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The Top 9 Fully Funded PhD Programs

If you’re concerned about grad school costs, you’re not alone. Even with financial aid, many students find themselves taking on large amounts of debt. However, there are a number of options that can cover most – if not all – of your doctorate costs.

Table of Contents

What Is a Fully Funded PhD Program?

“Fully funded” means that the university offers sufficient funding to cover tuition fees and even a stipend to cover other grad school expenses . To cover gaps, many institutions offer additional support in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities.

Though rare, some PhD programs offer full funding for all accepted students. Understandably, the admission process is highly competitive for fully funded PhD programs.

Students who don’t meet strict criteria – and aren’t offered full funding – will be expected to pay for their tuition and other study expenses. Most take some form of government funding to do so.

The Top 9 Fully Funded PhD Programs in the US

1. the university of chicago, the department of anthropology, phd in anthropology.

Courses : Development of Social/Cultural Theory, Archeological Theory & method, and archeological data sets.
Credits : 18 courses
Delivery : On-campus
Full funding : Full tuition, health insurance, and stipend (up to 9 years).
Other support : Grants, fellowships, and teaching opportunities.
Acceptance rate : 2.5%
Location : Chicago, Illinois

With a culture that encourages independent thinking, the University of Chicago has produced more than 90 Nobel Prize winners and produced defining research in several fields. In this interdisciplinary PhD in Anthropology program, students can study with many of the university’s other departments, including: Political Science, History, and Comparative Human Development.

2. Harvard University, T. H. Chan School of Public Health

Phd program in biological sciences in public health (bph).

Courses : Biological sciences communications, principles of biostatistics & epidemiology, and computing environments for biology.
Duration : Approximately 6 years
Full funding : Stipend, tuition, and health insurance.
Other support: Fellowships, awards, and grants.
Acceptance rate: 6%
Location: Boston, Massachusetts

As the third-best university in the US , Harvard’s T. H. Chan School of Public Health has incredible prestige. With several specialized public health departments (e.g., Environmental Health, Health & Population, Epidemiology), this program also offers incredible flexibility. Students can courses from the Department of Public Health, Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (HILS), and even MIT.

3. Stanford University, Graduate School of Education

Phd in curriculum studies and teacher education (cte).

Courses: Introduction to statistical methods in education, research in curriculum & teacher education, and statistical analysis in education.
Credits: 135 units
Duration: 4-5 years
Delivery: On-campus
Full funding : Tuition aid, assistantship salary, and fellowship stipend (for 5 years).
Other support : Grants, travel fellowships, and emergency funds.
Location: Stanford, California

Stanford University tops the list of the best universities for Education Policy Studies, making this one of the best options if you want to earn a PhD in Education. This doctorate is one of the top fully funded PhD programs in education and offers six specializations, including elementary education, teacher education, and science & environmental education.

Note : In addition to this on-campus PhD program, many recognized institutions also offer free online PhD programs in education .

4. Duke University, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences

Phd in literature.

Courses: Wide range of literary topics, including African American Studies, modern European short fiction, gender studies, and more.
Duration: 6-7 years
Delivery: On-campus
Full funding includes: Tuition, fees, stipend, and health insurance.
Other support: Grants, loans, childcare subsidies, and financial hardship aid.
Location: Durham, North Carolina

As one of the country’s most renowned private research institutions, Duke University has ten Nobel Laureates under its belt. Their PhD in Literature program encourages students to pursue both independent studies and inter-institutional courses from other affiliated universities. Students are able to take as many programs outside literature as they wish. Typically, all PhD students receive a “stipend, tuition, and fees support, plus six years of full coverage for health and dental insurance premiums.”

5. Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

Phd in business.

Courses: Microeconomics, econometrics, theory, and dynamic optimization.
Duration: 4 years +
Full funding : Tuition waiver and $40,000 yearly stipend (earned as a research/teaching assistant).
Other support: Scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment.
Location: Houston, Texas

Rice University is a well-known institution and is regularly recognized as one of the best business schools in the country. As part of its PhD in Business program, students can choose between one of four different concentrations: accounting, finance, organizational behavior, and strategic management.

Northwestern University, McCormick School of Engineering

Phd in biomedical engineering.

Courses: Experimental design & measurement, biological performance of materials, and advanced physical & applied optics.
Duration: 5-6 years
Full funding : Tuition scholarship and stipend.
Other support: Fellowships, grants, assistantships, loans, and veteran benefits.
Acceptance rate: 15%
Location: Evanston, Illinois

Northwestern University is renowned for excellence across numerous disciplines, and its biomedical engineering (BME) program was among the first of its kind. The school offers a wide range of courses, from cell and molecular engineering, medical devices and instrumental, neural engineering, and more.

