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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 Fully Funded Online PhD Programs [Doctorate Guide]

If the cost of an advanced degree has discouraged you from furthering your education, fully funded online PhD programs may be the answer.

These doctoral programs provide students with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in their field without paying high out-of-pocket expenses. They typically cover your tuition and may also pay for fees, living expenses, and course materials.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Schools offer affordable PhD programs in many specializations, so students can pursue their goals no matter their area of interest. Earning a free doctorate degree online could help you grow your career prospects and become an expert in your field.

Universities Offering Fully Funded PhD Degree Program 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.

Boston University

Boston University typically offers free tuition, a stipend, and a health insurance credit to eligible PhD students. Students have 5 years to complete a PhD program. Funding details are based on the specific program. Programs include Behavioral Neuroscience, Astronomy, and Theological Studies. Most programs are available online and on campus.

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

Brown University

PhD students at Brown University may be eligible for financial support, including free tuition, a stipend, and medical assistance. Brown requires participation in a teaching assistantship, fellowship, or research assistantship to be eligible for these benefits. These benefits are available for 5 to 6 years. Programs include Anthropology, Political Science, and Physics.

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

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University works with students to make getting a hybrid PhD more affordable. Those who have earned a master’s through Johns Hopkins may be eligible for free tuition and a stipend for 3 years, while transfer students may be eligible for 4 years. Programs include International Policy and Regions of the world.

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

New York University

New York University PhD students may be eligible for funding, including full tuition, stipends, and health insurance credits. Aid is typically available for up to 5 years. NYU currently offers a PhD in Hebrew and Judaic Studies, with the option to add a History degree.

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

Northwestern University

PhD students at Northwestern University usually receive total funding for at least 5 years. Students who wish to earn more can take on teaching or research assistant roles. Courses are in quarter semesters and are offered 4 times each year. Northwestern offers over 60 PhDs, including Music and Linguistics.

Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Temple University

Temple University offers full tuition remission and a stipend to all eligible PhD students. Programs require participation in research or teaching assistant projects for up to 20 hours each week to receive this funding. The funding is renewable for up to 5 years. Programs include Business Administration, Statistics, and Decision Neuroscience.

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

University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo’s PhD Excellence Initiative helps highly qualified students earn a fully-funded PhD Students work as a research or teaching assistant in exchange for a yearly stipend. UB offers multiple PhD programs online including Nursing and Information Science. All courses are completed online with synchronous and asynchronous coursework.

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

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan provides several opportunities to fun joint PhD programs in Social Work and Social Science. Students work as teaching or research assistants and receive tuition, a stipend, and healthcare. Students are eligible for up to 5 years and may not work over 10 hours per week outside of university commitments.

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

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University offers the opportunity to earn a PhD in Nursing. The school offers full tuition and a stipend for up to 4 years of the program. Most of the program is online with a short residency required each semester. The program begins each fall and follows a semester schedule.

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

Yale University

PhD students at Yale University may have tuition covered along with a 12 month stipend. These services are available for up to 5 years. There is also the possibility of funding for an additional year. Programs include Environmental Science and Comparative Literature.

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

Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Earning a fully funded PhD online sounds like it’s too good to be true, but it’s a realistic possibility if you’re prepared to invest time and effort into the application process and your studies.

Most colleges and universities require students to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to enroll in a PhD program. Others will only accept students who have earned a master’s degree in a relevant field. Professional experience may also help strengthen your application.

If you’re admitted to a fully funded online PhD program, you’ll have the chance to earn your degree without taking out excessive loans. Many of these doctoral degree programs pay for most or all of the costs of attendance—including tuition, fees, and living expenses.

In exchange for this funding, some programs employ students as teaching or research assistants. In these roles, PhD candidates provide support to current faculty and balance this work with their own classes and research.

An online PhD may help prepare you for a career with desirable employers, such as:

• Colleges and universities
• Research labs
• Government agencies
• Private businesses
• Healthcare facilities

These organizations hire graduates of PhD programs to work in prominent roles, including analysts, researchers, policy developers, and engineers. If you’re currently working in your field of choice, a PhD may also help you advance into a position as an executive or administrator.

Many graduates of these programs also work in higher education as professors, academic deans, and presidents. A PhD helps you build a foundation of knowledge that allows you to conduct research and teach upcoming undergraduate and graduate students.

PhD Careers & Salaries

You can earn a PhD in a wide range of fields, and the degree you complete will determine what career paths are available. Many job paths for PhDs offer healthy salaries and opportunities for advancement.

Students often enroll in PhD programs because they want to enter academia. Universities typically require that college professors have a PhD and are capable of conducting advanced research and publishing articles and books related to their work.

A PhD is also an asset if you hope to build a career in science or technology. These specialized fields involve the sophisticated skills and technical knowledge that a PhD program typically provides.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , these are some of the most common careers for graduates of PhD programs, depending on their specialty.

In addition to paying above-average salaries, many of these careers are also expected to experience accelerated growth. For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth rate for epidemiologists over the next ten years is 26%.

The growth rates for computer and information research scientists (21%), medical scientists (17%), and postsecondary teachers (12%) over this period are also much higher than the average rate for all occupations.

How to Get a Fully Funded PhD Program Online

Gaining admission to a fully funded PhD program can be more challenging than enrolling in bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. Here are some tips to consider:

• Consider STEM programs . PhDs in science, technology, engineering, and math often offer full funding to students. You may have more schools to choose from if you complete a STEM degree.
• Check accreditation status . It’s strategic to avoid any online PhD program that isn’t accredited. A lack of accreditation could indicate that the program is of low quality or will not properly prepare you for the professional world.
• Apply for fellowships or assistantships . International students may qualify for fellowships that pay for tuition and provide a stipend. Many fully funded programs require students to participate in an assistantship focused on teaching or research.
• Fine-tune your application . Most fully funded PhDs only accept a few students for each academic year, and they base their admissions on your application materials. It’s beneficial to look closely at each program’s requirements and adhere to them as closely as possible.

When you research fully funded PhDs, be wary of any program that makes exaggerated promises or cannot provide job placement or graduation data for recent students.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fully Funded Online Doctoral Programs

Prospective PhD students may struggle to decide whether a fully funded program is the right path. Fully funded online doctoral programs offer a variety of benefits and drawbacks, including:

When deciding whether a fully funded online PhD is a good fit for you, you might consider your learning style, preferences, and goals.

Admissions Requirements

Fully funded PhD programs are usually selective, so it’s important to carefully follow their application process. Admissions requirements for online PhD programs for working professionals may include:

• Test scores . While it’s not always required, some schools have you submit current scores from the GRE or other standardized tests.
• Transcripts . Request official transcripts from schools you previously attended, including undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Statement of purpose . You can describe your motivation for pursuing a PhD, why you selected this particular program, and your specific research interests.
• Recommendations . You can ask former professors or supervisors to explain why you would excel in an online PhD program.
• CV . It’s beneficial to list all relevant professional, publishing, and volunteer experience.

Some universities also require students to participate in a virtual interview or provide a portfolio that demonstrates the strength of their past work.

Fully Funded PhD Programs Online Accreditation

When selecting an online PhD program, it’s vital to determine whether it has regional accreditation . Some online schools offer degrees with little to no academic value, but a regionally accredited institution must meet certain standards of excellence.

Attending a program that has met the high bar of a regional accrediting board usually provides you with a better educational experience that includes the most current practices and theories in the field. For this reason, most employers only accept PhDs from accredited schools.

If you end up changing programs before graduating, it’s generally easier to transfer credits from programs with regional accreditation.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

The cost of PhD program tuition varies widely based on the school you attend. Rates generally range from $500 to $2,000 per credit hour. In addition, students often have to pay for materials and fees on top of their base tuition.

A PhD program could range between 60 and 120 required credits, so the total cost of tuition and fees could easily reach top dollar. A fully funded PhD reduces or removes much of this cost by allowing students to complete their degrees without paying tuition.

What Does Fully Funded Mean?

Fully funded means that a PhD student doesn’t pay any of the costs of attending a doctoral program. This generally includes all tuition and fees required for full-time enrollment in the program. In many cases, the university covers these costs. Students may also receive funding from private businesses or sponsors.

To ensure that students can focus solely on their studies during the program, a fully funded PhD may also include a stipend to cover living expenses and housing. Some colleges require students to complete teaching or research assistantships to receive their funding.

What Is Funded in Fully Funded Doctorate Programs?

A fully funded PhD program essentially covers the costs associated with attending school. This typically includes:

• Full-time tuition for the duration of the program
• Fees required by the university
• Living and housing expenses
• School-provided health insurance

This funding is usually only provided for 3 to 5 years of study. This helps ensure that students complete their programs in a timely manner. If a fully funded PhD doesn’t completely address the cost of a student’s degree, the school may also offer additional financial opportunities. Scholarships, grants, and loans are possible avenues to fill the gaps in funding.

What Can You Get a PhD in?

There are PhD programs available for practically every field. Popular doctoral specializations include:

• Educational administration and leadership
• Physical therapy
• Electrical engineering

Although there are PhD programs available for each of these disciplines, some may be more suitable for online study. A PhD program that involves hands-on learning or lab work may not be as ideal for an online format.

Some online PhD programs that require in-person components allow students to participate in fieldwork in their communities. Other disciplines that focus primarily on research and writing can more easily be completed online.

What Are Some of the Highest Paying PhDs?

Your future earnings ultimately depend on your employer, geographic location, and professional experience, but some PhDs tend to have better pay than others.

Many of the highest paying PhDs are related to science. For example, medical scientists earn median annual salaries of $95,310, physicists make a median of $152,430, and the median for computer and information research scientists is $131,490 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Postsecondary education administrators also have competitive salaries, with median earnings of $96,910 per year.

Depending on their specific field and whether they have tenure, college professors may earn salaries above six figures. For example, $104,940 is the median salary for engineering professors.

What’s the Difference Between a Doctorate vs. PhD Degree?

People sometimes use the terms doctorate and PhD interchangeably, but there are differences between them.

All PhD programs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs.

Getting Your Fully Funded PhD Online

Earning a fully funded PhD online can open doors to new career opportunities that are professionally and personally rewarding, all without draining your financial resources.

This type of PhD may cover your tuition, fees, and expenses, allowing you to graduate with very little debt. Because they offer low-cost or no-cost degrees, universities with fully funded PhDs tend to enroll a small number of students with proven skills and experience in the field.

Once you decide that you want to earn a fully funded degree, you can begin by researching accredited universities that offer free PhD programs online.

• Assistant Professor vs Associate Professor: What's the Difference

Free PhD programs versus fully funded PhD programs

What is a free PhD program? What does fully funded mean in the context of a PhD? Is a PhD program an education or a job? Do you get paid, or are you paying for it? The designs of PhD programs differ substantially between countries. What is important to know for your career?

What are free PhD programs?

Free PhD programs are doctoral programs that do not require tuition or fees from the student. However, there might be other costs to consider, such as housing, food, transportation, learning materials, and health insurance.

What are fully funded PhD programs?

Fully funded PhD programs are doctoral programs that provide financial assistance to students, for example, in the form of tuition remission, a stipend, and health insurance.

However, there are dramatic differences in the design of PhD programs worldwide, for example, between the US and Europe (see below)!

Is a PhD program an education or a job?

The structure and financing of PhD programs vary greatly between countries and even between different universities within the same country.

In Europe, PhD programs are considered positions of employment

In many European countries, like Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, PhD programs are indeed considered positions of employment. The education policy is different in Europe compared to the US.

The selection criteria are strict. It is not a phd for free. However, a phd requires dedication, time, and resources.

Thus,  students do pursue a state-funded phd and   do not pay tuition but receive a salary or stipend  for their research work.

This model is based on the idea that PhD candidates are not just students but also contribute to the university’s research output and should therefore be compensated for their work.

In the US, PhD programs are considered a more advanced form of education

In many countries, including the United States, a PhD is typically considered a more advanced form of education rather than a job. As a result,  students often have to pay tuition, although many funding opportunities are still availabl e.

How much does a PhD program cost?

The costs of Ph.D. programs in the US and Europe vary substantially depending on the country, the university, and the specific program .

In general, PhD programs in Europe are free or more affordable than PhD programs in the US. The costs also vary dramatically depending on  how long it takes to finish the PhD .

Do tuition fees of PhD programs differ substantially between fields?

The prices for PhD programs in various areas can vary significantly. Here are some examples of tuition fee ranges from the US market:

• Biological sciences: $30,000 to $70,000 per year
• Life sciences: $20,000 to $60,000 per year.
• Social sciences: $25,000 to $60,000 per year
• Business administration: $15,000 to $50,000 per year
• Public health: $10,000 to $40,000 per year
• Educational leadership: $5,000 to $30,000 per year

Do tuition fees differ substantially between online and on-campus PhD programs?

Yes, online PhD programs are typically less expensive than on-campus PhD programs because online doctorate programs do not need to pay for physical space or the salaries of faculty members who teach on-campus courses.

The lower costs might be a reason to consider an online doctoral degree instead of a traditional phd.

Here are two examples of the cost of online and on-campus PhD programs from the US market:

• Life Sciences: Online $15,000 – $30,000 versus On-campus $30,000 – $60,000 per year
• Business Administration: Online $15,000 versus On-campus $40,000 per year.

However, there is a surprisingly high number of free phd programs online or fully funded online phd programs. A completely free phd may seem too good to be true.

However, universities offer free online phd programs to attract top students who might not otherwise be able to afford a traditional PhD program. The programs focus on high performers. Thus, they are very competitive.

Online and on-campus programs vary substantially in their structures and requirements. Some students enjoy the flexibility of programs online, others prefer to pursue a phd in the immersive environment of on-campus programs.

Consider all costs of a PhD program – and the funding options!

If you are considering a PhD program, it is essential to carefully consider not only the phd fees but also the living costs, including housing, food, transportation, learning materials, and student health insurance.

It is important to note that several scholarships and fellowships are available  to doctoral students in both Europe and the US.

Many countries or universities offer financial support to their doctoral candidates during their doctoral studies. These scholarships and fellowships allow students to offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.

A growing number of graduate programs are shifting to fully-funded ph.d. programs, where graduate students, especially those pursuing ph.d. degrees, receive a monthly stipend or annual stipend. This financial assistance can come in various forms, such as a research assistantship or graduate assistantship.

How much does a PhD program cost in Europe?

In Europe, Ph.D. programs are typically tuition-free for all students, regardless of nationality.

However, there may be additional costs, such as student union or registration fees. Living costs in Europe can vary, but they are generally lower than living costs in the US.

Here are some examples of the cost of PhD programs in Europe:

• France: Tuition fees for PhD programs in France are €380 per year for all students. Living costs in France are around €1,000 per month.
• Germany: Tuition fees for PhD programs in Germany are €250 per semester for all students. Living costs in Germany are around €800 per month.
• Norway: Tuition fees for PhD programs in Norway are free for all students. Living costs in Norway are around €1,200 per month.

But be careful: These are rough estimates that may vary substantially between universities and programs!

How much does a PhD program cost in the United States?

In the US, PhD programs are typically not tuition-free. The cost of tuition for PhD programs in the US can vary depending on the university, but it generally is  between $20,000 and $60,000 per year .

In addition to tuition, students in the US may also have to pay for  living expenses, such as housing, food, and transportation .

Living costs in the US can vary depending on the location, but they are generally higher than those in Europe.

Here are some examples of the cost of PhD programs in the US:

• Harvard University: Tuition fees for PhD programs at Harvard University are $52,630 per year. Living costs in Cambridge, Massachusetts, are around $2,000 per month.
• Stanford University: Tuition fees for PhD programs at Stanford University are $51,350 per year. Living costs in Palo Alto, California, are around $2,500 per month.
• University of California, Berkeley: Tuition fees for PhD programs at UC Berkeley are $47,440 per year. Living costs in Berkeley, California, are around $2,300 per month.

How are PhD programs funded in Europe?

PhD programs in Europe are typically funded by a combination of government grants, university scholarships, and research grants.

• Government grants are awarded by national governments to universities and research institutions to support PhD research. These grants can provide full funding for PhD students, including tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance coverage.
• University scholarships are awarded to PhD students based on their academic achievement and research potential. These scholarships can provide partial funding for PhD students, typically through a stipend.
• Research institutions, such as the European Research Council (ERC), award research grants to PhD students to support specific research projects. These grants can provide full PhD funding, including full tuition waivers, stipends, and travel expenses.

How are PhD programs funded in the US?

PhD programs in the US are typically funded by a combination of tuition waivers, stipends, and fellowships.

• Tuition waivers are offered by universities to PhD students who are accepted into their programs. These waivers cover the cost of tuition, which can be a significant financial burden for students.
• Stipends are paid to PhD students to help cover their living expenses, such as housing, food, and transportation. Stipends vary depending on the university and the specific program, but they are typically between $20,000 and $40,000 per year.
• Fellowships are awarded to PhD students based on their academic achievement and research potential. Fellowships can provide full funding for PhD students, including tuition waivers, stipends, and medical insurance.

International students often have concerns about pursuing higher education abroad due to financial constraints. The good news is that many top universities provide fully-funded ph.d. programs that cater specifically to international student needs. Universities often provide ample financial assistance options for their admitted students. Many universities waive phd fees to any students, while some may specifically charge fees to international students.

Other financial resources to pay for a doctoral program in the US and Europe

In addition to the above-mentioned funding sources, PhD students may also be able to earn money by teaching or conducting research. However, it is important to note that these activities are typically not enough to cover all of the costs of a PhD program.

Here are some of the most common ways that PhD programs are funded in the US and Europe:

• Assistantships are the most common way PhD students get funded in the US. Assistantships typically involve teaching or research duties in exchange for a tuition waiver and a stipend.
• Fellowships are awarded to PhD students based on their academic achievement and research potential. Fellowships can provide full funding for PhD students, including tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance.
• Industry funding is becoming increasingly common for PhD students. Some companies offer funding to PhD students conducting research relevant to their interests.
• Nonprofit organizations and certain public institutions often collaborate with universities, offering a fully funded phd
• Self-funding is a possibility for PhD students who are unable to secure funding from other sources. However, it is essential to note that  self-funding can be very expensive , and it may take longer to complete your PhD. Thus, if possible, you should avoid financial aid and student loans and do everything to get fellowships, stipends, or similar types of financial support.

How long does a PhD take?

The duration of a PhD differs substantially between countries, universities, and institutions.  In Europe,  full-time PhD programs typically take  three to four years  to complete.

You might find the shortest doctoral programs in Europe. In Europe, it takes less time to get doctoral degrees than in the US because most PhD programs require applicants to possess a Master’s degree.

In contrast, many doctoral degree programs in the US and Canada accept applicants already with a Bachelor’s degree.

Read more about the multiple factors influencing  how long it takes to finish a PhD .

How do I find a fully funded or free PhD program?

There are several ways to find free or fully funded doctoral programs. Here are a few tips:

Start your search early

The best free PhD programs are highly competitive, so starting your search early is important. This will give you time to research programs, contact potential supervisors, and apply for funding.

Use online databases

Several online databases list PhD programs, including funding information. Some good resources include:

• The European Commission’s EURAXESS website
• FindaPhD.com
• The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS)

Contact individual universities

If you’re interested in a specific university, contact the graduate school directly to inquire about funding opportunities. Many universities offer their own funding programs for PhD students.

Look for scholarships and fellowships

There are multiple scholarships and fellowships available to PhD students. These scholarships can provide full or partial funding for your studies. Some good resources for finding scholarships and fellowships include:

• The Fulbright Program
• The National Science Foundation (NSF)
• The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS)

Is a free PhD program right for me?

Whether or not a free PhD program is right for you depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are passionate about research and want to make a significant contribution to your field, then a free PhD program may be a good option for you. If you are a high performer, securing a fully funded phd might be a better option.

What are the requirements for a free PhD program?

The requirements for a free PhD program vary substantially depending on your career goals, the university and the specific program. However, some standard requirements in the US include:

• A strong academic record, for example, a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• A GRE or other standardized test score.
• Letters of recommendation from professors or other professionals.
• A research proposal.
• An interview.

Do I need a master’s degree to enter free or fully funded phd programs?

No, in many universities, e.g. in the US, you do not need a master’s degree to enter a fully funded ph.d. program and earn a phd. However, in many European universities, a master’s degree is required.

Should I go abroad for a phd program?

There are  many arguments for a phd abroad , including a broadened horizon, new skills and experiences, and many international contacts. However, there are always  unexpected challenges in going abroad , for which you should be prepared.

Acknowledgments

I have used AI systems, including Grammarly and ChatGPT, to enhance the English and comprehensiveness of this article. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to purchase through my link. Thus, you support smartsciencecareer at no cost to you!

Recommended reading

• PA vs MD salary – are the differences relevant?
• How long does it take to complete a doctorate?
• Does medical school ranking matter?
• Do I really have to go to a famous university for a successful career in science?
• Do I really have to work abroad as a scientist?
• 9 reasons not to go abroad – and how to handle them!
• Should I choose a big or a small university?

