fully funded online phd programs in business

Best Online DBA and Ph.D. in Business Programs

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Management jobs pay some of the highest salaries of any career path. And a graduate degree in business can help you qualify for these coveted leadership roles.

While an MBA can get your foot in the door, a doctorate in business is the highest degree you can earn in business school . With a Ph.D. or DBA degree, you’ll gain specialized knowledge and skills while preparing for your career in business.

Popular Online Programs

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

Top Online Business Ph.D. and DBA Programs

Baker college.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $9,960
• Out-of-state $9,960
• In-State $12,510
• Out-of-state $12,510
• Retention Rate 61%
• Acceptance Rate 54%
• Students Enrolled 6,028
• Institution Type Private

California Baptist University

• In-State $33,930
• Out-of-state $33,930
• In-State $13,410
• Out-of-state $13,410
• Retention Rate 76%
• Acceptance Rate 80%
• Students Enrolled 11,317

City University of Seattle

• In-State $13,658
• Out-of-state $13,658
• In-State $11,812
• Out-of-state $11,812
• Retention Rate N/A
• Acceptance Rate N/A
• Students Enrolled 2,052

Concordia University-Chicago

• In-State $32,660
• Out-of-state $32,660
• In-State $9,090
• Out-of-state $9,090
• Retention Rate 71%
• Acceptance Rate 79%
• Students Enrolled 6,491

Felician University

• In-State $32,550
• Out-of-state $32,550
• In-State $19,080
• Out-of-state $19,080
• Retention Rate 79%
• Acceptance Rate 94%
• Students Enrolled 2,556

Franklin University

• In-State $9,552
• Out-of-state $9,552
• In-State $16,080
• Out-of-state $16,080
• Retention Rate 9%
• Students Enrolled 5,926

Gardner-Webb University

• In-State $31,220
• Out-of-state $31,220
• In-State $9,000
• Out-of-state $9,000
• Retention Rate 68%
• Acceptance Rate 78%
• Students Enrolled 3,536

Johnson & Wales University-Online

• In-State $13,365
• Out-of-state $13,365
• In-State $14,148
• Out-of-state $14,148
• Retention Rate 50%
• Acceptance Rate 36%
• Students Enrolled 2,152

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

• In-State $19,808
• Out-of-state $19,808
• In-State $27,162
• Out-of-state $27,162
• Retention Rate 60%
• Acceptance Rate 97%
• Students Enrolled 20,330

Liberty University

• In-State $14,791
• Out-of-state $14,791
• In-State $7,935
• Out-of-state $7,935
• Retention Rate 81%
• Acceptance Rate 50%
• Students Enrolled 93,349

Lincoln Memorial University

• In-State $23,040
• Out-of-state $23,040
• In-State $20,705
• Out-of-state $20,705
• Acceptance Rate 69%
• Students Enrolled 4,885

Saint Leo University

• In-State $23,990
• Out-of-state $23,990
• In-State $14,568
• Out-of-state $14,568
• Retention Rate 64%
• Acceptance Rate 73%
• Students Enrolled 9,832

St. Thomas University

• In-State $31,800
• Out-of-state $31,800
• In-State $14,400
• Out-of-state $14,400
• Retention Rate 49%
• Acceptance Rate 60%
• Students Enrolled 5,601

University of Maryland Global Campus

• In-State $7,200
• Out-of-state $11,976
• In-State $8,640
• Out-of-state $11,862
• Retention Rate 55%
• Students Enrolled 58,526
• Institution Type Public

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• In-State $4,422
• Out-of-state $19,581
• In-State $5,219
• Out-of-state $18,937
• Acceptance Rate 88%
• Students Enrolled 19,764

University of West Alabama

• In-State $9,100
• Out-of-state $18,200
• In-State $6,678
• Out-of-state $13,356
• Retention Rate 63%
• Acceptance Rate 93%
• Students Enrolled 5,734

University of the Cumberlands

• In-State $9,875
• Out-of-state $9,875
• In-State $4,282
• Out-of-state $4,282
• Retention Rate 66%
• Acceptance Rate 81%
• Students Enrolled 19,110

University of the Incarnate Word

• In-State $31,020
• Out-of-state $31,020
• In-State $18,000
• Out-of-state $18,000
• Retention Rate 75%
• Students Enrolled 7,917

University of the Southwest

• In-State $16,000
• Out-of-state $16,000
• In-State $22,500
• Out-of-state $22,500
• Retention Rate 74%
• Students Enrolled 904

Wilmington University

• In-State $11,430
• Out-of-state $11,430
• In-State $8,784
• Out-of-state $8,784
• Students Enrolled 14,769

Why Get an Online Ph.D. in Business or DBA Degree?

