Find an accredited online Ed.D. at an affordable price! Use our rankings of the Most Affordable Ed.D. Rankings
To locate the cheapest online Ed.D. programs in the country, we evaluated every school in our database that offered distance learning options. In order to establish the minimum program cost, we multiplied the total number of credits in the Ed.D. by the per credit tuition rate. This is the number you’ll see under each ranking. A few things to note:
- Per Credit Tuition Numbers: We’ve quoted 2022 tuition prices. Because these often change, we’ve also provided you with a link to the school’s tuition & fees section.
- Mandatory Fees: If mandatory, per credit fees were required (e.g. distance learning), we included those in the final tuition calculation.
- In-State vs. Out-of-State: If a public university charged different rates for in-state and out-of-state students, we used the out-of-state rate. Before you decide on a doctorate, have a look at your state page in the menu for details on affordable online Ed.D. programs in your area.
- Non-Profit vs. For-Profit: For quality purposes, we deliberately excluded for-profit schools, even ones that were CAEP-accredited. You’re welcome to investigate them, but we recommend you read student reviews, talk to recent alumni, and discuss your options with current employers before you make a decision.
Rankings Update: How Prices Changed in 2022
If you’ve been here before, you’ll notice that many of the schools that appeared in our 2021 Most Affordable Rankings retained their place in our 2022 pantheon.
- This is to be expected—most tuition rates rise year over year, but only slightly. Even schools that did approve a significant jump in CPC (cost per credit) rates for the Ed.D. still ended up being highly affordable (e.g. University of Wyoming).
- Better yet, 14 of the top 25 schools in our rankings of the cheapest online Ed.D. programs did not raise their prices. The outstanding example was Valdosta State University. In a world besieged by a pandemic, the Board of Regents voted not to raise tuition prices. This secured VSU’s repeat as the nation’s #1 most affordable school for the Ed.D. in 2022.
- Our two newcomers are Northern Illinois University and University of Colorado-Denver, which offer intriguing & affordable doctorates for leaders in higher education. Schools near the bottom of last year’s list (e.g. Murray State and IU Bloomington) had less room to work with and fell out of the top 25 due to slightly higher rates for 2022.
Cheapest Schools with Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Programs
25 University of Memphis
Cost Per Credit: $656 (Global UofM Tuition + Mandatory Online Fee)
Minimum Credits: 54
Minimum Program Cost: $35,424
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
Public research university? Check. A CAEP-accredited College of Education? Check. A dedicated UofM Global Campus? Check. These are just three of the reasons you might want to put UofM’s cohort-based doctorates on your shortlist. Students in the Instruction program focus on Instructional Design and Technology (IDT); students in the Higher and Adult Education program concentrate on one of the two strands: adults or higher education. The College of Education also offers on-campus Ed.D. programs.
Costs & Financial Support
UofM Global Campus tuition rates are relatively straightforward: in-state and out-of-state residents pay the same per credit rate. In addition to tuition, you may be accountable for miscellaneous fees (e.g. application fee) and associated costs (e.g. books & materials).
If you’re looking for financial support, start with the College of Education’s list of COE Scholarships; there are awards for graduate students. UofM Global also has a section on Online Financial Aid, with instructions on federal aid applications and answers to FAQs.
For More Information:
- Online Ed.D. Programs
- Admissions Requirements (Listed on Each Program Page)
- Tuition & Fees
24 Carson-Newman University
- Online Ed.D. in Administrative Leadership
- Online Ed.D. in Administrative Leadership: Curriculum and Instruction
Cost Per Credit: $600 (Ed.D. Tuition + Per Credit Technology Fee)
Minimum Credits: 57
Minimum Program Cost: $34,200
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
You’ll find two career-focused online doctorates at this Christian university in Tennessee. The CAEP-accredited Department of Education has structured them in the same fashion: 57 credits, 100% online, and ~3 years in length. For students in the administrative licensure program, the Administrator’s License (Ill) Ed.S. & Ed.D. specialization may be taken concurrently. Upon passing of the Praxis Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA), students can be recommended for the Beginning (ILL-B) Administrative License in Tennessee.
Costs & Financial Support
Because CNU is a private university, tuition rates are the same for all Ed.D. students, regardless of their state of residency. We’ve included the mandatory per credit technology fee in our calculation, but there may be miscellaneous costs (e.g. application fee) that are not listed on the tuition page. Ask the program coordinator about associated costs.
