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30 Most Affordable Online Ed.D. Programs of 2026

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Last updated on April 6th, 2026 at 02:54 pm

Rankings Award - Most Affordable Online Ed.D. ProgramsEarn an accredited online Ed.D. at a highly affordable price! Use our 2026 rankings of the 30 cheapest distance learning doctorates of education in the U.S. to compare tuition rates and hidden fees. You'll find a huge range of programs from CAEP-accredited public & private universities in our list.

We update our affordable Ed.D. rankings twice per year to reflect the most recent pricing available! Our latest update was on March 12, which resulted in uncovering 30 online Ed.D. programs in educational leadership under $32k. We will update the rankings again in mid-2026.

Most Affordable Online Ed.D. Rankings Methodology

To nail down the cheapest online Ed.D. programs in the country, we evaluated every school in our database that offered distance learning options. Then we manually researched each program to find out the true price of the doctorate. A few things to note as you’re skimming through our summaries:

  • Program Costs: We’ve quoted 2026 tuition prices and per credit costs. Because these frequently change, we’ve also provided you with a link to the school’s tuition & fees section.
  • Minimum Credits: We’ve given you a price estimate for the online Ed.D. program with the fewest amount of credits. In our profiles, you’ll notice that some schools also offer longer programs that cost more.
  • In-State vs. Out-of-State: If a public university had different rates for in-state and out-of-state students, we used the out-of-state rate for our calculations. But we’ve also quoted the in-state rate in case you’re lucky enough to live nearby.
  • Mandatory & Per Semester Fees: If mandatory per credit or per semester fees were required, we included those in the final tuition calculation. That’s why our estimates are occasionally higher than what’s quoted on the program page.
  • One-Off Fees: Because these can vary, we haven’t included one-off costs like the application fee, books & materials, and associated expenses. Ask the Ed.D. program coordinator for a sample budget to understand these items.
  • Non-Profit vs. For-Profit: 29 of the 30 schools in our rankings are regionally accredited, non-profit universities. However, we were willing to consider regionally accredited for-profit institutions such as the American College of Education as long as they held CAEP accreditation. If you are considering a doctorate from a for-profit university, 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 2026

Our most affordable online Ed.D. rankings stayed pretty consistent for 2026. Year after year, we’re seeing the same sturdy public and private universities offering the lowest prices, especially in the Southeast, South, and Midwest. Here are a few more illuminating discoveries from our 2026 rankings:

  • Valdosta State offers the cheapest online Ed.D. in the country, with a total tuition price of $20,748, including the mandatory online learning fee.
  • We welcomed six new online Doctor of Education programs to our affordable rankings in 2026. They come from private Catholic universities (e.g. University of Saint Mary and Merrimack College) and public universities (e.g. SAU, A-State, OU, and NKU).
  • Universities have quietly been raising the price of their online learning or doctoral education fees. These fees can be charged on a per credit or per semester basis and sometimes mean an extra $2,000-$4,000 on top of tuition.

Cheapest Schools with Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Programs

Quickly navigate to the school of your choice! Each school profile contains links to affordable online Ed.D. offerings, details on CAEP accreditation and hidden tuition costs, and tips on scholarships & funding avenues. Don’t be afraid to comparison shop. You may find that your employer is happy to help subsidize a targeted program that’s sitting at #20, rather than an irrelevant doctorate that features in the top 5.