Sven Hendrix is a Professor of Neuroanatomy at Medical School Hamburg (MSH) in Germany. He leads a research group dedicated to the neuroimmunology of brain repair and the development of xenofree organoid models as alternatives to animal experiments. Additionally, he serves as the speaker for CENE, a center focused on academic career development across MSH, Medical School Berlin (MSB), and the Health and Medical University (HMU) in Potsdam and Erfurt, Germany.

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30 Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs

These fully funded Ph.D. programs are in fields like business, computer science, education and nursing.

(Getty Images) |

Many Ph.D. programs are fully funded.

Students interested in graduate research in various fields, from public health and English to computer science and engineering, have numerous options for Ph.D. programs that offer full funding. These programs typically provide waived tuition and fees and an annual stipend. Some also offer health insurance and other benefits. Gaining admittance into these small cohorts can be highly competitive, and the programs can be time-consuming . Here are 30 fully funded Ph.D. programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list – there are others out there.

• Ph.D. in anthropology at the University of Chicago

Anthropology Ph.D. students at the University of Chicago can receive funding for up to eight years of study, assuming they are in good standing at the university. During that time, they will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus health insurance and a living stipend – which equated to $33,000 for the 2022-2023 school year – and can apply for external fellowships.

Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University (MA)

Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston offers a Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health that aims to provide students with expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend and health insurance for five years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. International students receive the same benefits. Current research in the school's laboratories involves diseases like AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria and tuberculosis.

(Dominick Reuter) |

• Ph.D. in business at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Students enrolled in the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology can study a range of fields like organization studies, accounting and information technology. Those pursuing a Ph.D. will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus a monthly stipend of $4,267, capped at $51,204. They will also receive medical insurance, new laptops at the beginning of their first and fourth years of study and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.

(Tommy Lavergne | Rice University)

Ph.D. in business at Rice University (TX)

At the Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business in Texas, students enjoy full financial assistance upon admission to the Ph.D. program. Aiming to prepare students to teach in fields like accounting, finance, organizational behavior and strategic management, the program provides students with a research or teaching assistantship. Students receive a tuition waiver and a $40,000 annual stipend contingent on making satisfactory academic progress and maintaining full-time student status.

Office of Strategic Communication | University of Iowa

• Ph.D. in business at the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business offers Ph.D. degrees in fields such as accounting, economics, business analytics and marketing. The college says it 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 comprehensive health insurance covered at 90%. Some departments offer funding for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships and paid time off for independent research.

Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University (NY)

According to Cornell University 's website, all students admitted to the chemical engineering Ph.D. program at the New York school receive a full tuition waiver, health insurance and a stipend. 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.

Chris Taggart | Columbia University

Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University (NY)

Students enrolled in Columbia University 's Ph.D. program in clinical psychology at the Teachers College in New York receive fully funded tuition and a $25,000 stipend annually for three years. The stipend also carries into a student's fourth year. These doctoral fellows "may be expected to serve" as graduate teaching or research assistants. Students typically complete the mentor-matched program, which includes a full-year internship, in five to seven years.

Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University (RI)

Brown University 's Ph.D. students in computer science have access to "full financial support while completing the degree," plus the option to take classes at nearby schools without incurring additional costs, according to the school's website. In fact, doctoral students in any program at the Rhode Island university are guaranteed five years of financial support, which includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees and a subsidy for health insurance.

Georgetown University |

Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University (DC)

Georgetown University 's Ph.D. program in computer science provides scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition at the Washington, D.C., school and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years. Once enrolled in the program, students must complete the Apprenticeship in Teaching Program and ultimately write and defend a full research dissertation in a seminar open to the public.

Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University in St. Louis

Ph.D. students in the computer science or computer engineering program at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support and health insurance. According to the university's website: "As a doctoral candidate, you will also receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses and a new, high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as you continue to make satisfactory progress towards your degree." Doctoral students may also qualify for one of three fellowships.

Jeff Miller | UW-Madison

• Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison

Incoming Ph.D. students at the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin—Madison are guaranteed full funding for the duration of the time that they are expected on campus, according to the university's department of counseling psychology website. Doctoral students also receive a benefits package that includes health insurance. Funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships and/or traineeships.

Emory University |

Ph.D. in economics at Emory University (GA)

Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding, according to the Georgia university's website. 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.

• Ph.D. in education at New York University

New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers more than 30 degree programs. Many can be pursued on campus or online. Ph.D. degrees are offered in areas like developmental psychology, educational leadership and childhood education. 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.

L.A. Cicero, Stanford News Service |

Ph.D. in education at Stanford University (CA)

Stanford University's Graduate School of Education allows students numerous fellowship and assistantship opportunities at the California school, along with a "five-year funding guarantee that provides tuition aid, fellowship stipend, and assistantship salary, and covers the standard cost of attendance," the program website reads. At the Graduate School of Education, doctoral students can choose from a range of academic areas like curriculum studies and teacher education, and developmental and psychological sciences.

• Ph.D. in education at the University of 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.

• Ph.D. in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor can choose from numerous areas of specialization under umbrella categories like aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, macromolecular science and engineering, and robotics. All engineering doctoral students are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend and health insurance. The exact amount can vary, according to the program's website, and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.

Boston University Photography |

• Ph.D. in English at Boston University

Annually, 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, according to the university's website, but it's not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships and short-term research and travel grants.

(Stephanie Diani) |

• Ph.D. in English at the University of California—Los Angeles

Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at the University of California—Los Angeles 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," according to the school website. Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Jeff Watts |

Ph.D. in international relations at American University (DC)

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. Students also must "demonstrate competency in a modern foreign language" before graduating.

Jonathan Cohen | Binghamton University

• Ph.D. in management at Binghamton University—SUNY

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. This STEM-designated business doctoral degree prepares students for careers in academia and work in the public and private sectors, and has a student-faculty ratio of 1-to-1, according to the university's website.

Duke University Communications |

Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University (NC)

Doctoral students at Duke University in North Carolina 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. The doctoral program aims to help students publish with a faculty adviser and develop research skills, with the opportunity to present research at professional conferences.

Homewood Photography | JHU

Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University (MD)

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland provides most doctoral students with three fully funded years of study. Available financial aid includes graduate assistantships, targeted fellowships and nursing-specific funding. The university aims to "advance the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery" with the degree, its website reads. "By graduation, most Hopkins nurse scholars have been awarded grants that continue their research and set them well on their way to a successful career."

• Ph.D. in nursing at the University of Virginia

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. With a heavy research focus, students can expect courses in qualitative, quantitative and historical research, and will have to submit a research proposal for peer review.

Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University (CT)

At Yale University in Connecticut, 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. The program allows students to gain in-depth knowledge in a particular area of study. Every incoming Ph.D. student gets paired with a faculty adviser "whose area of expertise and active research most closely matches with the student’s scholarly interest," according to the school's website.

University of Minnesota |

• Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

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. Funding comes from some combination of teaching assistantships, traineeships, research assistantships and fellowships. Students in the program can specialize in areas like cognitive and brain sciences, industrial-organizational psychology and social psychology.

Matt Cashore | University of Notre Dame

Ph.D. within the Romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame (IN)

University of Notre Dame doctoral students who focus on French and Francophone studies, Iberian and Latin American studies or Italian studies are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance. Anyone who completes the Ph.D. degree requirements at the Indiana university within five years will automatically receive a one-year postdoctoral fellowship via the university's 5+1 Program. Fellows will have a teaching load limited to one course per semester.

Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College (PA)

Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College 's Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and "substantial stipends" toward living expenses. The Pennsylvania college's website says: "Consistent with our model, all Ph.D. students are funded equally, and do not compete for basic financial support during coursework." The program's cohorts typically include only three or four students each year. According to the college, it awarded the first Ph.D. degree in social work in the U.S. in 1920.

Vanderbilt University |

Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University (TN)

Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. This includes full tuition, a "competitive" monthly stipend and health insurance for up to four years. Students may also be nominated for additional honor scholarships and fellowships. Areas of focus within the Ph.D. program include high-incidence disabilities and early childhood education.

Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University (IL)

This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at Northwestern University in Illinois combines coursework in humanities, social science and the visual arts. The program's students receive a five-year full-tuition scholarship plus an annual living stipend. Ph.D students enrolling at this program in fall 2022 will receive a living stipend of at least $36,960 during the 2023-2024 school year. Stipend amounts may change from year to year. Students can apply for subsidies to facilitate conference travel and summer language study.

(Photo by Sarah L. Voisin | The Washington Post via Getty Images)

• Ph.D. in women, gender and sexuality studies at University of Maryland

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. Since the program's establishment in 1999, the department has granted 36 Ph.Ds, according to UMD's website.

Learn more about paying for graduate school.

Finding a fully funded program isn't the only option to offset the costs of graduate school. See these seven strategies to pay for graduate school to learn more. Check out the latest Best Graduate Schools rankings to see the country's top business, medicine and law programs – and more. For additional grad school tips, follow U.S. News Education on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn .

Ph.D. programs that are fully funded

• Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University
• Ph.D. in business at Rice University
• Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University
• Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University—St. Louis
• Ph.D. in economics at Emory University
• Ph.D. in education at Stanford University
• Ph.D. in international relations at American University
• Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University
• Ph.D. within the romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame
• Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College
• Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University
• Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University

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25 Free PhD Programs Online for 2023

Free online Ph.D. programs are becoming a reality because of the internet, as it provides comprehensive and effective resources through eBooks, video lectures, and so on. These free PhD programs online have changed the face of higher education and have markedly increased the opportunities to pursue advanced degrees.

Getting your Ph.D. online is an exciting process, but it can also be very intimidating. But believe us when we tell you that it’s not as hard as you may think, and applying to a paid Ph.D. program doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a higher quality education than a free option.

This is why, in this article, we share with you 25 amazing free Ph.D. programs online; so, you can apply and advance your professional knowledge and qualification.

Table of Contents

The U.S. and Canada are homes to some of the world’s most prestigious universities , and earning a Ph.D. from one of them can be a dream come true for many students. Unfortunately, tuition can be prohibitively expensive for many people who want to pursue higher education. That’s why we’ve compiled this list.

You can get a Ph.D. in every subject from anthropology to computer science . The only thing you’ll have to pay for is your textbooks, accommodation, and feeding, which will typically cost some money.

If you’re thinking about enrolling in one of these free Ph.D. programs online, here’s what you need to know:

• All of these programs are accredited.
• Each program has different requirements and prerequisites; so make sure you read through each school’s website thoroughly before making your selection.
• These are all professional Ph.D. programs in specialized disciplines.

Benefits of Getting a Ph.D.

If you’ve been doubting whether or not you need a Ph.D. degree, here are some why you may need to consider getting one:

1. It Prepares You for a Rewarding Career

A Ph.D. degree prepares you for a fulfilling career and here’s why: these programs tend to become research-intensive and it gives you the much-needed option to specialize in a particular area in your discipline, rather than be a generalist.

Ph.D. degree holders are generally preferred over bachelor degree holders in jobs that are highly specialized.

2. More Opportunities for Advancement

The more specialized your expertise, the better you’ll be able to advance within your field. A Ph.D. can help you stand out from other candidates by proving that you have a highly developed understanding of your topic area and body of knowledge—that means more opportunities for advancement and leadership roles within organizations that value that kind of expertise.

3. Higher Salary

One of the biggest reasons people choose to get a Ph.D. is so they can earn more money.

Ph.D. holders earn, on average, $50,000 more per year than people with a master’s degree and around $80,000 more per year than people who only have an undergraduate degree. However, this statistic is highly subjective to several factors, including the industry, job position and specification, and employer.

The List of 25 Free Ph.D. Programs Online

Are you looking for a way to further your education and earn a Ph.D. without breaking the bank?

Find out the options you have for free Ph.D. programs online that are available in 2023:

• The Ph.D. in Anthropology at the University of Chicago
• The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard
• The Ph.D. in Business at MIT
• The Ph.D. in Business at Rice University
• The Ph.D. in Business at the University of Iowa
• The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University
• The Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University
• The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University
• The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Brown University
• The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Georgetown University
• The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Washington University-St. Louis
• The Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
• The Ph.D. in Economics at Emory University
• The Ph.D. in Education at New York University
• The Ph.D. in Education at Stanford University
• The Ph.D. in Engineering at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• The Ph.D. in English at Boston University
• The Ph.D. in English at the University of California, Los Angeles
• The Ph.D. in English at the University of Notre Dame
• The Ph.D. in International Relations at American University
• The Ph.D. in Linguistics at McGill University
• The Ph.D. in Management at Birmingham University-SUNY
• The Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering at Duke University
• The Ph.D. in Mathematics at Princeton University
• The Ph.D. in Nursing at Duke University.

25 Free Ph.D. Programs Online

A Ph.D. can open up a world of opportunities and provide numerous benefits, including increased expertise in your field, higher earning potential, and the ability to make a greater impact.

These 25 fully funded online Ph.D. programs for 2023 offer the opportunity to advance your education and career goals without the burden of financial stress provide you remain in good academic standing throughout your study (as stipulated):

1. The Ph.D. in Anthropology at the University of Chicago

An advanced degree in anthropology aims to teach students about the interaction of man and his societal values and culture.

This program will give you a peek into the theories of socio-linguistics as well as courses dedicated to teaching you ethnography and archaeology, with an emphasis on carrying out strong academic research work.

In addition, this program is offered by one of the most reputable universities in the U.S., and it is one of the biggest opportunities for anyone looking to make greater career strides in Culture Theory.

View Program

2. The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard

This unique program combines the study of biology with a focus on public health. Students will learn about the biological basis of diseases and how to prevent and control them on a population level. The program is highly interdisciplinary, with coursework and research opportunities in a variety of related fields.

3. The Ph.D. in Business at MIT

This is another top-ranked Ph.D. program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills and the ability to solve complex business problems, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty on cutting-edge research projects.

4. The Ph.D. in Business at Rice University

This prestigious program attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research, and students have the opportunity to work with leading scholars in their field.

5. The Ph.D. in Business at the University of Iowa

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in the business industry, like managerial and leadership positions. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of business-related fields, including finance, marketing, and operations management.

6. The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University

This is a highly competitive program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of chemical engineering-related fields, including bioengineering, materials science, and energy systems.

7. The Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University

This is a top-ranked program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including environmental science, geotechnical engineering, and transportation engineering.

8. The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in research and practice. The program has a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and developmental psychology.

9. The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Brown University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of computer science-related fields, including artificial intelligence, computer networks, and software engineering.

10. The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Georgetown University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including data science, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction.

11. The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Washington University-St. Louis

This is a top-ranked program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of computer science-related fields, including computer graphics, machine learning, and computer systems.

12. The Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

13. the ph.d. in economics at emory university.

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. The program also has a strong emphasis on applied research, with students often working on real-world economic problems and policy issues.

14. The Ph.D. in Education at New York University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of education-related fields, including curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, and educational policy. The program also has a strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, with students often working on projects and internships in local schools and educational organizations.

15. The Ph.D. in Education at Stanford University

This is a top-ranked Ph.D. program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of education-related fields, including teacher education, learning sciences, and educational leadership.

16. The Ph.D. in Engineering at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

This is a highly competitive program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of engineering-related fields, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering.

17. The Ph.D. in English at Boston University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of English-related fields, including literature, creative writing, and linguistics.

The program also has a strong emphasis on critical thinking and analysis, with students often working on projects that require in-depth interpretation and analysis of texts.

18. The Ph.D. in English at the University of California, Los Angeles

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of English-related fields, including literature, creative writing, and linguistics.

19. The Ph.D. in English at the University of Notre Dame

20. the ph.d. in international relations at american university.

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in diplomatic and foreign affairs. Lost most doctoral programs, it has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of international relations-related fields, including international security, international development, and international political economy.

21. The Ph.D. in Linguistics at McGill University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of linguistics-related fields, including syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics.

22. The Ph.D. in Management at Birmingham University-SUNY

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of management-related fields, including organizational behavior, strategic management, and international business.

23. The Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering at Duke University

This is a highly competitive program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of materials science-related fields, including nanomaterials, biomaterials, and materials for energy and the environment.

24. The Ph.D. in Mathematics at Princeton University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of mathematics-related fields, including algebra, geometry, and topology.

25. The Ph.D. in Nursing at Duke University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of nursing-related fields, including nursing education, nursing leadership, and nursing informatics.

FAQs and Answers

Some commonly-asked questions about free Ph.D. programs done online include the following:

Are these programs fully online or do they require any in-person attendance?

Most of these programs are fully online, but some may require occasional in-person attendance for events such as orientations or research conferences. We advise that you do more research on them to learn their requirement to know how you can fit in your schedule to align with your studies.

Do these programs require any prerequisites or prior education?

Most of these programs have specific prerequisites and requirements for admission, such as a bachelor’s degree in a related field or a certain GPA.

Are these programs accredited?

All of these programs and universities are well-known and are accredited by reputable institutions and organizations.

How long do these programs typically take to complete?

The length of these programs varies.

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• 30 Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition Universities
• 10 Low-Tuition Universities in Canada for International Students .

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, obtaining a Ph.D. degree can be a rewarding and challenging experience that can open up many career doors for you. Online Ph.D. programs provide an even more flexible and convenient option for students to pursue their degrees while balancing other commitments.

The 25 free Ph.D. programs listed in this article offer a diverse range of subjects and are all highly respected in their respective fields. While there may be some requirements and limitations for these programs, they provide a valuable opportunity for dedicated students to advance their education and careers.

Related posts:

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Best Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates

Genevieve Carlton

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Bianca Gonzalez

Updated April 16, 2024

Danika Miller

Contributing Editor

Reviewed by

Contributing Reviewer

Our Integrity Network

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

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Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

An online doctoral program is an affordable and flexible way to earn the highest credential in education.

A doctorate can qualify you for senior-level positions in many fields, including leadership roles at various businesses and organizations. The degree can also prepare you to teach at the college level and perform academic research.

We determined our rankings of the best online doctoral programs using metrics like affordability and academic quality. We aggregated data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System to provide objective, fact-based rankings so you know which online Ph.D. programs are worth applying to.

Featured Online Doctorate Programs

Our partner schools offer programs that help you advance your education while accommodating your schedule. Visit their sites to learn more about degrees, course offerings, start dates, transfer of credits, and more.

Top Affordable Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Amridge University

• Montgomery, AL

Cost per Credit: In-State | $535-$780 Out-of-State | $535-$780

Credits to Graduate: 30-66

Amridge University is a fully online, private, Christian university offering 10 doctoral programs. Students can choose from different doctoral degrees, including a doctor of education (Ed.D.), a doctor of ministry (D.Min.), or a Ph.D., in fields like organizational leadership and management, higher education administration, counseling, biblical studies, and interdisciplinary studies. 

The cost of completing an online Ph.D. at Amridge depends on your field of study. For example, the university's Turner School of Theology charges full-time students $535 per credit hour. Meanwhile, the School of Education costs full-time students $700 per credit hour. Additionally, each doctoral program charges a $695 comprehensive fee per semester.

Amridge offers discounted tuition and waives admissions and registration fees for law enforcement and first responders.

Ashland University

• Ashland, OH
• Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: In-State | $778-$1100 Out-of-State | $778-$1100

Credits to Graduate: 59-77

Located in Ohio, private college Ashland University offers doctoral programs in educational leadership, nursing practice, and ministry. 

At Ashland, students can access doctoral courses in different ways. Most educational leadership courses are hybrid — students can participate in online sessions when it's convenient. Doctor of ministry students complete courses on-demand and meet in person for one week during the semester. Ashland's doctor of nursing practice is 100% online.

Ashland recommends graduate students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to qualify for federal student loans to help pay for educational costs.

Capitol Technology University

Cost per Credit: In-State | $950 Out-of-State | $950

Credits to Graduate: 60

Capitol Technology University, a private university in Laurel, Maryland, offers tech-focused doctoral programs on its 52-acre campus and through its virtual campus. The online doctoral catalog includes 41 programs in fields such as aeronautical engineering, counterterrorism, healthcare technology, and space operations. 

You have the choice between doctoral degrees that emphasize research and those that do not have any research requirements. Most doctoral applicants need at least five years of work experience. 

Capitol recognizes academically gifted students with leadership potential at all degree levels by offering scholarships that begin at $2,000 and can cover full tuition. 

Maryville University of Saint Louis

• Saint Louis, MO

Cost per Credit: In-State | $922 Out-of-State | $922

Credits to Graduate: 29-48

Maryville University is a Catholic institution with a 150-year history. It has a St. Louis, Missouri campus and distance learning options. Maryville's online doctoral degree programs include eight DNP programs and one educational leadership program. 

Multiple start dates and no entrance exams make it easy to apply for Maryville's doctoral programs.

To finance your education, you can draw on a variety of financing options for graduate students. Maryville can help you find scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid opportunities.

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

Cost Per Credit: In-State | $850 Out-of-State | $850

Credits to Graduate: 34-75

Established in 1891, Nebraska Methodist College maintains a long-standing history of providing nursing and allied health education, with its base in Omaha, Nebraska. 

This private Methodist college provides five virtual DNP programs, which include family nursing, adult gerontology primary care, gerontology clinical nursing, public health policy, and an advanced practice RN to DNP path.

NMC's affordable tuition gets cheaper if you access federal work-study opportunities as well as merit, leadership, and membership scholarships for students involved in church and school groups. 