CNU doesn’t offer a great deal of financial support to online graduate students, but it does have a section on Payment Options, with advice on federal aid and details on the university’s Pay-As-You-Go payment plan.
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23 Missouri Baptist University
Cost Per Credit: $739 (Ed.D. Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 45
Minimum Program Cost: $33,255
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
Quick, focused, and faith-based—that’s the gist of MBU’s online doctorate for higher education professionals. The CAEP-accredited School of Education has created a 2.5 year program with a flexible format—you can choose online with one residency or blended. We particularly like the fact that includes an integrated dissertation and a field-based internship. If you live in Missouri, you could also consider the on-campus Ed.D. in Leadership in Teaching and Learning.
Costs & Financial Support
MBU is a private university with religious affiliations. That means the tuition rate is the same for all students, regardless of their state of residency. You’ll find the Ed.D. rate listed under Main Campus Graduate Programs. This figure does not include assorted fees (e.g. application fee, graduation fee, etc.) or materials (e.g. books). Feel free to ask the program coordinator for a sample budget.
MBU scholarships tend to be limited to undergraduates. However, the university does provide links to external scholarships and information about federal funding in its section on Grants & Scholarships. MBU full-time employees may also be eligible to receive a 25% tuition concession on doctorate programs.
For More Information:
22 University of Findlay
Cost Per Credit: $540 (Ed.D. Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 60
Minimum Program Cost: $32,400
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
UF’s online doctorate for teachers & administrators has plenty of quality markers. It comes from an active & CAEP-accredited College of Education that’s participating in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). It includes a three-day Summer Institute in its three-year online schedule. And it’s designed for professionals. Ohio Superintendent’s License holders can apply their experience to 25% of the degree requirements.
Costs & Financial Support
UF is a private Christian university in Ohio, so tuition rates are the same for all Ed.D. students. On top of tuition costs, there are per semester fees (general service & student activity). You may also need to budget for course materials, books, and travel expenses for the three-day institute.
UF has a section on Financial Aid and Scholarships for Graduate Students, but it’s limited to advice on external aid and federal loans. However, graduates can sign up for a UF Payment Agreement to make monthly payments.
For More Information:
21 Southern Wesleyan University
Cost Per Credit: $595 (Online Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 54
Minimum Program Cost: $32,130
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
This affordable doctorate is brought to you by a CAEP-accredited School of Education in a private Christian university. It’s a streamlined, cohort-based program with a focus on assessment & institutional effectiveness and a three-year schedule. But it’s not 100% online—every summer, students visit the campus for a one-week residency where they can participate in keynotes, breakout sessions, and other curriculum activities focused on their dissertation topics.
Costs & Financial Support
Per credit tuition rates are listed on the program page and in the online tuition & costs section. When you’re putting together your budget, be sure to include the miscellaneous fees (e.g. Ed.D. dissertation fee, Ed.D. practicum fee, etc.) and a books & materials estimate. You may also want to ask the program coordinator about costs that are associated with the summer residencies.
SWU has a convenient section on Financial Aid for Online Programs, with details on scholarships and loans. SWU alumni are eligible for a modest Alumni Scholarship (5% off course tuition). SWU also offers reduced tuition rates to employees of various corporations, educators in certain school districts, and members of professional associations through the Corporate Tuition Discount Program.
For More Information:
20 Liberty University
- Online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
- Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
- Online Ed.D. in Christian Leadership
- Online Ed.D. in Pastoral Care and Counseling
Cost Per Credit: $595 (Full-Time Online Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 54-60
Minimum Program Cost: $32,130
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
Liberty is a private Christian university with a faith-based outlook and a reputation for focusing on online learning. You’ll see traditional online doctoral programs for K-12 educators and specific doctorates for Christian leaders. To accommodate working professionals, all of Liberty’s programs are 100% online, with eight-week courses and optional on-campus intensives. Plus credit transfers are available (up to 9-15 credit hours).
Costs & Financial Support
Tuition rates are outlined in full on the tuition & fees page. We’ve used the full-time Ed.D. rate in our calculation; the part-time rate is more expensive. You’ll also find online program fees listed in this section, including the per semester technology fee, the one-time application fee, and assorted course fees.
Interested in funding? Liberty University Online (LUO) has a section on Scholarship Opportunities, with detailed info about LUO Scholarships & Discounts. Pay attention to those discounts—there are tuition breaks for military, first responders, Canadians, partner organizations, and Word of Life employees. LUO also offers a payment plan.
