Doctoral Students

Full Steam Ahead. Franklin Simplifies Starting – or Re-starting – Your Doctorate

If you have the determination to earn a doctoral degree, we’re here to help you succeed. Since 1902, Franklin University has been serving adult students who balance the desire to earn a degree with other priorities. We value your time – so we keep our admission process simple, straightforward and hassle-free.

You can rely on guidance from the Graduate Admissions team to provide information or connect you with resources that put you on the road to achieving your goals. The information below details everything you can expect – from application to new-student orientation..

3-Year Completion

Finish your doctorate in as few as 3 years.

No Hidden Fees

Transparent pricing keeps the costs of your doctorate within your budget. 

Skip the Essay

No essay required with a GPA of 3.0 or better. 

Maximize Transfer

Transfer credit from previous coursework – up to 33 (Ed.D., DBA and DHA), 12 (DNP-Leadership) or 9 (DNP-APRN).

No GRE/GMAT Required

Bypass expensive, time consuming tests and get started sooner.

Apply Online

Apply. Anytime. Anywhere.  

With multiple start dates each year, applications are accepted year-round. Aside from choosing your program of interest, the application requires you to provide demographic information and names of the institutions you have previously attended.

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How Long will it Take?

  • On average, our online application can be completed in 20 minutes.
  • Once submitted, applications are processed within 48 hours.

How Much Will It Cost?

For domestic applicants, there is no fee to apply. 

For international applicants, the following apply:

  • Master’s programs, there is a $30 application fee.
  • Doctoral programs, there is a $50 application fee.

How will I know It’s Complete?

A member of our Admissions team will contact you within 48 hours to provide you with a username, password, and link to our myTools applicant system so you can track the status of your application.

Notes & Tips

Admission requirements vary based on the program and start date you choose. Be sure to review program specific requirements as you evaluate your start date.

Submit Support Materials

To predict your ability to successfully complete doctoral-level coursework, the admission process for doctoral programs requires the materials listed below.

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How Long will it Take?

You should allow 7-10 days for us to receive your transcripts from your previous schools.

How Much Will It Cost?

There are no costs or fees related to us requesting, receiving and evaluating your transcripts, however, other institutions may charge a processing fee when you request your transcripts. You can expect that cost to be between $3-$10 per institution.

How will I know It’s Complete?

Typically, within 10 days after the Admission Committee reviews your application, your admissions advisor will notify you of your acceptance in the program.
 

Notes & Tips

You can check your applicant portal to make sure all of your materials have been received.

  • In order for us to accept your transcripts, please complete our online application.
  • Once you submit your application, you will receive a form that you will need to complete that grants us permission to obtain transcripts on your behalf. Transcripts will be requested at no cost to you. 
  • When requesting your own transcripts, please be sure that they are sent to us in an official sealed envelope, stamped with ink to verify that the document has not been altered or request that your transcripts be sent electronically to transcripts@franklin.edu
  • Expect us to process your transcripts once we’ve received all of them.
  • We/You will not be able to request transcripts from institutions in which you have a financial hold.

Finance Your Education

Minimize the out-of-pocket expense of your degree

Make your degree more affordable by taking advantage of employer tuition reimbursement, federal financial aid or installment payment plans.

Your admission advisor, along with our Student Financial Services Office will work with you to help identify what opportunities are available given your specific situation.

Learn how the cost of a degree at Franklin University will impact your finances with our cost estimate calculator. From funding sources to education expenses, you’ll get a comprehensive view of the variables that can alter the bottom line.

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How Long will it Take?

  • The process to secure financing will depend on how you decide to pay for your education. Be sure to have conversations about your options early with your admissions advisor to determine the best course of action.
  • If applying for federal financial aid, you can expect your application to be processed within a few days after it has been submitted.

How Much Will It Cost?

There are no costs or fees related to applying for financial aid, scholarships or grants.

How will I know It’s Complete?

  • Knowing when you've secured financing will depend on how you decide to pay for your education. If you applied for financial aid, then receiving, reviewing and submitting your signed financial aid award letter will mean you've completed the process.
  • You can also log into our MyTools applicant system to check the status of the documents required for financial aid.
     

Notes & Tips

If applying for financial aid, please be sure to meet the priority deadlines listed below. These dates ensure we are able to process your funding before your first term payment is due.

Summer Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 15
Fall Financial Aid Priority Deadline: June 15
Spring Financial Aid Priority Deadline: Oct. 1

Register For Classes

Prepare for your success as a Franklin student

Once your admissions advisor notifies you of your acceptance, they will reach out to you to set up a phone meeting to register for classes.

This is a required step that enables your admissions advisor to register you for your first term courses. However, if you indicated that you plan to use federal financial aid, you must submit your FAFSA before you can be registered for your first-term courses.

Once you're registered, you'll be emailed a registration statement and a “First Steps” flyer that provides you with helpful tips for success.

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How Long will it Take?

  • Your advisor will contact you within 48 hours to register for your first class.
  • The registration appointment will take approximately 30 minutes.
     

How Much Will It Cost?

There are no fees related to registering for classes.

How will I know It’s Complete?

You will receive an email with your registration statement.

Notes & Tips

  • An academic advisor will serve as your personal contact from your first class all the way through graduation to help keep you on track and connect you to important resources along the way.

Attend Your Online Orientation

Log in and get started. We'll help navigate.

Your admissions advisor will provide you with login information for your online orientation session and you'll be able to access orientation 24 hours after your registration has been processed.

Orientation is not required, but is highly recommended because you'll be introduced to Franklin's engaging, intuitive online learning environment and get acquainted with other resources and policies.

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How Long will it Take?

The Online Orientation takes about 8 hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace. It is recommended that you complete it prior to your first class, but it will remain open during your first trimester as a resource.
 

How Much Will It Cost?

There are no costs or fees related to orientation.

How will I know It’s Complete?

At the end of your orientation session, you will be asked to complete a simple quiz to ensure you clearly understood the content. Once you've submitted the quiz, your orientation is complete.
 

Notes & Tips

You'll get access to online course materials for your first class a few days before the term begins. Take an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the assignment schedule and make a plan for the term.