Rank School Minimum Cost
#1 Valdosta State University $20,748
#2 University of North Georgia $21,424
#3 University of Arkansas $21,532
#4 University of Massachusetts-Lowell $22,260
#5 University of West Georgia $22,624
#6 Eastern University $23,040
#7 University of West Florida $24,421
#8 American College of Education $24,560
#9 University of the Cumberlands $24,900
#10 Northern Illinois University $25,130
#11 Marshall University $25,729
#12 Youngstown State University $25,980
#13 Louisiana State University-Shreveport $26,156
#14 University of Saint Mary $26,661
#15 Southern Arkansas University $27,000
#16 Arkansas State University $27,387
#17 Merrimack College $27,580
#18 Southeastern University $28,800
#19 Texas Tech University $28,980
#20 Kennesaw State University $28,998
#21 University of Alabama $29,400
#22 University of Louisiana-Monroe $30,000
#23 University of Kansas $30,345
#24 University of Wyoming $30,375
#25 University of Oklahoma $30,618
#26 University of Southern Indiana $30,922
#27 Evangel University $31,395
#28 University of Missouri-Columbia $31,855
#29 Northern Kentucky University $31,965
#30 North Greenville University $31,995

1 Valdosta State University

Minimum Program Cost: $20,748
Minimum Credits: 55
Cost Per Credit: $300 (Graduate eTuition) + Online Learning Fee
CAEP-Accredited: No

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

This public university hits our #1 spot thanks to a great eTuition rate and a solid track record from the College of Education & Human Services (COEHS)! VSU is part of the University System of Georgia. Up to 9 credit hours of transfer credits are allowed. And, best of all, Ed.D. programs are streamlined & diverse—there’s an online doctorate in leadership and specialist hybrid options. Just bear in mind that VSU has high admissions standards (e.g. 3.5 GPA).

The eTuition rate applies to all fully online courses, and it’s the same for in-state & out-of-state graduate students. For example, for the 55-credit Online Ed.D. in Leadership, you might end up paying $20,748 in total. This figure includes eTuition for 46 credit hours of coursework (e.g. 24 months) and 9 credit hours for the dissertation (time varies), as well as the mandatory Online Learning Fee for 9 semesters.  If you’re interested in the hybrid programs, ask the program coordinator about tuition rates for campus courses—there will be additional costs.

Trying to save even more money? 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.

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2 University of North Georgia

Minimum Program Cost: $21,424
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $478.50 (Online Tuition & Online Learning Fee)
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Higher education professionals will find plenty to love about UNG’s affordable HELP 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—the standard cumulative GPA requirement is 3.5, although you can apply for provisional acceptance.

The $21,424 price is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. UNG’s program timeline and tuition & fee charts can help you see how we calculated the cost of tuition, including the mandatory Online Learning Fee. With a 60-credit doctorate that takes 9 semesters, you’re looking at the cost of the courses plus credits for the research development seminar. Additional miscellaneous fees are listed in the other fees/deposits 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 Nighthawk Scholarship Center to search for institutional awards.

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3 University of Arkansas

Minimum Program Cost: $21,532
Minimum Credits: 42
Cost Per Credit: $459.68 (Online Tuition) + Mandatory Fees
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

U of A’s CAEP-accredited College of Education and Health Professions (COEHP) has put together three intriguing—and cheap—online doctorates. They each have their own unique structure. For example, the 42-credit Online/Hybrid Ed.D. in Education Leadership includes one on-campus weekend seminar each semester. But the 54-credit doctorate in Human Resource Development is 100% online.

Each doctorate will have a separate cost, depending on the total credits (42, 54 or 60). 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), but they’re not large. Eyeing the hybrid Adult and Lifelong Learning doctorate? 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. 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.

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4 University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Minimum Program Cost: $22,260
Minimum Credits: 42
Cost Per Credit: $470 (Online Education); $750 (Online 7000-Level Education)
CAEP-Accredited: No

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

If you’re a PreK-12 educator, UMass Lowell’s Ed.D. is worth your inspection! The College of Education has a great national reputation. 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 this doctoral program 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.

Check the Online Tuition & Fees section for the latest rates. For our calculations, we’ve combined 11 courses/33 credits at the online education rate with 3 dissertation courses/9 credits at the 7000-level rate. On top of tuition, you’ll also 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.). Ask the program coordinator to provide a budget for the residencies!

Visit the section on Costs & Aid for Graduate Programs to get a sense of funding opportunities.

