Most Affordable Online EDD Programs

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offers an affordable doctorate of education degree. The doctorate consists of three parts: advanced education seminars, core doctorate seminars, and a dissertation. The core seminars are grounded in Christianity, and while students don't have to identify with this religion, applying to this program might make more sense if they are looking for a career aligned with the Baptist church. Students can choose to complete all coursework and their dissertation online or have a blend of online and on-campus learning. No matter which option they choose, students usually graduate within four years. Successful applicants should have a bachelor's or master's in education and some experience in the field. Applicants who are verified Baptists are given a reduced tuition rate and are often given priority when the school's admissions department is choosing who to accept into the program.

Program Highlights:

Doctorate of Education

• Credits: 40
• Length: 4 years
• Cost: $370
• Mode: Hybrid or Online
• Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation

The doctorate of education program at the University of Wisconsin's La Crosse campus focuses on student affairs administration and leadership, making it an ideal program for those interested in higher education administration, especially working in student affairs. Students complete online coursework in three years of full-time study. It's possible to complete this degree without stepping foot on campus once, and all students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of state residency. Along with completing higher education administration coursework, students complete a dissertation. They start this project in their second year and defend their dissertations in their final semester. All dissertation meetings with a faculty supervisor can take place online. Successful applicants should have a master's degree in the field and three years of work experience.

Program Highlights:

Doctorate of Education

• Credits: 54
• Length: 3 years
• Cost: $700/credit
• Mode: Online
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

The University of Wisconsin offers an affordable doctorate of education with a specialization in education sustainability at its Stevens Point campus. Students explore topics that are the foundation of the program's values, including ecological thought, systems thinking, futures thinking, transformative learning, diversity and social justice, and ethical action. After taking courses in those areas their first year, students complete additional focused coursework and a dissertation. The dissertation is mentored by a faculty member, and students take discipline-specific courses about how to write their dissertations. Both dissertation meetings and courses can be completed online in a synchronous format. By the end of their studies, students are prepared to transform the field of teaching and learning. To make the degree affordable for all, the school charges in-state and out-of-state students the same tuition rate.

Program Highlights:

Doctorate of Education

• Credits: 54
• Length: 3 years
• Cost: $725/credit
• Mode: Online
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

PennWest California offers an affordable doctorate of educational administration and leadership with two options. The first is a shorter, 39-credit option for those who already hold a superintendent letter. The second is a 57-credit option for those who need the superintendent letter from the state. With both options, students take rigorous coursework around educational leadership, particularly at the superintendent level for school systems. In place of a dissertation, students complete a capstone project that takes place over multiple semesters. To apply, students should have a master's degree and/or a superintendent letter from the state if they want to pursue the shorter option. Only a master's degree in education is required for the longer option.

Program Highlights:

Doctorate in Educational Administration and Leadership

• Credits: 39-57
• Length: 3-4 years
• Cost: $516/credit
• Mode: Online
• Accreditation: American Association of State Colleges and Universities

West Virginia University hosts an affordable, flexible online EdD program focusing on higher education administration. The degree is designed for students who want to work in higher ed administration, faculty, research, or policy roles as well as those who are already in the field but would like to advance their careers. The minimum requirement to apply to the program is a master's degree in higher education or a related field. To make the degree more flexible, students can choose to complete this degree 100% online or in a hybrid format. No matter what program delivery type a student chooses, they take a mix of higher education courses and research coursework. There's also the option to take electives in specializations of interest, such as curriculum design or college access. Students must also complete an internship and research project in order to graduate.

Program Highlights:

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration

• Credits: 72
• Length: 3 years
• Cost: $673/credit
• Mode: Hybrid or Fully Online
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

American International College offers students an affordable, high quality doctorate of education program that specializes in mental health counseling and includes an interdisciplinary program. Coursework consists of classes from the fields of mental health, education, and social work. All courses are offered online in a synchronous class format. Along with coursework, students must complete a placement experience. While it is possible to complete that placement online, this is dependent on the site where the placement takes place. Because of this, it's possible students will have an in-person component to this otherwise online degree. To apply to the program, students need a master's degree in psychology or a related field and three letters of recommendation.

Program Highlights:

Doctorate of Education in Mental Health Counseling

• Credits: 66
• Length: 3-4 years
• Cost: $830/credit
• Mode: Online
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Clarkson College offers two doctorates of education designed for students interested in workplace education. The EdD in healthcare education prepares healthcare professionals to teach and develop curriculum in higher education and healthcare settings. The EdD in interprofessional leadership is designed for professionals across disciplines, though the program website states it's particularly beneficial for those who work or want to work in nonprofit organizations, business, healthcare, and higher education. With either degree, all courses can be taken online and students can choose to study on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on other work and life obligations. Students also complete a dissertation, with dissertation requirements incorporated into the curriculum. To apply, graduates should have a master's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Program Highlights:

Doctorate of Education in Healthcare Leadership or Interprofessional Leadership

• Credits: 51
• Length: 3 years
• Cost: $941/credit
• Mode: Online
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission