares students to pursue a variety of career opportunities in: education, research, politics, archeology, or management of national landmarks and museums.

This program can be funded by Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship. The SBCV is awarded annually and it covers tuition only. It is awarded to SBCV church members.

12. PhD in Public Policy

Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

With this program, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to research and transform two world of public policy.

13. PhD in Criminal Justice

Liberty University’s PhD in Criminal Justice is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Criminal Justice is designed for law enforcement professional. It prepares students for senior leadership roles in criminal justice organizations at all levels of government.

14. PhD in Psychology

Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare students to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior for a biblical worldview.

15. PhD in Education

Liberty University’s PhD in Education is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Education can prepare you for careers in various schools and administrative settings within the field of education.

16. PhD in Bible Exposition

Liberty University’s PhD in Bible Exposition is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The purpose of biblical exposition is to help you comprehend the Bible and equip you for a lifetime of study and application of God’s Word.

17. PhD in Psychology (General Psychology)

Institution: Capella University Accreditation Status: Accredited

The PhD in Psychology with a concentration in General Psychology consists of 89 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, you can gain a deep understanding of the many facets of psychology and expand your opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives.

This program can be funded with 20k Capella Progress Rewards. Capella Progress Rewards are scholarships for new students and are not need-based. Students are awarded with $20,000 to cover part of the tuition.

18. PhD in Psychology (Development Psychology)

The PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology consists of 101 total credits, including dissertation.

The program is designed to give a deep understanding of how people grow and change.

This PhD in Psychology program can also be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

19. PhD in Business Management (Accounting)

The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in Accounting consists of 75 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, students will gain a deeper understanding of interrelated issues, processes, and functions with business organizations.

The PhD in Business Management, Accounting can be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

20. PhD in Business Management (General Business Management)

The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in General Business Management consists of 75 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, you will master critical concepts through specialized courses and intensive in-person learning experiences in areas such as strategic management, marketing, accounting, and finance.

The PhD in Business Management, General Business Management can also be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i earn a phd degree for free.

It is rare but it is possible to earn a PhD degree for free. There are several scholarships awarded to PhD students.

Why should I earn a PhD?

Most people pursue PhD programs to increase salary, get new job opportunities, and increase knowledge and experience.

Which Country offer free PhD programs?

PhD may be free in any country but there are several European countries that offer free education to both domestic and international students. Countries like Germany, Sweden or Norway charges little or no amount for PhD programs. But, most of the PhD programs are offered on campus.

How long does it take to earn a PhD degree?

A PhD program can be completed within 3 years to 8 years. However, there may be PhD programs that can be completed within 1 or 2 years.

What are the requirements for PhD programs?

Requirements for PhD programs usually includes: master's degree along with a bachelor's degree, GMAT or GRE Scores, Work experience, Proof of language proficiency, and letters of recommendation.

We also Recommend:

• Cheapest Online PhD programs in the World
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Earning a PhD is no joke, it requires a lot of time and money.

With free online PhD programs, you will no longer have to worry about the cost of pursuing a PhD program online. We have now come to end of this article, it was a lot of effort!! if you have any question, do well to ask in the Comment Section.

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Online Ph.D. Programs in Education Exploring the Frontiers of Educational Knowledge

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Shape Educational Policy and Lead with Authority by Earning an Online Ph.D. in Education

Imagine using your degree to influence educational policies and create instrumental courses in programs across the country. By earning a 100% online Ph.D. in Education degree from Liberty University, you can. With the variety of degree concentrations we provide, you have the flexibility to focus your studies on an area that matches your unique career goals.

Here are some of the benefits of partnering with Liberty University to pursue your Ph.D. in Education online:

• Our online Ph.D. in Education can prepare you for careers in various schools and administrative settings within the field of education.
• Our School of Education is committed to providing quality education based on the principles of God’s Word.
• You can become a positive influence in your school and community as you make an impact for Christ!

Pursue a degree that inspires you. With a Ph.D. in Education online from Liberty, you can learn how to shape and design new curriculums. Not only that, but your courses can equip you with effective management principles so you can lead administrations at all levels. As a Christian university, our online Ph.D. programs in education also examine relevant topics and current events in light of a Christian worldview.

Receive advanced training in education, organizational leadership, and research so you can gain invaluable communication and problem-solving skills. This knowledge can help you lead your students and organization to success. Our online Ph.D. in Education program can provide you with the skills you need to oversee an educational administration at the county, state, or national level.

Is a Ph.D. in Education worth it?

With a Ph.D. in Education, you can be in a position to take advantage of the increased market demand for leaders in education:

• Increase your earning potential and pursue positions of added responsibility.
• You can gain invaluable networks with your peers and professors while pursuing one of our online Ph.D. programs in education during optional on-campus intensives.
• Completing an online Ph.D. in Education gives you a terminal education credential that shows employers you have reached the pinnacle of your field’s achievement.