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5 University of West Georgia

Minimum Program Cost: $22,624
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $405.60 (Lowest Online EdD Tuition)
CAEP-Accredited: No

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

UWG Online and the College of Education (COE) have developed a wide range of cohort-based doctorates, including programs with multiple concentrations (e.g. School Improvement) and accelerated tracks for Ed.S. graduates! The Ed.D. in School Improvement is 100% online; Higher Education Administration and Professional Counseling require one on-campus visit for orientation; and Nursing Education involves a couple of trips. Programs start in the fall.

Online tuition rates at UWG are the same for in-state and out-of-state graduate students. The more courses you take in a semester, the more you’ll save. We’ve given you an estimate that’s based on 3 years of study for the online Ed.D. programs in School Improvement and Professional Counseling (24 credits each in the first two years and 12 credits in the final year). However, Higher Education and Nursing Education have a more expensive tuition rate. There may also be miscellaneous fees.

You can offset these costs by applying for COE Scholarships—see the separate section for graduate students. In particular, the Leona Ingram Scholarship for doctoral students and the Thomas S. Upchurch Educational Leadership Scholarship are worth investigating.

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6 Eastern University

Minimum Program Cost: $23,040
Minimum Credits: 48
Cost Per Credit: $450 (Online Ed.D. Tuition) + $30 Per Credit Fees
CAEP-Accredited: No

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Eastern University’s cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Innovation is delivered in a 100% online format, with self-paced, asynchronous coursework and optional virtual course meetings. There are two specialist tracks: PK-12 School Leadership and Educational Psychology. Eastern is a small Christian university in Pennsylvania (and a CPED member!), so the program is designed to produce faith-driven educational leaders.

$23,040 is the total tuition price for the entire 48-credit online education doctorate, including the mandatory $30 per credit fee for integration & maintenance of educational technology and course design, as well as 24/7 Brightspace support (Graduate Programs Technology). There will also be small one-off fees such as the graduation fee.

Military members and their families should visit Eastern’s Center for Military & Veteran Students to learn more about military & veterans benefits. The Financial Aid Office can also answer questions about federal financial aid.

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7 University of West Florida

Minimum Program Cost: $24,421 (Out-of-State); $21,675 (Florida In-State)
Minimum Credits: 51
Cost Per Credit: $478.83 (Online Out-of-State); $384.60 (Online In-State)
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

UWF’s CAEP-accredited School of Education (SOE) has been a CPED Designing and Developing Member since 2018, so we’re happy to report that its 54-credit Online Ed.D. in Instructional and Performance Technology includes a solid dose of practical courses, seminars, and a Dissertation in Practice (DiP). You’ll participate in 3 residencies with a few days of intensive face-to-face work. Better yet, UWF also offers a 51-credit Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction.

Even though UWF is a public university, tuition & fees are still highly affordable for non-residents. Tuition waivers can cover up to 90% of out-of-state tuition for graduate students admitted to online programs. That’s the price we’ve quoted for you above. Renewal of waivers is not automatic and waiver requests must be submitted every semester.

For more on funding, have a look at the sections on Financial Aid and Financial Aid FAQs and the School of Education’s page on SOE Scholarships. A number of SOE scholarships are open to graduate students, but we recommend you ask if distance learning students can apply. UWF Online also offers a zero-interest payment plan.

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8 American College of Education

Minimum Program Cost: $24,560
Minimum Credits: 64
Cost Per Credit: $306 (Ed.D. Tuition) + Dissertation & Tech Fees
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Although ACE is a for-profit institution, it is both regionally accredited and CAEP-accredited. The 100% online, 3-year Online Ed.D. in Leadership is a customizable doctorate that offers 13 different focus areas of study, including specialties in instructional leadership, higher education, public & nonprofit leadership, and a whole lot more. The College Catalog has full details on your options. All Ed.D. students complete a 5-chapter dissertation.

