The highest degree educators and educational leaders can earn is the doctorate. At this level, schools offer doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) and doctor of education (Ed.D.) degrees. These share some similarities and outcomes but may differ in scope and content.
Ph.D. programs generally qualify people for work in research and academia, while Ed.D. degrees typically equip learners for educational leadership roles. Ed.D. degrees often have shorter graduation timelines, too, allowing graduates to enter the workforce more quickly.
As more schools embrace distance education, grad students benefit from online Ed.D. programs offering flexible scheduling and asynchronous coursework. This guide covers the top doctorate in education online programs, exploring each degree’s accreditation, curriculum, tuition costs and delivery methods.
Our Methodology
Best Online Ed.D. Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Ed.D. Program?
With the recent boom in distance education, many schools have expanded their online offerings to every degree level, including doctoral degrees. While remote learning provides some distinct benefits over in-person instruction, consider your personal learning style before committing to a program.
As you research online Ed.D. programs, take note of their delivery method. Asynchronous delivery, which does not require set class times, offers flexibility in watching lectures and finishing assignments. However, this method requires you to remain motivated and organized to complete your tasks on time. Some schools employ a hybrid approach, blending online and in-person classes or mixing synchronous and asynchronous work.
If a program uses exclusively synchronous delivery, make sure the set log-in times work with your schedule. Online Ed.D. programs may also include in-person residency requirements. Always ensure you can travel for any necessary trips to campus before applying.
The following section covers other considerations for prospective online learners.
Accreditation for Online Ed.D. Programs
Schools voluntarily undergo a process known as accreditation in which third-party agencies evaluate their curriculums, student outcomes and resources. Programs and departments within institutions may also pursue programmatic accreditation from specialized accreditors.
Institutional Accreditation
Always prioritize schools with institutional accreditation. Earning a degree from an accredited school qualifies you to transfer credits among institutions, apply for federal financial aid and receive licensure. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize the following institutions to provide institutional accreditation:
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Higher Learning Commission
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you aren’t sure of a school’s accreditation status, use CHEA’s directory to look up prospective institutions.
Programmatic Accreditation
The primary accreditor for education programs is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Employers typically do not require candidates to graduate from a CAEP-accredited Ed.D. program. However, programmatic accreditation signals that graduates completed a rigorous curriculum that effectively prepared them for the workforce.
Some programs display their accreditation on their degree pages. If not, you can find accredited programs using CAEP’s search tool.
How To Find the Right Online Ed.D. for You
Consider Your Future Goals
At this point in your educational journey, you likely have a strong sense of your professional goals. Use this knowledge to identify the right doctorate in education program.
For example, if you want to work in academia, it may make sense to prioritize programs that focus on research. Ed.D. programs with assistantships give you the opportunity to practice alongside professors and other faculty. If you plan to pursue educational leadership, seek programs that provide real-world experience through internships and other applied learning opportunities.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
A graduate education requires a significant investment of time, energy and—perhaps most importantly—finances. Unlike Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs, Ed.D. degrees are less likely to be fully funded through apprenticeships, fellowships or work-study opportunities. However, some schools do offer these funding options.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that public graduate schools charge in-state students an average of $11,554 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state learners pay an average of $21,000. Annual tuition and fees for private schools average $20,015. Note that these figures apply to graduate schools rather than doctoral programs specifically.
Yearly tuition among the schools on our list varies significantly, from about $8,000 to more than $25,000. On average, our ranked schools charged about $14,500 in annual tuition.
To lower your financial burden, research any available forms of aid. Fill out the FAFSA to receive information about your eligibility for different aid sources, including direct unsubsidized loans and grad PLUS loans. However, these carry interest and require repayment. Before relying on loans, look for forms of funding that you do not need to repay, like grants and scholarships.
Schools and private organizations offer scholarships and grants based on factors like need, identity and academic achievement. Students attending online Ed.D. programs can apply for programs like the $4,000 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant and AFCEA’s STEM teacher scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Ed.D. Programs
Is an Ed.D. still called a doctor?
Yes, graduates who complete an Ed.D. program—resulting in a doctor of education degree—can use the title of “doctor.”
Can you become a professor with an Ed.D.?
Yes, holding an Ed.D. typically qualifies you to teach at the college level, though you may also need professional experience.
How long does an Ed.D. take?
An Ed.D. may take three to seven years to complete, depending on enrollment status. Full-time students typically take three to four years, while individuals who opt for part-time study extend this timeline.