For More Information:
- Online Ed.D. Programs
- Admissions Requirements (Listed on Each Program Page)
- Tuition & Fees
19 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Cost Per Credit: $490 (Ed.D. Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 64
Minimum Program Cost: $31,360
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
UIUC’s 100% online Ed.D. program allows you to customize the doctorate to your heart’s content! The Department of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership has created a degree with a number of relevant concentrations (e.g. Global Studies, HR Development, etc.) and diverse electives. UIUC is a public research university with extensive experience in distance learning and a number of on-campus Ed.D. programs. And the College of Education is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report (e.g. top 40).
Costs & Financial Support
UIUC’s online tuition rates are the same for all graduate students, both in-state and out-of-state. On the tuition page, UIUC states the minimum program cost is an estimate—contact the Ed.D. program coordinator to learn more about any additional fees or associated costs (e.g. course materials).
Thanks to its size & reputation, UIUC has a fair amount of funding on offer! Start with the College of Education’s page on Tuition & Financial Aid for graduate students. You can also use the Fellowship Finder and the section on Graduate College Fellowship Competitions to look for internal and external awards.
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18 University of West Georgia
- Online Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration
- Online Ed.D. in Nursing Education
- Online Ed.D. in Professional Counseling and Supervision
- Online Ed.D. in School Improvement
Cost Per Credit: $517 (Online Graduate Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 60
Minimum Program Cost: $31,020
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
UWG Online and the CAEP-accredited College of Education (COE) have developed a wide range of cohort-based, online doctorates, including programs with multiple concentrations (e.g. School Improvement) and accelerated tracks for Ed.S. graduates (e.g. Professional Counseling). Most of these doctorates, with the exception of Nursing Education, only require one on-campus visit for orientation. Programs start in the fall.
Costs & Financial Support
Tuition rates for 100% online courses are the same for in-state and out-of-state graduate students. However, face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the standard tuition rate + all mandatory campus fees. (In other words, out-of-state students are charged at a higher rate for any courses with a campus component.) There may also be miscellaneous & course-related fees. We’ve quoted the per credit tuition rate for the online Ed.D. programs in School Improvement and Professional Counseling, but you should check with the program coordinator for exact details on your degree.
You can offset these costs by applying for COE Scholarships—see the separate section for graduate students. The Leona Ingram Scholarship and the Thomas S. Upchurch Educational Leadership Scholarship are worth investigating. You can also use UWG’s Scholarship Search to find relevant institutional awards.
For More Information:
- Online Ed.D. Programs
- Admissions Requirements (Listed on Each Program Page)
- Tuition & Fees
17 Northern Illinois University
Cost Per Credit: $566.72
Minimum Credits: 54
Minimum Program Cost: $30,603
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
NIU’s affordable online doctorate is not 100% online—there are hybrid courses each summer that involve a week-long intensive. But community college leaders may find it’s just right for their needs! The CAEP-accredited College of Education has come up with an Ed.D. that’s packed with targeted topics (e.g. legal, personnel, enrollment, public policy, etc.) and plenty of opportunities to network with educational leaders. Illinois residents should also check out NIU’s Hybrid Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education.
Costs & Financial Support
Distance learning costs are explained in NIU’s section on Online Tuition & Fees. In-state, out-of-state, and international students pay the same price—there is one tuition rate for everyone. Keep in mind that you will need to budget for travel to Naperville, IL each summer for the week-long campus intensive.
If you’re looking for financial assistance, visit the website for the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office. They’ll be able to advise you on federal funding options (e.g. loans) and external scholarships.
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16 University of Missouri-Columbia
Cost Per Credit: $563 (Online Tuition + Mandatory Fees)
Minimum Credits: 54
Minimum Program Cost: $30,402
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
Mizzou has developed an excellent, cohort-based doctorate. It’s been built by a CAEP-accredited College of Education. It’s been shaped by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). And it’s a 100% online program with optional on-campus opportunities. It doesn’t lead to administrator certification, but it’s a real find for PK–20+ educators & leaders. Missouri residents can also consider Mizzou’s on-campus Ed.D. in Reading Education.
Costs & Financial Support
Mizzou provides a sample budget for the Ed.D. in the tuition & financial aid section. The distance learning tuition rate is the same for in-state and out-of-state graduate students. We’ve included mandatory per credit fees in the minimum program cost (e.g. College of Education courses & information technology), but there will be additional costs (e.g. application fee, travel expenses, books & course materials, and extra course fees). When in doubt, ask the program coordinator for estimates.
The College of Education’s section on graduate financial assistance is a good place to start for money ideas—it has instructions on applying for financial aid and scholarships. You can also check the Graduate School’s section on Funding, which has details on federal aid, fellowships, travel awards, and graduate assistantships. If you have military ties, you may also qualify for a tuition discount through the Mizzou Online Military Tuition Award.
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15 University of Louisiana-Monroe
Cost Per Credit: $500 (Ed.D. Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 60
Minimum Program Cost: $30,000
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
ULM’s short & sweet program is the brainchild of its CAEP-accredited School of Education. It’s a 100% online doctorate that can be completed in two years via eight-week terms. The curriculum is a balance of research & professional coursework for K-20 professionals. But ULM is unique in allowing students to choose a dissertation OR three research articles for their final project.
Costs & Financial Support
In the section on Ed.D. tuition, ULM states that tuition is pay-by-the-course. However, it doesn’t mention whether online graduate students are expected to pay additional fees (e.g. application fee). And it doesn’t give estimates for associated costs (e.g. course materials). So we recommend you ask the program coordinator for details on these two factors.
The university also doesn’t provide a great deal of information on financial support for graduate students. You can start by contacting the Office of Financial Aid. They should be able to answer questions about federal options (e.g. loans) and external scholarships.
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14 Evangel University
Cost Per Credit: $600 (Ed.D. Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 50
Minimum Program Cost: $30,000
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
The online Ed.D. program at this private Christian university in Missouri covers the gamut of K-20 education. It’s a state-approved prep program for superintendents, but it’s also designed to suit curriculum specialists, school leaders, and university professionals. It’s cohort-based; it’s available in a 100% or blended format; and it’s practical. The curriculum includes an internship and a strong emphasis on technology as an instructional tool.
Costs & Financial Support
Evangel does a good job of laying out tuition rates and additional fees. In addition to tuition, you’ll need to budget for per semester student fees and one-time application & graduation fees. You can pay for the degree in lump semester sums or through a monthly payment plan.
The Office of Financial Aid has a useful section on Graduate Scholarships & Grants, with details on departmental awards and discounts. In addition, Evangel offers tuition breaks on graduate programs to local Assemblies of God affiliate employees and educational partners, including school districts, churches, Christian schools, and businesses.
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13 Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Cost Per Credit: $475 (eNSU Graduate Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 63
Minimum Program Cost: $29,925
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
NSU is built on a sturdy foundation. It’s a public university in the University of Louisiana system with a CAEP-accredited College of Education and a convenient eNSU Global Campus. The online Ed.D. comes in two concentrations—Community College Leadership and Adult Learning & Workforce Development—and it includes electives and a field-based practicum.
Costs & Financial Support
Graduate students in eNSU programs pay an inexpensive online tuition rate. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Additional expenses include the small application fee, textbooks, and course materials.
Distance learning students are eligible for traditional Financial Aid and credit transfers are available for previous graduate work. Students with military connections can also ask if the Ed.D. qualifies for eNSU’s deeply discounted military rate.
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12 University of Southern Mississippi
Cost Per Credit: $532.12 (Online Tuition + Per Credit Online Delivery Fee)
Minimum Credits: 54
Minimum Program Cost: $28,734
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
PreK-20 administrators will be pleased to hear that the two online doctorates in USM’s CAEP-accredited College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) are designed for working professionals. The P-12 degree is a part-time program with a mandatory practicum and the Higher Education degree is a full-time or part-time program with electives, but they’re both 100% online with no dissertation. Instead, Ed.D. students at USM complete a practical capstone project.
Costs & Financial Support
USM is a public research university, but tuition & fees for online graduate students are the same for in-state and out-of-state residents. To give you the full picture, we’ve also included the mandatory per credit fees in our calculation. Additional course fees may apply, including costs for textbooks, course materials, and labs. USM states that these fees can range from $20-$150 per credit hour.
If you’re on the hunt for scholarships, try USM’s Golden Opportunities scholarship database, which allows you to search for relevant awards. Be sure to check out the Gibbes-Liberto Lifelong Learning Scholarship and the Nancy Whitten New Family Educational Leadership Graduate Scholarship.
For More Information:
- Online Ed.D. Programs
- Admissions Requirements (Listed on Each Program Page)
- Tuition & Fees
11 Texas Tech University
Cost Per Credit: $460 (Online Graduate Tuition + Mandatory Fees)
Minimum Credits: 60-66
Minimum Program Cost: $27,600
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
PreK-20 leaders will find plenty to love in Texas Tech’s affordable doctorates. They come from a CAEP-accredited College of Education that’s participating in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). They include intensive, on-campus summer sessions. And they’re designed for the workplace. The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership includes superintendent certification preparation; the Ed.D. in Higher Education has concentrations in Community College Administration and University Administration. Texas residents can also consider the on-campus Ed.D. in Educational and Instructional Technology.
Costs & Financial Support
We used Texas Tech’s Tuition Estimator to establish the per credit cost of the doctorate. It looks like in-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition & fees for online graduate programs, including a mandatory online learning & distance education fee and miscellaneous university fees (e.g. student services). The tuition & fees section has info on additional costs, including one-time expenses and the per term College of Education Doctoral Support Center Fee (see the document on Global Fees).
The College of Education has a helpful section on Funding for Graduate Students, with details on fellowships & awards. Doctoral students are eligible for the Helen DeVitt Jones Fellowship, as well as General Fellowships. Depending on your circumstance, you may also want to look into Research Assistantships.
For More Information:
- Online Ed.D. Programs
- Admissions Requirements (Listed on Each Program Page)
- Tuition & Fees
10 Southeastern University
Cost Per Credit: $500 (Ed.D. Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 54
Minimum Program Cost: $27,000
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
Southeastern is a private Christian university, so its online Ed.D. programs have a religious flavor. Applicants are expected to submit a Christian faith statement and the doctorates emphasize a Christian worldview. They’re also built for practicality, with hands-on practicums, two on-campus intensives, and multiple start dates. With application, you’ll be able to finish the degree in 42-48 months (i.e. 3.5-4 years).
Costs & Financial Support
Southeastern’s tuition & fee structure is relatively straightforward. In addition to the tuition cost that we’ve quoted, you’ll have to pay for a Doctoral Education fee of $200 per semester. You may also be responsible for per semester fees and assorted costs. For example, books and materials are not included in the price and can add up to an additional $5,500. Feel free to ask the program coordinator for a sample budget.
Southeastern’s price is already pretty low, so it doesn’t offer additional internal scholarships to online Ed.D. students. But it has developed an interest-free monthly payment plan.
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9 University of Arkansas
- Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
- Online Ed.D. in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education
- Hybrid Ed.D. in Adult and Lifelong Learning
Cost Per Credit: $484.05 (Online Tuition + Mandatory Fees)
Minimum Credits: 54-63 (Master’s Entry); 42 (Ed.S. Entry)
Minimum Program Cost: $26,139 (Master’s Entry); $20,330 (Ed.S. Entry)
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
U of A’s CAEP-accredited College of Education and Health Professions (COEHP) has put together three intriguing—and relatively cheap—online doctorates. They each have their own unique structure. For example, the 42-credit Online Ed.D. in Education Leadership is open to candidates who hold a master’s degree and a specialist degree (or evidence of meeting the requirements for district level licensure), but the other options are designed for applicants with a master’s degree. Don’t be put off by the “96 credits” language—U of A accepts plenty of transfer credits for your master’s degree (e.g. up to 33-42 credits).
Costs & Financial Support
Each doctorate will have a separate cost, depending on the total credits. The good news is that all students enrolled in U of A online programs pay in-state tuition rates for online courses, regardless of their state of residency. There are mandatory per credit fees (e.g. library fee, network & data systems, and a Global Campus fee), but they’re not large. Having said all that, you may wish to ask the program coordinator if any courses are considered “on-campus,” since these have separate tuition & fee rates.
Need help financing your degree? Check out the College’s sections on COEHP Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships for students in Higher Education programs. Another useful site is the University of Arkansas AcademicWorks. Relevant doctoral scholarships include the Donald R. Miller Memorial Endowment (Phi Delta Kappa); the Dr. Roy B. Allen Endowed Scholarship (ELCF); and the George S. Denny Memorial Scholarship. The Global Campus also offers W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarships to students in graduate online degree programs. Ask the program coordinator if Ed.D. candidates are eligible to apply.
For More Information:
- Online Ed.D. Programs
- Admissions Requirements (Listed on Each Program Page)
- Tuition & Fees
8 Kennesaw State University
Cost Per Credit: $383 (Online Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 66
Minimum Program Cost: $25,278
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
You’ll find KSU’s tech-driven Ed.D. in the Bagwell College of Education (BCOE). The College is not CAEP-accredited, but it’s involved in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) and it’s deeply committed to doctoral learning. For proof, check out all the on-campus Ed.D. programs! We particularly like the fact that the 100% online Ed.D. is aligned to ISTE standards and it comes in two tracks—Advanced or Initial Certification. You can choose the one that suits your experience level.