7. Columbia University, Teachers College

Phd in clinical psychology.

Courses: Brain & behavior, social problems for clinical psychologists, and personality & behavior change.
Credits: 95
Duration: 5 years (at least four years of residency)
Full funding : Tuition, stipend, and health fees (up to 4 years).
Other support: Scholarships, grants, fellowships, federal work-study, assistantships, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 7%
Location: New York City, New York

Columbia University offers a leading clinical psychology PhD program that focuses on the intersection between education, psychology, and health. Their fully funded, need-blind “Doctoral Fellowship” is given to incoming students for three years, in addition to financial aid in the fourth year (i.e., a $25,000 stipend). PhD students who receive this scholarship may be asked to work as research assistants or graduate teachers.

8. California Institute of Technology, Division of Engineering & Applied Science

Graduate degree in computer science.

Courses: Functional programming, computability theory, and advanced digital systems design.
Credits: 54 units
Duration: 3+ years of residence
Full funding : Tuition charges and stipends.
Other support: Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
Acceptance rate: 7%
Location: Pasadena, California

Caltech is a huge name in technology education, with over fifty cutting-edge research centers and laboratories. This includes NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and astronomical observatories around the globe. To manage their rigorous course load, graduate students of the computer science program receive full tuition and a stipend of $45,000 .

9. Emory University, College of Arts and Sciences

Ph.D. in Economics

Courses: Microeconomic theory, health economics, and market structure & imperfect competition.
Credits: 55
Duration: 4-6 years
Full funding : Tuition, stipend, health insurance subsidy, and professional development support.
Other support: Grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment.
Acceptance rate: 19%
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Emory University provides a liberal arts college’s atmosphere and opportunities combined with an urban research university’s facilities. This cross-registration program allows students to take classes at the university’s partner institutions, including Georgia Tech and Georgia State University, alongside their in-house courses.

Can I Earn a Free PhD Degree Online?

If you aren’t eligible for a fully funded program, that’s okay! We’ve written an article outlining the most affordable online PhD programs , the benefits, and how to apply to them!

Key Takeaways

Many US universities – including some of the country’s top institution – offer fully funded PhD programs and tuition-free online programs across various disciplines. You’ll just need to demonstrate that you’re eligible for the program through your academic performance and merit.

Once you qualify for full PhD funding, congratulate yourself on a job well done!

If you’re still weighing your options, did you know there are 1-year PhD programs online ?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a phd be free.

Yes. Eligible students can obtain a doctorate for free if a university offers fully funded PhD programs.

How Do I Get a Fully Funded PhD?

To qualify for a fully funded PhD, you’ll be required to meet certain criteria and put together a strong application. You’ll also need to have an excellent undergraduate academic record, recommendation letters, persuasive personal essay, and graduate school entry exam scores .

Fully funded PhDs are incredibly competitive, so it’s important to plan ahead. As an undergraduate student, identify your dream school, and be sure to check the requirements and eligibility criteria. Next, work hard to meet these requirements – and set yourself apart – throughout your undergraduate studies.

Can I Study a PhD in the USA for Free?

Yes. Many US universities offer opportunities to obtain a PhD for free. For example, fully funded doctoral programs will cover your tuition and expenses. Free PhD programs don’t have tuition fees but students are responsible for covering their own expenses.

However, if you aren’t successful in securing a fully funded PhD and don’t like the free options, there are plenty of other ways to pay for grad school .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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What are Fully Funded PhD Programs?

The cost of attending a Ph.D. program ranges from $12,000 per year at public universities to nearly $28,000 per year at nonprofit private institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In addition to tuition and fees, graduate students need to pay for living expenses, health insurance, and research and travel.

Fortunately, many universities support doctoral students through funding such as tuition waivers and stipends. Attending a fully funded doctoral program can save students tens of thousands of dollars. Prospective students can also research free online Ph.D. programs, which allow learners to earn degrees in a flexible format while minimizing debt.

This article explains how fully funded programs support doctoral students. The following sections explore methods for finding free Ph.D. programs, plus which expenses fully funded programs cover.

Featured Online Programs

What do we mean by fully funded.

Fully funded Ph.D. programs may offer more than free tuition. Most fully funded programs also provide a stipend, and some schools offer health insurance and research funding. However, each program offers a different funding package, so students should research the funding opportunities available at each prospective program.

Tuition Paid in Full

Graduate tuition and fees cost an average of more than $19,000 per year, according to the NCES . Students attending private universities pay even higher rates. However, graduate students often pay less than the full tuition rate.