• You’ll have tons of business careers to choose from, from accounting to advertising.
• An online Ph.D. in business can raise your salary potential and help you stand out from other job candidates.
• You’ll be more prepared to advance into executive roles.
• You can attend a top business program without having to relocate.
• Some online business doctorate programs offer discounted tuition to distance learners.
• You can attend classes and complete coursework on your own schedule.

Did You Know…

Why Accreditation Matters for Online Business Doctorate Programs

Accreditation matters when you’re choosing an online doctoral program in business.

Accredited universities meet high standards for academic excellence. To earn accreditation, schools must undergo a rigorous review of their student learning outcomes, instructor qualifications, and teaching materials.

A school’s accreditation status can affect your financial aid, educational quality, and career prospects. Many employers and professional certifications require candidates to have a degree from an accredited institution.

When researching online business doctorate programs, check for accreditation .

In addition to institutional accreditation, reputable business schools should hold programmatic accreditation. Here are the major accrediting agencies for graduate business programs :

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Doctoral Program in Business?

How much does an online ph.d. in business cost.

Most online Ph.D. in business programs take 4-6 years to complete, costing you anywhere from $50,000-$170,000 in total tuition and fees.

Online DBA programs take roughly 3-6 years, depending on your school and whether you’re full time or part time. This means that a DBA can cost anywhere from $37,000-$170,000.

The main factors that affect how much you’ll spend on your online business Ph.D. or DBA degree are:

• The length of your program
• Whether you enroll in a private or public school
• How much financial aid you qualify for
• Whether your program is fully funded (many doctoral programs are!)
• Whether you opt for a DBA or Ph.D.

Make sure to submit the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for federal grants and loans. Colleges and universities also use the FAFSA to award institutional aid.

In addition, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement.

Remember that when earning your DBA or Ph.D. in business online, you may need to budget for things like technology fees and a laptop.

Online Ph.D. in Business Specializations to Choose From

• Business Administration
• Entrepreneurship
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Management Information Systems

How Much Money Can You Earn With an Online Business Doctorate?

With a doctorate in business, you can qualify for high-paying management and executive roles. Many of these positions report median salaries in the six figures.

As the following table shows, the earning potential with a business doctorate varies depending on the field and title. Some of these positions do not require a business doctorate, but having one may make you a more attractive candidate. Experience and location can also affect salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Busines Doctorate Programs

What can you do with an online ph.d. in business.

An online Ph.D. in business can lead to opportunities in academia and research. For example, you could become a business professor.

While an online business Ph.D. emphasizes theoretical and research skills, a doctor of business administration, or DBA, focuses on applied business for those seeking leadership roles in business.

How many years does it take to get an online Ph.D. in business?

Earning your Ph.D. in business online typically takes 4-6 years, depending on the program and your enrollment status. For example, part-time students generally require more time.

In comparison, most DBA programs take 3-5 years.

Are business Ph.D.’s in demand?

A doctorate in business prepares you primarily to become a business professor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , college professors are in demand, with a projected 8% growth rate from 2023-2033.

What’s more, business professors tend to earn high salaries .

Is a DBA better than a Ph.D. in business?

A DBA and a Ph.D. in business are both doctorates, but because the two degrees serve different purposes, neither is necessarily better than the other.

As a practice-focused degree, a DBA can help you get leadership roles in business. A Ph.D., in contrast, emphasizes research and typically leads to academic jobs, such as business professor.

Before applying to DBA or Ph.D. programs in business, consider your career goals to find the right fit for you.

Is a DBA worth it?

A DBA can pay off. As a practitioner’s degree in business, a DBA emphasizes applied skills and can help you advance into executive roles or gain the knowledge and skills to launch your own business.

DBAs also showcase your expertise for roles in consulting, administration, and academia.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Getting the Most Out of Business School

Online Business Certificate Program Guide

The Top 10 Fully-Funded Ph.D. Programs in Business

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www.business-management-degree.net 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.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is $106,860. That’s not a small amount of money! But there are many ways to cut those costs and, in some cases,  eliminate  those costs.

Featured Programs

The overall cost of your doctorate depends on your specific circumstances. For example, earning your Ph.D. at a public university will likely be more affordable than at a private university. Currently, the average cost of a doctorate at a public university is $72,990. At a private university, you’ll pay an average of $101,810. So, to cut costs, you might consider a program at a public university.