ACE provides a budget breakdown on the program homepage. You’ll be expected to pay tuition ($306 per credit for 64 credits), a technology & library fee ($59 per credit for 64 credits), a dissertation fee ($200 per course for 6 courses), and one-off application & conferral fees ($250 in total). To keep our rankings consistent, we haven’t included one-off fees in our estimate. Factor in those costs and the total price would be $24,810.

Visit the grants and scholarships section to learn if you’re eligible for any financial aid. ACE offers discounts to employees of over 2,500 school districts, hospitals or businesses; ACE alumni; and eligible members of the military (active, retired or veteran) and their spouses.

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9 University of the Cumberlands

Minimum Program Cost: $24,900
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $415 (Ed.D. Online Tuition)
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

UC’s online Ed.D. has much to recommend it. It comes from a private Christian university with a CAEP-accredited School of Education. At 3 years, it’s short & sweet. It allows you to select a specialty area (e.g. instructional technology, business, education, nursing, information systems, etc.). And it’s flexible. The majority of classes are asynchronous, with no set log-in times.

UC is admirably straightforward about its tuition & fees. You’ll see the EdD Online rate listed in the Graduate Tuition section—all mandatory fees are included in the One Price Promise. You may also need to budget for one-off expenses like the application fee.

UC doesn’t have as many scholarships & support packages as large and heavily endowed public universities, but it does have an advice section on Graduate Student Aid. This has more details on external scholarship opportunities and UC payment plans.

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10 Northern Illinois University

Minimum Program Cost: $25,130
Minimum Credits: 42
Cost Per Credit: $598.32 (Online Ed.D. Domestic Tuition)
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

NIU is a CPED member that has your PreK-20 needs covered! The CAEP-accredited College of Education has developed a cohort-based, 100% online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with synchronous classes on one weekday evening.  The 54-credit Ed.D. in Community College Leadership is longer and not 100% online—there’s a week-long campus intensive each summer. But it’s packed with targeted topics and plenty of opportunities to network. Illinois residents can consider the Hybrid Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education.

Distance learning costs are explained in NIU’s section on Online Tuition & Fees. We’ve quoted you the domestic price for the 100% online doctorate in Educational Leadership; international students pay more. The tuition rate for the doctorate in Community College Leadership is the same for everyone, but it’s $613.32 per credit hour. And community college leaders will need to budget for travel to Naperville, IL each summer for the campus intensive.

If you’re looking for financial assistance, visit the website for NIU’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Office. They’ll be able to advise you on federal funding options (e.g. graduate loans) and external scholarships.

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11 Marshall University

Minimum Program Cost: $25,729
Minimum Credits: 45
Cost Per Credit: $571.75 (EdD/EdS Tuition & Program Fee)
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Marshall’s doctoral programs come to you courtesy of Marshall Online and the CAEP-accredited College of Education & Professional Development (COEPD). The highly affordable Ed.D. in Leadership Studies is tailor-made for leaders in schools, universities, government organizations, non-profits, the military, and more. In contrast, the Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction may be just right for educators who want a personal touch. You’ll be able to connect with peers during synchronous virtual class meetings on weekday evenings.

The 45-credit Ed.D. in Leadership Studies is a distance learning program, so it qualifies for online tuition rates. These are the same for in-state and out-of-state graduate students! We’ve included the mandatory $50 per credit Program Fee for EdD/EdS Advanced Programs in our final calculation. The 57-credit Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction is longer, so it ends up being more expensive.

For financial assistance, start with the section on 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 Graduate College’s page on How to Finance Your Graduate Education.

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12 Youngstown State University

Minimum Program Cost: $25,980 (Out-of-State); $25,680 (Ohio In-State)
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $433 (Online Out-of-State); $428 (Online In-State)
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

YSU’s highly affordable online doctorates are brought to you by the CAEP-accredited Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences & Education. Even though they have different emphases, they share the same DNA: 60 credit hours, 32 months, and a traditional 5-chapter dissertation. We’re happy to see that the program also includes a mandatory “Clinical Experience.” Like an internship, these work-focused projects are completed under the supervision of an appropriately licensed administrator.