Costs & Financial Support
Although KSU is a public university, online tuition rates are the same for all graduate students, regardless of their state of residency. Additional costs will include a per semester student fee, as well as books, materials, and any course-specific fees. Credit transfers are available for Ed.S. graduates.
For funding ideas, start with the list of BCOE Scholarships, which includes awards for graduates. The Graduate College also has an entire section devoted to Financial Information, with advice on tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. You can use the handy Scholarship Search to look for relevant awards (e.g. Hubert W. Tino Endowed Scholarship in Education).
For More Information:
- Online Ed.D. Programs
- Admissions Requirements (Listed on Each Program Page)
- Tuition & Fees
7 University of Colorado – Denver
Cost Per Credit: $466 (Online Out-of-State Rate); $388 (In-State)
Minimum Credits: 54
Minimum Program Cost: $25,164 (Out-of-State); $20,952 (In-State)
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
CU Denver’s online doctorate from the School of Education & Human Development is geared toward serious thinkers—the curriculum covers all the major bases of higher education. You’ll study topics related to leadership, equity, finance, management, policy, law, and more. The three-year degree is primarily online, but there are intensive sessions that require two campus visits per year.
Costs & Financial Support
Colorado students pay the highly affordable resident rate for the Ed.D. Everyone else pays the higher (but still affordable) online rate for out-of-state students—this is 120% of the in-state resident rate. Be aware that online students at CU Denver are required to pay for the Student Services, Student Information System (SIS), and Information Technology fees.
If you need help with funding ideas, check out the School of Education’s section on Financial Aid and the section on Scholarships. There’s at least one award that’s open to doctoral students. The Office of Student Finances will have more info on payment plans.
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6 University of Wyoming
- Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
- Online Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration
- Online Ed.D. in Learning, Design, and Technology
- Hybrid Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Cost Per Credit: $541 (Out-of-State Tuition + Online Fee); $349 (In-State + Online Fee)
Minimum Credits: ~45-51 credits
Minimum Program Cost: ~$24,345 (Out-of-State); ~$15,705 (In-State)
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
UW’s programs are well-known for being affordable. But we’re also pleased to report that the College of Education has street credibility! It’s CAEP-accredited. It’s participating in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). And it offers a wide range of online doctorates, including one that can help you earn the superintendent endorsement. Doctorates are listed as 75-81 credits, but the College accepts ~30 transfer credits from your master’s degree. Check each program page to learn about on-campus requirements—most of them contain short visits (e.g. orientation & dissertation defense).
Costs & Financial Support
UW charges different online tuition rates for in-state, out-of-state, and alumni graduate students. Happily, the out-of-state rate is still pretty darn cheap. There is a mandatory, per credit online fee, which we’ve included in our calculations. You’ll also need to budget for travel expenses to the campus and associated costs (e.g. books). Be sure to talk to the program coordinator about how many master’s degree credits you’ll be able to transfer.
Looking for scholarships? Relevant awards are listed at the bottom of each Ed.D. program page and in the College of Education’s section on Graduate Scholarships. Another useful resource is the section on Graduate Education: Financial Assistance, which has details on general graduate awards, UW student employment, and external fellowships. Certain majors can also qualify for School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy, and Design (CLAD) Funding Opportunities such as travel awards.
For More Information:
- Online Ed.D. Programs
- Admissions Requirements (Listed on Each Program Page)
- Tuition & Fees
5 University of the Cumberlands
Cost Per Credit: $375 (Ed.D. Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 60
Minimum Program Cost: $22,500
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
UC’s online Ed.D. has much to recommend it. It comes from a private university with a CAEP-accredited Department of Education. It’s short & sweet (e.g. three years). It allows you to select a specialty area (e.g. Psychology, Nursing, Information Systems, Criminal Justice, etc.). And it’s flexible. You can choose a 100% online format, or you can opt for a blended approach, with on-campus classes that generally meet on Saturdays.
Costs & Financial Support
UC is admirably straightforward about its tuition & fees. On top of the per credit hour tuition, there’s a modest per term technology fee. So with a schedule of 15 eight week terms, you would end up paying $23,250. There may also be course-specific administrative fees—you can ask the program coordinator for details.
UC doesn’t have as many scholarships & support packages as large (and heavily endowed) public universities, but it does have an advice section on Financial Aid for Graduate Students. This has more details on external scholarship opportunities and UC payment plans.