Your choice of academic discipline and the length of the program also inform how much your doctorate costs. STEM fields are more expensive; the longer the program, usually between four and eight years, the higher the cost. The amount of financial aid received is another key factor in determining how much you must pay for your degree.

These factors can help reduce how much your Ph.D. costs. But a fully-funded Ph.D. program can eliminate your education costs by providing tuition reimbursements and stipends to pay for housing and other living costs. And there are many fully-funded Ph.D. programs in business to choose from!

Related Articles:

• Affordable DBA Programs
• Cheap Online Doctorates in Business Management
• Top DBA Programs Online
• Benefits of a Doctoral Degree
• Best Public Policy Ph.D. Online

Methodology for Ranking the Top Free Business Ph.D. Programs

This ranking of free business Ph.D.s was devised using the following criteria:

• Offers quality, fully-funded Ph.D. programs focused on business-related concepts, technology, and research.
• Retention rates are at or above the national average.
• Faculty members represent working professionals who are experts in their fields and who can provide students with appropriate research assistantship opportunities.
• Provides fully-funded tuition expenses and/or stipend opportunities, scholarships, or assistantships.
• Notability among journalistic and academic resources.

Please see our  methodology  page to learn more about how we selected these fully-funded Ph.D. programs.

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Top Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs in Business

If you earn a Ph.D. in business from one of these programs, you will not only be an alumnus of a prestigious institution, but you will also be more competitive for challenging yet rewarding careers. Examples include C-level executives, business consultants, and college professors – and these jobs have a fast return on investment, too! Consider exploring one of the programs below to get your doctoral education in business.

Binghamton University

The Ph.D. in Management from Binghamton University’s School of Management is a STEM-designated program offering a fully-funded research assistantship. You’ll receive full tuition reimbursement and work one-on-one with a faculty member on your research projects. You may even work as a co-author for published journals.

Prominent Program Features:

The Management curriculum emphasizes theory and research practices to train you for positions as instructors in public and private academic settings. The Management coursework is designed in a way that encourages you to study relevant topics alongside your doctoral studies. Some outside courses include those in economics, psychology, and sociology.

You can choose from five specialization areas, too:

• Leadership and Organizational Science
• Management Information Systems 
• Supply Chain and Business Analytics (this specialization is currently closed)

Graduates from this program have gone on to work as professors in prestigious colleges and universities across the globe, from Rutgers University in New Jersey to Warwick University in the United Kingdom.

Program Pros:

• Up to $29,500 per year in funding
• Multiple specialization areas
• 1:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Program Cons:

• No online or hybrid option
• Fall admission only

University of Southern California

The Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California offers what they describe as one of the premier business Ph.D. programs in the world. Graduates of this program frequently go on to teach at some of the best business schools in the nation and throughout the world.

You are automatically awarded a full tuition fellowship when you are accepted to the USC Marshall School of Business Ph.D. program. This fellowship may also include a graduate assistantship with a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, health and dental insurance, and coverage of various administrative and institutional fees.

The Marshall School of Business gives its Ph.D. students full financial support for five years, but if need be, you are eligible for other awards after five years.

Each Ph.D. concentration involves high-tech research positions in which you are required to work with faculty members on projects that involve extensive use of skills in statistics, economics, computer science, communication, and more. Available specializations include the following:

• Data Sciences and Operations
• Management and Organization
• Multiple funding sources
• Guaranteed funding for five years
• Very highly competitive program

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT’s Sloan School of Management is considered a leader in education, and its Ph.D. in Management demonstrates this. The program involves the study of business and entrepreneurship through the lens of technology that is among the best in the nation.

As a student in this program, you’ll receive a scholarship that covers your entire tuition. You’ll also get free medical insurance and a fellowship stipend or salary as a teaching assistant or research assistant.

You will also receive a new laptop and have a conference travel budget! Funding may increase in future academic years, as well.

There are innumerable advantages to attending the Sloan School of Management for a Ph.D. in Business, such as utilizing the MIT Entrepreneurship Center and the various programs, classes, workshops, and competitions it funds each year. You will also engage in in-depth research projects that put you in the direct flow of business operations undertaken by MIT faculty members.

You can focus your studies on one of three areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences, Economics, Finance & Accounting, and Management Science. Nine research groups within these fields allow you to focus your research even more.