Texas A&M University-College Station

• College Station, TX

Cost per Credit: In-State | $446 Out-of-State | $1005

Credits to Graduate: 64-69

Texas A&M University College Station offers online Ph.D. programs in educational administration, interdisciplinary engineering, and plant breeding. Additionally, it offers online Ed.D. programs in educational administration, and curriculum and instruction. Most programs require students to complete at least 64 credit hours beyond a master's degree. 

Graduate students at Texas A&M can help fund their education through an assistantship — a part-time, paid job working in research, teaching, lecturing, or other functions. In addition, the university offers several scholarships for international students, veterans, and students with disabilities.

Texas Tech University

• Lubbock, TX

Cost per Year: In-State | $9,518 Out-of-State | $17,918

Credits to Graduate: 60-96

Since 1923, Texas Tech University has grown to comprise 13 colleges and schools that provide doctoral degrees in various fields, including special education and agricultural education. With hybrid and online programs, you can conveniently choose from 16 different subject areas to earn a doctorate degree.

In combination with assistantships, doctoral fellowships can help candidates fund and complete their program. The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships can also help you find and submit applications for outside fellowships, travel funding, and research grants.

Touro University Worldwide

• Los Alamitos, CA

Cost per Credit: In-State | $700 Out-of-State | $700

Credits to Graduate: 42-66

The private, non-profit Touro University Worldwide serves nearly 2,250 students in 25 fully online programs, including six online doctoral programs. Doctoral students can choose from fields like health science, psychology, business administration, management, and marriage and family therapy.

Touro's doctoral programs boast relatively short completion times — students typically complete their degrees in 2-3 years, a plus for students eager to earn their degrees fast.

Touro tuition assistance counselors are available to help students determine their eligibility for financial aid. Additionally, the university encourages working students to speak with their employers about tuition assistance programs to help fund their degrees.

University of Memphis

• Memphis, TN

Cost per Credit: In-State | $623 Out-of-State | $623

Credits to Graduate: 48-54

For more than 25 years, the University of Memphis has offered fully online programs through the University of Memphis Global. The school serves over 5,000 students in more than 100 accredited programs, including eight fully online doctoral programs in education, nursing, liberal studies, and social work.

Graduate students at the University of Memphis can speak with an academic advisor to see if they qualify for Experiential Learning Credit, a program whereby students can earn college credits for professional, military, volunteer, or other life experiences.

University of North Dakota

• Grand Forks, ND

Cost per Credit: In-State | $570 Out-of-State | $570

Credits to Graduate: 60-90

You can select from 17 hybrid and online doctoral programs at the University of North Dakota, including degrees in nursing, public health, communication, education, and several specialties in science and engineering.

Online doctoral programs at the University of North Dakota generally require students to complete 90 credit hours. However, you can complete some programs in fewer credit hours if you already have a relevant master's degree. For example, completing a post-master's DNP takes just 37 credit hours to complete.

The university offers multiple scholarship opportunities to graduate students. For example, two programs — the Open Door Scholarship and Angel Fund — support current students facing financial hardship. 

University of South Dakota

• Vermillion, SD

Cost per Credit: In-State | $470 Out-of-State | $470

Credits to Graduate: 69-90

University of South Dakota's campus was established in 1862 in Vermillion, South Dakota, but now offers virtual degrees that provide both flexibility and affordability. Online students can choose from six doctoral degrees — including specializations from the education and health sciences departments. The doctoral programs cover subjects such as adult and higher education, counseling and psychology in education, curriculum director, health sciences, and nursing. 

Save on tuition by taking advantage of paid assistantships available through your department. At USD graduate school, you also can receive research grants and showcase your research at IdeaFest.

Methodology

At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.

For this page, we created a directory list of online doctoral programs that meet our criteria. These schools are organized alphabetically rather than ranked.

You can learn more about our methodology and how we rank schools here .

Tips for Choosing the Best Online Doctoral Program for You

Want to figure out which online doctoral program is best for you? Check out these five essential tips.

1. Understand Your Goals

Students considering online doctoral programs should understand their professional goals and know what jobs they want to qualify for after graduation.

Not all careers require a doctorate; however, a doctorate can provide you with better salary potential and leadership opportunities, especially in fields like healthcare and education .

Ask yourself: Do you need a Ph.D. for your chosen field? If not, how will a doctorate help you?

2. Research Accredited Online Programs

There are many online Ph.D. programs to choose from, but not all are created equal.

Make sure the schools you're considering for your online doctorate are accredited by a recognized agency . If you're applying for a doctorate in a professional field like nursing , medicine, business , law, psychology , or education, you should also look for programmatic accreditation.

As you research online doctoral programs, consider how you wish to learn. Do you want a hybrid or 100% online format? Does the program require any in-person components? Decide what works best for your goals and schedule.

3. Consider Your Budget and Financial Aid Options

Before you apply to online Ph.D. programs, take time to understand your budget and the cost of each program you're considering. Some programs will cost far more or less than others. Some doctoral programs may even be fully funded, making them highly competitive.

Submitting the FAFSA can help you qualify for federal financial aid , such as grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans. You should also research institutional grants, external scholarships and fellowships , and private loans.

4. Reach Out to Faculty, Students, and Alumni

Consider contacting faculty members, current students, and recent alums of the graduate program you're interested in. This way, you can better tailor your application and have a clearer idea of what to expect during and after the program.

5. Choose One of the Top Doctoral Programs

A top-ranked doctoral program can help you reach your professional goals. After researching doctoral programs, narrow your focus to decide where to apply.

Use your research on program outcomes, doctoral specializations, and faculty mentors to identify the best programs for you. Then, make sure you meet the admission requirements and start working on your application.

Top Online Doctoral Programs

• Behavioral Psychology
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Education
• Healthcare Management
• Health Informatics
• Higher Education
• Human Resources
• Human Services
• Information Systems
• International Business
• Organizational Leadership
• Physical Therapy
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Social Work
• Supply Chain Management

Reasons to Apply to Online Ph.D. Programs

• In 2022, doctorate holders earned a median annual salary of $119,839, compared to just $82,386 for those with only a bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• Online Ph.D. programs offer more flexibility than on-campus programs, making it easier to balance your studies and other obligations.
• As of 2022, the unemployment rate for those with only a bachelor's degree (2.2%) was more than double the rate for those with a doctorate (1%).
• In an online Ph.D. program, you can conduct specialized research and become an expert in a field you're passionate about.
• Some online doctoral programs may be more affordable than in-person programs.

The Importance of Accreditation in Online Ph.D. Programs

Accreditation ensures that an institution meets a certain learning standard and awards recognized credentials. Attending an accredited school also means you can apply for federal student aid .

In certain fields, individual programs may receive programmatic accreditation. Licensure for professions like nursing and law usually requires completing an accredited program.

Make sure all schools you're applying to are accredited by a recognized agency .

Price Check

The average tuition and fees for graduate programs in the U.S. have risen a whopping 378% between 1989 and 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Cost of Online Ph.D. Programs

According to NCES data, the average annual tuition and fees for graduate programs were $20,513 in 2021-2022 .

Private nonprofit institutions had an annual average cost of $29,931, while public universities had a lower annual average cost of $12,596.

Other factors that can affect how much your online Ph.D. or doctorate will cost include textbooks and supplies, distance learning fees, and whether you're attending an in-state or out-of-state institution.

You can offset some of these costs by submitting the FAFSA and applying for scholarships and fellowships.

Careers You Can Get With an Online Doctorate

What can you do after earning a Ph.D. or another doctoral-level degree online? A doctorate can open the door to many professions, from psychologist to nurse practitioner to or college professor. You can also move into leadership roles in business, healthcare, and education.

Many in-demand jobs require a doctorate. For example, the job growth rate for veterinarians is 20% over the next 10 years.

A doctoral degree can lead to high-paying careers as well. Physicians and surgeons earn over $220,000 annually, and dentists earn nearly $160,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctoral Programs

• Collapse All

What is the cheapest way to get a Ph.D.?

The cheapest way to get a Ph.D. is to apply for financial aid to cover your costs. Some programs offer doctoral fellowships that cover tuition and provide a stipend. You can also use scholarships and grants to pay for a Ph.D.

Finally, researching affordable online doctoral programs can help you save money.

Are online Ph.D. programs legitimate?

Just like in-person Ph.D. programs, online doctoral programs can be legitimate — so long as they're accredited. An online program with the same accreditation as an in-person program will have completed the same vetting process and meet the same quality standards.

You can check a school's accreditation status by using the directories on the Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation websites.

What is the easiest and fastest Ph.D. to get online?

In fields like healthcare, business, and education, you can earn a doctorate online in three years or less. For example, a doctor of business administration (DBA) typically takes three years to complete, as do many doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctorate in education (Ed.D.) programs.

How long does an online Ph.D. take?

The time it takes to complete an online Ph.D. varies depending on the field and program, whether you attend part or full time, and whether you opt for an accelerated program. A typical online Ph.D. program takes at least three years to complete, though it may take as many as 5-7 years.

How much does an online Ph.D. program cost?

The cost of Ph.D. programs varies widely, with the average graduate tuition and fees exceeding $20,000 per year in 2021-2022, according to NCES data . Graduate students can save money by choosing an affordable online program and researching financial aid opportunities.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed April 16, 2024.

Related articles that may interest you

What is an accelerated doctorate degree online.

One-year online doctoral programs can help you advance your career. Learn more about earning a terminal degree as fast as possible.

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Discover the best online Ph.D. programs and learn what it will take to earn your degree.

Tuition And Fees For Graduate Students

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Best online Ph.D. programs: Doctoral degrees ranked

An online doctorate program has a lot in common with a traditional, in-person program. By studying online, you'll complete the same courses and classes on a schedule that accommodates yours. An online doctoral program includes research and dissertation requirements, all of which you complete under the guidance of a mentor. 

If you're looking for an undergraduate education first, we've compiled the  best online colleges to help with prerequisites.  

If you're already ready to further your education, We've ranked the schools offering the best online doctorates below. 

Top 5 online Ph.D. programs: Quick facts

What should i expect in an online ph.d. program.

An online Ph.D. is comparable to what on-campus learners experience. The program typically begins with coursework designed to build your fundamental understanding of the discipline alongside research essentials. 

Once you complete the required classes, you will sit for comprehensive exams and submit a dissertation or project proposal. This is something you develop with a mentor. 

As an online student, you'll connect one-on-one with faculty via online office hours, email, and video conferencing. A bad internet connection or technical difficulties can hinder you.  You may also need to or want to travel to meet with them personally.

Some online Ph.D. programs may provide you with a computer , while others have research resources to help you. 

Much of the research you undertake is done independently and requires self-motivation and dedication. Asking questions, reaching out for help, and remaining in close contact with your mentor is key throughout the process. 

The best online Ph.D. programs: Our picks

We picked the best online Ph.D. programs using ZDNet's ranking methodology. Our proprietary formula for assessing online doctoral degrees uses federally reported data, programmatic and professional outcomes, and industry insights. We consider the whole picture to offer an unbiased look at the top online Ph.D. programs. 

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System , College Scorecard , and each school's website. Note that for public colleges, the average annual net price given is for in-state students.

1. A.T. Still University Kirsville, Missouri

About the program: ATSU offers online doctoral programs in health professions, health administration, health sciences, medical science, and nursing practice. 

• Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
• Graduation rate: Not publicly available
• Avg. annual tuition: $40,978
• Time to completion: Varies
• Average MCAT score : 505
• Enrollment periods per year: Four
• Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous programs 

Accreditation: A.T. Still University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

2. Amridge University Montgomery, Alabama 

About the program: Dedicated to academic programs infused with the ideals and heritage of the Churches of Christ, Amridge offers six online Ph.D. programs alongside three doctor of ministry programs and one doctor of education degree.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Graduation rate: 32%
• Avg. annual net price: $17,618
• Time to completion: Three to seven years
• Minimum GRE / GMAT / LSAT score: N/A
• Enrollment periods per year: Three
• Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous 

Accreditation: Amridge University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

3. Andrews University Berrien Springs, Michigan

About the program: Steeped in the beliefs and traditions of the Seventh-day Adventist church, Andrews offers online doctoral programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and education.

• Acceptance rate: 49%
• Graduation rate: 55%
• Avg. annual net price: $23,408
• Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: N/A
• Enrollment periods per year: Varies

Accreditation: Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

4. Ball State University Muncie, Indiana

• About the program: All of Ball State's online doctoral programs focus on education. Areas of study include adult and community education, educational administration and supervision, elementary education, and special education.
• Acceptance rate: 87%
• Graduation rate: 61%
• Avg. annual net price: $14,765
• Course delivery method: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

5. Barry University Miami, Florida

About the program: Grounded in the Roman Catholic Dominican tradition, Barry offers online doctoral programs in nursing, occupational therapy, and education. 

• Acceptance rate: 65%
• Graduation rate: 48%
• Avg. annual net price: $20,539
• Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: GRE required, no minimum
• Enrollment periods per year:  Three

Accreditation: Barry University is accredited by the Southern Commission of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

6. Baylor University Waco, Texas

About the program: A Baptist institution, Baylor offers online doctoral programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, and education.

• Acceptance rate: 68%
• Graduation rate: 76%
• Avg. annual net price: $37,309
• Enrollment periods per year:  Varies

Accreditation: Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

7. Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota

About the program: Bethel, the largest member of a 13-institution Baptist college consortium, offers online doctorates in K-12 education administration and higher education leadership.

• Graduation rate: 71%
• Avg. annual net price: $28,178
• Time to completion: Three to five years

Accreditation: Bethel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

8. Boston University Boston, Massachusetts

About the program: BU offers online doctoral programs in mechanical engineering and occupational therapy.

• Acceptance rate: 20%
• Graduation rate: 87%
• Avg. annual net price: $30,395
• Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: Varies

Accreditation: Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

9. University of Massachusetts Global Irvine, California

About the program: Dedicated to serving non-traditional students and adult learners, UMass Global offers two online doctoral degrees: A education doctorate organizational leadership , and a post-masters to doctor of nursing practice program.

• Acceptance rate: 93%
• Graduation rate: 64%
• Avg. annual net price: $26,346
• Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: Not publicly available
• Course delivery method: Asynchronous, synchronous, hybrid 

Accreditation: The University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

10. Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia

About the program: Brenau offers six online doctoral programs in education. Concentration areas include elementary education, higher education leadership, higher education teaching and learning middle grades, and special education. A degree completion program is also available.

• Acceptance rate: 92%
• Graduation rate: 44%
• Avg. annual net price: $22,402
• Time to completion: Two to five years
• Enrollment periods per year:  One

Accreditation:  Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

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Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates

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Online Ph.D. programs and doctorates can be challenging — but they're often worth the cost and effort , especially if you have a clear passion and career path in mind. With a doctorate, you can become an expert in your field and qualify for leadership roles in academia, research, professional settings, and the government sector.

Whether you're considering a doctorate in nursing , computer science, education, or business, an online program can help you maintain flexibility while achieving your goals.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of doctorates and Ph.D. programs available online. We'll cover popular subjects you can study and what jobs you can get after earning your degree.

Doctorate vs. Ph.D.: How Do They Differ?

Many people use the terms "Ph.D." and "doctorate" interchangeably, but they don't necessarily mean the same thing.

A doctorate, or doctoral degree, is the highest educational credential you can achieve. Typically, a doctorate takes 4-7 years to earn, though this length can vary depending on your field and program.

Doctorates come in many forms. Professional doctorates are geared toward specific roles and industries. For example, an aspiring business professional might earn a doctor of business administration (DBA), while a budding physician would need to enroll in a doctor of medicine (MD) program.

A doctor of philosophy, or Ph.D., is a specific type of doctorate focused primarily on academic research. Ph.D. students are expected to conduct original research and add to their field's discourse. Most Ph.D. programs also require you to write and defend a dissertation .

All Ph.D.s are doctorates, but not all doctorates are Ph.D.s.

Online Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Explore Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates by Subject

Select the jump links below to learn more about the different subjects you can study in an online doctoral program.

Earning an online doctor of business administration (DBA), Ph.D. in business, or Ph.D. in accounting can give you the credibility and expertise needed to expand into managerial roles at companies and organizations.

In addition to qualifying you for promotions to C-suite positions like CEO and CFO, a doctorate in business allows you to teach at the college level, go into research, or even become president of a college. Most DBA and Ph.D. in business programs require 3-6 years of study.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chief executives earned a median salary of nearly $190,000 in 2022.

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Criminal Justice & Legal

In an online Ph.D. in criminal justice program, you can choose from concentrations in areas such as forensic science , homeland security, criminal justice policy, criminology , and juvenile justice.

Typically, you'll spend 4-8 years completing degree requirements. Potential careers with a doctorate in criminal justice include criminal justice professor, forensic scientist, law enforcement leader, and policy analyst.

If you're interested in law , you can also get a juris doctor (JD). This professional degree is the minimum requirement to become a lawyer . According to the BLS, lawyers earned a median salary of $135,740 in 2022.

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Interested in education administration or other education leadership roles? Then you might want to consider getting an online doctor of education (Ed.D.) or Ph.D. in education .

These programs can prepare you to develop curricula, oversee a school or school district, conduct research on educational theory, or teach the next generation of educators at a college or university. Unlike other doctoral programs, you can complete an Ed.D. in as little as two years.

One of the highest-paying roles you can get with an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in education is postsecondary education administrator. These professionals take home a median salary of $99,940 (BLS, May 2022).

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Healthcare plays a large role in the economy, and the number of jobs in this sector continues to increase. Earning an online doctorate in healthcare can put you on the path to becoming a medical provider or securing leadership roles at hospitals, clinics, and more.

If you want to become a medical provider, such as a physical therapist , you'll likely need to complete any clinical or practicum requirements in person. In contrast, a doctorate in a subject like healthcare administration or healthcare management can qualify you for high-level positions without necessarily requiring in-person training.

Healthcare roles are some of the highest-paid jobs in the U.S., according to the BLS. For example, physical therapists and occupational therapists both earned median salaries of over $90,000 in 2022.

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Humanities & Social Sciences

The humanities and social sciences cover a wide array of subjects, including English literature, anthropology, political science, communication, public administration, and economics.

Earning a Ph.D. in one of these fields usually means you plan to work in academia or research, though some graduates find work in professional or government roles. Most online humanities and social sciences Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete and require you to submit a dissertation.

College professors earned a median salary of $80,840 (BLS, May 2022). Some of the highest-paid humanities and social sciences professors are economics teachers and anthropology teachers.

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Looking to advance your nursing career? With a doctorate in nursing, you can move into advanced practice, leadership, and academic roles.

A graduate degree in nursing pays off for many students. Nurses with a doctorate often work in high-paying, in-demand advanced practice roles. With a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), you can become a nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner .

These in-demand nursing careers report a median annual salary of $125,900 (BLS, May 2022). Advanced practice nurses also benefit from high demand, with 38% projected job growth from 2022-2032.

By pursuing a Ph.D. or other doctorate in nursing, you can also qualify for roles like nursing professor and nurse researcher.

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Best online nursing ph.d. programs, psychology & counseling.

If you have a passion for mental health, an online doctorate in psychology or counseling could be right for you. Earning a Ph.D. in one of these subjects qualifies you to work with clients of various ages, identities, and backgrounds.

To become a clinical psychologist , you must have a Ph.D. in psychology or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) degree, in addition to getting state licensure. You can choose from many types of psychology for your degree, such as forensic, school, or clinical psychology.

Psychologists take home a median salary of $85,330 (BLS, May 2022). Jobs for psychologists are also projected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than average.

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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Prepare for cutting-edge STEM careers with a doctorate in a science, technology, engineering, or math field.

As a doctoral student, you can advance your expertise in areas such as biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence , and materials science. You'll take advanced coursework in your specialty and conduct original dissertation research to earn your STEM degree .

With a doctorate, you can become a computer scientist , mathematician, or college professor. And STEM professors tend to earn high salaries . Engineering professors, for example, earn a median annual salary of $103,550, while earth and space professors make $97,770 (BLS, May 2022).

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Social Work

A doctorate prepares you for top careers in social work . While you need a master's degree to become a licensed social worker , a doctorate can advance your policymaking, research, and leadership abilities.

A Ph.D. in social work prepares graduates for academic and research roles, including as a college professor. Meanwhile, a doctor of social work (DSW) emphasizes clinical practice and prepares graduates for leadership roles.

With a DSW, you can lead social work organizations and mentor clinical social workers. You can also play a key role in setting policy. Social and community services managers report a median salary of $74,240 , with a faster-than-average projected job growth (BLS, May 2022).

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The cost of an online doctorate can add up, especially when you're typically spending at least three years in your doctoral program.

On average, graduate tuition and fees cost around $20,510 in 2021-2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

But tuition costs vary widely, with public schools averaging $12,600 per year in tuition and fees and private nonprofit institutions averaging $29,930. When factoring in other expenses, the total cost for a doctorate can increase to over $40,000 per year .

Several factors can affect costs, including the program length and school; however, you'll likely have many funding options in an accredited doctoral program. In fact, according to numbers shared by the Urban Institute, over 70% of doctoral students receive grant aid .

You might also qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to cover costs. And don't forget: You can take out federal loans as a doctoral student.

What Can You Do With an Online Ph.D. or Doctorate?