What Will You Study in Liberty’s online Ph.D. in Education ?

As you begin our online Ph.D. in Education degree, you will study core curriculum critical to leadership in K-12 and higher education settings.

You will analyze pedagogical concepts and approaches based on research and knowledge of the discipline.

Our Ph.D. in Education online specializations allow you to acquire a robust knowledge of educational theories and practices. This awareness is vital in addressing the current teaching challenges found in your respective discipline.

Your doctorate in education can help you add value and fresh ideas to the field of education.

Featured Courses

• EDUC 701 – Advanced Learning Theory and Research
• EDUC 703 – Theries of Historical and Philosophical Foundations
• EDUC 730 – Issues and Trends in Learning Technologies
• EDUC 745 – Organizational Analysis and Problem Solving

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Education .
• View our  Graduate Education Course Guides   (login required) .
• An extensive final dissertation project is required.

Why Choose Liberty’s Ph.D. in Education Online Program?

Liberty’s online Ph.D. in Education is designed to provide the training you need to work in top leadership positions within education. Do you want to research and produce groundbreaking programs, or lead educational administrations at all levels? If so, one of our program specializations in organizational leadership or curriculum and instruction may be a great fit for you!

Our Ph.D. in Education is available 100% online. But if you would like some face-to-face interaction, we also offer optional, on-campus intensives. We want to help you earn your degree in a way that is most convenient for you.

See what we’ve been able to do to make earning your degree as convenient as possible:

• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition,  Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university . 
• Meet your peers and professors! With the online Ph.D. in Education program, you can complete  optional intensives on our campus in Virginia . This is a great chance to further develop your writing and research for the final dissertation phase of the program.
• Liberty’s online Ph.D. in Education provides an  integrated dissertation  process. That means you can work toward your final research project while completing your coursework!
• Completing a terminal degree like the Ph.D. in Education shows employers that you have reached the pinnacle of your field’s achievement.
• Make a unique impact on educational research using your dissertation. With the Ph.D. online program’s dissertation, your research can become the basis for publications, curriculum material products, and more!

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Potential Careers for Ph.D. in Education Graduates

• Curriculum specialist
• Elementary educator
• Gifted-student instructor
• Instructional supervisor
• Middle school educator
• School administrator
• Secondary school educator
• Special education instructor
• University professor

Online Ph.D. in Education Degree Options

By personalizing your online Ph.D. in Education with a concentration, you can open doors to new careers or career advancement. Whether you want to create more effective curriculums for your school, or you want to help implement ethical educational policies, we have a program to help you get there.

Take a moment to explore all the options available to you. 

Curriculum and Instruction

With Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Philosophy in Education – Curriculum and Instruction , you can learn how to create innovative and effective curricula designed to help students discover their full potential. 

View the  Degree Completion Plan .

Educational Law

Liberty’s  Doctor of Philosophy in Education – Educational Law  can help you master the legal aspects of education. These concepts can be readily applied as you lead in your school, corporation, or education-related business.

Instructional Design and Technology

Technology is an integral part of education both online and in the classroom. Become an expert in the growing field of distance learning with Liberty’s  Doctor of Philosophy in Education – Instructional Design and Technology .

Organizational Leadership

Guide your educational organization as you implement business communication and problem-solving best practices with Liberty’s online  Doctor of Philosophy in Education – Organizational Leadership .

Special Education

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Philosophy in Education – Special Education  can help you develop and implement evidence-based practices for students with special needs.

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Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Admission Information for Liberty’s Ph.D. in Education Online

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’ degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

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Gain deep knowledge and further develop your skills through credit-bearing courses taught by Stanford faculty.

Earn credits toward a masters degree or certificate in a flexible online format. Get started with a few simple steps.

• Browse our portfolio of graduate courses and graduate certificates .
• Submit an online application and supply accompanying documents .
• Register for courses during the open enrollment period to be considered for admission .

View lectures online live, broadcast from the classroom, or on demand.

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Spend about 15-25 hours/week per course during 10-week quarters.

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Earn academic credit and a Stanford University transcript. Apply up to 18 credit units to an applicable Master's Degree.

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Types of graduate scholarships

Where to find graduate school scholarships, tips for applying and winning scholarships, graduate school scholarships and grants: how to fund your master's or phd.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate student loans to write unbiased product reviews.

• Grad school scholarships provide funds to cover your educational costs. 
• In general, you don't have to repay scholarships or grants after graduation. 
• Start your search for grad school scholarships with your school's financial aid office.