Tuition costs are uncomplicated. Ohio students pay a little less than out-of-state students, but the difference is negligible! There are no hidden fees and the one-time application fee will be waived for active military members & veterans. One thing to note—payment plans are not available for accelerated online students.

YSU is cheap to begin with, so there isn’t much in the way of financial aid for online students. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can help with questions on loans & federal programs. You may also wish to ask the program coordinator if distance learners are eligible for educational leadership scholarships for dissertation research.

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13 Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Minimum Program Cost: $26,156
Minimum Credits: 63
Cost Per Credit: $415 (Ed.D. Tuition) + Mandatory Fees
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Louisiana affordability strikes again! LSU Online has created a 100% online doctorate in leadership that can be applied to almost any situation. This program is not intended to help teachers become administrators. Instead, it’s a degree that seasoned PreK-20 leaders & relevant professionals can investigate. There are weekly Zoom meetings and multiple opportunities for career-building. Take 2 courses per session and you’ll finish in just over 2 years. Study part-time and finish in 3.5 years.

LSU Shreveport is a public university, but all online Ed.D. students pay the same pay-as-you-go tuition rate, regardless of their location. All mandatory fees are included in our estimate. There may be additional course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books—ask an Enrollment Coach about one-off costs.

Any questions on financial aid should be directed to LSU Shreveport’s Office of Financial Aid. LSU Online doesn’t offer any scholarships to Ed.D. students, but the Office may have ideas on external awards and funding schemes. LSU Shreveport is CAEP-accredited.

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14 University of Saint Mary

Minimum Program Cost: $26,661
Minimum Credits: 40
Cost Per Credit: $660 + Graduate Education Program Fee
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

The University of Saint Mary’s online Ed.D. is available in two concentrations—Innovative Leadership in Higher Education and Innovation in Curriculum & Instruction. Each concentration features 10 field experience hours, comprehensive exams or a capstone project, and a dissertation. In addition, Ed.D. students are expected to attend classes synchronously (real-time) via Zoom.

Although the baseline tuition price for Saint Mary’s online Ed.D. is $660 per credit for 40 credits, there’s an additional per semester fee for graduate education programs. To keep our rankings consistent, we’ve calculated that fee over 9 semesters and included it in our tuition estimate. Coursework takes 2 years, but the dissertation will add to your time.

Before applying, check the section on Remote Learning—only students from certain states are eligible to apply. Then visit the page on Financial Aid Info for Grad Students. Saint Mary offers tuition discounts to partner organizations & employers and a payment plan. Saint Mary is CAEP-accredited.

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15 Southern Arkansas University

Minimum Program Cost: $27,000
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $400 + Doctoral Program Fees

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

SAU’s cohort-based online Ed.D. is explicitly designed for rural educators & leaders, with a thorough plan of study that includes focus areas in K-12 Superintendency Leadership, K-12 Teacher Leadership, and Higher Education & Community Leadership. There’s a comprehensive exam and a final dissertation. Because of these elements, this doctorate takes 3.5 years to complete.

Tuition for doctoral students is $400 per credit hour. However, Ed.D. students will also be responsible for paying a mandatory $50 per credit doctoral program fee. In the FAQ, it states that the total cost of the program comes to $27,000.

The Office of Financial Aid can assist with answering questions about financing options. We also recommend you ask the program coordinator about scholarships, grants, and waivers for graduate students. SAU’s Ed.D. program is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Superintendency Leadership track aligns with AAQEP-accredited program standards through its connection to SAU’s EDAS licensure program.

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16 Arkansas State University

Minimum Program Cost: $27,387
Minimum Credits: 51
Cost Per Credit: $487 + Program Fees
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

A-State offers two affordable online doctorates in education—a dissertation-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and a dedicated Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration that’s geared towards college & university administrators. They are structured in the same way, with 27 credits of core coursework and 24 credits for doctoral research and the dissertation.