Earning an online Ph.D. or doctorate signals to employers your industry expertise and commitment to developing your skills and knowledge. It can also lead to rewarding leadership roles, many of which boast above-average salaries .

Here are some popular roles you can get with an online doctorate.

Is an Online Doctoral Degree Worth It?

For many students, earning an online doctorate is worth it for several reasons.

In addition to opening the door to professional leadership opportunities, these degrees routinely provide a pathway to higher salaries. Online programs can also offer increased flexibility for students with full-time jobs, children, or other commitments.

According to the BLS, people with a bachelor's degree as their highest credential earned a median salary of around $74,000 in 2022, while those with a master's degree earned a median salary of around $86,000.

However, people with a doctoral degree earned much more, with a median annual salary of around $108,000. This means doctorate-holders earn about $22,000 more each year than those with master's degrees — and a whopping $34,000 more than those with bachelor's degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates

• Collapse All

Can you do a Ph.D. completely online?

Yes, you can earn a Ph.D. in a fully online format. Many doctoral programs in business, education, healthcare, and STEM use an online learning format. In these programs, you'll complete coursework in a virtual learning environment while meeting any hands-on or clinical requirements in your local area.

Online doctorates from accredited programs meet the same high academic standards and licensure requirements as in-person doctoral programs.

Are online Ph.D. programs and doctorates respected?

Yes, online doctorates are respected. These degrees feature the same curricula and content as on-campus programs. However, since online degrees can't always provide the same type of instruction and interaction as on-campus programs, some fields — particularly medical ones — do not provide 100% online options.

How long do online Ph.D. programs take?

The typical online Ph.D. program takes 4-7 years to complete. Depending on your course load and schedule, the program may extend beyond that timeline. You may take longer to complete your research and dissertation, for example.

What is the easiest Ph.D. to get?

All Ph.D. and doctoral programs require dedication and stamina to make it through advanced academic courses. That said, Ed.D. programs tend to take less time than other doctorates, meaning you can put your degree to work more quickly.

The difficulty of a doctoral degree ultimately depends on your skills, interests, and career goals, as well as on the specific requirements of each program.

Which Ph.D. is most in demand?

According to BLS data, many positions in healthcare, business, and technology are projected to rank among the fastest-growing jobs in the coming decade . Professionals with advanced degrees in these areas will be needed to fill a large number of open roles.

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Tuition-Free Doctoral Programs in Counseling

Keith Carlson

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated February 16, 2024

Joey Morris

Contributing Editor

Reviewed by

Rayelle Davis

Contributing Reviewer

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Are you looking to earn a Ph.D. in counseling while avoiding significant student loan debt? One option to explore is tuition-free counseling Ph.D. programs. As a prospective Ph.D. student, your successful application can result in a fellowship, which often includes various benefits to help you pursue your studies with fewer financial concerns. Use this guide to search for a tuition-free counseling doctoral program that suits your career goals.

Popular Online Counseling Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

How Do Fully Funded Counseling Ph.D. Programs Work?

Fully funded counseling Ph.D. programs offer opportunities for ambitious professionals to pursue their career goals and a terminal degree while reducing student loan debt. Tuition-free doctoral programs often require fellowships that provide the financial freedom to focus on research, academic rigor, and professional advancement.

Application requirements may include a master's degree , a detailed CV, letters of recommendation from experts in your field of study, research experience, a statement of purpose, a draft research proposal, and a strong academic record.

While some programs solely require the student to conduct research in their chosen field, others may also require students to serve as teaching or administrative assistants in their academic discipline.

In return for fulfilling these work requirements, doctoral candidates in fully funded programs may receive a combination of full tuition and fee remission, a stipend, health insurance, and funding for research-related travel.

Explore our ranking of the top tuition-free doctoral programs in counseling. Graduates of these programs can pursue licensure or further education and training.

Read our ranking methodology

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Auburn University's counselor education Ph.D. program is one of four advanced counseling degree programs in the university's Counselor Education Programs department. Complete with a practicum and internship, Auburn's program has produced graduates presently working in mental health, rehabilitation, counselor education, and school counseling.

As part of the coursework, the practicum for this tuition-free Ph.D. focuses on teaching, supervision, and advanced counseling. Also, the internships are adjustable to the students' professional goals. Graduate students meeting the university's requirements can receive a tuition waiver from the tuition fellowship program. To be eligible for the tuition waiver, students must obtain a graduate assistantship.

Courses Include

Counselor Education Pedagogy Advanced Theories: Cognitive/Behavioral Theories Research Design in Counseling and Evaluation Contemporary Issues in Counselor Education Diversity and Social Justice in Counselor Education

Unique Features

Cost: $11,796 Credit Required: 61 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

See School Website

At Ball State, the pathway to becoming a doctor of counseling psychology features several emphases, including rehabilitation counseling, clinical neuropsychology, and school psychology. Most students satisfy the degree requirements within four to five years. Every Ball State doctoral student is eligible for a graduate assistant tuition and fee remission program.

Career Theories and Realities Theories and Techniques of Counselor Supervision Psychopathology Objective Personality Appraisal Analysis of variance

Cost: $16,0442 Credit required: 106 minimum Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Chestnut Hill, MA

This tuition-free Ph.D. program provides students with the foundational knowledge consistent with the American Psychological Association (APA) format. Most BC graduate students complete all of the program's requirements in six years. The university guarantees assistantships with tuition remission awards for the first four years.

Courses required

Quantitative Research Design in Counseling and Developmental Psychology Biological Bases of Behavior Advanced Psychological Assessment Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior Quantitative Research Design in Counseling and Developmental Psychology

Unique features

Cost: $38,450 Credits required: 54 Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education

Pittsburgh, PA

Carlow's Psy.D. in counseling psychology demands about four years of dedicated study with a year-long internship, a dissertation, and a practicum. The program does practicum placements at well-known mental health agencies, medical hospitals, and rural locations in the Pittsburgh area. For tuition concerns, the university sponsors a limited number of assistantships, scholarships, and grants.

Counseling Skills and Techniques Diagnosis of Abnormal Psychology Social and Cultural Foundations of Diversity Training Research Methods (Statistical and Quantitative Methods) Human Growth and Lifespan Development

Cost: $26,475 Credits Required: 93 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Morristown, NJ

CSE's Ph.D. program requires the doctoral students to complete the four categories of discipline-specific knowledge (DSK): the history of psychology systems, basic knowledge in scientific psychology, integrative knowledge in scientific psychology, and methods of inquiry and research. Most students complete the requirements for this degree in four years. Assistantships pay for one course (3 credits) for every 10 hours of work.

Courses Required

Advanced Psychometrics Advanced Cognitive and Personality assessment Physiological Psychology Social Aspects of Behavior Child & Adolescent Psychopathology

Cost: $19,236 Credits required: 88 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Milwaukee, WI

Along with the standard Ph.D. program requirements, Marquette engages its students in multicultural research, top-ranked internships, and opportunities to work with prominent qualitative researchers. Its students perform practicums in top hospitals and veterans administrations. After completing the program in four to five years, many graduates assume leadership roles in their specialties. Marquette offers assistantships with a full stipend and merit-based aid.

Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior Consultation Strategies Biological Basis of Behavior Professional Ethics and Legal Issues Career Development and Counseling

Cost: $81,900; Marquette offers assistantships with a full stipend and merit-based aid. Credit required: 91 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

San Antonio, TX

Upon completing the degree requirements, students are ready to become competent and licensed psychology practitioners. The average program completion period is five years, including a one-year internship. This doctorate program's design meets the requirements of Texas state licensure. It focuses more on the delivery of services than the standard research activity aspect of psychology. OLLU Graduate assistantships are available to offset the cost.

Cognition and Emotion Psychoeducational Assessment: Cognitive Testing Abnormal Psychology Advanced Systemic Approaches to Psychotherapy Behavioral Neuroscience

Cost: $23,315 Credits required:117 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Radford, VA

This tuition-free doctorate program primarily concentrates on rural mental health, but it also favors social justice, cultural diversity, and evidence-based psychology. Since it stresses clinical teaching and application, students must complete a 2,000-hour internship. For full-time students in good standing, Radford provides tuition remission through assistantships and grant-funded fellowships.

Couples and Family Systems Therapy Multivariate Analysis Psychopharmacological Medication Psychometrics Biological Foundations

Cost: $12,409 Credit required: 128 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

UAlbany's Ph.D. program requires proof of research tool competence, a 2,000-hour internship, a dissertation, and dissertation defense. Upon completion of the four-year curriculum, graduates are eligible for licensure in New York State. All first-year students receive guaranteed tuition funding, with assistantships covering the remaining years.

Course Required

Proseminar in Research in Counseling Psychology Regression Analysis for Counseling Research Ethics and Professional Issues in Counseling Psychology Multivariate Applications in Counseling Psychology Doctoral Practicum in Specialized Procedures

Cost: $13,454 Credits: 81 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Houston, TX

Students benefit from student-faculty mentorship, top-notch sites for clinical training, and a robust curriculum. This Ph.D. program also offers a health psychology emphasis. Even with the addition of this 15-hour minor, most students complete the program within five to six years. UH Doctoral students can use assistantships and tuition fellowships to offset the cost of tuition and fees.

Atypical Growth and Behavior Advanced IRT Theory Models in Psy/Educ Research Clinical Interventions in Counseling Psychology Inferential Statistics in Psychological and Educational Research Human Growth and Development

Cost: $18,528 Credits required: 48 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Memphis, TN

All UofM coursework and program requirements focus on a scientific approach to understanding and dealing with human behavior's positive and negative dynamics. For this tuition-free Ph.D. program, a typical doctoral student completes the coursework in three years and the internship in one year. This schedule makes graduation reachable by the end of the fourth year. Graduate assistantships provide a stipend and a tuition/fee waiver.

Advocacy, Consultation, & Ethics Multicultural Counseling Statistical Method Application Adult Personality Assessment Developmental Aspects of Behavior

  Cost: $5,970  Credits Required: 99

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Coral Gables, FL

UM's Counseling Psychology doctoral program allows students to participate in grant-funded projects that address underserved populations' health-related needs. On average, most students complete the required coursework in four years and the internship in one year. Assistantships alleviate cost concerns with a tuition remission benefit.

The Social Bases Of Human Activity And Flourishing Adult Psychopathology Cultural Diversity and Mental Health Quantitative Methods II Vocational Psychology and Career Development

Cost: $40,220 Credits required: 72 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Grand Forks, ND

Doctoral students get specialized training in several fields such as vocational psychology, integrated behavioral healthcare, leadership, and grant writing. They work alongside nationally acclaimed faculty members serving as mentors in critical research. On average, UND doctoral students complete the standard and electives required for this program in four to six years. Assistantships and tuition waivers are available to offset the cost of tuition.

Supervision, Theory, and Technique Multicultural Counseling Research Issues in Counseling Psychology Child and Adolescent Counseling Advanced Psychometrics

Cost: $12,797 Credits required: 98 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Greeley, CO

As part of becoming licensed psychologists, doctoral students go through two-plus years of systematic in-clinic practicum activities. It generally takes four to six years to complete the dissertation, internship, coursework, and supervised clinical training. Through assistantships, doctoral students can get full-tuition assistance for up to 10 credit hours per semester.

Advanced Practicum in Individual Counseling Advanced Research Methods Advanced Methods: Couples and Family Therapy Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Psychological Consultation: Theory and Practice

Cost: $7,200 Credits Required:126 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

This Ph.D. program has a curriculum that dispenses discipline-specific knowledge to the students in six categories: research methods, psychometrics, the history and systems of psychology, basic content areas, advanced integrative knowledge of the basic content areas, and quantitative methods. Students with a master's degree in counseling psychology can finish the program in four to six years. OU offers scholarships and doctoral research awards to offset the tuition.

Educational statistics Micro Counseling Skills Professional Ethics Multiple Regression in Educational Research Child-Family Interventions

Cost: (Based on 5 years) $17,787 resident, $149,995. OU offers scholarships and doctoral research awards to offset the tuition. Credit required: 165 Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

What to Look for When Choosing a Tuition-Free Doctoral Program in Counseling

When you’re looking for a fully funded counseling Ph.D. program, there are several factors to consider.

• Competition and Application Process: As one might expect, tuition-free programs can be highly competitive and require a rigorous application process. Programs may request letters of recommendation, research proposals, resumes, and other documents. When selecting a program, research its acceptance rate and a complete list of application requirements.
• Funding Package: Depending on the cost of living where you’ll work and study, your stipend may not cover all living expenses. You may also find that some programs only supply stipend funds during the academic year.
• Teaching or Research Assistantship Opportunities: Teaching assistant and research positions may be key to certain programs, so you’ll need to discover which institutions expect openings. Reaching out to potential supervisors provides valuable information about what topics receive an institution’s greatest emphasis.
• Professional Development and Networking: Doctoral counseling programs provide opportunities to network with experts in your field, both at your academic institution and within the larger professional sphere of your specialty area. Your doctoral program can also provide additional career benefits, including job placement assistance and career support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fully Funded Ph.D. Counseling Programs

What does it mean when a program is tuition-free.

Students enrolled in tuition-free Ph.D. programs do not have out-of-pocket costs for their studies. These programs usually give tuition waivers for graduate students and offer monthly stipends or low salaries for students who work as graduate teaching or research assistants. Some graduate programs offer benefits, such as health insurance coverage.

What can I do with a doctorate in counseling?

Professionals with a doctoral degree in counseling psychology can work as psychologists, researchers, or faculty members. By earning your doctorate in counseling psychology, you can apply for licensure and practice under the title of psychologist. A doctorate may also prepare you to teach at the postsecondary level.

How much do counselors with a Ph.D. in counseling make?

Professional counselors with a Ph.D. can earn around $84,000 per year compared to an average salary of $59,000 per year for a counselor with a master of science degree in counseling .

How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. in counseling program?

Fully funded counseling Ph.D. programs usually take four years of full-time study and up to six years if pursued part-time. Credit hours generally range from 80-120 hours.

Note: Page last reviewed on February 2, 2024. The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Best Counseling Degrees.

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Explore a range of online doctoral programs, including Ph.D. degrees, that offer accelerated paths, reduced residency requirements, and flexible online learning options.

Find Your School in 5 Minutes or Less

Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!

Many degree programs fall under the title of doctorate, including Doctor of Philosophy degrees or Ph.D.

These Ph.D. degree programs are available in a variety of subjects and are intended to help students understand their specialty in the abstract and as a school of thought and theory rather than strictly as a practice.

Institutions that offer the best programs typically have exceptional funding, prestigious reputations, top-of-the-line research facilities, and abundant academic resources.

When selecting one of the shortest online doctoral programs or easiest online Ph.D. programs, you can access more info by visiting the links provided in each school description to ensure that you find the best program for you!

The easiest isn't always the shortest nor the shortest the easiest.

1-year Online Doctoral Programs | 18 Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation | Shortest Doctoral Programs Online and On-campus | Easiest Ph.D. to Get Online | Easiest PhD to Get (Traditional) | Free PhD Programs Online

Doctorate Degree vs PhD

Ph.D. programs focus more on the theoretical and abstract aspects of their respective fields of study to understand it as a school of thought rather than just a practical application.

Usual doctorate programs tend to be more practical in their study and focus on the application of knowledge rather than understanding more abstract perspectives.

Ph.D. degrees are often offered in the same fields that have standard doctoral degrees available usually offered in fields such as engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Doctorate programs are made up of advanced coursework, research projects, or thesis work almost strictly for practical application. Such degrees will get you ready to teach at the university level or help you advance to the leading edge of your field researching, serving, and creating.

Ph.D. and Doctorate degrees can often achieve the same ends and should be considered more or less equal in weight.

1 Year Ph.D. Programs Online

Chatham university.

Chatham offers a 1-year online DNP program for working nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. The intensive curriculum covers care delivery models, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and informational systems. The program features synchronous online classes and immersive clinicals at sites nationwide. Students collaborate virtually with renowned faculty.

Within 12 months, students complete 36 credits and 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates can sit for Family Nurse Practitioner certification. Nurses with a BSN can enter the accelerated program. Applicants need an active RN license. This online DNP empowers nurses to rapidly earn doctoral credentials while working. It prepares graduates to advance as clinical, executive, research, and teaching leaders.

Breyer State Theology University

Breyer State Theology University offers a 1-year online PhD in Grief Counseling through its Department of Ethereal Studies. This accelerated program is tailored for working professionals seeking to advance their bereavement therapy career. The curriculum covers advanced grief counseling theories and interventions for diverse populations. Students gain expertise in areas like trauma-informed care, healing rituals, afterlife philosophies, and continuing bonds.

The online format combines asynchronous learning with live classes in an intimate cohort overseen by esteemed faculty. Students complete their dissertation in just one year. Graduates earn a PhD from BSU's pioneering metaphysical psychology department. This flexible doctoral program prepares students to progress their counseling practice or pursue academic research roles.

American International Theism University

American International Theism University (AITU) offers one-year online doctoral degrees for working professionals. Accelerated PhD tracks include Philosophy of Islamic Studies, Business Administration, Education, Finance, and Grief Counseling. Professional doctorates prepare leaders in Divinity, Sacred Music, Spiritual Psychotherapy, and more. The online programs blend video lectures, discussions, and immersive retreats. Curricula explore metaphysics, ethics, and wisdom traditions across faiths.

Within 12 months, students complete doctoral coursework, exams, and a dissertation overseen by distinguished faculty. Applicants should hold a relevant master's degree and background in theological studies or social sciences. These intensive online doctoral programs allow students to rapidly earn advanced credentials through flexible study with global peers. Graduates pursue roles driving innovation in spiritual care, research, and leadership.

Online Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You

15-18 month doctorate programs without dissertation, boston university.

Boston University offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program that can be completed in 18 months. The program consists of 10 courses, which are about 33 to 37 credits. Students may concentrate on various areas and can then choose what else they would prefer to learn to complete their credit requirements.

This is a fully online degree program that accelerates each semester’s worth of class to take only seven weeks to complete with new courses starting every September, January, and May. The program is available to doctoral students who have completed an accredited occupational therapy program. There are foundation courses, which include evidence-based practice and health care management, but no dissertation is necessary whereas a doctoral project is still required.

Frontier Nursing University

The Maryville University of St. Louis offers a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program that is available online. The DNP program requires students to complete a total of 33 credit hours, including 18 to 20 months for completion. Many students in the online DNP program are working as nurses in the field, and this affords them a flexible program that allows many students to achieve their academic goals while active in the healthcare industry.

This course is an online program that does not require a GMAT or GRE. It may have a waiting list, but unlike other programs, it does not require clinical hours. The Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership is an online program that offers personal coaching throughout the process. It is a cohort learning method with online education, and students might need a bit more time to complete it.

Maryville University

Maryville University offers online doctoral degrees tailored for working professionals. Programs available fully online include Doctorates in Higher Education Leadership, Educational Leadership, Nursing Practice, Health Administration, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. The EdD programs prepare graduates for leadership and faculty roles in education. The DNP equips nurses for advanced clinical and executive practice.

Health Administration focuses on healthcare organizational development, quality, and finance. Licensed PTs and OTs can pursue clinical doctorates while working. Courses blend live online classes and self-paced learning. Programs leverage cutting-edge virtual labs and simulations. With a relevant master's degree, students can earn an accredited doctorate from Maryville University online to advance their careers.

24 Month Doctorate Programs

University of north carolina – chapel hill.

One option is to earn an online Ph.D. in Nursing, while another option is to earn their Medical Degree at the same time as their  Master of Business Administration , but the Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical therapy may be earned in 24 months fully online. This part-time program provides online learning courses to help licensed physical therapists enhance their skills and gain access to higher career options. Some credits can be earned through workplace applications.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers over a dozen online doctoral degrees tailored for working professionals. GCU provides online EdD tracks in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, and K-12 Leadership. Other doctorates cover psychology, nursing, business, and more. Programs blend asynchronous and live virtual classes focused on applying concepts. Specialized tracks allow customization.

Online students get personalized faculty support and access to robust digital resources. Within 2 years (or less), learners complete coursework, residencies, exams, and a dissertation to earn an accredited doctoral degree from GCU. With flexible and practical curricula, GCU enables busy professionals to obtain doctorates fully online and further their careers.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a Doctor of Education degree program that can be completed fully online. The minimum time to earn the degree is about 30 months for completion of all 54 credits. The courses are each 8 weeks long and no dissertation is required. The Doctor of Education degree program provides a curriculum that focuses on developing innovative programs, as well as a capstone project.

University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia offers several online doctoral degree options for working professionals seeking advanced training. UWG provides online doctorates in School Improvement, Nursing Education, Professional Counseling and Supervision, and Higher Education Administration. The EdD programs focus on data-driven leadership strategies and developing administrative expertise.

The DNP prepares nurses to improve care systems and patient outcomes. Coursework blends synchronous evening classes and self-paced learning for flexibility. Experiential projects allow application to careers. With a relevant master's degree, students can earn an accredited doctorate fully online from UWG to advance as leaders in their field.

Shortest Ph.D. Programs Online and On-campus

Obtaining a Ph.D. can be a long-term commitment and many doctoral programs can take over five years to complete. To help busy working professionals looking to jumpstart their careers and those looking to begin their careers at a high level, this list serves as a simple reference guide, compiling information on some of the shortest doctoral programs in the country.

