EdDPrograms.org

25 Most Affordable Online Ed.D. Programs

You are here: Home / Find Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree Programs / 25 Most Affordable Online Ed.D. Programs

Rankings Award - Most Affordable Online Ed.D. ProgramsEarn an accredited online Ed.D. at a highly affordable price! Use our 2024 rankings of the 25 cheapest distance learning doctorates in the U.S. to compare tuition rates and hidden fees. You'll find a huge range of CAEP-accredited public & private options in our list.

To help you achieve your financial goals, we've also included info on Ed.D. scholarships, discounts, and payment plans. There's even a bonus section on how to calculate costs!

Updated for 2024 on March 1, 2024

Most Affordable Ed.D. Rankings

To nail down 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 program cost, we multiplied the total number of credits by the per credit tuition rate. In most cases, this is the number you’ll see under each ranking. A few things to note as you’re skimming through the summaries:

  • Program Costs: We’ve quoted 2024 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 give 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 to order our schools. We’ve also quoted the in-state rate in case you’re lucky enough to live nearby.
  • Mandatory Fees: If mandatory, per credit fees were required (e.g. distance learning), 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 & Per Semester 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: 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 2024

It’s been an intriguing year for programs in our Most Affordable Ed.D. Rankings. Some schools transformed hybrid programs into 100% online offerings (e.g. Marshall) or reduced their prices slightly by getting rid of fees. Others bumped up their costs and discontinued online doctorates that weren’t doing so well (e.g. Texas Tech). Here are a few highlights from our 2024 rankings: 

  • Valdosta State remained at #1. Year after year, this public university in Georgia has offered the cheapest online Doctor of Education in the country.
  • As expected, many public universities raised their per credit tuition rates slightly. In sharp contrast, program prices at public Louisiana schools and private Christian universities like Liberty and Evangel stayed the same.
  • We’ve unearthed a number of public newcomers! In 2024, we welcomed USI, NGU, UWF, LSU, KU, and YSU to our rankings. In addition to being affordable, they offer a huge range of Ed.D. majors and specialties.
  • Some schools have even developed new programs for distance learners. For instance, check out NIU’s cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

Use our rankings as a starting point for your research. You may find that your employer is happy to help subsidize a targeted program that’s sitting at #20, rather than an irrelevant degree that features in the top 5.

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

25 Liberty University

Minimum Program Cost: $32,130
Minimum Credits: 54
Cost Per Credit: $595 (Full-Time Online Tuition)

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).

Tuition rates for online doctorates 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 more. LUO also offers a payment plan.

For More Information:

24 University of Kansas

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

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 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 flat per credit rate for all students, regardless of their state of residence. Better yet, flat-rate 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.

For More Information:

23 University of Louisiana-Monroe

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

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.

For More Information:

22 Evangel University

Minimum Program Cost: $30,000
Minimum Credits: 50
Cost Per Credit: $600 (Ed.D. Tuition)

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 and a strong emphasis on technology as an instructional tool.

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.

For More Information:

21 University of Southern Mississippi

Minimum Program Cost: $29,977
Minimum Credits: 54
Cost Per Credit: $555.12 (Online Tuition + Per Credit Fees)

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

PreK-20 administrators will be pleased to hear that online doctorates in USM’s CAEP-accredited College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) are designed for working professionals. The P-12 degree includes a mandatory practicum in educational administration or supervision and the Higher Education degree features 12 credits of electives. These cohort-based, 3-year degrees are 100% online with no dissertation. Instead, all Ed.D. students at USM complete a practical capstone project.

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.

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:

20 Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Minimum Program Cost: $29,925
Minimum Credits: 63
Cost Per Credit: $475 (eNSU Graduate Tuition)

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.

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.

For More Information:

19 University of Southern Indiana

Minimum Program Cost: $29,867 (Out-of-State); $26,867 (In-State)
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $497.78 (Online Out-of-State); $447.78 (In-State)

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

PreK-20 educators—take note! USI’s 100% online Doctor of Education 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.

The baseline tuition rate for online graduate students at USI is $432.78 per credit hour. To give you a clearer picture of the cost, we’ve also included the additional online learning fee of $50 per course and the $50 per credit hour, non-resident distance education 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.

For More Information:

18 University of Colorado Denver

Minimum Program Cost: $29,160 (Out-of-State); $24,300 (In-State)
Minimum Credits: 54
Cost Per Credit: $540 (Online Out-of-State); $450 (Online In-State)

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

In the past couple of years, CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development has expanded their online doctorate in Leadership for Educational Equity to encompass four unique specialties: Executive Leadership; Higher Education; Justice, Equity & Diverse Identities; and Research Leadership. To accommodate working professionals, this 54-credit Ed.D. is cohort-based and most specialties are 100% online. However, Higher Education students will be expected to visit the campus twice per year.

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 graduate students—this is 120% of the in-state resident rate. Be aware that online students at CU Denver are required to pay for the per term Student Services fee and the one-off New Student fee.

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.

For More Information:

17 North Greenville University

Minimum Program Cost: $29,070
Minimum Credits: 57
Cost Per Credit: $510 (Ed.D. Tuition)

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Online doctorates at NGU’s College of Education are handily divided into two pathways: K-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. 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.

For More Information:

16 Texas Tech University

Minimum Program Cost: $28,980
Minimum Credits: 63
Cost Per Credit: $460 (Online Graduate Tuition + Mandatory Fees)

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.