A-State is CAEP-accredited and a CPED member, so it’s impressive that it’s kept the price of its online Ed.D. so low! In-state and out-of-state students pay the same per credit rate ($487) plus $50 per credit in program fees. See the online tuition page for a breakdown of these costs.

Applicants who can’t provide proof of 39 hours of approved graduate-level coursework (e.g. statistics) may be asked to complete 9 hours of sub-core courses. Keep in mind that these sub-core courses would add to your tuition.

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17 Merrimack College

Minimum Program Cost: $27,580
Minimum Credits: 44
Cost Per Credit: $545 + Comprehensive Fee
CAEP-Accredited: No

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Merrimack’s online doctorate in education can be customized with a concentration in School Leadership, Organizational Development, or Innovative Curriculum Leadership. Commit to full-time study and you can finish it in 3 years. Part-time study might take 4-5 years. There are two mandatory non-credit residencies that are offered on-campus and remote/synchronously. This program also features a Dissertation in Practice (DiP).

Tuition for Merrimack’s 44-credit online Ed.D. is $545 per credit. However, all graduate students—including online ones—at Merrimack are expected to pay a comprehensive fee of $400 (1 to 7 credit hours) per semester. For our estimate, we’ve used 9 semesters/3 years ($3,600) and added it to the total of $2,3980. That’s why our our price is higher than the one quoted on the website.

Merrimack’s section on Financial Aid for Graduate Students can provide you with info on loans and lending options. The university also offers a Double Warrior Alumni Scholarship to Merrimack alumni.

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18 Southeastern University

Minimum Program Cost: $28,800
Minimum Credits: 54
Cost Per Credit: $500 (Ed.D. Tuition) + Doctoral Education Fee
CAEP-Accredited: No

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Southeastern is a private Christian university, so programs in the College of Education have a religious flavor. Ed.D. applicants are expected to submit a Christian faith statement and teaching emphasizes a Christian worldview. Online doctorates are built for practicality, with hands-on practicums, two 3-day campus intensives, and multiple start dates. With a little grit & determination, you’ll be able to finish the degree in 3-4 years.

Southeastern’s tuition & fee structure is relatively straightforward. In addition to the cost that we’ve quoted, which includes the mandatory $200 per semester Doctoral Education fee, you’ll have to budget for travel to the campus residencies during the first and second years. You may also be responsible for assorted costs like books & materials. 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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19 Texas Tech University

Minimum Program Cost: $28,980
Minimum Credits: 63
Cost Per Credit: $460 (Online Graduate Tuition & Mandatory Fees)
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

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’re 100% online. And they’re geared towards the workplace. The 66-credit Ed.D. in Educational Leadership includes superintendent certification preparation. The 63-credit Ed.D. in Educational and Instructional Technology embraces AECT principles.

We used Texas Tech’s Tuition Estimator to establish the per credit cost. All 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.

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20 Kennesaw State University

Minimum Program Cost: $28,998
Minimum Credits: 66
Cost Per Credit: $393 (Online Tuition) + Online Learner Fee
CAEP-Accredited: No

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. 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.

Although KSU is a public university, online tuition rates are the same for all graduate students, regardless of their state of residency. We factored the per semester Online Learner fee into our price quote. You’ll also need to budget for 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. The Graduate College also has an entire section devoted to Financial Information, with advice on tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. Be sure to explore the section on Scholarships for Education Majors.

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21 University of Alabama

Minimum Program Cost: $29,400
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $480 (Online Tuition) + College of Education Fee
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

UA Online offers three popular majors for its online doctorate in education, but they all have different credit structures. Curriculum & Instruction is 60 credits; Educational Leadership is 69 credits; and Special Education is 72 credits. The CAEP-accredited College of Education became a CPED member in 2024, so it’s a solid choice for almost any educational leader!

We’ve given you the price for the 60-credit Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction, but the other majors will be slightly more expensive. See UA Online’s section on tuition for full details. We’ve factored the mandatory $10 per credit College of Education fee for graduate courses into our calculations. The online tuition rate does not include activity, recreation, athletic privileges, or health services fees.

UA Online also has some advice on financial aid and scholarships & grants, including details for graduate students applying for UA Online Scholarships. Be sure to ask the program coordinator whether online Ed.D. students are eligible for College of Education Graduate Scholarships—there are a number of endowed scholarships for doctoral students in educational leadership studies.

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22 University of Louisiana-Monroe

Minimum Program Cost: $30,000
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $500 (Ed.D. Tuition)
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

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 a capstone & action plan for their final project.

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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23 University of Kansas

Minimum Program Cost: $30,345
Minimum Credits: 51
Cost Per Credit: $595 (Online Ed.D. Tuition)
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

KU’s 100% Online Ed.D in Educational Administration for PK-12 leaders is not only affordable—it’s one of the most prestigious distance learning doctorates in the Midwest. The CAEP-accredited School of Education & Human Sciences has come up with a 51-credit, 3-year program that can prepare students for Kansas licensure endorsement in school district administration. (Additional coursework can be added to complete the building-level endorsement.)

Tuition for this online doctorate is charged at a flat per credit rate for all students, regardless of their state of residence. Look at the non-standard program rate table for current figures. Better yet, these programs are not subject to additional course or campus fees.

If you need extra help, visit the section on Financial Aid & Scholarships. The School of Education and Human Sciences offers scholarships to current online doctoral students who have begun coursework and will be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per term for the following academic year.

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24 University of Wyoming

Minimum Program Cost: ~$30,375 (Out-of-State); ~$20,295 (Wyoming In-State)
Minimum Credits: ~45
Cost Per Credit: $603 (Out-of-State) + Distance Fees; $379 (In-State) + Distance Fees
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

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. 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—some may contain short visits (e.g. orientation & dissertation defense).

UW charges different online tuition rates for in-state, out-of-state, and alumni graduate students in the College of Education. Happily, the out-of-state rate is still pretty cheap. There are mandatory per credit distance fees, which we’ve included in our price quote. 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.

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25 University of Oklahoma

Minimum Program Cost: $30,618
Minimum Credits: 54
Cost Per Credit: $567
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

This affordable doctorate in education comes to you from OU’s CAEP-accredited Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education. School leaders can opt for the PK-12 Educational Leadership track, which will prepare candidates for the Oklahoma Principal or Superintendent Certification Exam. College & university administrators can pursue the Higher Education Leadership track. The program features weekly synchronous sessions, an optional on-campus immersion, and a Dissertation in Practice (DiP).

The cost of tuition is $567 per credit for 54 credits. The total price of $30,618 is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Unlike many other schools in our rankings, OU doesn’t charge additional per semester fees. However, you will need to budget for the cost of books & materials.

See the section on How to Pay for Your Education for tips on financial aid. You can also reach out directly to OU’s financial aid advisors.

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26 University of Southern Indiana

Minimum Program Cost: $30,922 (Out-of-State); $27,922 (Indiana In-State)
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $496.94 (Online Graduate Tuition) + Online Fees
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

PreK-20 educators—take note! USI’s 100% online Ed.D. is available in 3 unique tracks. The one in School District Administrative Leadership leads to school district-level licensure. This 4-year doctorate is designed for busy educators, with 1-2 classes per semester, an internship, and synchronous sessions on Wednesday evenings. For more info on faculty, visit the CAEP-accredited Department of Teacher Education. USI is also a CPED member.

The baseline tuition rate for online graduate students at USI is $496.94 per credit hour, which includes the $50 per credit hour, non-resident distance education fee. To give you a clearer picture of the cost, we’ve also included the per semester Comprehensive Learning fee and the University Services fee. If you live in Indiana, your program will be cheaper!