• Comprehensive funding package including a laptop and travel budget
• Wide-ranging research opportunities
• The program is six years, even if you already have a master’s degree

Fordham University

Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business offers a fully-funded Ph.D. program with multiple concentration options, allowing you to tailor your degree to your specific interests. Beyond that, you qualify for funding upon acceptance to the program.

Fordham University maintains relationships and partnerships with major businesses throughout New York City. As such, you will work alongside faculty members who are actively engaged with some of these organizations. You will also work closely with faculty in other ways, such as in your research projects and the design of a culminating doctoral course.

This Ph.D. curriculum has numerous diverse and exciting options in business:

• Accounting and Taxation
• Business Law and Ethics
• Communication and Media Management
• Finance and Business Economics
• Information, Technology, and Operations
• Leading People and Organizations

You can also focus your degree in one of two interdisciplinary tracks: Capital Markets or Strategy and Decision-Making.

Students who complete this exceptional program often go on to become expert researchers or professors at impressive colleges and universities. You might do the same!

• Close ties with New York City-based businesses
• Excellent post-program placement services
• Hands-on mentoring from faculty
• Full funding is not guaranteed
• Stringent requirements, including multiple comprehensive exams, teaching requirements, a Year 2 research paper, and a dissertation

University of Pennsylvania

The Wharton School is one of the most highly respected schools of business at any college or university in the United States. In addition to being a top school, Wharton also offers all admitted students a full fellowship that covers tuition, health insurance, and a monthly stipend for living expenses for five years of study.

Wharton doesn’t just offer a single Ph.D. program. Instead, you can choose from nine concentrations and programs under the Business Ph.D. program:

• Applied Economics
• Ethics and Legal Studies
• Health Care Management and Economics
• Operations, Information, and Decisions
• Statistics and Data Science

Rigorous, full-time classroom studies occupy the first two years in The Wharton School, and the next three years involve more research-based experiences and projects.

The nine available concentrations at UPenn are supported by highly experienced faculty members and business partnerships that allow you to complete real-world undertakings that have an actual impact. You will leave the program as a published expert who is ready to take on positions of higher responsibility and pay.

• Wharton is one of the best business schools in the nation
• World-class faculty

Bentley University

Bentley University’s McCallum Graduate School of Business offers a Ph.D. in Business with multiple funding possibilities. On the one hand, you can pursue the Bentley Ph.D. Fellowship or the Rauch Doctoral Fellowship. Both programs also offer a stipend to cover living expenses.

This program offers four concentration areas:

• Business Analytics
• Information Systems

In each instance, you process through a rigorous curriculum with coursework attuned to your specialization. You will also have ample opportunities to conduct original research. You will work closely with your advisors to devise a course of study that best fits your needs, too.

Both fellowships mentioned earlier are good for four years of doctoral coursework. You will be a research assistant for an assigned faculty member who is associated with your particular business specialization. You will also have opportunities to travel to business conferences and workshops with your faculty mentors, as well.

• Multiple fellowship opportunities
• Funding is only guaranteed for four years
• GMAT or GRE scores are required for admission

Duke University

Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business is a top choice for many Ph.D. students. Not only is the program top-ranked, but it also offers a fellowship for accepted students that covers tuition, health insurance, and living expenses. The fellowship is renewable for five years, provided you’re in good academic standing.

This program prepares you to work in teaching and research positions. You will work alongside faculty members in the roles of both teacher and research assistant. You will be guaranteed to develop strong abilities in research methodology and communication at the Fuqua School of Business.

This prestigious school has some of the best graduation and retention statistics of any college or university in the country, which indicates the profound satisfaction of its students. The Ph.D. in Business Administration program provides exciting concentration options that are offered at very few other schools, such as a Decision Strategies specialization. Other specializations include the following:

• Management and Organizations
• Operations Management and Strategy
• STEM-eligible program
• Opportunities to work with leading business scholars
• Acceptance rates average between 2-8 percent
• Many students need more than five years to complete the program

Rice University

The Jones Graduate School at Rice University offers a Ph.D. in Business that prepares you for academic and research work at the nation’s top universities. The combination of coursework and research experience you gain in this program helps you develop into a sought-after asset upon your graduation.

Financial assistance is granted in full to all Ph.D. in Business students at Rice University through various means. You’ll receive full tuition support and a $40,000 per year stipend, which is contingent in part upon your work as a research or teaching assistant. You will work closely with faculty members in their areas of business research for twenty hours each week.

Also included in the funding is a research support budget. You can use these funds for expenses such as books, supplies, professional membership dues, and travel expenses for academic conferences. You must continue making adequate progress towards your degree to retain your funding.

