Author: Melissa Maypole / Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson / First covered: February 2017 / Updates: 4
Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for an online EdD program is Northcentral University, followed by the University of West Georgia.
- The online EdD programs are evaluated based on tuition cost, customization options in course content and format, and unique features of the program.
- Most programs emphasize flexibility, offering asynchronous coursework and options for specialization, catering to working professionals in education.
Educators seeking to advance their careers can find excellent opportunities in online Ed.D. programs, whether to enhance their leadership skills, increase their earning potential, or qualify for roles such as administrator or superintendent. This ranking showcases the top 10 best-value online Ed.D. programs for 2024, highlighting options that are both affordable and flexible. Discover the best paths to achieving your EdD online and enhancing your prospects within education.
Featured Programs
Rating Methodology for the Best Online EdD Programs
Tuition Points:
- Under $30,000—1 point
- Under $25,000—2 points
- Under $20,000—3 points
- Under $15,000—4 points
- Under $10,000—5 points
Customization Options
- Content Customizations (e.g. Minors, Concentrations, Specializations)—1 Point Per Option
- Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, etc.)—1 Point Per Option
Wow Factor
- 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
For this ranking, our editors searched the web for colleges and universities offering online PhD education programs. We started with an initial pool of just over 50 schools. College Navigator provided graduate tuition figures, and each school’s website gave us information on program features.
What resulted from this research is the following ranking of the best value schools for an online Doctor of Education.
Ranking of the 10 Best Online EdD Programs
#1 – Northcentral University
Online EdD
San Diego, California
Website
Points: 18
Tuition: $17,998
Northcentral University offers an online EdD with fifteen specializations for students to choose from. Some of the more uncommon specializations include Global Training and Development, International Education, Sports and Athletic Management, and Nursing Education.
One unique aspect of this program is that students can enroll virtually any time. Every Monday is a new start date, so even if most other universities have closed off their online doctoral programs in education for the semester or year, you can still start earning your degree at NCU right now.
Pros:
- Program flexibility
- Solid mentorship program
Cons:
- Some alleged fraudulent practices in the past
- Graduation rates are lower than the national average
#2 – University of West Georgia
Online EdD
Carrollton, Georgia
Website
Points: 14
Tuition: $5,958
The University of West Georgia offers an EdD in School Improvement. Like many other programs in this ranking, students are expected to make one visit to campus for an intensive orientation, but all coursework is available 100% online in an asynchronous format.
However, the intensive virtual dissertation prep seminar is delivered synchronously. There are nine concentrations available in this program. These include:
- School Counseling
- Educational Leadership
- Instructional Technology
- Media Specialist
- Special Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Reading
Pros:
- Affordability
- Challenging academics
Cons:
- A low graduation rate
- Course offerings are limited
#3 – Concordia University-Chicago
Online Doctor of Education
River Forest, Illinois
Website
Points: 14
Tuition: $10,782
Concordia University-Chicago is unique in that it offers over 10 different online EdD/PhD in leadership concentrations, including:
- Educational Leadership
- Community Colleges
- Gerontology
- Early Childhood Education
- Sports Leadership
Most of these require between 60 and 67 credit hours. In all of the university’s online doctoral programs in education, students only take one course at a time in a predetermined sequence. Coursework is asynchronous, allowing students with busy or unusual schedules to balance their work, family, and educational responsibilities.
Pros:
- Low student-to-faculty ratio
- Student advisor availability
Cons:
- Lack of diversity
- Strict code of conduct may not be for everybody
#4 – Capella University
Online EdD
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Website
Points: 12
Tuition: $14,175
Capella University offers eight different online EdD programs. Among these are programs like:
- Performance Improvement Leadership
- Adult Education
- Personalized Competency-based Instruction
These programs are generally similar in format. They are designed to be completed in approximately three years, and most require approximately 64 credits. However, there are slight variations between them, especially regarding whether they accept transfer credit.
One of the most distinctive aspects of this online doctorate in education degree is the capstone project, which enables students to complete a practice-based capstone rather than a traditional dissertation.
Pros:
- Regionally accredited
- Challenging curriculum
Cons:
- Lack of enrollment screening
- Lack of tutor availability
#5 – Liberty University
Online Doctoral Programs in Education
Lynchburg, Virginia
Website
Points: 11
Tuition and Fees: $8,340
Liberty University offers online doctoral programs in education, including Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership, as well as a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis on Organizational Leadership. While each of these programs focuses on slightly different aspects of school leadership, there is a lot of overlap in the positions that they prepare you for.
The curriculum and instruction EdD covers curriculum design for elementary education, middle grades, secondary education, and special education.
Pros:
- Strong emphasis on student success
- Affordable tuition
Cons:
- Conservative atmosphere may not be for everybody
- Lack of diversity
#6 – Boise State University
Online Doctor of Education in Educational Technology
Boise, Idaho
Website
Points: 11
Tuition and Fees: $10,486
Boise State University’s College of Education offers two online PhD programs in education. The Educational Technology program is 100% online and primarily asynchronous, although students will occasionally participate in synchronous activities. Specialization areas include:
- Online Teaching and Learning
- Technology Integration
- Academic Technology Leadership
- Innovative Teaching in K-12 and Higher Education
- Educational Software Development for the Web and Mobile Platforms
- Educational Games and Simulations
Pros:
- Great research opportunities
- Challenging academic programs
Cons:
- Limited program flexibility
- Lack of student diversity
#7 – City University of Seattle
Online Doctor of Education in Leadership
Seattle, Washington
Website
Points: 10
Tuition: $12,167
City University of Seattle’s online PhD education offering is an EdD in Leadership with six concentration options. These concentrations include:
- Inspired Teacher Leadership
- Strategic Innovation and Decision Making
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Global Leadership
The program can be completed 100% online. However, students may choose to attend the orientation on campus if they wish, and optional residencies can be completed during the summer. This online doctorate in education program is ideal for students seeking a high level of flexibility in both content and scheduling.
The optional orientation and residency means students can do what they feel is best for themselves.
Pros:
- Military friendly
- Flexible programming
Cons:
- Some difficulties with scholarship availability have been reported
#8 – University of Arkansas
Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Website
Points: 9
Tuition and Fees: $12,160
The University of Arkansas offers three online PhD in education programs:
- Human Resource and Workforce Development Education
- Educational Leadership
- Adult and Lifelong Learning
The Human Resource and Workforce Development Education program is entirely online, training students to apply a range of disciplines to customer service, quality management, and management development.
The Educational Leadership program requires just three weekend intensives—one per year if you attend full-time—throughout the duration of the program.
Pros:
- Great selection of academic programs
- Fantastic resources
Cons:
- Limited diversity in student population
- Large class sizes
#9 – University of Florida
Online PhD Education
Gainesville, Florida
Website
Points: 9
Tuition and Fees: $12,737
The University of Florida’s distance learning program offers online PhD education degrees in:
- Educational Leadership
- Educational Technology
- Higher Education Administration
- Curriculum, Teaching, and Teacher Instruction
All of these programs are delivered in a hybrid format, with students visiting campus at least three times. A tuition waiver is available to nonresidents after the add/drop period, which cuts the tuition cost down to nearly as cheap as residential tuition.
Ensure that you confirm this is something you can rely on with the admissions department before enrolling.
Pros:
- Highly ranked faculty
- Fantastic networking opportunities
Cons:
- Large class sizes
- A lack of individualized attention
#10 – Texas Tech University
Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education
Lubbock, Texas
Website
Points: 8
Tuition and Fees: $9,518
Texas Tech University’s Worldwide eLearning program offers online PhD education programs in:
- Educational Leadership
- Family and Consumer Science Education
- Special Education
All three of these degrees are delivered entirely online, and the descriptions do not indicate that any campus visits are required. The degrees are delivered synchronously online. Students must also follow a specific course sequence.
While all of this means students get less flexibility than other online doctorate in education programs offer, the tuition is incredible. Students have three solid programs from which they may choose.
Pros:
- Accepts CLEP, IB, dual and AP credits
- Average student debt after graduation is significantly less than national average
Cons:
- A high student-to-faculty ratio
- TAs teach many of the classes
CVO Staff
Related:
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- Online Doctorate Training and Development
- Online Doctorate Special Education
- Online Doctorate Elementary Education
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