Interested in cutting costs even further? Visit USI’s sections on Student Financial Assistance and Financing Graduate School. Before you apply, be sure to ask the program coordinator if online Ed.D. students are eligible for the Graduate Studies Scholarship.

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27 Evangel University

Minimum Program Cost: $31,395
Minimum Credits: 50
Cost Per Credit: $600 (Ed.D. Tuition) + Doctoral Fee
CAEP-Accredited: No

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 who wish to specialize in higher education. It’s cohort-based and it’s practical. The curriculum includes an internship for K-12 administrators and a strong emphasis on technology as an instructional tool.

Evangel does a good job of laying out tuition rates and additional fees—we’ve included mandatory doctoral fees for 3 years/9 semesters in our estimate. But you’ll also need to budget for 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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28 University of Missouri-Columbia

Minimum Program Cost: $31,855
Minimum Credits: 54
Cost Per Credit: $589.90 (Online Tuition)
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Mizzou has developed an excellent, cohort-based doctorate. It’s been built by a CAEP-accredited College of Education & Human Development. It’s been shaped by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). And it’s a 100% online program with synchronous meetings and a virtual orientation event. This 3-year doctorate doesn’t lead to administrator certification, but it’s a real find for PK–20+ educators & leaders.

Visit the tuition & fees section for more info on costs. The affordable distance learning tuition rate is the same for in-state and out-of-state graduate students. You’ll also need to budget for one-off expenses like the application fee, books & course materials, and any additional 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.

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29 Northern Kentucky University

Minimum Program Cost: $31,965
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $513
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

NKU’s high-flying doctorate is open to candidates with a minimum of 5 years of work experience, with evidence of progress leadership. It lives within the CAEP-accredited College of Education and it’s built to be adaptable to a wide variety of roles. You’ll tackle foundational courses in leadership & educational systems; online specialization courses in areas like finance & operations and education policy; cognate/elective courses; research courses; and an action research capstone.

Tuition is listed on the program page. NKU offers pay-as-you-go tuition of $513 per credit. For this 60-credit doctorate, that equals $31,965 in total tuition, including all fees. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same price.

Visit the section on Financial Aid for online students if you need some help with the budget. NKU is a military-friendly school.

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30 North Greenville University

Minimum Program Cost: $31,350
Minimum Credits: 57
Cost Per Credit: $535 (Ed.D. Tuition) + Technology Fee
CAEP-Accredited: Yes

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Online doctorates at NGU’s CAEP-accredited College of Education are handily divided into two pathways: PK-12 and higher education. Within those pathways, you’ll conduct field analyses of current practices and tackle a dissertation. The vast majority of coursework is asynchronous, but there will be occasional face-to-face synchronous sessions. On a part-time plan of study, you can finish your Ed.D. in 4 years.

Doctoral tuition rates are listed in the section on Graduate Tuition & Fees—we’ve included the mandatory $125 per term technology fee for 4 years in our final estimate. NGU is a private Baptist university, so all students pay the same price, no matter where they live. Ed.D. tuition is very reasonable, but it always pays to ask the program coordinator about one-off fees and the potential costs of Slingshot books & materials.

You may also want to talk to them about Graduate Financial Aid. NGU doesn’t appear to offer scholarships for online graduate students, but it does have a monthly payment plan.

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How Much Do Online Ed.D. Programs Cost?

How to Calculate Total Program Costs

Our rankings of the cheapest online doctoral programs in education feature 30 Ed.D. offerings from regionally accredited universities. These affordable doctorates in education often come from big public universities or private universities with a Christian outlook. Many of the schools 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.
  • 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.

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.

Typical Online Ed.D. Prices for Master’s Level Entry

Overall, the most affordable online Ed.D. programs in the country range from $16,000-$32,000. In our rankings, you’ll see that the top 3 cheapest schools have kept their total tuition costs below $22,000. However, the majority of schools are in the $23,000-$32,000 range. And tuition rates usually go up every year.

Keep in mind that super-cheap programs often have fewer credits than some of the best online Ed.D. programs. 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.