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4 University of North Georgia
Cost Per Credit: $453 (Online Tuition + Mandatory Fees)
Minimum Credits: 60
Minimum Program Cost: $20,712
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
Higher education professionals will find plenty to love about UNG’s doctorate. It’s a cohort-based, 100% online degree that comes from a CAEP-accredited College of Education. It only takes three years to complete. It includes dissertation preparation from the get-go. And it has a strong baseline threshold for admissions (3.5 GPA, though UNG will consider other applicants on a provisional basis).
Costs & Financial Support
UNG’s tuition & fee charts can help you calculate the cost of tuition, but it’s important to note that mandatory institutional & technology fees are capped at certain credit thresholds. With a 60-credit doctorate that takes 9 semesters, you’re looking at:
- Semesters 1 & 2 = 9 hours each semester ($3,027 x 2)
- Semesters 3-7 = 7 hours each semester ($2,421 x 5)
- Semester 8 = 6 hours ($2,099.25 x 1)
- Semester 9 = 1 hour ($453 x 1)
Additional miscellaneous fees are listed in the general tuition & fees section (e.g. application fee, graduation fee, etc.). Don’t forget to budget for books & materials.
College of Education scholarships are primarily reserved for students seeking teaching certification. You may have more luck with the section on Financial Information in Graduate Admissions. This has info on payment plans, graduate assistantships, and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for University System of Georgia employees. You can also use the UNG Scholarship Opportunities database to search for institutional awards.
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3 University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Cost Per Credit: $470 (Online Tuition)
Minimum Credits: 42
Minimum Program Cost: $19,740
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
If you’re a PreK-12 educator, UMass Lowell’s online Ed.D. is worth your inspection! The College of Education often achieves a top 20 ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs. It has chosen to take part in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). And it offers the Ed.D. in two useful tracks: general leadership or STEM. But it does not lead to licensure. Instead, it’s intended to help teachers and/or instructional leaders move up to the next level in their careers.
Costs & Financial Support
UMass Lowell provides a breakdown of costs in the Tuition & Financing section of the program. On top of the tuition price, you’ll need to budget for three on-campus residencies (one week each summer) and associated fees (e.g. first-year student fee, registration fee per semester, books, etc.). When you add up all these costs, the grand total comes to ~$24,500, not including travel expenses.
Visit the section on Costs & Aid for Graduate Programs to get a sense of funding opportunities. UMass Lowell’s Math & Science Education doctoral programs qualify for the New England Regional Student Program (NERSP) discount. Full-time graduate students who live in Southern New Hampshire should also check out the Proximity Regional Rates Program.
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2 Marshall University
Cost Per Credit: $426 (Distance Tuition + Per Credit E-course Delivery Fee)
Minimum Credits: 45
Minimum Program Cost: $19,170
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
Marshall’s flexible Ed.D. comes to you courtesy of MU Online and the CAEP-accredited College of Education & Professional Development (COEPD). It’s an online doctorate that’s tailor-made for leaders in schools, universities, government organizations, non-profits, the military, and more. Students are admitted on a rolling basis and may begin the program in any term. If you’re in West Virginia, we also want to mention that Marshall offers an on-campus Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction.
Costs & Financial Support
The Ed.D. in Leadership is a distance learning program, so it qualifies for distance tuition rates. These are the same for in-state and out-of-state graduate students. Marshall also provides separate tuition calculations for full-time students (e.g. 9 credit hours per term).
For financial assistance, start with the section on COEPD Scholarships—there’s an application link for all scholarships. In the doctoral handbook, Marshall states that students pursuing dissertation research may be eligible for modest awards (e.g. $500). You may also want to check out the COEPD’s section on Doctoral Graduate Assistantships and the Graduate College’s page on How to Finance Your Graduate Education. Employees of Marshall University (but not their dependents) are eligible for a Tuition Waiver.
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1 Valdosta State University
- Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction: Learning & Development
- Online Ed.D. in Leadership
- Hybrid Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction: P-12 Disciplinary
- Hybrid Ed.D. in Adult and Career Education
Cost Per Credit: $293 (eTuition)
Minimum Credits: 54-55
Minimum Program Cost: $15,822
Affordable Ed.D. Overview
This public university hits our #1 spot thanks to a great eTuition rate and a solid track record! VSU is part of the University System of Georgia. The College of Education & Human Services (COEHS) is CAEP-accredited. And Ed.D. programs are streamlined & diverse. The university offers all kinds of concentrations & certificate options, as well as a hybrid P-12 Disciplinary degree that’s designed for educators seeking action on their Georgia Certificate. Just bear in mind that VSU has high admissions standards (e.g. 3.5 GPA).
