If you’re planning to pursue advanced study in Ohio or nearby Kentucky, here are 20 fully funded graduate programs in and around Cincinnati you should know about.
University of Cincinnati (UC) – Cincinnati, OH
UC is the region’s flagship research university, classified as an R1 institution. Funding here typically comes through Graduate Assistantships, Teaching/Research Assistantships, or University Graduate Scholarships, which include tuition waivers and stipends.
1) PhD in Engineering – Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Materials, and Mechanical Engineering offer assistantships with clear stipend structures.
2) PhD in English – Includes tuition waiver, stipend, and competitive fellowships.
3) PhD in Biological Sciences – Funded primarily through research and teaching assistantships.
4) PhD in Chemistry – Offers tuition coverage and stipends via assistantships.
5) PhD in Physics – Supported by teaching or research assistantships.
6) PhD in Psychology – Funding through departmental teaching and research assistantships.
7) PhD in Economics (Lindner College of Business) – Funded through teaching and research assistantships.
8) PhD in History – Offers teaching assistantships and fellowships for admitted students.
9) PhD in Mathematics – Supported through teaching assistantships with tuition coverage.
10) PhD in Nursing and Health Sciences – Many students receive research funding and assistantship packages.
Xavier University – Cincinnati, OH
Xavier is a private Jesuit institution. Graduate students here can apply for Graduate Assistantships, which typically include tuition remission and stipends.
11) GA-funded Master’s Programs – Tuition remission and stipends are available across departments.
12) Administrative and Student Affairs GAs – Roles in residence life or student services often come with tuition remission.
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) – Highland Heights, KY (15 minutes from Cincinnati)
NKU offers Graduate Assistantships that include tuition scholarships and stipends. Housing and meal benefits may be included in certain roles, such as housing or residence life positions.
13) GA-funded Master’s Programs – Many departments offer tuition coverage plus stipends.
14) Residence Life/Student Affairs GA – Package includes tuition remission, stipend, housing, and meals.
Miami University – Oxford, OH (45–60 minutes from Cincinnati)
Miami is nationally recognized for its strong liberal arts tradition and offers full funding in select graduate programs.
15) MFA in Creative Writing – All admitted students receive full funding, teaching assistantships, and stipends.
16) Funded MA/PhD Tracks – Some departments provide assistantships and fellowships covering tuition and living costs.
Wright State University – Dayton, OH (about 1 hour from Cincinnati)
Wright State offers multiple pathways for funding, including Graduate Assistantships, Tuition Scholarships, and Fellowships.
17) Graduate Assistantships – Teaching, research, and administrative positions with tuition waivers and stipends.
18) Graduate Tuition Scholarships – Tuition coverage in several colleges, including education and health sciences.
19) Wright Fellowships – Competitive fellowships that cover tuition without a service requirement.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College – Cincinnati, OH
While Cincinnati State is not a research university, it offers fully covered certificate programs for eligible students through state and local grants.
20) Short-Term Certificate Programs – Grants cover tuition and fees for eligible Ohio residents pursuing professional upskilling.
How to Understand “Fully Funded”
PhD Programs: Almost always include tuition remission and an annual stipend, guaranteed for multiple years.
Master’s Programs: More variable. Some students secure graduate assistantships that cover tuition plus a stipend. MFA programs (like Miami’s Creative Writing) are rare examples where all admitted students are fully funded.
Additional Support: Check if fees, health insurance, or summer funding are covered. These details differ by program.
Application Tips to Secure Funding
1) Apply Early – Funding is limited and often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
2) Email the Program Director – Ask about the availability of assistantships and typical stipend ranges.
3) Tailor Your Statement of Purpose – Highlight teaching, research, or administrative skills that match the assistantship.
4) Confirm Multi-Year Guarantees – Especially for PhDs, ask if funding is renewable through the entire program.
5) Seek Small Awards Too – Many schools offer travel grants, research mini-grants, or conference funds that add extra support.