There are five concentration options available for Ph.D. students, all of which are covered by the assistantship:

• Operations Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Strategic Management

As you complete the program, you will participate in interviews for teaching positions. These interviews could result in a lucrative employment opportunity after graduation.

• Funding for tuition, living expenses, and work-related expenses
• Funding is available for every year of full-time study

Stanford University

Stanford’s Graduate School of Business is a top choice among prospective business students. The school is well known for its graduate-level programs, including its Ph.D. in Business. Not only is this program well-regarded, but it also offers full funding for accepted students.

Funding for this Ph.D. program includes five years of financial aid. Aid is provided in the form of tuition payment, a living stipend, and healthcare coverage. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to work in assistantship positions in teaching and research applications.

Financial aid is dependent upon your progress in the program. You’ll have the full five years of funding if you maintain satisfactory grades and achieve program milestones. Based on current amounts, you can expect in excess of $52,000 per year in funding.

The Ph.D. in Business program itself is expansive and in-depth and also has seven unique concentration options that take students in vastly different avenues within the field of business:

• Economic Analysis and Policy
• Operations, Information, and Technology
• Political Economics

You will be actively engaged with your professors on many research and classroom-based projects. Upon completing the program, you will emerge with a high level of skills and competency in business. You will also have a ready-made network of professional connections you can rely on to start your career.

• Customizable program with opportunities for unique research
• Opportunities for collaboration with other Ph.D. students and professors

Cornell University

The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell offers a top-tier Ph.D. in Management focusing on business research and education. The program is preparatory for academic teaching and research positions at the nation’s top universities.

Cornell’s program is highly customizable to suit your specific interests. You will choose an area of study on which to concentrate. You will also build your own dissertation committee to help guide you through your research. Additionally, your coursework will draw from disciplines across Cornell to give you a holistic education.

Another feature of this Ph.D. in management is the opportunity for hands-on experience. You will work with other Ph.D. students to explore management theory and literature. You will also have many opportunities to conduct your own original research.

You can complete these activities with full funding in place. This program offers a tuition waiver and a stipend for living expenses.

• Ivy League program
• Opportunities to conduct research in Cornell’s highly regarded research centers
• Customizable curriculum
• Funding does not cover healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions

These programs are available with full funding due to the generous donations and contributions made by grants, alumni, and local businesses and organizations. Students contribute their time and energy through assistantships and fellowships by working with faculty members in support of their research projects and publications. Note that some of the awards for Ph.D. studies only cover tuition costs and fees, and students are then responsible for their living expenses or will have to seek out additional scholarships and grants.

In many cases, yes. Students who receive full funding often have to complete a teaching or research assistantship. This involves working with a faculty member in their professional and scholarly pursuits, which would mostly involve writing research papers and dissertations. These assistantships typically require about 20 hours of work per week. In the case of teaching assistantships, you will often work as a tutor, be available for office hours, or actually teach classes.

In almost every case, all you have to do to get the fellowship or assistantship is to be accepted to the program! After being admitted, funds will be allocated to you. In many instances, the funds will be set up with a monthly allowance that you can use for rent and other necessities. You must adhere to specific rules and policies set forth by the school that will be outlined to you after being accepted. You will have to maintain satisfactory progress in the program to retain your funding.

The exact percentage of Ph.D. programs that are fully funded varies greatly depending on the institution and field of study you are pursuing. Most Ph.D. funding depends on the program and the university. Some programs offer full tuition remission plus a stipend, while others may only offer partial funding. It is essential to research the specific Ph.D. program you are interested in to determine what kind of funding is available and what your part will ultimately be.

The high cost of attendance is considered the most challenging aspect of earning a Ph.D. degree. This can result in overwhelming student loan debt – the average loan debt is $125,276 for Ph.D. holders, according to the Education Data Initiative. Keep in mind that you must also account for other expenses, such as living expenses, traveling expenses, and incidental expenses, in the cost of attendance. No wonder then that fully-funded Ph.D. programs in business administration and management are highly sought-after! Earning your Ph.D. in business administration and management degree with little to no debt will be more enjoyable because you will have greater financial peace of mind.

Yes, you may be eligible for grants to help offset the cost of your Ph.D. These area-specific grants offer plenty of opportunities to fund your graduate education, particularly the expenses not covered by teaching and research assistantships. The trick is to be patient and persistent in finding and applying to these financial aid programs.

Rowan Jones Chief Editor

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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