Costs & Financial Support
The eTuition rate applies to all fully online courses, and it’s the same for in-state & out-of-state graduate students. However, there will be additional fees. For example, with a 54-credit program, you might end up paying ~$20,500 in total. This figure includes eTuition for 45 credit hours of coursework (e.g. 24-30 months) and 9 credit hours for the dissertation (time varies) plus standard university fees. If you’re interested in a hybrid program, ask the program coordinator about tuition rates for any campus courses.
Check out the COEHS Scholarships—there are a few options for graduate students. The Graduate School also has a section on Financial Aid for Graduate Students, with a list of general graduate scholarships and info on Graduate Assistantships. Better yet, up to 12 credit hours (i.e. 4 courses) of transfer credits are allowed.
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- Online & Hybrid Ed.D. Programs
- Admissions Requirements (Listed on Each Program Page)
- Tuition & Fees
How Much Do Online Ed.D. Programs Cost?
How to Calculate Total Program Costs
You’ll discover 25 reputable schools in our rankings of the cheapest online doctoral programs in education. They often come from big public universities (e.g. Texas Tech) or private universities with a Christian outlook (e.g. Missouri Baptist). Many are CAEP-accredited and some are participating in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). Online Ed.D. costs at each school will vary, but here’s what to watch out for:
- Per Credit Tuition Rate: At private universities, this is easy—all Ed.D. students pay the same rate. Public universities are trickier. Many schools have an “online tuition rate” that is the same for all Ed.D. students, regardless of their state of residency. But a few schools continue to charge different in-state and out-of-state rates, even for online doctorates. We’ve flagged those outliers in our rankings.
- Distance Education Fee: Universities often tack on a mandatory, per credit fee for online learners. They’ll usually make this clear on the tuition page, but be sure to read through the entire section. Sometimes this info is included in “notes” at the bottom. Because it’s mandatory, we’ve included it in our tuition calculations.
- Mandatory Fees at Public Universities: Certain public universities may also want to charge you for mandatory infrastructure fees (e.g. student services fee, institutional fee, technology fee, etc.). It’s not a rule—many public schools are willing to exclude online students from brick-and-mortar fees. If we’ve spotted them, we’ve included them in our tuition calculations (e.g. Mizzou).
- Miscellaneous Fees: Keep an eye out for these. Public and private universities often tack on per semester or per term fees that cover areas like IT, student fees, and the like. Almost every school will charge you an application fee and a graduation fee. There may even be course-specific fees. When in doubt, ask the Ed.D. program coordinator for a list.
- Additional Costs: Online Ed.D. programs may also contain hidden costs for course materials, books, IT equipment, and software. If your doctorate contains a campus component (e.g. summer residency, orientation, conference attendance, etc.), you’ll also have to budget for travel expenses, accommodation, and time off work.
As you can see from this list, “cheap” is a flexible term. The total price of your online Ed.D. will depend on your situation. For example, if you can transfer credits from a previous degree or graduate coursework, your tuition may be even lower than our quoted minimum program cost! Don’t be afraid to ask the Ed.D. program coordinator for a price breakdown. Some schools already do this on their program website (e.g. UMass Lowell).
Typical Ed.D. Prices for Master’s Level Entry
Overall, the most affordable online Ed.D. programs in the country range from $16,000-$35,000. In our rankings, you’ll see that the top 5 cheapest schools have kept their mimimum tuition below $24,500. However, the majority of schools are in the $25,000-$35,000 range. And tuition rates will usually go up every year.
Keep in mind that super-cheap programs often have fewer credits than some of the big guns (e.g. 42 credits vs. 60 credits). This isn’t a bad thing, but it’s something to consider when you’re looking at the curriculum. How deep do you want to dig into the coursework? How much time do you want to spend on your dissertation? The price should be weighed against the quality of the teaching & rigor of the classes.
Bonus Round: Affordable Ed.S. to Ed.D. Programs
Our rankings are aimed at folks who already hold a master’s degree. This is the standard entry requirement for an online doctorate in education. (Having said that, a number of schools will help you earn both a master’s and an Ed.D.)
But in our research on affordable online Ed.D. programs, we came across a few cheap doctorates that cater to professionals who already hold an Ed.S. If you fall into this category, you may want to check out online offerings at the following universities. They are ranked in order of minimum tuition cost: