For many individuals, pursuing a doctorate at an older age can be a fulfilling and enriching experience. The extra years of life experience and wisdom that older students bring to the table can greatly enhance their academic journey. However, the decision to further one’s education later in life can come with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to balancing work and family responsibilities.
When it comes to admission requirements for a doctorate program, older students may find that their previous academic record and work experience play a significant role in the application process. While each university may have specific requirements, many programs look for candidates who have a strong background in their field of study, as well as relevant work experience. Additionally, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and standardized test scores may also be required as part of the application process.
In order to successfully navigate the admission process for a doctorate program, potential students should carefully research and familiarize themselves with the specific requirements of the universities they are interested in. It is also important for older applicants to highlight their unique experiences and skills that set them apart from traditional students. By demonstrating a strong commitment to their field of study and showcasing their potential for academic success, older students can increase their chances of being admitted to their desired program.
Universities usually have funding of their own to offer potential PhD students. This might take the form of a small fee discount (often for alumni) or limited grant for living costs. Or it might be a full studentship funded out of the university’s own research budget.
Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy, programs are available in a variety of subject areas. Institutions that offer the best programs typically have exceptional funding, top-of-the-line research facilities, and abundant academic resources. When selecting one of the shortest doctoral programs or easiest Ph.D. programs, request information from each school for more details.
The easiest isn’t always the shortest nor the shortest the easiest.
| University | Eligibility | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| California State University System | California residents aged 60 and older | Waiver for tuition, applications, health services, and instructional-related activities |
| Clemson University | South Carolina residents | Excludes Ph.D. in business administration program and study abroad-related programs |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Residents of Georgia aged 62 and older | Waiver for in-state graduate-level tuition and applicable student fees |
| Kentucky State University | Kentucky residents aged 65 and older | Free tuition for undergraduate or graduate college courses |
| Northern Michigan University | Adults aged 62 years old and over | Full-tuition scholarships for on-campus classes |
| Michigan Technological University | Students over 60 years of age | Waiver for on-campus courses, up to two per semester |
| University of Rhode Island | Residents who are 60 and older | Tuition waiver upon admission |
| University of Alaska | Residents who are 65 and older | Waives tuition on a space-available basis |
| University of Arkansas | Adults over the age of 60 | Tuition-free undergraduate and graduate courses on a space-available basis |
| University of Connecticut | Residents aged 62 and older | Tuition waiver at public higher education institutions |
| University of Delaware | Residents aged 60 and older | Opportunity to attend college without paying tuition |
| University of Georgia | Residents 62 years of age and older | Register for classes on a space-available basis without paying tuition |
| University of Illinois | Residents age 65 and older | Enroll in regularly scheduled credit courses without tuition |
| University of Louisiana | Residents 55 years old and older | Exempt from tuition and other registration fees at public colleges |
| University of Maine | Residents 65 years of age and older | Waives tuition for undergraduate courses at any campus within the university system |
| University of Maryland | Retired individuals age 60 or older with chief income from retirement benefits | Free undergraduate and graduate courses on a space-available basis |
| University of Massachusetts | Seniors over the age of 60 | Categorical Tuition Waiver providing financial support |
| University of Minnesota | Seniors aged 62 and older | Free tuition at Minnesota state colleges on a space-available basis |
| Mississippi State University | Residents ages 60 and older | Tuition waiver for classes on Starkville or Meridian campuses |
| University of Montana | Senior citizens age 65 and older | Tuition waivers for credit-bearing undergraduate courses at UM |
| University of New Hampshire | Residents 65 years of age and older | Take two credit-bearing courses per academic year on a space-available basis |
| University of South Carolina | Residents aged 60 and older | Enroll in courses for credit without paying tuition |
| University of Texas | Texas residents ages 65 and older | Free tuition at state colleges |
| University of Virginia | Residents 60 and older | Waives tuition for up to three courses for academic credit |
PhD programs for older adults
While most doctoral degree programs last 2 or more years, we’ve found one university that offers an accelerated 12-month online doctoral program.
BREYER STATE UNIVERSITY – ethereal accelerated doctor of psychology in grief counseling. This online program is also one of the most affordable online doctoral programs on our list, offering tuition at $3,500.
More 1-year virtual doctoral programs will be added to this ranking as they are found. This list was last updated on April 1, 2019.
Shortest free PhD programs online and On-campus
Obtaining a Ph.D. is a long-term commitment. Most doctoral programs can take well beyond five years to complete. Several universities across the country offer accredited accelerated Ph.D. programs.
For busy working professionals looking to jumpstart their careers, this list serves as a simple reference guide, comprising some of the shortest doctoral programs in the country. These online degree programs operate in either a full-time, part-time, fully-online, or hybrid format.
| Institution | Program | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Frontier Nursing University | Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN with DNP | 85 |
| Boston University | Online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy | 33 |
| Gwynedd Mercy University | Accelerated Executive Doctorate of Education ABD (All But Dissertation) Completion Program | 27 |
| Duquesne University | Online Doctor of Nursing Practice | 35 |
| The College of St. Scholastica | Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy | 16 |
| Liberty University | Doctor of Ministry | 30 |
| University of Florida | Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN to DNP | 35 |
| University of North Dakota | Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice | 36 |
| Seton Hall University | Doctor of Nursing Practice | 71 (post-BSN) to 79 (post-MSN) |
| Regis University | Doctor of Nursing Practice | 31-36 |
| Georgia State University | Curriculum and Instruction EdD, Educational Leadership EdD | 54 |
| Bowling Green State University | Technology Management | 66 |
| Hampton University | Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management | 60 |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | Safety Sciences | 54 |
| East Carolina University | Doctor of Nursing Practice | 36 |
Fully Funded Ph.D Programs 2024 Online and On-Campus
To be sure, no PhD program could be considered “easy,” but there are certain programs designed to be simpler than others.
Typically, 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 PhD 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 PhD. Online PhD programs were also organized according to the U.S. News and World Report and Forbes Magazine rankings.
Easiest PhD Programs Online
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA – 7 online doctoral degree programs; Tuition: $129.18 per credit (in-state), $552.62 per credit (out-of-state)
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – 24 online and partially-online doctorate programs; Tuition: varies by program
- COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY – 4 online PhD programs; Tuition: $926-$1,085 per credit
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA – 10 online PhD programs; Tuition: $460.85-$784.13 per credit
- NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY – 18 online doctorate degree programs; Tuition: $967-$1,420 per credit
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