Graduate school can help you take your career ambitions to the next level. But the cost can be very high. That's where grad school scholarships and grants come in. Scholarships and grants don't need to be repaid, which means you can leave school with minimum drag on your post-graduation finances.

Merit-based vs. need-based scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on your academic achievements and other achievements. In contrast, need-based scholarships are awarded based on the financial need of the student.

Subject-specific scholarships

Beyond these need-based and merit-based scholarships, you can find specialized scholarships designed for particular fields of study or demographics. For example, you might find a scholarship opportunity based on your prior military experience or your desire to obtain a graduate degree in STEM.

Your university

Before you can snag a scholarship, you'll have to find the opportunity and apply for it. Your school's financial aid office is a good place to start your search because they might have information on school-specific scholarships.

Online scholarship databases

You can also find scholarship opportunities through online search engines, like the U.S. Department of Labor's free tool or Scholarships.com . To locate scholarships specific to you, filter searches by "graduate level" and your field of study.

Professional organizations and employers

Many organizations offer some form of scholarship or tuition reimbursement to students pursuing related careers, or those gaining skills to aid in their existing role.

Grant databases

Grants are another form of funding that you usually don't have to pay back. Below are some of the most popular grants for grad school:

• Federal grants: Some federal grants are available to graduate students, including the TEACH Grant, which is designed to prepare them for teaching at the elementary or secondary school level. After graduation, grant recipients must teach full-time for at least four years in a school that serves low-income students. Skipping the teaching commitment means you'll have to repay the funds. 
• State grants : Many states provide grant opportunities to students. In some cases, these grants are designed to support students pursuing a graduate degree that's relevant to the state's needs. 
• Institutional grants : Many colleges and universities provide grant opportunities to students. You can find out about these opportunities through your school's financial aid office. 
• Private grants: Some organizations and foundations offer grant funding to graduate students. In most cases, you'll need to meet some specific eligibility requirements to apply. 

Tapping into this source of free money for college is a worthwhile option. If you are interested in grant funding, start by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to potentially tap into federal grant opportunities. 

In terms of state-level, institutional, and private grants, you'll need to do some research to find grants that might apply to your unique situation. Consider reaching out to your school's financial aid office, they might have more information on grant opportunities you can apply for.

When you find an enticing opportunity, it's important to craft a compelling application. Many scholarships require an essay, which could make or break your chances. 

"Writing essays for a graduate scholarship is not the same as it was for undergraduates," says Ben Ralston, president of Sachs Foundation , an organization that provides scholarship opportunities to Black Coloradans. 

"You are later in your career and can focus less on what you want to do with your education and more about what you have already accomplished," Ralston says. "Get specific in how graduate studies will develop more professional skills to build on previous accomplishments instead of speaking more generally about future goals."

Start early and apply often

It's important to note that the scholarship search process can take quite a bit of time, and once you've identified scholarships to apply for, you'll need time to prepare. Don't be selective with your scholarship applications; The more scholarships you apply to, the better your chances of winning.

Tailor your applications

When applying, personalize your essays and highlight how your experience aligns with the scholarship's mission. Be sure to triple-check your essays, and ensure that you're not referencing a separate scholarship opportunity from the one you're applying for.

Get strong letters of recommendation

Choose recommenders who can speak to your academic abilities and potential. This can be a teacher, employer, coworker, etc.

Grad school scholarship FAQs

Competition for graduate scholarships can be high, but many scholarships are available. Applying to a wide range increases your chances of success.

No, you don't. Scholarships are typically considered gift aid and don't need to be repaid.

While it's uncommon, there are some full-ride scholarships are available, especially for highly competitive programs or exceptional students.

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49 of the best Harvard University courses you can take online for free

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from Harvard University are available to take for free on edX, including lessons on AI, Python, JavaScript, and more.

edX is a goldmine for people who love to learn but don't want to spend money doing it. The online provider hosts literally thousands of courses from some of the biggest names in education, including Harvard University.

Yep, you could become a student of Harvard University without spending anything (and without leaving home). You can find Harvard courses on everything from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity with edX, so what are you waiting for? There isn't a catch here, besides the fact that you won't get a certificate of completion with these free courses. But don't let that hold you back.