These online degree programs operate in full-time, part-time, fully online, or hybrid formats.

• Baylor University - online EdD in Learning and Organizational Change, 54 credits, 36 months
• Maryville University - online Doctor of Nursing Practice (Online DNP), 20 months, no GRE or no GMAT requirement
• University of Dayton - online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership for Organizations, 36 months, 60 credits
• Capella University - online Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision, 0 max transfer credits, 60 credits, CACREP accredited
• Franklin University - online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), 58 credit hours, transfer up to 24 hours of previously earned credit, 36 months + 1 year for dissertation
• Walden University - online Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology, up to 53 credits, fast-track option, earn MPhil at the same time
• Frontier Nursing University - online Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN with DNP, 675 clinical hours for MSN plus 360 additional for DNP
• Boston University - Online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, PP-OTD, 33-37 credits
• University of Florida - online MSN to DNP, 35 credits, five semesters
• Gwynedd Mercy University - Accelerated Executive Doctorate of Education ABD (All But Dissertation) Completion Program, online EdD , 27 credit hours, 18 months
• Duquesne University - Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), 35 credit hours
• The College of St. Scholastica - Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, online tDPT, 16 credits
• Liberty Univesity - Doctor of Ministry, online DMin, 30 credit hours, 24 months
• University of Florida - Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN to DNP, 35 credits, 5 semesters
• University of North Dakota - Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 36 credit hours, 5 semesters
• Seton Hall University - Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 31+ credits for post-MSN students, 73-79 credits for post-BSN students
• Regis University - Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP , 28-33 credit hours, 8-week terms
• Georgia State University - Curriculum and Instruction EdD, Educational Leadership EdD, on-campus EdD, 54 credit hours
• Bowling Green State University   - Technology Management, web-based Ph.D., 66 credit hours
• Hampton University - Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management, online Ph.D., 60 credit hours
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Safety Sciences, online Ph.D., 54 credit hours
• East Carolina University   - Doctor of Nursing Practice, hybrid online DNP

Easiest Ph.D. Programs Online & On-Campus

To be sure, at the Ph.D. level, no program could be considered "easy," but there are certain programs designed to be "easier" than others. Generally, education, humanities, and the social sciences are considered the easiest fields in which to pursue degrees.

With that in mind, our list of the easiest Ph.D. programs includes schools and programs that offer significantly reduced residency requirements, accelerated courses, credit transfers, and integrated dissertation colloquia.

The rankings below display schools with accreditation from at least one of the six regional accrediting agencies , and all offer at least one virtual Ph.D. degree. Accredited online Ph.D. programs are also organized according to the U.S. News and World Report and Forbes Magazine rankings.

Easiest Online Ph.D. Programs & Online Doctoral Programs

• WALDEN UNIVERSITY - 156 Online Doctoral Programs
• REGENT UNIVERSITY - 81 online doctorate degrees, 6 Ph.D. programs online
• HAMPTON UNIVERSITY - 5 online doctoral degree programs
• UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - 8 online doctoral degree programs
• UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - 4 online doctorate programs
• COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY - 3 online Ph.D. programs, 1 online doctoral program
• UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA - 12 online Ph.D. programs, 3 online doctoral programs
• NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY -  10 online doctorate programs, 8 online Ph.D. programs
• LIBERTY UNIVERSITY -  19 online Ph.D. programs, 16 online doctorate programs

Easiest Ph.D. to Get (Traditional)

The easiest doctorate degree can vary depending on your interests, skills, and strengths. However, here is a list of doctorate degrees that are mentioned as potentially less difficult to obtain:

• Business Administration: This program focuses on business development, design, methods, tools, and professional ethics. A Ph.D. in Business Administration can be a good choice for professionals looking to advance their careers in business.
• Counseling: A doctorate in counseling allows you to specialize in areas such as human behavior, social psychology, counseling supervision, or specific therapy approaches. This degree can lead to advanced career opportunities in healthcare and social services.
• Criminal Justice: This program equips you with research skills and the ability to analyze data in the field of criminal justice. It can open doors to various career paths, including emergency management, forensic departments, and information security sectors.
• Education: A doctorate in education focuses on enhancing educational research skills and preparing for leadership roles in educational institutions. It can lead to administrative positions in universities, professional departments, or elementary and secondary schools.
• Healthcare Administration: This program prepares you for leadership roles in the business aspect of the medical industry. It covers topics such as policies, ethics, group management, hospital administration, and advanced patient care.
• Human Services: A doctorate in human services prepares you for leadership positions within organizations that help underserved populations. It focuses on policies, legislation, rights, ethics, and protocols for serving within human services organizations.
• Management: This program provides practical skills applicable to various industry settings. It covers areas such as financial management, system management, conflict management, and human resources management.
• Public Administration: A doctorate in public administration develops managerial and strategic planning skills for administrative roles in different industries. It offers coursework in ethics of management, public policy, strategic planning, performance management, employee evaluation, and economics of administration.
• Public Health: This program equips you with advanced training and research skills for the healthcare industry. It focuses on leadership and management roles in public health, emphasizing innovative thinking and communication mastery.
• Public Policy: A doctorate in public policy focuses on theory, ethics, research, and practice in public service programs. It prepares you to analyze and propose policies to improve communities and societies.
• Psychology: A doctorate in psychology combines research skills with professional practice. It can lead to careers as addictions counselors, applied researchers, professional consultants, or clinical psychologists.
• Theology: A doctorate in theology explores divine and spiritual traditions through academics, research, and religious studies. It can lead to careers as professors, social service managers, private school teachers, or directors of religious education.

Please note that the difficulty of a doctorate degree can vary depending on individual circumstances, personal strengths, and the specific requirements of each program. It's important to thoroughly research and consider your own interests, skills, and career goals before deciding on a doctorate program.

Free Ph.D. Programs Online (Fully Funded)

According to Best-Universities.net .

• Brown University - Fully-funded Ph.D. program in computer science
• University of Houston-Downtown - Full scholarship program for online doctorate
• Devry University - Comprehensive scholarship program for online degrees
• University of Maryland-Baltimore County - Full scholarship program for online undergraduate and graduate degrees
• Wilson Community College - Full scholarship program for community college students
• University of Leeds - Up to 30 fully-funded online Ph.D. programs
• University of the Witwatersrand - Comprehensive scholarship program for online bachelor's or master's degrees
• The University of Texas at Dallas - Full scholarship program for online bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees
• University of Strathclyde - Full scholarship program for online undergraduate or master's degrees
• Emory University - Fully-funded online Ph.D. program in economics
• New York University - Fully-funded Ph.D. program in childhood education
• University of Pennsylvania - Fully-funded online Ph.D. program in educational leadership and policy

If you're not looking for an accelerated program , the list below displays some of the best traditional Ph.D. programs in the country, according to Study.com.

Best Ph.D. Programs in the U.S.

Guide to online doctorate degrees.

Fewer positions requiring this advanced level qualification and reduced competition for such job opportunities among job seekers are some of the reasons behind the few doctoral graduates.

With technological advancements in almost all areas of life, acquiring education, a significantly advanced level of education has become more accessible.

Graduate students now do not have to attend physical classes to pursue their dreams of developing and advancing their skills.

You can pursue your doctorate in the comfort of your home or even your office. There was a 20% growth in students granted doctorate degrees between the 2009/2010 and 2019/2020 academic years, according to NCES. This growth has been attributed in part to online Ph.D. programs and the streamlining of modern universities.

Online Ph.D. programs are a relatively newer idea and online schooling in general has greatly increased access, flexibility, and convenience.

Students typically complete these degrees soon after completing a Master’s degree in the same area. As such, and with bachelor's degrees being necessary stepping stones, students can expect their journey from primary school to a Ph.D. to take about nine years, barring any accelerated tracks and failed classes.

Cost of an Online Doctoral Degree Program

When choosing any doctoral degree program, it is crucial to evaluate the costs and salary after attending. Even though online Ph.D. courses may usually be cheaper than on-campus learning, secondary schooling is rarely cheap and not every field will allow you to make back the cost in a reasonable amount of time.

Tuition, materials, technology, transportation, housing, and groceries should all be factors brought into account when deciding whether or where to attend, and in what field you can find the most success and fulfillment.

Below are the annual tuition rates of different institutions as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

• Private-For profit institutions- $18,200
• Private-Not for-profit institutions- $37,600
• Public institutions- $9,400

Choosing an Online Doctoral Degree Program

Since doctoral programs require considerable investments of money and time, it is important to consider every factor before deciding on a school or program. Take some time to consider the marketability, cost, and difficulty of each program and your own interest in the subject. To reach your career and educational goals, do your best research.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD

The length of a Ph.D. program can vary, but it typically takes 3 to 6 years to complete.

• A Ph.D. program typically takes 5 to 6 years in the United States.
• A Ph.D. program typically takes 3 to 4 years in the UK and many other European countries.

The actual length of a Ph.D. program can be influenced by many factors, including the nature of the research, the student's progress, the advisor's availability, and funding considerations.

• Some students may finish in less time, while others may take longer.
• Part-time Ph.D. programs are also available, which can take longer to complete.

Here is a table summarizing the length of Ph.D. programs in different countries:

Top 50 doctorate-granting institutions ranked by the total number of doctorate recipients, by sex: 2020

Tied institutions are listed alphabetically.

National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.

Doctorate recipients from U.S. colleges and universities: 1958–2020

(Number and percent) * = value < |0.05%|.

State or location of doctorate institution ranked by the total number of doctorate recipients, by sex: 2020

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5 Countries That Offer Free or Very Cheap PhD Programmes

• Updated on  
• May 11, 2023

Do you currently hold a degree or a master’s degree and desire to advance your education by pursuing a PhD abroad? The good news is that those with graduate degrees, like master’s or doctoral degrees, had the best salaries and lowest unemployment rates in several countries. Is that terrible news? A PhD program overseas might be quite expensive. When studying overseas, you would have to take tuition, living fees, and other extra costs into account. However, there is a solution to this. The next step would be researching the nations with the most affordable PhD programs. Fortunately, there are quite a few nations where the cost of attending a PhD program is either zero or extremely low. This enables you to enrol in a prestigious university overseas and learn what it’s like to live in a foreign nation and adjust to other customs. You can concentrate on your studies and any other personal or professional goals when you study for a PhD abroad with little concern for your financial situation. Having said that, the following are the 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes in the world.

This Blog Includes:

Swedish doctoral degrees, fees and funding, admissions requirements, norwegian phd fees, admission requirements, entry requirements, types of phd in germany, phd programmes, programme length, phd fees .

A Ph.D. in Economics normally includes coursework in both macroeconomics and microeconomics. However, if you intend to teach or conduct formal research in economic subjects, this is a beneficial degree. Once the proposal is approved and the oral exam is passed, the final years of enrollment are devoted to dissertation research, writing, and defence.

Sweden is the greatest option if you want to pursue a PhD in renewable energy or a field that is closely related to it. According to data, about 56 per cent of the energy utilized in Sweden in 2019 originates from renewable sources. What is the nicest thing about obtaining a PhD in Sweden? Everyone can use it for free, even students from other countries. (Note that students seeking bachelor’s or master’s degrees who are not EU/EEA citizens are not eligible for free tuition.)

Seven of Sweden’s universities are included in the top 350 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2023, making it the home to some of the most highly regarded universities in the world. The KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University, the two top universities in Sweden, are 89th and 95th, respectively.

Key details-

For students in Swedish universities, a PhD signifies the pinnacle of academic success. Similar to other nations, the focus is on your independent study leading to an original thesis that adds new knowledge to the topic.

Must Read: Best Countries for PhD

In Sweden, a doctoral study might take one of two forms:

A typical Ph.D. confers a full doctorate (together with the crucial title of “doctor”) after a minimum of four years of full-time work (240 ECTS credits).

As an alternative, you might decide to pursue a licentiate degree. Typically, this only necessitates two years of full-time work toward a more condensed and modest thesis (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits). Some students first enroll for the Swedish licentiate before upgrading to full Ph.D. candidates since it is comparable to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree provided in the UK or other countries.

In Sweden, there are two teaching terms (August to January and January to June), which are separated by summer and winter breaks. You will often have more flexibility throughout the year as a PhD student, but some additional courses and other activities can be connected to particular teaching periods.

There are no tuition fees for PhD study at state-funded Swedish universities (note that this does not apply to Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees). Doctoral programs are free for students from the EU, EEA, and other countries.

The same is true of application costs; there are none to be paid for a PhD in Sweden.

Although you will need to pay for your housing and living expenses, your university might be able to provide assistance.

Universities in Sweden are permitted to establish their own admittance standards for PhD programs. A bachelor’s degree in an applicable area is typically the required minimum, but a master’s degree is also preferable, especially if you’re asking for funding.

Your capacity to exhibit prior research experience will be as crucial as your previous qualifications. It is crucial that you can demonstrate some preparation for the independent research you will conduct on your PhD, even if this is just the dissertation project for one or both of your previous degrees.

Also Read: PhD in USA

Norway is another Nordic nation that ranks among the 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. All students, regardless of nationality, are not charged tuition at Norway’s public universities. Norway’s cost of living is comparable to that of Sweden, therefore you may want to look into ways to reduce your out-of-pocket spending. Other than that, you will just need to pay a nominal semester student union charge to cover expenses like tests or sports facilities, which would only cost you between 300 and 600 Norwegian kroner (approximately INR 2353.24 to INR 4706.49). You can try your luck by submitting an application to the University of Oslo , the top-ranked institution in Norway, which is currently placed 101st in the most recent QS World University Rankings.

Following the Bologna approach, Norwegian PhD programs are third-cycle degrees. As a result, conducting research and creating a PhD thesis will be needed for you.

In Norway, PhDs frequently adhere to a standardized format. Before beginning your PhD research and thesis writing, this usually entails a training component. You might also be regarded as an employee of the university, complete with benefits. In this situation, you will need to uphold your teaching and administrative duties.

The fact that all PhD students in Norway get free tuition is a significant and alluring feature of the program. The cost of living is high in the nation. As a result, maintenance financing of some kind is typically required.

Universities in Norway do not charge tuition for their PhD programs. However, in order to join and receive a student card at many Norwegian universities, you must pay a charge of INR 4149.5 to INR 8299 to the student union each semester.

In Norway, candidates for a PhD are required to hold a master’s degree in a related field. You can check your qualifications’ eligibility at the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education. A similar degree may be approved (NOKUT).

Each research organization has a different set of conditions for applications. Always double-check with your desired university.

Typically, PhD candidates must submit a strong research proposal or project description together with the necessary application materials. Other standard materials for PhD applications may also be requested from you. These are some extra materials that might be needed:

• certified copies of all the documents that are pertinent to your education
• a strategy for financing your studies (for the full 3-4 years of full-time study, plus information about the funding source and type)
• An explanation of any significant scholarly or material resource needs
• a minimum of one proposed academic supervisor’s name (unless stipulated otherwise)

Also Read: PhD in Netherlands

Another Nordic nation, Finland , is at the top of our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. In Finland, pursuing a PhD is entirely free, even for those who are not citizens, similar to Norway and Sweden. According to QS, Finland is home to two of the top 150 institutions. This includes the 106th-ranked University of Helsinki and the 116th-ranked Aalto University . It is distinguished as a top-tier study destination by more than just its educational features. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is ranked 66th in the most recent QS study of “Best Student Cities.” The midnight sun and the Northern lights (aurora borealis), which fill the sky with a breathtaking vista for anywhere between 10 and 20 nights a year, are only two of the most magnificent natural phenomena that can be seen in Finland’s vast, open areas.

Finland is a very economical alternative for your PhD study abroad because of its generous higher education policy. Any student, regardless of country, is not now required to pay doctoral fees.

In contrast, fees are often charged to non-EU students for Finnish Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

A master’s degree (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution is necessary for admission to a PhD program in Finland.

Other prerequisites will be determined by the area of study you are applying for and the particular procedures followed by your university. If unsure, consult your department.

Germany is famous for having a top-notch educational system and for being an innovative nation. According to QS, three of its universities are among the top 100. This includes Heidelberg University, which is ranked 65th, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, which is ranked 59th, and the Technical University of Munich , which is ranked 49th. According to the most recent Best Student Cities rankings by QS, two of its cities, Munich and Berlin, are among the top 10.

Germans invented the doctoral degree, which is based on independent study leading to the submission and review of a thesis. Most colleges continue to offer this style, although some others provide more “organized” programs:

The traditional PhD requires you to choose a research project and conduct it on your own under the supervision of a qualified supervisor (Doktorvater/Doktomutter). The candidate selects the setting for their research, whether it be in a university, non-university organization, or German corporation.

Structured doctoral programs are conducted mostly in English and are focused on the global market. Along with writing your thesis, you will complete extra training, which may entail partnerships and job placements with outside research organizations.

Doctoral degrees are typically free in Germany for all students, regardless of nationality, due to the generous governmental investment in education. You might, however, have to pay additional costs while you are a student.

All public institutions in Germany offer free tuition for doctoral-level studies for up to three years (six semesters). For any additional time beyond the term of your PhD, you might have to pay tuition.

Despite not having to pay tuition, you will still need to pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), which typically ranges from INR 8k to INR 29k. This pays for office expenses, student government, and student services (Studentenwerk).

In general, you must have completed at least eight semesters of college work before enrolling in a PhD program in Germany. Your final certification must be on par with a German master’s degree.

Additionally, the Dean’s Office (Dekanat) or Board of Examiners (Promotionsausschuss) at your university must acknowledge your prior higher education degree(s).

International students with exceptional qualifications may be admitted to a PhD program with a Bachelor’s degree (fast-track program), albeit you will normally need to pass an entrance exam.

France , which has four universities ranked among the top 100 by QS, is another nation that makes it to our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. French institutions demand comparatively little tuition. A typical annual cost at a public university, for instance, is around 380 euros (INR 31k at the time of writing). Three French cities—Lyon, Toulouse, and of course, the nation’s capital Paris, which is placed ninth by QS—are included in the top 100 Best Student Cities list as a result of their high academic standing and affordable tuition.

The bulk of PhDs is completed as part of a program inside doctoral schools, although French universities occasionally do offer specific doctoral research programs.

The number is 266 in total. In order to provide doctorate training for PhD candidates and foster the growth of early career researchers, they are affiliated with universities and work in partnership with related research laboratories and other centres.

For a typical three-year PhD, a “doctorate” consists of six semesters, yielding two teachings (or research) semesters annually:

• late September to early January, with a break between Christmas and New Year
• early February to early June, with a spring break at Easter for several colleges

Exams are normally held at the conclusion of each semester, and institutions take a three-month summer break from July to September. As a full-time student, you will typically complete your PhD in France in 3–4 years.

The current French PhD tuition is the same for all students, regardless of nationality. But costs can differ greatly depending on whether you attend a public or private school (such a Grandes École).

Must Read: PhD in Switzerland

Public institutions charge substantially lower tuition since the State invests an average of INR 11,62,147.82 per student, per year.

The following fees may apply depending on your institution:

• Fees for PhD students at public institutions are €380 annually.
• Private institutions – Tuition at private institutions, particularly business schools, range from INR 2.49 Lakh to INR 8.30 Lakh per year.
• Administrative fees (frais de dossier), which universities may impose, are normally modest—a few tens of euros.

In France, each institution is permitted to establish its own standards and conduct personalized evaluations. However, in order to enroll as a PhD student, you will normally need to hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a suitable field.

If you are pursuing your master’s degree and expect to graduate before the PhD program begins, you may apply.

Additionally, you could be accepted based on your performance on entrance tests and in pre-college courses like the ‘Classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles’ (CPGE), which is a frequent practice among French Grandes Écoles.

Pursuing PhD in Finland is entirely free.

The average cost of PhD in the UK is GBP 40,000 (INR 40.67 Lakh)

One of the top countries to pursue an MBA abroad is the United States of America.

Hope now you know 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. Not sure which country to choose for your PhD? Don’t worry! Our Leverage Edu experts will provide you with end-to-end assistance starting from your university application to the time you reach your university and commence your studies. Call us at 1800 57 2000 to book a FREE 30-minute counselling session today.

Nikita Puri

Nikita is a creative writer and editor, who is always ready to learn new skills. She has great knowledge about study abroad universities, researching and writing blogs about them. Being a perfectionist, she has a habit of keeping her tasks complete on time before the OCD hits her. When Nikita is not busy working, you can find her eating while binge-watching The office. Also, she breathes music. She has done her bachelor's from Delhi University and her master's from Jamia Millia Islamia.

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Online Psychology Ph.D. Programs

Psychology.org Staff

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated August 1, 2023

Psychology.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

An online Ph.D. in psychology program focuses on studying emotional, cognitive and social functions, and human behavior. Psychologists interpret, observe, and record how people interact in various settings.

Fully online psychology Ph.D. programs target students with career interests in research, academia, and non-clinical fields. The job outlook remains strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a job growth rate of 6% from 2021 through 2031.

The BLS also reports that psychologists earned a median pay of $81,040, or $38.96 per hour, in 2021.

What to Look For in an Online Psychology Ph.D. Program

When considering online Ph.D. in psychology programs, consider the following.

• Accreditation: Ensure the school holds accreditation and that the accreditation status remains current.
• Program Cost: Consider whether distance learners must pay in-state or out-of-state tuition.
• Class Size: Does the staff-to-student ratio allow for individualized attention?
• Admission Requirements : Find out if test scores are required and whether your undergraduate degree or GPA meets the admission standards. Applicants may need to provide a background check, essays, or personal/professional references, as well as an interview with admissions or faculty members.
• Financial Aid Options : Consider federal financial aid, doctoral grants and fellowships, and scholarships offered by the school.

Online Psychology Ph.D. Accreditation

The American Psychological Association's Commission on Accreditation and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System accredits doctoral graduate degrees and postdoctoral psychology programs. Accrediting bodies evaluate curricula, course materials, and faculty qualifications.

Accreditation is important for many reasons, including:

• Accredited programs provide quality education.
• In accredited institutions, graduates gain the skills and knowledge to practice psychology at the doctorate level.
• Some institutions do not accept transfer credits from unaccredited schools.
• Students attending an accredited school can receive financial aid, including federal loans.

Our list of Ph.D. psychology programs includes only accredited institutions. Keep in mind that the American Psychological Association (APA) does not accredit fully online Ph.D. programs. Depending on state law, professionals may need to attend an APA-accredited program to become a clinically licensed psychologist.

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

Hybrid and Online Options

The curriculum structures of an online Ph.D. program vary by institution. Ph.D. psychology classes take place on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. A hybrid program combines online classes with on-campus requirements. A fully online course includes no on-campus coursework requirements, but learners must complete clinical practicums in person.

Some institutions define a program requiring over three campus visits per year as being hybrid, while those that require three or fewer campus visits are considered online programs. On-campus requirements often occur on the weekends to accommodate working students.

Practical Experience Requirements

Practicums and internships are required components of Ph.D. psychology programs. Students gain experience working in a clinical setting with actual clients. Practicums allow students to perform assessments and psychological testing, engage in treatment planning, and provide therapy under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Internships give students clinical experience with less direct supervision.

The practicum requirement for Ph.D. programs is three 600-hour practicums. Each school has its own clinical rotation schedule. For example, students may be required to complete 20-26 hours per week.

The educational institution usually pre-arranges practicums. Many universities have onsite clinical training facilities at outpatient clinics or inpatient facilities.

Online Ph.D. Programs

• Collapse All

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the private Keiser University offers an online Ph.D. in psychology. featuring a 60-credit curriculum with two residencies. Some of the foundation courses include research, ethics, and scholarly writing; cognitive and affective basis of behavior; and behavioral neuroscience. As part of the culminating work toward the end of the program, students enroll in 12 credits of dissertation coursework.

Other topics students explore in the eight-week courses involve curriculum design as well as the theory of learning and motivation, sociocultural behaviors, cross-cultural measurements, and educational psychology. The program allows for two pathways for students so that they may enter either with a master's degree or a baccalaureate degree.

Keiser requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and encourages submitting GRE or MAT scores for future applicants.

Keiser University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Lynchburg, VA

Liberty, a private Christian university based in Lynchburg, Virginia, features an online Ph.D. in psychology among its many curriculum offerings. Courses in the 60-credit curriculum focus on interpreting psychology and human behavior concepts with a Biblical perspective. Courses include general psychology, clinical techniques, behavioral theory, and culminating dissertation courses.

Liberty requires a 3.0 GPA and 12 credits of psychology courses from undergraduate work for applicants, as well as letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose outlining an applicant's goals. Transfer students may apply up to 50% of their previous coursework to the program. Additionally, a 50% military discount on tuition is offered, along with other financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Potential careers for graduates of Liberty's Ph.D. program in psychology include roles as a professor, corporate psychologist, researcher, project manager, or program/department head.

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

East Lansing, MI

Located in East Lansing, MSU enrolls more than 45,000 students annually. Known for flexibility and affordability, one program MSU offers is a hybrid doctoral program in counseling, educational psychology, and special education. The specialized coursework situates graduates for success in psychology fields within academia. Many graduates pursue careers in K-12 school systems, virtual education organizations, community colleges, higher education, and academic nonprofits.

Annual tuition runs around $14,000 for Michigan residents and $27,000 for out-of-state students. Students generally study in the program for about five years prior to graduating, depending on whether they are full- or part-time.

Potential future applicants must submit GRE scores, a writing sample, and a statement of professional and scholarly goals. MSU recommends candidates for the Ph.D. in counseling, educational psychology, and special education hold at least some prior teaching experience.

Michigan State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Norfolk, VA

Norfolk State University, based in Norfolk, Virginia, offers a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Designed for students pursuing academic careers within the field of psychology, the degree offers a balanced view of clinical psychology. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model and graduates must pass a comprehensive exam as well as write a dissertation prior to receiving their doctoral degree. Full-time students may complete the degree within five years, including a one year internship.

Students at NSU take part in the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, which awards the Ph.D. This consortium provides balanced training in science as well as practice and follows a model which produces graduates who are ethical psychologists, knowledgeable about diversity, experienced in empirical research, and prepared for leadership roles in healthcare settings or academic service.

Norfolk State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Virginia Beach, VA

Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent University offers a 100% online curriculum for its Ph.D. in counseling and psychological studies degree. The 51-credit program includes a common core in research, statistics, psychometrics, and Christian leadership.

Career opportunities for Regent's Ph.D. program include university faculty and leadership, research writer, mental health services executive, guidance director, and nonprofit administration roles. A variety of concentration areas allow students to focus on the topics and interests most relevant to their career path. Some areas of focus involve courses such as addictions and biblical counseling, human services for student affairs, marriage and family ministry, or trauma and crisis counseling.

Ph.D. applicants must hold a master's degree in mental health or a closely related field, a minimum 3.5 GPA, and one year of experience working in the field of mental health or psychology.

Pasadena, CA

Saybrook, a private university based in Pasadena, California, offers a hybrid Ph.D. in psychology program. While students must typically hold an undergraduate degree in social work, counseling, or psychology, 12 credits of psychology coursework may waive this undergraduate degree requirement. The curriculum emphasizes scholarship based in the traditions of existential, humanistic, and transpersonal psychology.

Students generally complete the program in five to six years with up to 83 credits, and graduate with an area of specialization within psychology. Specialization areas include one of four topics: consciousness, spirituality, and integrative health; psychophysiology; transpersonal psychology; or creativity studies. Tuition is $1,200 per credit and courses are synchronous with occasional on-campus residencies.

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

Chicago, IL

The Chicago School, centrally located in downtown Chicago, Illinois, offers several online Ph.D. in psychology degrees with a wide array of specializations to more than 4,000 students annually.

Prospective doctoral students choose from one of many options: an Ed.D. in educational psychology and technology, a Ph.D. in business psychology, a Ph.D. in organizational leadership, or a Ph.D. in international psychology. Some additional choices include the online Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis, which may be completed with or without the credential component, and concentrations in trauma services or organizations & systems. Students also may explore the Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision program.

The Chicago School is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a psy.d. and a ph.d. in psychology.

The difference between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. is the course content and the program length. A Ph.D. program takes 5-8 years to complete. Due to the extensive research emphasis, it usually takes 4-6 years to complete a Psy.D. program. A Psy.D. degree prepares students for a career in clinical psychology, whereas a Ph.D. focuses on the research aspect of psychology.

How long does it take to complete an online Ph.D. in psychology?

After completing a master's in psychology, it usually takes 5-8 years to complete a Ph.D. in psychology.

What can I do with an online Ph.D. in psychology?

Because fully online Ph.D. in psychology programs do not receive full accreditation, graduates are limited to non-clinical roles. Many Ph.D. in psychology graduates of accredited programs pursue careers in research psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, forensic psychology, or neuropsychology.

How much can I make after completing an online Ph.D. in psychology?

According to a 2021 report published by the BLS , the median annual salary for psychologists is $81,040, or $38.96 per hour. Your earning potential after completing an online Ph.D. in psychology will vary based on employer, industry, geographic location, and experience.

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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:

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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.

© World Scholars Hub 2023

• PhD in USA – A Guide for 2020/21
• Finding a PhD

A PhD in USA takes approximately 5 – 6 years of full-time study and can cost between $12,000 – $45,000 per academic year. PhD programs in USA differ from that in the UK and Europe in that students must first take taught classes, coursework and exams before starting their research project.

Why Do a PhD in USA?

The United States has long had some of the most distinguished universities and advanced PhD programmes in the world. Combined with curriculum flexibility, rigorous teaching methods, vast funding opportunities, breathtaking campuses and significant career prospects, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most sought-after study destinations for research students.

In addition to comprehensive training standards, here are a few other reasons why a student may choose to undertake their PhD in the United States:

• Longer learning timeframes – A PhD in the US lasts longer than a PhD in the UK or Europe. This allows students to more confidently transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies; more commonly referred to as ‘graduate studies’ in the US. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about your subject, research methods and academic writing in general before starting your research project.
• World-class universities – It’s no secret that some of the most well-known higher education institutions that continue to dominate global rankings are based in the United States. Although many factors go into determining whether a position is right for you, a PhD at a high-ranking American university will undeniably have many benefits, from excellent learning standards to access to innovative equipment and deep expertise.
• International network – The US has long been a popular choice among PhD students around the world. As such, the US hosts a diverse and multicultural learning environment in which many research students will quickly feel at home.
• Opportunities – With over 4,000 universities in the US, we can safely say you will have plenty of opportunities to find the ideal combination of project, supervisor and university that works for you.

Universities in USA

Universities in the United States can be divided into two types: public universities and private universities.

Public universities are financed by the state in which they are based. Because of this, public universities charge less for students from within the state and more for students from outside the state, including international students.

Private universities are not financed by their state, but by private donors, research funds and tuition fees. For this reason, private universities generally charge higher tuition fees than public universities and require all students to pay the same amount, regardless of whether they come from out-of-state or abroad.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 , eight of the top ten universities in the world are located in the United States. These are:

Method of Study

The main difference between a PhD in the US and a PhD in Europe lies in the program structure. Whereas a European PhD essentially consists of a single phase lasting three to four years , an American PhD consists of three different phases, each with its own time frame.

• Phase One – The first phase lasts approximately two years and focuses on building a basic foundation for the doctoral student. This phase consists largely of taught components such as lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions, in which the student learns more about theoretical concepts and research methods within their discipline.
• Phase Two – The second phase can be considered an assessment phase, which runs both periodically alongside and at the end of the first phase. Here, students complete coursework and take exams on the basis of the material they have covered of which they must pass in order to proceed to the third phase.
• Phase Three – The third phase lasts approximately three years and resembles the European PhD structure. During this period, the student undertakes an independent research project, including forming a research design, conducting experiments, writing a thesis (more commonly referred to in the USA as a dissertation) and sitting a viva exam.

Teaching Requirements

Besides structure, a key difference between a PhD program in the US and in Europe is the focus on teaching requirements. In the US, doctoral students are expected to lecture, lead tutorials, host laboratory sessions, mark coursework and provide office hours for undergraduate students. Although students studying in European will likely contribute to these at some point during their study, this would normally be on a voluntary basis and involve less time commitment.

Research Flexibility

Another difference is project flexibility. In Europe, students typically apply to a PhD project predetermined by a supervisor, and although there may be some scope to adapt the project, depending on the funding provider , it will usually be limited to how the project is carried out rather than what it is about. In the US, however, a student applies to become a doctoral candidate within a department rather than applying for a particular research project. This is because students are expected to decide on their thesis topic (also commonly referred to as a dissertation research topic) near the end of their first phase after they have developed a better understanding of their subject and know where their interests lie. Therefore, research students in the US generally have more flexibility and influence in the direction of their research than students in the United Kingdom or Europe.

PhD Admission Requirements in USA

PhD admission into US universities can be highly competitive, both because of the limited number of positions and the large number of annual applicants.

The eligibility requirements for a doctoral program in the USA can generally be divided into four sections:

• Grade Point Average (GPA) – in the US, a scoring system known as Grade Point Average is used to measure academic ability. A student’s GPA is calculated as a weighted score of the subjects they study during their undergraduate degree; an equivalent score is calculated by universities for international applicants. Although universities rarely set minimum GPA requirements for doctoral study, it’s worth being aware that a GPA of 3.0 is equivalent to a UK second class honours (2:1); the typical entry requirement for UK universities.
• Graduate Records Exam (GRE) – most universities will require you to take a series of examinations known as Graduate Records Exams, which are used to determine your suitability for graduate study. GREs will assess your analytical, reasoning and critical thinking skills as well as your depth of your subject.
• Student aptitude – in addition to academic ability, US universities also look for characteristics of a strong researcher. These include traits such as engaging in the subject in your own time, e.g. by attending talks and conferences, demonstrating a high degree of independence and enthusiasm, and a general passion for your subject.
• English Language Proficiency – international students whose first language is not English must sit language exams such as IELTS or TOELF to demonstrate their English language proficiency.

International students will also require a F1 student visa in order to study in the US, however, you would typically apply for this after you have secured a place into a doctorate program.

How to Apply for PhD in USA

When applying for a PhD position at a graduate school, the application process will differ between universities, however, they will all typically ask for the following:

• Academic CV – a short document summarising your educational background and current level of experience .
• Personal statement – a document which outlines why you believe you are suitable for PhD study and your passion for the subject.
• Academic transcripts – a complete breakdown of the modules and their respective marks you have taken as part of your previous/current degree.
• GRE scores – a transcript of your Graduate Records Exam results.
• Research statement – a condensed version of a research proposal outlining your general research interests, if required.
• Recommendation letters – references from several academic referees who endorse your qualities as a person, your abilities as a student and your potential as a doctoral researcher.

Application Deadlines and Fees

Since PhD programs in the United States have taught components, they commence at the same time as all other taught degrees, and therefore share the same application deadlines and start dates. This corresponds to an application period that typically begins in August and ends in February. Admission decisions are typically made in April, with successful students starting in August/September.

When you apply to a graduate school, you will be expected to pay a fee for each doctorate application to cover the school’s administrative costs for processing your application. The fee varies from university to university, but typically ranges from $50 to $100 .

Funding your PhD in USA

It’s very common for a PhD student to receive financial aid in the form of a PhD scholarship; in fact, this will be the case for the vast majority of students in the US.

PhD funding can be ‘fully funded’ covering the student’s graduate program tuition fees, accommodation and living costs, or ‘partially funded’ covering the student’s tuition fee only in part or full.

Besides funding, a graduate student can take on an assistantship, such as a graduate teaching assistant or research assistant, in which they take on a part-time salaried position at the university alongside their studies.

Due to the international and collaborate nature of American universities, there are also a number of international scholarships available, such as the Fulbright Scholarship and the AAUW International Fellowship .

PhD Duration in USA

In the US, a PhD takes approximately 5 – 6 years to complete if studying full-time, and 8 – 10 years if studying part-time.

If you already have a Master’s degree, your first phase can be shortened by one year at the discretion of the university.

Cost of a PhD in USA

The cost of a PhD program in the US can vary considerably depending on the type of university, i.e. whether it’s a public or private university, the doctoral course, i.e. whether it’s in a STEM subject such as computer science, engineering or a non-STEM subject, and whether you are a home or international student.

In general, however, the typical annual tuition fee for a PhD in the US is between $12,000 and $45,000 per academic year.

As with any doctoral degree, additional costs may include travel for collaborations, bench fees, accommodation and living expenses.

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Grain Free Meaty Bites

CHARLEE BEAR  Meaty Bites are truly one of a kind. They’re the first raw, freeze-dried meat treats infused with real fruit or vegetables you can see! Just simple, whole food ingredients go into each treat – no fillers, soy or grains. And just like the rest of the Charlee Bear line, they’re made in the United States.

• No wheat, soy, corn, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
• Freeze dried to lock in nutrient value and flavor
• Made in the USA by a family-owned company
• Infused with superfoods

Beef Liver & Apples

Beef Liver & Sweet Potatoes

Chicken & Blueberries

Chicken & Cranberries

Salmon & Sweet Potatoes

Why raw freeze dried?

THERE IS  growing evidence that dogs thrive when fed a diet as close as possible to its natural state. That’s why we start with select cuts of raw meat, poultry or fish to craft Charlee Bear Meaty Bites. Instead of cooking, they’re simply blended with raw fruit or vegetables and freeze dried. Freeze drying locks in all the nutrient value that was originally present in the treat.

require cover letter linkedin

Writing a linkedin cover letter.

LinkedIn is a popular professional social network that allows employers to post open positions and receive applications. In some cases, these applications require a cover letter submitted directly through the platform. While a LinkedIn cover letter is similar to a standard one, being on the platform allows you to leverage certain personalization features to impress recruiters and give you the best chance of landing the job you want.

How to make a cover letter on LinkedIn

When it comes to cover letter examples , LinkedIn doesn’t supply any. The platform has its own set of rules and expectations, and it's important that you follow them. Here are a few things you need to know about navigating the process and making sure your professionalism shines through.

Search for a job post

LinkedIn makes it easy for job hunters to search for roles they’d like to apply for. From your profile page, simply click on the “Jobs” icon at the top of the page. On the “Jobs” page, you’ll be able to see the top opportunities LinkedIn recommends based on the qualifications listed in your profile.

The site will also provide a plethora of other suggestions, including keywords to search, companies hiring for your skills, and jobs where you’re likely to be a top applicant.

Apply through the “Apply” or “Easy Apply” functions

When you choose a particular role, LinkedIn will show you a detailed job description, as well as the posting date, number of applicants, and current employees you may know. There will also be an option to either apply for the position or save the posting to come back to it later.

To apply for the position, click the “Apply” button. In some cases, this button will take you to the employer’s website to submit an application through their online system. If there’s an “Easy Apply” button, clicking it will usually take you to an on-platform application.

There, you’ll be asked to upload your resume as a file attachment, fill in your personal details, and possibly answer a few questions. There may also be a message box where you can type your cover letter.

Personalize your cover letter

Applying on LinkedIn provides added benefits for applicants. In many cases, you’ll have the unique ability to see who posted the job and what their role is. There’s often a button next to this feature that allows you to message that person to ask questions about the posting.

The bottom of the job description also usually includes a link to the company page. From there, you can sometimes see the profiles of employees in key roles.

You can also click the “People” tab on an employer’s LinkedIn page to search for the name of a hiring manager. This will help you personalize the cover letter templates you use so you can address them to the right person instead of simply including a generic greeting.

Highlight relevant skills and experience

Another benefit of using LinkedIn to apply is that employers can see the relevant skills and experience listed in your profile. Consequently, they’ll be able to cross-reference the skills you include in your cover letter and resume. 

Though many resume articles may tell you that this information is sufficient for your letter, keep in mind that LinkedIn doesn’t always provide adequate space to discuss your skills in context. Your profile won’t be able to align those skills with the employer’s posted job description. 

For that reason, it’s important to connect the dots for the employer in your LinkedIn cover letter, explaining how your background, skills, and experience have set you up for success and make you the best candidate for the position.

This tactic is crucial for differentiating yourself from other applicants on LinkedIn and is especially important for roles where the platform indicates that there are already many applicants.

Include a call to action

This is one way writing a LinkedIn cover letter aligns with the conventional wisdom found in many cover letter articles .

Make sure to end your cover letter with a clear prompt for the person reading it to take the next step in the hiring process. Reiterate your enthusiasm and invite them to view any materials or portfolios you’ve included on your profile or application.

Tell the hiring manager you’d love to set up an interview or a time to talk further about how you can help the company reach its goals. Let them know you’re available to chat through LinkedIn and provide another contact method in case they prefer an alternative venue.

Proofread and edit

LinkedIn makes writing a cover letter quite easy. That said, it’s important to remember that while social media platforms can seem casual, that doesn’t mean you should take your cover letter and application any less seriously.

To appear as professional as possible, make it a point to proofread and edit your LinkedIn cover letter and resume to confirm that they’re error-free. If you’ve used a cover letter or resume template , alter parts of it to reflect your unique skills and background.

Send your application

Once everything is complete, submit your job application on LinkedIn by clicking the appropriate button. You also have the option to save your application so you can finish and submit it later.

Remember that employers can’t see your application until it’s submitted. If you forget to take this step, you won’t be in the running for the position you’re interested in.

Expert Tip:

Consider using a typing assistant or online proofreading tool to help you edit your cover letter before you send it. That way, you can spot errors and make changes inside the LinkedIn message box as you type, so you won’t have to worry about coming across as unprofessional.

To-do’s after sending your application

You may wonder what happens next once your application package is in the employer’s hands. Unlike the company’s applicant tracking system (ATS) , which may or may not give updates about your application, you can track your applications on LinkedIn. 

Simply navigate to the “Jobs” tab on your profile, click “My Jobs” on the left-hand side, and choose “Applications” to see the jobs you’ve applied for. You can also adjust your notification settings to receive job application updates via email or the LinkedIn app, including recruiter views or resume downloads.

If you want to continue your job hunt and submit another resume and cover letter , LinkedIn makes it easy. If requested or given room to do so, including a LinkedIn cover letter in each of those applications can go a long way toward helping you stand out amongst a sea of applicants.

Finally, if you haven’t heard back from the company within one to two weeks, consider sending a follow-up message via LinkedIn.

Remind the hiring manager or recruiter of your qualifications, highlight why you’re a great fit for the role, and let them know you’re enthusiastic about the possibility of an interview to discuss how you can be of value to the company.

“While social media platforms can seem casual, that doesn’t mean you should take your cover letter and application any less seriously.”

Use LinkedIn to your advantage in your search for the perfect role

As easy as it is to apply for a job on LinkedIn, it’s still important to ensure that your cover letter and application come across as poised and professional.

Before applying, familiarize yourself with the platform functions and use them to research the recruiter or hiring manager’s name. When you write your cover letter, personalize your greeting using that name instead of going with something more generic.

Additionally, give context to the experience and skills you’ve listed and explain why you’re a good fit for the role, using your LinkedIn profile as a resume example of sorts. Include a call to action at the end, and don’t forget to proofread your letter before sending it off.

If you’re coming up blank trying to compose your letter, consider using a LinkedIn cover letter example as your guide.

Reviewing cover letter and resume examples can help you determine the appropriate structure and maintain a professional tone throughout. With the right resources, you can draft a standout cover letter that gets your application moved to the top of the digital stack.

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Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Writing Resources

Free Tips & Tools From Our Career Advice Blog

We compiled tools and articles from our career advice blog to help you prepare the strongest resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile possible.

By referencing these resources, you will be able to:

• Optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems
• Learn what recruiters expect to see in an executive resume
• Write a resume and cover letter that differentiate you from similar applicants
• Create and optimize your LinkedIn profile
• Prepare for interviews
• Learn about recruitment trends that affect your job search

Resume Optimization Tools

• Resume Metrics Tool : How to Add Metrics & KPIs to Your Resume
• Keyword Optimization Tool : How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job
• Negative Keywords Tool : 10 Words to Remove from Resume to Instantly Increase Credibility

Must Reads & Recruiter Perspectives

• What Do Recruiters Expect to See in an Executive Resume?
• How To Write Standout Resume Bullet Points That Land Interviews
• 6 Key Recruitment Trends You’ll See in 2021 [Recruiter Perspectives]
• 10 Tips for Working with Recruiters
• How to Write a Compelling Executive Resume [with Examples]
• 12 Books to Empower Your Career and Job Search

Resume Content Advice

• Should I include a professional summary on my resume?
• Should I include an objective on my resume?
• How To List References On Resume
• What are the three main types of resume formats?
• Top 10 Executive Resume Essentials
• How To List Online Courses on Resume & 5 Reasons You Should
• What is the difference between a resume and a CV?
• Should your resume be in past or present tense?

Keyword Optimization & Applicant Tracking Systems

• Recruiters Explain How ATS is Used for Recruitment & Resume Screening
• ATS Keyword Optimization Tips That Work [Research Based]
• 3 Ways to Help Your Resume Beat the Bots

Cover Letter Advice

• How to Write a Cover Letter [Comprehensive Guide & Template]
• 7 Cover Letter Mistakes Recruiters Hate to See
• How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?
• Sales and Marketing Cover Letter Sample [6 Reasons It Works]

Resume Formatting Tips

• Your Resume Should Not Be Instagramable
• 5 Resume Formatting Pitfalls to Avoid
• What Font Should You Use on a Resume?
• Make Your Resume Line Spacing and Margin Size Perfect
• How Long Should A Resume Be?
• How To Improve Your Resume's Layout and Readability
• What is the difference between a resume and a CV?  
• 5 Ways to Make Your Resume Easier to Read

What NOT to Do on Your Resume

• Top 10 Resume Mistakes That Drive Recruiters Mad
• 8 Inconsistencies That Will Break Your Resume
• 5 Things NOT to Put on a Resume
• Ten Things That Never Belong on a Resume

Working with Resume Writers & Career Coaches

• Are Resume Writing Services Worth It?
• How to Choose a Top Executive Resume Writer
• What to Expect During Your Resume Writing Consultation
• Resume Pilots' Favorite Client Reviews

Additional Reading

• Vice President of Real Estate Resume Sample [10 Reasons It Works]
• How to optimize your resume and LinkedIn for a career switch
• How to Email a Resume [with Sample]
• What's The Ideal Resume Paper Weight? [All About Resume Paper]
• Can your resume be two pages long?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Resumes

Must Reads: LinkedIn

• A Beginner's Guide to LinkedIn
• How to Write a Compelling LinkedIn Summary [with Examples]
• Should I write my LinkedIn summary in the first person or third person?
• Why Should I Join LinkedIn? Here Are 6 Critical Reasons
• How to Write a Standout LinkedIn Headline [Examples & Formula]
• How to Let Recruiters Know You're Open to New Opportunities
• 3 Ways to Effectively Add Skills to Your LinkedIn Profile

Interview Preparation Advice

• How to Leverage the STAR Method to Ace Behavioral Interviews
• What Are Good Questions To Ask During an Interview?
• 20 Questions To Help You Prepare For An Interview
• How to Answer Salary-Related Interview Questions
• 6 Reasons Why You're Not Getting Interviews
• How to Handle a Zoom Interview During Coronavirus
• Not getting interviews? How to Optimize Your Job Search Strategy

Recruitment Trends & Tips 

• The Best Ways to Get a Job Offer [Research-Based]
• Recruiters Explain How to Address Employment Gaps Due To COVID-19
• 5 Ways to Position Yourself for Career Success in Uncertain Times
• Recruiter Advice: Sending Thank You Notes After an Interview [with Sample]
• Guide to Remote Hiring for Companies and Candidates

Additional LinkedIn Tips

• How to Keep Your LinkedIn Job Search Confidential
• How to Request (and Write) a LinkedIn Recommendation
• 5 Ways to Increase Your LinkedIn Profile Views
• How should my LinkedIn profile differ from my resume?
• How do I hide my LinkedIn profile from search engines?
• How to Create a Custom LinkedIn URL

About Resume Pilots

Resume Pilots is an award-winning executive resume writing firm and a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Our previous clients include CEOs and senior executives at the world's leading companies.

As a professional services firm, we take your reputation seriously. We are committed to delivering writing excellence and superior service while operating with integrity and discretion. Recruitment firms we partner with also trust us to consistently deliver quality documents for their clients.

Our writers have studied in the Ivy League and other top-tier universities and have strong writing backgrounds coupled with industry experience.

Here's how we can help you:

Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Writing Services : If you are looking for end-to-end support, hire one of our professional resume writers to rewrite your documents from the ground up.

Executive Resume Template Downloads : If you plan to prepare your own resume, consider using one of our classic, ATS-friendly resume templates for Microsoft Word.

To learn more about our services, book an introductory call with our founder here or email [email protected] .

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About the Author Matt Glodz

Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Resume Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer. After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked within Fortune 500 companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents. At Resume Pilots, Matt combines his business and writing background - which includes prior work for a Chicago Tribune publication - to craft resumes that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He works with clients ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, and Thrive Global.

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The Only Cover Letter Guide You’ll Need in 2024 (+Examples)

• Kaja Jurcisinova , 
• Updated January 16, 2024 13 min read

Oh, the dreaded cover letter. Job seekers hate writing it and nobody knows if anybody even reads cover letters anymore. And yet, not attaching one to your application would be a terrible mistake. This cover letter guide will tell you not only why to write one, but also how to write a really good one.

But first , why does everyone hate writing cover letters so much?   After all, a cover letter gives you a unique opportunity to distinguish yourself from others.

In comparison with a resume, the cover letter allows you to provide details that didn’t fit in on your resume and demonstrate your passion.

All the negativity that surrounds the cover letter probably comes down to the fact that good cover letters require a bit of alchemy. They also take time to write.

This guide will help you avoid any mistakes and write a strong cover letter that will catch the recruiter’s attention. We also include cover letter examples.

Generally speaking, you want to make your cover letter:

• easy to read for the recruiter;
• well-structured;
• max 4 paragraphs/1 page long;
• professional in both tone and greetings;
• tailored for the specific opening.

Let's get to it!

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

Why should you write a cover letter?

How do recruiters read cover letters, how to write a great cover letter in 9 simple steps.

• What if you're told to NOT submit a cover letter? 

Final cover letter tips and hacks

Cover letter examples.

So, how exactly is the cover letter important for your job application? 

Some may argue that the cover letter in 2024 isn't really relevant anymore. In fact, one study stated that only 18 percent of hiring managers think cover letters are a key part of an application.

However, don’t get fooled by these statistics. While your resume may be considered more important during the hiring process, including a well-written cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job. 

For instance, 83% of hiring managers would be convinced by a really good cover letter — even if the resume wasn’t good enough, according to this study .

And there's more to it.

Some of the key advantages of the cover letter are:

• It’s much less structured than the resume and lets you develop a story. 
• It gives you space to get a little more creative. 
• Your personality can shine through thanks to it.
• You can elaborate on key achievements mentioned in your resume.
• It helps explain a lack of experience, career change, or an employment gap.

In other words, the cover letter is a perfect chance to bridge the distance between you and a recruiter even before the actual job interview . 

Pro tip: Before writing a cover letter, make sure that you have a powerful resume that matches the job description. Because if your resume doesn’t fit a desired profile, your cover letter probably won’t get read at all. To learn more, you may want to check out our  Ultimate Resume Guide .

First, they read them to decide if you’re the right fit for a position. For this reason, avoid generic write-ups at all costs. What recruiters love to see is a short persuasive argument of why you fit the role and the company. Something like this: 

“I was happy to hear about this job opening from my former manager, Jane Anne. She and I have worked together on many projects throughout the years and she thought that I would be the perfect match for this position.“

Second, recruiters are looking for inconsistencies . For instance, if your resume shows attention to detail but your cover letter is addressed to the wrong person, wrong company, and is filled with typos, it's inconsistent. You want to ensure the number of inconsistencies is kept to a minimum.

Third, they're trying to get a hint of your personality . Cultural fit is important to many companies.

So, throughout the process of cover letter writing, it's essential to keep in mind the recruiter who's going to be the recipient of your letter. 

Because at the end of a day, a good cover letter shouldn't be solely about you — it's supposed to be written with the hiring manager in mind. 

So ask yourself:  

• Is my cover letter easy to read?
• Have I addressed the right person in the opening?  
• Will it help them decide if I'm the right fit?
• Did I use the right tone of voice that fits their company culture?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, our cover letter guide is exactly for you.

Writing a cover letter may seem like a challenging task at first but if you know a few key cover letter rules, the process can become much easier. 

Before you start writing your cover letter, find out more about the company you're applying for. Look at their website and LinkedIn . The research also includes looking at the job description very closely and identifying any recurring keywords. Also, search for specific cover letter examples for the role online.

Placed at the very beginning of your cover letter, the header is where you include your contact information (i.e. your full name, email address, phone number) and the company's contact information (i.e. the manager’s or recruiter’s name, job title, department, the name of the company, company’s address). 

When in doubt, try to use this formula: Number or Trigger word + Adjective + Keyword + Promise.  The result can look something like this: 5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s [insert a position-related keyword]

If the name of the hiring manager isn't written in the job posting, research their name and contact information online. For example, look at the company's page or LinkedIn. Then, greet them by saying "Dear [first name]" . If, however, the company culture is very formal, go for the classic "Dear Hiring Manager" .

The first paragraph is the perfect place to shortly explain why the job seems exciting to you and why you’re the right person for it .  You can also compliment the company or name a mutual acquaintance who referred you.

Try to answer these questions: 1. What did you do at a previous position that gave you relevant experience?  2. How could this experience help the new company grow? 3. Which of the projects you have worked on would benefit their business? 4. Which of your skills make you well-equipped for the position?  5. Do any of these skills give you an edge over other candidates?

The following questions should help you : What excites you about the idea of working at this company? How do the company goals align with your own? What do you hope to gain and learn from working there?

In the cover letter closing paragraph : reiterate that your experience and enthusiasm make you a great candidate, add a confident call to action, express gratitude, and always use a formal sign-off.

You can either attach the cover letter as a separate document in the email when sending your resume , or send it directly in the body of the email (that way they can't ignore it).

In the following chapters we look at each step more closely and include specific examples you can copy and paste.

Step 1: Prepare and do some research 

Knowledge is power. Before you begin writing:

• Find out more about the company and the position you're applying for. Spend some time on the company’s website, its executives’ Twitter feeds, and employee profiles on LinkedIn. It will also help you decide on the tone of your cover letter. For example, if it’s a company like Kickresume , you can easily get away with more unusual approaches. But if it’s a conservative institution, like a bank or a lawyer's office, you should probably keep it formal.
• Search for specific cover letter examples for your role online . Pick some examples that fit your role and use these for inspiration. (By the way, that link just now will take you to our database of successful cover letters from real people who got hired. Totally worth checking out.)
• Look at the job descriptions of the roles you’re applying for . Identify major experience and hard skill keywords, so you can insert them in your letter in the relevant sections.

Once you've done this basic research, you can finally start thinking about the structure of your cover letter. 

This short infographic will show you that writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might have thought: 

Step 2: Include a header with basic info rmation

Placed at the very beginning of your cover letter, the header is the place where you should include your contact information and the contact information of the company. 

A cover letter is still a letter, after all. 

At the left side of the page include the information based on which you can be reached by the recruiter. 

Here, make sure to include: 

• your full name
• your email address
• phone number

Optionally, you can also add:

• your professional title
• address (if it vaguely matches the location of the job offer)
• current date
• personal website/LinkedIn

The top right side of the page is reserved for company-related information. Here, you should put: 

• the manager’s or recruiter’s name (if available)
• job title 
• the name of the company
• company’s address

Not a fan of writing?

Our AI writer will write the first draft of your cover letter for you.

Step 3: Write a strong cover letter headline

When you’re browsing the web, what articles usually catch your attention? Those with great headlines, of course! 

The same applies to cover letter headlines.

Start by paying attention to the headlines around you — especially in tabloids and websites like Buzzfeed (Is Buzzfeed still a thing? How very 2010s of me). These are usually designed to stir up your interest and make it impossible to not click through. 

Notice how they use numbers, questions, and interesting adjectives to promise the reader to learn something valuable.

And you can do the same in your cover letter.

When in doubt, try to use this formula: Number or Trigger word + Adjective + Keyword + Promise. 

The result can look something like this: 

• 3 Reasons Why I’m An Excellent Fit For [Job Position]
• Are You Still Looking To Fill The Position Of [Job Position]? This Is Why I Believe I’m Exactly Who You’re Looking For
• 5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s [insert a position-related keyword]

Finally, don’t forget to adjust your header to the company’s level of formality and put your headline in the subject of the email.

Step 4: Use the correct form of greeting

In this time and age, there’s no excuse for using “To Whom It May Concern.”  

If the name of the hiring manager isn't written in the job posting, you’re expected to research their name and contact information online. For example, look at the company's page or LinkedIn. 

Once you have their name, feel free to go for a personalized greeting: 

“Dear [first name]” or “Dear Mr./Mrs. [last name]” 

Honorifics (e.g. Mr., Mrs., Ms .) are more appropriate if the company’s culture is formal. 

And if you cannot find the recruiter’s name, it's okay to go for a generic: 

“Dear Hiring Manager”, or “Dear Recruitment Officer”

Alternatively, you can address the letter to the whole company team or the HR department. In this case, your greeting should look like this: 

“Dear [name of the company/department] Team” or “Dear Human Resources”

Step 5: First paragraph: Introduce yourself with a BANG!

The best way to start a cover letter is to open strong. The first impression matters the most and busy recruiters often have a chance to properly dive into only a few selected cover letters. 

So if you make your first paragraph captivating, chances are that your letter will be one of the lucky ones that actually end up being read. 

In fact, the first paragraph is the perfect place to shortly explain why the job seems exciting to you and why you’re the right person for it. 

While most people begin their letters with “I’m applying for the position X I saw in Y place,” it's a waste of space. 

Instead, open with a sentence like this:

“I’m a content marketing professional with more than 5 years of experience and I’d love to bring my ability and passion to your team.”

In the first paragraph, you can also:

• Compliment the company. Show that you know details about the company and you’re approaching it for a reason. For example, demonstrate appreciation for what the company does. Not only will this flatter them, but it will also provide them with insight into who you are.
• Name a mutual acquaintance if you can. This is sometimes called a “magic bullet,” as it’s the one thing that will assure the hiring manager reads your cover letter until the end. 

However, limit the introduction to 1-3 sentences. This isn’t the place to go into detail about what makes you ideal for the role — save that for the second and third paragraphs. 

Step 6: Second paragraph: Explain why you’re a great fit for the company

The second paragraph is the place where you should sell yourself and your experience.  

Here, write a short summary of your career, skills and accomplishments, tailored to fit what the company is looking for. 

You already did your research, so now it's time to ask yourself these questions and try to address them in your cover letter:

• What did you do at a previous position that gave you relevant experience? 
• How could this experience help the new company grow?
• Which of the projects you have worked on would benefit their business?
• Which of your skills make you well-equipped for the position? 
• Do any of these skills give you an edge over other candidates?

After you’ve picked the most relevant accomplishments, put them at the start of your letter. 

However, when talking about them, avoid sounding like you’re bragging. The best way of doing this is to focus on your experiences rather than yourself . Ideally, support your claims with concrete examples.

Also, mention any other additional relevant hard skills or knowledge areas they’re looking for, as well as any qualifications.

Finally, the second paragraph is the perfect place for showing that you’ve done your research. Demonstrate that you’re familiar with some of the challenges that the company faces and present how you can help them.

Pro tip: Don’t simply repeat the same things you’ve already put on your resume. You want to go beyond that (this applies to every other section of your cover letter). 

Step 7: Third paragraph: Explain why the company is a great fit for you 

In this paragraph, you want to show that you’re serious about developing your career at this new company. And good companies want to know why they appeal to you and how will your professional relationship be mutually beneficial. 

Consider addressing the following questions:

• What excites you about the idea of working at this company?
• How do the company goals align with your own?
• What do you hope to gain and learn from working there?

For example, you can say something like this: “I've seen on your website that you heavily focus on cryptocurrency projects. As a cryptocurrency enthusiast, I would love to join your team”.  

However, don’t go overboard with flattery and stay professional. 

Also, don’t say anything that isn't true or you don’t mean it, as it will probably come up again in the later stages of the application process.

Step 8: Closing paragraph: Finish strong and stay in touch

Now that you’ve nailed the main part of your cover letter, you also want to finish strong. This way, the recruiter will remember you in a good light. But how do you achieve that? 

• Reiterate that your experience and enthusiasm make you a great candidate. This is to emphasize the two main points from the previous paragraphs. Do this in one or two sentences, not more. 
• Add a confident call to action. In a sentence or two, you should suggest the next steps. Something like “ I would love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the value I can bring to [company]."
• Express gratitude. Simply thank them for their time and for considering your application.
• Always use a formal sign-off. Something like “ Sincerely , Best wishes , or Respectfully” . Finish by typing out your full name. 

Step 9: How do you send a cover letter?

I can’t stress this enough — unless it's specifically required to attach the cover letter to the body of the email,  consider not sending your cover letter as a document attached to your email. 

Instead, put it inside the body of the email . The email itself is now your cover letter! This way the recruiter won't ignore it.

However, remember that hiring managers receive hundreds of emails a day. So if you want your email to get read, it's the subject line that's likely to play the most important part. 

As we've advised before, if you have a good resume headline, simply put it in the email subject. 

However, if you’re unhappy with the result, you have other options, too. 

For instance, if you have a reference, include it already in your email subject line: 

Referral from Jose Nachos: Pedro Tacos, candidate for a senior software analyst position

If you don't have a reference or a catchy headline, check out more tips on how to write the best subject line for your email .

Finished writing your cover letter?

Make it stand out with an eye-catching design.

What if you're told to NOT submit a cover letter? 

Today, many companies are using online application systems that discourage applicants from attaching a cover letter. 

Instead, they have their own application systems where in different sections you're required to fill in the information you would normally place in your cover letter.  

If this is the case, just work with the format they gave you.

In other words, include the same information that you'd normally have in your cover letter but place it in the correct sections. 

And don’t forget to follow the cover letter principles: 

• explain why you're the right candidate;
• make it clear that you've researched the company well;
• indicate in what way you'd be an asset;
• mention your biggest past achievements.

Because no matter the format, you're still expected to present your skills and convey enthusiasm about the job.

Alternatively, you can also try to find a relevant manager or a recruiter online (either on the company pages or LinkedIn) to whom you can send a brief follow-up email with an attached cover letter. 