Fully funded doctoral programs provide tuition waivers, which typically cover the entire cost of tuition and fees. Some programs offer other generous benefits for funded students, such as book stipends and reduced-fare transit passes.

Doctoral programs at public universities may also offer a nonresident tuition waiver, which allows out-of-state students to pay in-state tuition rates. Although it does not cover the full cost of tuition, this waiver can save students thousands of dollars each semester.

Stipend for Living Expenses

In addition to a tuition waiver, fully funded programs often provide a stipend to cover living expenses. The amount of the stipend varies by program. For example, Cornell University pays doctoral students a stipend of $28,000 per year, while Northwestern University offers $33,500 per year. Public universities often pay slightly lower stipends; at the University of California, Berkeley , graduate stipends range from $18,500 to $33,500 per year.

To receive graduate stipends, learners may need to teach or work as teaching assistants or research assistants. Other programs offer fellowship funding, which does not include work requirements.

A graduate stipend may not cover all of a student’s living expenses. In these cases, graduate students may need to take out loans or work during the summer. While stipends pay only during the nine-month academic year, some programs also offer summer funding.

Health Insurance

Doctoral students at fully funded programs may receive health insurance as part of their funding package. However, many free Ph.D. programs do not offer health insurance, so students should check with their prospective institution.

A student health insurance package may only cover health costs at facilities associated with the university. Doctoral students may receive automatic enrollment in a health insurance plan, or they may select from several plans during an annual open enrollment period.

While some free Ph.D. programs cover the cost of health insurance, others provide discounted rates. Doctoral students may also receive a tax deduction if they pay a monthly premium for insurance.

Choosing a fully funded program that offers health insurance can save students a significant amount of money. Doctoral students may also add spouses and dependents to their university health insurance plan.

Research or Travel Funding

Doctoral students at fully funded programs may receive additional benefits, such as research and travel funding. Doctoral students may attend conferences, visit archives, and complete summer language programs. While not all programs offer these benefits, research and travel funding can help doctoral students complete their dissertation faster and stand out in the job market.

Students typically apply for research and travel funding through their program on an as-needed basis. For example, a doctoral student who is attending a conference may submit an application for travel funding. Many programs reimburse doctoral students for research and travel costs, rather than paying the cost up front.

In addition to applying for institutional funding, doctoral students can pursue grants and scholarships from government agencies and private organizations. These awards can cover research and travel costs.

Will Your Ph.D. Program Require You to Teach?

Many fully funded Ph.D. programs incorporate teaching requirements. Doctoral students may need to work as teaching assistants under professor supervision. They may also grade undergraduate work or become a graduate instructor.

Teaching assistants typically lead discussion sections and grade student work. They often attend lectures and regular meetings with the faculty instructor. Graders may also attend class, and they use rubrics to grade papers and exams. Experienced doctoral students may teach classes independently as graduate instructors.

Doctoral programs prepare learners for teaching responsibilities through coursework on teaching methods. Graduate students may also meet outside of class to strengthen their teaching skills.

Teaching assistantships help doctoral students gain teaching experience while pursuing their degrees and secure academic positions after graduation. For example, doctoral degree-holders applying for professor positions can submit syllabi they created during their teaching assistantships. Teaching experience also prepares learners to discuss their teaching approach during job interviews.

Teaching requirements vary by program. Students researching fully funded doctoral programs should identify any funding requirements, including teaching hours and prep work. Students enrolled in free Ph.D. programs online may complete teaching requirements virtually.

How to Apply for a Fully Funded Ph.D. Program

Applying to fully funded Ph.D. programs takes time, but these programs can save doctoral students tens of thousands of dollars. By investing time in the research and application process, learners can identify the programs that best support doctoral students. This section explores the process of applying to fully funded doctoral programs.

Research Your Program

Before submitting an application, prospective students should extensively research each program. Learning details about faculty members, doctoral specializations, and graduation requirements can help students choose the program that best fits their goals. Applicants should also examine each program’s timeline to make sure it meets their needs.

Identify Funding Opportunities

Each doctoral program handles funding differently. Some schools automatically award grants or fellowships to admitted students, while others require learners to submit a separate funding application. Programs also offer different types of funding. Applicants should carefully research each program’s funding opportunities and requirements.

Fill Out Applications

After researching Ph.D. programs, students can start the application process. Most doctoral programs require applicants to submit official transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Investing time in the application process can pay off for doctoral students who earn a spot in a fully funded program.

Discover Funding Options

At some programs, doctoral students automatically receive funding. However, other programs require admitted doctoral students to complete a separate funding application. Funding applications may require additional letters of recommendation or a personal statement. The deadline to apply for assistantships and fellowships may differ from the program’s application deadline.

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