These are the best free online courses from Harvard University this month:

American Government: Constitutional Foundations

Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature

Applications of TinyML

Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health

CitiesX: The Past, Present and Future of Urban Life

CS50's Computer Science for Business Professionals

CS50's Computer Science for Lawyers

CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python

CS50's Introduction to Computer Science

CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity

CS50's Introduction to Game Development

CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python

CS50's Introduction to Programming with R

CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch

CS50's Understanding Technology

CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript

Data Science: Capstone

Data Science: Inference and Modelling

Data Science: Machine Learning

Data Science: Productivity Tools

Data Science: R Basics

Data Science: Visualization

Deploying TinyML

Energy and Thermodynamics

Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles

Fat Chance: Probability from the Ground Up

Fundamentals of Neuroscience Part 1

Fundamentals of TinyML

High-Dimensional Data Analysis

Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster

Improving Your Business Through a Culture of Health

Introduction to Data Science with Python

Introduction to Digital Humanities

Introduction to Probability

Islam Through Its Scriptures

Leadership: Creating Public Value

Leaders of Learning

Machine Learning and AI with Python

Managing Happiness

Masterpieces of World Literature

MLOps for Scaling TinyML

Modern Masterpieces of World Literature

Remote Work Revolution for Everyone

Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

Shakespeare's Life and Work

Statistics and R

Super-Earths and Life

Students can enroll at any time and start learning at their own pace. Everyone leads busy lives, so it's nice to know that you can pursue your passion at a time that suits you and your lifestyle.

Find the best free online courses from Harvard University with edX.

Topics Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Careers

Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming services, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.

Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.

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Recipient of free tuition at Johns Hopkins University due to $1 billion donation from Bloomberg Philanthropies expresses relief

Nancy Chen has dreamed of being a doctor for as long as she can remember.

“My best friend’s family gave me a birthday gift of a doctor’s toy kit,” Chen said. “And that really sparked my interest in medicine.” 

A childhood toy turned into a lifelong mission. Chen is a first-generation American who grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, working at her parent’s Chinese restaurant but dreaming of one day being in that white coat. 

The oldest of four kids, Chen took on the role of a translator at a young age, helping her parents communicate with doctors during visits.

“I’m coming from a lower income background, so I know what it was like, as a patient in the hospital, trying to translate for my parents who didn’t have insurance,” said Chen. Chen said those early days translating for her parents is one of the reasons she wanted to go into the medical field.

“I want to be that physician that can just come in and alleviate the stress from the family and do my part in their healing journey,” she said.

Her dream became reality last year, when she was accepted to Johns Hopkins Medical School, her number one choice.

Her parents — who immigrated to the U.S. from China when they were teenagers — were filled with pride.

“For the past year, the first thing that came out of his [my dad’s] mouth is, ‘My daughter’s going to Hopkins Medical School,’” Chen said.But at close to $100,000 a year, the cost of her dream medical school would be taxing on Chen and her family. Then, she received her financial aid package — and posted this video of her reaction. She was thrilled that Johns Hopkins would cover about 80% of her tuition, but she’d still need to pay for tens of thousands of the expenses herself.  

“I definitely still had to take out some student loans initially,” said Chen. “And that still kind of loomed over my head.”

Medical school is notoriously taxing — mentally, physically and emotionally. But one of the biggest stresses of all is not the tests, clinicals or rotations — it’s the financial burden.

In the U.S., the average total cost of medical school is $235,827, with 73% of medical school graduates leaving with educational debt.

But this week, for the majority of medical students at Johns Hopkins University — the cost just became zero .

Bloomberg Philanthropies donated $1 billion to the medical school — making education free for most current and future students.

This massive donation affects Chen and hundreds of other current and future students.

“Initially, when I read the email that was sent out, I thought it was fake,” said Chen.

Dr. Ted DeWeese, the dean of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine said he got goosebumps “truly, to watch what this will mean for so many families.”

“America needs doctors, and we need the best minds in medicine,” DeWeese said. “So this gift that Mike Bloomberg gave is going to help us find those students, those brilliant students, who might have otherwise not gone to medical school.”

Here’s how it works: 100% of tuition will be covered for families making less than $300,000 a year — that’s 95% of households in the country. For families making less than $175,000 a year, living expenses and other fees will also be covered. 

With this Bloomberg donation, Chen won’t have to worry. All of her expenses are entirely paid for. She said when she first heard the news, she was shocked.

“I was with my mom at that time, and I just looked at her, and she was like, ‘What?’ and I was like, ‘I think I’m not gonna be in debt,’” said Chen.

Chen said this donation not only changed her life for the better — but will impact the medical field for generations to come.

“This opens up the opportunity for more people with different, diverse backgrounds such as myself, so that we can better help patients and just improve the quality of care that we can give to our patients,” Chen said.

Chen hopes her success story inspires others, including her three younger siblings, to dream big.

“I want them to hear my story and know that it’s possible to reach for the stars,” said Chen. “This was my star and I was able to reach it.”

And in a few years — when she’s Dr. Nancy Chen — she plans to be the physician her family needed.

“I just want to be able to know that I had, no matter how big of an impact on their lives, I really hope that it was a positive impact, and that they will continue to remember me as that,” said Chen. 

All thanks to a gift — that truly keeps on giving.

Natalie Bennett is a segment producer for NBC News.