For More Information:

15 University of Missouri-Columbia

Minimum Program Cost: $28,890
Minimum Credits: 54
Cost Per Credit: $535 (Online Tuition)

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 optional campus opportunities. 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.

For More Information:

14 Southeastern University

Minimum Program Cost: $27,000
Minimum Credits: 54
Cost Per Credit: $500 (Ed.D. Tuition)

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 tuition cost that we’ve quoted, you’ll have to budget for travel to the intensives during the first and second years. You may also be responsible for per semester fees and 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.

For More Information:

13 University of Arkansas

Minimum Program Cost: $26,247 (Master’s Entry); $20,415 (Ed.S. Entry)
Minimum Credits: 54 (Master’s Entry); 42 (Ed.S. Entry)
Cost Per Credit: $486.05 (Online Tuition + Mandatory Fees)

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/Hybrid 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).

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), but they’re not large. Having said all that, you may wish to ask the program coordinator if any Adult and Lifelong Learning 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.

For More Information:

12 University of West Florida

Minimum Program Cost: $25,857 (Out-of-State); $20,769 (In-State)
Minimum Credits: 54
Cost Per Credit: $478.83 (Online Out-of-State); $384.60 (Online In-State)

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

UWF’s School of Education (SOE) has been a CPED Designing and Developing Member since 2018, so we’re happy to report that its online doctorate in Instructional and Performance Technology includes a solid dose of practical courses, seminars, and a Dissertation in Practice (DiP). You’ll also participate in 3 residencies with a few days of intensive face-to-face work.

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.

Note: UWF also offers a highly affordable 60-credit Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with the same per-credit tuition rate.

For More Information:

11 Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Minimum Program Cost: $25,841
Minimum Credits: 63
Cost Per Credit: $411 (Ed.D. Tuition)

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.

LSUS 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.

For More Information:

10 University of Wyoming

Minimum Program Cost: ~$25,380 (Out-of-State); ~$16,740 (In-State)
Minimum Credits: ~45
Cost Per Credit: $564 (Out-of-State + Online Fee); $372 (In-State + Online Fee)

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—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. 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:

9 Kennesaw State University

Minimum Program Cost: $25,278
Minimum Credits: 66
Cost Per Credit: $383 (Online Tuition)

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.

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. Be sure to explore the section on Scholarships for Education Majors.

For More Information:

8 Youngstown State University

Minimum Program Cost: $25,200 (Out-of-State); $24,900 (In-State)
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $420 (Online Out-of-State); $415 (Online In-State)

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 foci, 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.

For More Information:

7 University of the Cumberlands

Minimum Program Cost: $24,900
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $415 (Ed.D. Tuition)

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. Education, Nursing, Information Systems, Criminal Justice, 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.

For More Information:

6 Northern Illinois University

Minimum Program Cost: $23,940
Minimum Credits: 42
Cost Per Credit: $570 (Online Ed.D. Domestic Tuition)

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

NIU has your PreK-20 needs covered! The CAEP-accredited College of Education has launched a new cohort-based, 100% online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership 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 $585 per credit hour. And you 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. loans) and external scholarships.

For More Information:

5 Marshall University

Minimum Program Cost: $22,905
Minimum Credits: 45
Cost Per Credit: $509 (Online Tuition)

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. The Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction is longer and more expensive, but it 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! The 57-credit Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction is an EdD/EdS Advanced Program, so there will be an additional $50 per credit hour program fee.

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. Employees of Marshall University (but not their dependents) are eligible for a Tuition Waiver.

For More Information:

4 University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Minimum Program Cost: $21,000
Minimum Credits: 42
Cost Per Credit: $500 (Online Tuition)

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

If you’re a PreK-12 educator, UMass Lowell’s 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.

UMass Lowell provides a breakdown of costs in the Tuition & Financing section of the program, but check the Online Tuition & Fees section for the latest rates. On top of tuition, 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 ~$26,000, 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.

For More Information:

3 University of West Georgia

Minimum Program Cost: $19,260
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $372 (Lowest Online EdD Tuition)

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

UWG Online and the CAEP-accredited 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 (e.g. Professional Counseling)! 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 (that’s why it’s a little lower than simply multiplying credits). 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. 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:

2 University of North Georgia

Minimum Program Cost: $18,799
Minimum Credits: 60
Cost Per Credit: $340.50 (Online Tuition)

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—applicants earn points for GPAs above 3.0.

UNG’s tuition & fee charts can help you calculate the cost of tuition, but it’s important to note that mandatory 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 ($2,802 x 2)
  • Semesters 3-7 = 7 hours each semester ($2,196 x 5)
  • Semester 8 = 6 hours ($1,874.25 x 1)
  • Semester 9 = 1 hour ($340.50 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 Nighthawk Scholarship Center to search for institutional awards.

For More Information:

1 Valdosta State University

Minimum Program Cost: $16,115
Minimum Credits: 55
Cost Per Credit: $293 (Graduate eTuition)

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. Up to 9 credit hours (i.e. 3 courses) of transfer credits are allowed. And 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. With a 55-credit program, you might end up paying $16,115 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). Online students are exempt from most student fees, except for the technology fee. If you’re interested in the 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.

For More Information:

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:

  1. William Carey University
  2. Northwest Nazarene University
  3. University of Arkansas

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 or private universities with a Christian outlook. 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.
  • 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.

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

Overall, the most affordable online Ed.D. programs in the country range from $16,000-$33,000. In our rankings, you’ll see that the top 3 cheapest schools have kept their minimum tuition below $20,000. However, the majority of schools are in the $22,000-$33,000 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. 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.