Now that we've covered the basics, there are several other tips that you should keep in mind to elevate your cover letter to the next level: 

• Keep it short. Limit your cover letter to three to four paragraphs and a maximum of one page. Hiring managers are busy people who often don't have time for reading long texts.
• Keep it clean and easy on the eye. Take a look at how this article is written. It’s replete with short paragraphs, sentences typed in bold letters, bullet points, and numbers. All of these make reading and searching for specific information easier. So, never send a letter that looks like an unreadable wall of text. The easiest way to achieve a sleek cover letter design is to use a pre-formatted cover letter template . 
• Don’t risk being funny if it ’ s a company with a formal work culture. Poorly executed humor will hurt your chances rather than help. Being direct and dynamic is a much surer way to catch the recruiter’s attention than a number of jokes. On the other, if the company is smaller or known for its creative products, being original may in fact help your chances! 
• Show, don’t tell. Usually, there’s no point in saying you’re “a dependable hard worker” or “a creative thinker.” Why should anyone believe such generic statements? Instead, offer an example of how these qualities helped you achieve something in the past.
• Never write the same letter twice. A cover letter should always be tailored to a specific job application. Remember the previous sections? You’ve made a great effort to research the company and its hiring managers, so you’ve written your cover letter accordingly. This is a process you need to repeat with every application (ugh, I know). 
• Check for typos. This goes without saying but make 100% sure your cover letter is without typos. There’s no reason to believe you're competent if you can't even type without errors. Moreover, typos automatically reveal almost criminal carelessness on your part, since every text editor nowadays has a spellchecking feature. 
• Don't use any buzzwords. Your cover letter needs to be authentic and persuasive — and buzzwords are neither. If anything, they simply give the impression of you being someone who's just trying to fit a skewed idea of what an ideal corporate employee should be. Instead, focus on using relevant keywords from job descriptions.

Now, if you have no experience yet because you're just starting out or you're changing careers, writing a cover letter can be scary. However, a well-written letter can actually be your best friend.

And this is how you write the perfect cover letter with no experience .

In the end, there are many different ways to write a great cover letter. And even if you follow the cover letter guide above, you’ll end up with a cover letter that's invariably your own. 

It all depends on your own personality, the position you’re applying for, and the hiring manager’s preferences. 

And that's good, actually! 

Still, there's a lot to learn from cover letters written by other people. That's why we've selected five cover letter samples that deserve your attention. 

Each of these helped real job seekers find real jobs in real companies. They'll teach you valuable lessons you can use in your own cover letter.

1. Norwegian — Cabin Crew Cover Letter Example

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

2. Volvo — Machine Learning Intern Cover Letter Example

3. tory burch — account executive cover letter example, 4. lush — sales associate cover letter example, 5. romeo — social media officer cover letter example.

Do you still need some more inspiration? You can find more examples in our cover letter library

FAQ: How to write a cover letter

250 to 400 words is the standard cover letter length range. A cover letter should never exceed one page.

Yes! Show that you can go that extra mile and stand out from the crowd of applicants.

Ideally, use a pre-formatted cover letter template. Then use a simple and professional font, such as Times New Roman. The font size should be between 10-12.

If you have the name of the hiring manager, try to find their contact on the company page or LinkedIn. If you still can't find the right person, you can address it to the whole team or HR.

This article was recently updated. The original article was written by Martin Poduska in 201 7.

Kaja Jurcisinova is a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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Do this before you use LinkedIn "Easy Apply" to job search

Mogul Millennial Staff

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More posts by Mogul Millennial Staff.

If you’re on the job hunt, one of the easiest ways to submit an application is through LinkedIn.

There are hundreds of thousands of companies that have LinkedIn pages, and many of them use LinkedIn as a recruiting tool. If a company wants to post jobs on LinkedIn they can either A) Post a link to the job that they are hiring for and this link will redirect the user to their own site or to their job posting site, or B) They can collect applications and recruit eager applicants directly through LinkedIn (no middle man involved).

For many companies, the second option is the easiest and simplest way to recruit new employees. This second option allows LinkedIn users to easily apply for jobs with just a few clicks of a button.

Literally ya’ll.

That’s right, with the second option  Easy Apply , LinkedIn users don’t have to spend all of their time filling out applications that can take forever and a day.

Finding jobs with the Easy Apply feature is very simple too. Once you are logged into your LinkedIn account, click “Jobs” at the top of the page and then search for the job you want. After that, all of the jobs that match your search criteria will load. Any job that has the LinkedIn symbol with “Easy Apply” next to it are jobs with the Easy Apply feature.

I have personally used the Easy Apply feature as an applicant and I have to admit, it’s super easy and user friendly .

Here are the top 4  things you can do to make sure your application is Easy Apply ready and stands out among the other applicants.

1. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is 100% complete BEFORE you apply

The first thing a recruiter will do after they receive your Easy Apply app is look at your LinkedIn profile. Before you start applying to jobs, you need to make sure your profile is up to date and accurate AF. In other words, your profile picture should be on point, and all of your jobs and relevant skills should be listed with keyword-rich descriptions.

2. Go ahead and customize your resume

Although including your resume is not mandatory for some Easy Apply jobs, attaching a customized resume will help you stand out from the other Easy Apply applicants. Just like you would do with any other job you are applying to, you should ALWAYS customize your resume. It doesn’t matter if you are applying for the job on the company’s website, Indeed, or through LinkedIn, customization is key.

3. Don’t forget the cover letter

If you REALLLLLY want to boss things up, you should even write and include a customized cover letter for the job you are applying to. Since Easy Apply often gives you the option to upload one attachment, include your cover letter in the same PDF file as your resume so that it’s a single document to upload.

4. Be the follow-up King (or Queen)

For most companies, they get hundreds of applicants after posting a single job, so why not do as much as you can to stand out? For some Easy Apply job postings, you can see who posted the job or who is the recruiter. If not, just do your research on LinkedIn, and I’m sure you can find the right person to contact.

After you apply, follow up with a nice, thoughtful email (or in-mail), letting them know that you have applied and that you are eager to discuss the position with them.

Tweet us and let us know how you like Easy Apply! Good luck on your job search!

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How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

After weeks of heavy job search, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume. 

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.

Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

• What’s a cover letter & why it’s important for your job search
• How to write a convincing cover letter that gets you the job (step-by-step!)
• How to perfect your cover letter with the Novoresume free checklist
• What excellent cover letter examples look like

New to cover letter writing? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

So, let’s get started with the basics!

What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. 

A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:

• Header - Input contact information
• Greeting the hiring manager
• Opening paragraph - Grab the reader’s attention with 2-3 of your top achievements
• Second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
• Third paragraph - Explain why you’re a good match for the company
• Formal closing

Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step. 

Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!

As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

Here, you want to include all essential information, including:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

In certain cases, you might also consider adding:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your blog.

And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:

• Your Full Address 
• Unprofessional Email - Make sure your email is presentable. It’s pretty hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “ [email protected] .” Whenever applying for jobs, stick to the “[first name] + [last name] @ email provider.com” format.

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.

The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .

That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this. 

The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.

So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

And voila! You have your hiring manager.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Here are several other greetings you could use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph .

The #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look something like this..

• Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

Do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

So now, let’s make our previous example shine:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed their sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the job.

See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?

Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.

So, let’s get started...

Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job

This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.

For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.

Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company

Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.

Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.

How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.

Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.

Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.

You’d write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2 were real game changers for the device. 

I really admire how Company XYZ thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.

What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):

I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.

See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have. 

The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.

Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.

So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? Any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision? Mention it here.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. It never hurts to be courteous, as long as you don’t come off as too needy.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. You should ask the hiring manager to take some sort of action.

And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:

So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your facebook marketing goals.

Step #8 - Use the right formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions to a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional email
• Relevant Social Media Profiles

Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention 2-3 of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?

Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements?
• Did you successfully convey how your experiences help you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you finalize the conclusion with a call to action?

Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?

5+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).

College Student Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .

Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application is for naught. 

After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.

...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.

Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that convinces the hiring manager of your competence
• A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume
• Your introduction to the cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and keep it all the way until the conclusion
• There are 2 main topics you need to include in your cover letter: why you’re the perfect candidate for the job & why you’re passionate about working in the company you’re applying to
• Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual , without any fluff or generalizations

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…

• How to Write a Motivational Letter
• How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience
• Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

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'I can't charge $20 for a Happy Meal': McDonald's franchisee responds to California's new fast-food worker wages

• A McDonald's franchisee raised prices because of California's fast-food minimum wage.
• "I can't charge $20 for a Happy Meal," the franchisee, who's worried about losing diners, told CNN.
• Restaurant owners have been looking at ways to offset the bigger pay checks.

A McDonald's franchisee said he raised menu prices in response to California's new $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers but that there's a limit to how much customers would pay.

"We have looked at price, although I can't charge $20 for a Happy Meal," Scott Rodrick, the owner of 18 McDonald's restaurants in Northern California, told CNN . "My customers' appetite to absorb menu-board prices is not unlimited."

The cost of a Happy Meal varies at locations around the US. On Uber Eats for a McDonald's in Sacramento, California, Happy Meals range from $7 for a hamburger Happy Meal to $8.60 for the six-piece Chicken McNuggets option.

Franchisees are largely able to set their own prices. Rodrick said he already raised prices at his restaurants by 5% to 7% in the past three months to prepare for the new legislation.

A McDonald's franchisee in Los Angeles County told KTLA 5 News recently that if she raised her prices enough to offset the wage increase, her food would be unaffordable.

California set its minimum wage for fast-food workers at $20 an hour on Monday, which is 25% more than the state's general minimum wage. The legislation, AB 1228, affects limited-service chains with at least 60 locations nationwide.

Related stories

The state's newly created Fast Food Council can raise the minimum wage by up to 3.5% yearly, depending on inflation.

Restaurant owners have been evaluating various measures to offset the bigger paychecks. Many, like Rodrick, said they planned to make diners pay for at least some of the wage increase.

Some restaurants are slashing labor, too, by reducing how many hours their staff work or even laying some off . But Rodrick told CNN that rather than cutting back on labor, he would expand his delivery operations and postpone major investments, like updating dining rooms and buying new grills.

"I've got to look at every option for business survivability," Rodrick told Fox News. "I've got to be aggressive in seeking labor-efficient growth. I'm going to have to explore more digital and delivery avenues. I'm going to obviously have to make, like any smaller-business owner, harder choices around big capital expenditures."

In his interview with Fox News, Rodrick emphasized the nature of franchisees as small-business owners. "Franchisees are not large, global corporations," he said.

Fast-food workers and their unions have been pushing for higher wages in the industry for years.

"We are in this fight because workers are worth more and our families deserve better than poverty wages," Angelica Hernandez, a cook trainer at McDonald's who sits on the Fast Food Council, said at a press conference on Monday. Her comments were translated from Spanish.

"Even though we are the engine of a billion-dollar industry, too many of us struggle to keep up with rent our bills and the rising cost of living," Hernandez said.

Are you a fast-food worker excited about the new minimum wage? Or a franchisee or restaurant manager worried about how it will affect your business? Email this reporter at [email protected] .

Watch: US vs India McDonald's | Food Wars

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Chapter 2: Cover letter tips and hacks. The framework from our cover letter guide gives you a pretty strong foundation for writing a decent cover letter. Still, there are several tips you can ...

Include a call to action. This is one way writing a LinkedIn cover letter aligns with the conventional wisdom found in many cover letter articles. Make sure to end your cover letter with a clear prompt for the person reading it to take the next step in the hiring process. Reiterate your enthusiasm and invite them to view any materials or ...

Step 2: Add your contact info. At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you'd like. Some contact info you might include (and the order you might include it in) is: Your name. Your pronouns (optional)

The cover letter is a contender for job seekers' most hated part of the job search. Personally, when browsing job boards, I've always gravitated toward the postings that said "cover letter optional" or didn't mention one at all—and I'm a writer.When you're deep in a job hunt—particularly one where you feel like you're throwing applications into a black hole—cover letters ...

Yes, cover letters are necessary in 2024. A good cover letter can provide context for your application and set you apart from other candidates. December 18, 2023. Build My Cover Letter Now. As featured in *. If you're not entirely sure what a cover letter is or why you need one, don't worry. In this article, we'll explain when to use ...

Here are 9 steps you can take to make sure you're headed in the right direction: Step 1. Do your research. Before writing your cover letter, thoroughly read the job description and the requirements for the job. Melanie Denny, award-winning resume expert, likens the job description to your cover letter cheat sheet.

Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Writing Services: If you are looking for end-to-end support, hire one of our professional resume writers to rewrite your documents from the ground up. Executive Resume Template Downloads : If you plan to prepare your own resume, consider using one of our classic, ATS-friendly resume templates for Microsoft Word.

Step 2: Upload your LinkedIn profile as a PDF file to the tool. Step 3: Paste in at least three job descriptions into the tool for best results. Step 4: Once you click "Scan" a LinkedIn Report will be generated. It will show your match score, areas that need improvement, and how to fix them.

This guide will help you avoid any mistakes and write a strong cover letter that will catch the recruiter's attention. We also include cover letter examples. Generally speaking, you want to make your cover letter: easy to read for the recruiter; well-structured; typo-free; max 4 paragraphs/1 page long;

1. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is 100% complete BEFORE you apply. The first thing a recruiter will do after they receive your Easy Apply app is look at your LinkedIn profile. Before you start applying to jobs, you need to make sure your profile is up to date and accurate AF. In other words, your profile picture should be on point, and all ...

Header - Input contact information. Greeting the hiring manager. Opening paragraph - Grab the reader's attention with 2-3 of your top achievements. Second paragraph - Explain why you're the perfect candidate for the job. Third paragraph - Explain why you're a good match for the company.

The cover letter is a tool to help introduce yourself in a memorable, personal way during a job application. A well-crafted cover letter goes over information on your resume and expands this information for the reader, taking them on a guided journey of some of your greatest career and life achievements.. Its purpose is to elaborate on the information contained in your resume while infusing ...

If this is you, you may be thinking that you don't need to worry about cover letters. After all, you're in feasting or gathering season , and your barn is full of job opportunities. Hang on ...

Cover letter format. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Video: When and Why to Write a Cover Letter - Plus, Top Tips for Formatting.

Expert tips and examples for crafting a cover letter for a career change. Level up your job application strategy! ... What You Need To Know About The 2024 LinkedIn Learning Report. Apr 5, 2024, 06 ...

Measure how valuable cover letters are to your organization. Poll your hiring managers to find out what percentage believe cover letters assist them in making hiring decisions. Weigh the value that hiring managers assign to cover letters against the shorter application times you could achieve by omitting cover letters.

Posted 6:24:13 AM. Cover letter required!QualificationsJob descriptionUS work authorization (Required)Willingness to…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn.

The letter F. Facebook. An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email. ... Twitter. LinkedIn. An image of a chain link. It symobilizes a website link url. Copy Link. A bookmark Save. Read ...

April 4, 2024 at 11:36 AM PDT. Listen. 0:41. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari said interest-rate cuts may not be needed this year if progress on inflation stalls ...

Social media can be used to increase fruit and vegetable intake in young people

Researchers from Aston University have found that people following healthy eating accounts on social media for as little as two weeks ate more fruit and vegetables and less junk food.

Previous research has shown that positive social norms about fruit and vegetables increases individuals' consumption. The research team sought to investigate whether positive representation of healthier food on social media would have the same effect. The research was led by Dr Lily Hawkins, whose PhD study it was, supervised by Dr Jason Thomas and Professor Claire Farrow in the School of Psychology.

The researchers recruited 52 volunteers, all social media users, with a mean age of 22, and split them into two groups. Volunteers in the first group, known as the intervention group, were asked to follow healthy eating Instagram accounts in addition to their usual accounts. Volunteers in the second group, known as the control group, were asked to follow interior design accounts. The experiment lasted two weeks, and the volunteers recorded what they ate and drank during the time period.

Overall, participants following the healthy eating accounts ate an extra 1.4 portions of fruit and vegetables per day and 0.8 fewer energy dense items, such as high-calorie snacks and sugar-sweetened drinks, per day. This is a substantial improvement compared to previous educational and social media-based interventions attempting to improve diets.

Dr Thomas and the team believe affiliation is a key component of the change in eating behaviour. For example, the effect was more pronounced amongst participants who felt affiliated with other Instagram users.

The 2018 NHS Health Survey for England study showed that only 28% of the UK population consumed the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Low consumption of such food is linked to heart disease, cancer and stroke, so identifying ways to encourage higher consumption is vital. Exposing people to positive social norms, using posters in canteens encouraging vegetable consumption, or in bars to discourage dangerous levels of drinking, have been shown to work. Social media is so prevalent now that the researchers believe it could be an ideal way to spread positive social norms around high fruit and vegetable consumption, particularly amongst younger people.

Dr Thomas said:

"This is only a pilot intervention study at the moment, but it's quite an exciting suite of findings, as it suggests that even some minor tweaks to our social media accounts might lead to substantial improvements in diet, at zero cost! Our future work will examine whether such interventions actually do change our perceptions of what others are consuming, and also, whether these interventions produce effects that are sustained over time."

Dr Hawkins, who is now at the University of Exeter, said:

"Our previous research has demonstrated that social norms on social media may nudge food consumption, but this pilot demonstrates that this translates to the real world. Of course, we would like to now understand whether this can be replicated in a larger, community sample."

• Staying Healthy
• Diet and Weight Loss
• Food and Agriculture
• Beer and Wine
• Computers and Internet
• Communications
• Food groups
• Healthy diet
• Diabetic diet
• Streaming media

Story Source:

Materials provided by Aston University . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Lily Hawkins, Claire Farrow, Meshach Clayton, Jason M Thomas. Can social media be used to increase fruit and vegetable consumption? A pilot intervention study . DIGITAL HEALTH , 2024; 10 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241241262

Cite This Page :

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Not a good look, USC: Cancel culture comes for colleges as graduation season begins

Higher education leaders should not make an unsettling time an excuse to censor perfectly fine speech just because they fear a difficult situation..

Things are not well on America’s college campuses. The disgusting antisemitism that seems only to be building – and campus administrators’ lackluster response – has led to some truly frightening displays .

Violence and rule-breaking behavior must not be tolerated. Period. 

Yet, higher education leaders cannot make an unsettling time an excuse to censor perfectly fine speech just because they fear a difficult situation.

That’s what happened at the University of Southern California when the Los Angeles school decided last week to cancel valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s commencement speech in May – the first time USC has prevented its top graduate from speaking at the ceremony. 

College officials claimed they were concerned about the “alarming tenor” that had taken place on social media after Tabassum was named valedictorian. The ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has led to increased tensions in the United States following Hamas’ brutal attack against Israel on Oct. 7.

Detractors were displeased about Tabassum’s support of Palestinians and accused her of “anti-semitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric.” 

"The intensity of feelings, fueled by both social media and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has grown to include many voices outside of USC and has escalated to the point of creating substantial risks relating to security and disruption at commencement," Provost Andrew Guzman said in a statement . "This decision is not only necessary to maintain the safety of our campus and students, but is consistent with the fundamental legal obligation."

Following controversy over the decision to prevent Tabassum from speaking, USC has since doubled down by canceling appearances of other speakers and honorees .

How is any of this fair to valedictorian Asna Tabassum?

Not only is USC’s decision an affront to free speech, it’s also fundamentally unfair to Tabassum, who undoubtedly worked hard in her years at the university to earn this achievement.

She shouldn’t have this experience taken from her.

In a statement, Tabassum has said that she is surprised USC “abandoned” her . 

Hey, Berkeley: Violence isn't free speech. Colleges still struggle with antisemitic protests.

Now, Tabassum may well have repugnant personal views and her speech may stoke division on campus. Even so, her academic accomplishments should not be undermined because of fears of possible violence and a speech she likely hadn’t even written yet. 

Rather, the university should have committed to keeping her and others attending graduation safe. And if it knew of a tangible security threat, it should be upfront about that.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression faults USC for how it handled this situation . While USC is a private university, it commits to First Amendment-like free speech. And FIRE points to how California law requires private, secular colleges and universities to give students the same speech rights they’d have at the state’s public institutions.

“Implicit in the idea of a campus committed to robust expressive rights is that administrators won’t censor their students just because they have controversial views,” FIRE said in a statement .

Adrian College offers a better way to handle controversy

Meanwhile, administrators at private Adrian College in Michigan are handling their own “controversy” in much better fashion. 

They’re pretty much ignoring it. 

Last month, Adrian College announced that Riley Gaines would be its commencement speaker on May 5.

Gaines, who is often described in the media as an “ anti-trans rights activist ,” is a lot more than that. She is an accomplished former NCAA competitive swimmer who became well-known after she tied transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in the 200-yard NCAA freestyle championship race in 2022. 

Following that experience, Gaines has become an outspoken defender of fairness in women’s sports and speaks frequently on the issue at universities around the country.

Athletes sue NCAA: These women say transgender rules discriminate against them. So they're suing the NCAA.

Gaines is used to attracting pushback – and even violence – on campuses, so it’s probably no surprise to her that there are factions of the Adrian community who aren’t happy that she will speak at the school. A student LGBTQ+ group started an online petition urging the college to “disinvite” Gaines. It now has more than 1,600 signatures .

But the college isn’t backing down .

“Adrian College has never shied away from presenting and debating substantive disagreements on campus,” Adrian President Jeffrey Docking said in a news release. "In fact, this is precisely the purpose of universities – to engage in civil discourse of controversial issues. We welcome Riley Gaines to our beautiful campus, and we feel confident our students will be inspired by her commencement address.”

I hope Docking and fellow administrators stay firm in their commitment. And even though it may be embarrassing for USC to backtrack, it should reinstate valedictorian Tabassum as a speaker at commencement.

More than ever, college students need examples of what free expression really looks like.

Ingrid Jacques is a columnist at USA TODAY. Contact her at [email protected] or on X, formerly Twitter: @ Ingrid_Jacques .