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2025 Best Online Doctorates in Education

Want an online degree that's:

• Highly Rated
• Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad."  Learn more  about how we make money. ' > AD

Online doctoral programs in education provides a flexible, comprehensive pathway for educational leaders to deepen their expertise. Typically completed in three to five years, this program develops advanced research skills, leadership capabilities, and specialized knowledge in educational technology or policy fields. Designed for professionals balancing work and study, an online doctorate in education prepares graduates for high-impact academic, administration, or policy roles.

Key Takeaways :

• Liberty University leads with remarkable online enrollment numbers, boasting 45,783 online graduate students. This makes it a popular choice among distance learners.
• Northeastern University stands out with a median earnings of $104,623 for its online Doctor of Education. This figure places it in the top 11% of schools nationally for graduate earnings, despite ranking 15th overall.
• Johns Hopkins University excels with the highest graduation rate on our list of 94%.

Our rankings prioritize accredited programs with the highest online enrollment and additional data on graduate outcomes. Learn more about our methodology .

Want an online degree that's:

Featured Popular Online Colleges

Liberty University

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, online enrollment data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional online enrollment information. ">Online Enrollment: 45,783

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University offers a comprehensive 54-credit hour program completely online, with each course spanning 8 weeks. Designed for educators aiming to advance in roles such as educational administrators or policymakers, it allows the transfer of up to 50% of the degree's credits. Ranked among the top 10% of Niche.com's Best Online Schools in America, this program emphasizes curriculum development, learning theories, and research techniques. Tuition rates are $595 per credit full-time and $650 part-time, with a significant discount for military personnel at $275 per credit.

Grand Canyon University

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, online enrollment data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional online enrollment information. ">Online Enrollment: 34,152

Grand Canyon University's Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on Higher Education Leadership (Quantitative Research) is designed for educational professionals seeking leadership roles in higher education. The program requires 60 credits and integrates research-based quantitative methods to enhance your ability to influence educational organizations strategically. Courses explore leadership ethics, educational governance, and fiscal management within a Christian ethical framework, fostering a comprehensive understanding of higher education administration. This program includes two residencies with workshops to assist in dissertation development. Graduates can pursue roles such as academic dean or higher education consultant.

Regent University Online

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, online enrollment data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional online enrollment information. ">Online Enrollment: 5,033

Regent University's online Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies, with a concentration in Human Services for Student Affairs, consists of 51 credit hours and prepares you for roles in mental health counseling, education, and research. Emphasizing personal growth and professional excellence, you will engage with topics such as intellectual growth and values development in students. This program offers coursework from a Christian worldview, available from expert faculty. Career pathways include roles as a university faculty, researcher, or student services director. The next session starts on October 21, 2024, with tuition at $695 per credit hour.

Liberty University Liberty University Liberty University Liberty University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">45,783 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $11,700
• Location: Lynchburg (VA)

Online degree: PhD in Education - Curriculum and Instruction

Why we like them: Housing 45,783 online students, Liberty sits in the top 1% of institutions nationwide with the highest online enrollment. Liberty's online PhD in Education, with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, is a fully online doctoral degree in education designed to enhance your expertise in curriculum development and educational leadership. Comprising 60 credit hours, the program offers 8-week courses with the flexibility to transfer up to 50% of the required credits. This program emphasizes innovative curriculum design and the application of research methods to tackle educational challenges.

Key Metrics:

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 30%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 62%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 79%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Liberty University ">Recommend Rate: 57%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $12,471
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: N/A
• School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">27,242 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $60,480
• Location: Baltimore (MD)

Online degree: Doctor of Education

Why we like them: JHU excels in online education, ranking in the top 1% with 27,242 online students. Its impressive graduation rate of 94% and retention rate of 97% highlight the university's commitment to academic rigor and student satisfaction. This online doctorate in education is designed for part-time study over four years, requiring 54 credits. With areas of focus such as Entrepreneurial Leadership and Neurodiversity, the program emphasizes critical thinking and leadership skills, preparing graduates to drive positive change in diverse educational settings.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 13%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 94%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 97%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Johns Hopkins University ">Recommend Rate: 91%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 67%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $54,405
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 98%

Capella University Capella University Capella University Capella University

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">26,447 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $14,328
• Location: Minneapolis (MN)

Online degree: PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Why we like them: Capella ranks third for online education, boasting 26,447 students enrolled in its diverse online graduate programs. With a CACREP-accredited PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Capella offers a curriculum that integrates online coursework, practicums, and internships. The program encompasses 72 quarter credits, focusing on advanced counseling, research, leadership, and advocacy while emphasizing early dissertation preparation. Scholarships, such as the $5,000 Capella Progress Reward, are available to support your educational journey.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: N/A
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 36%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Capella University ">Recommend Rate: 63%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 86%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $6,637
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 87%
• School Type: For Profit

Arizona State University, Online Arizona State University, Online Arizona State University, Online Arizona State University, Online OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">16,309 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $30,592
• Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation

Why we like them: ASU Online ranks in the top 2% of institutions nationally with an impressive online enrollment of 16,309 students and an 85% retention rate, highlighting its commitment to accessible education. The online doctoral program in education is designed for practicing educator-leaders, requiring 90 credit hours across 20 classes. The curriculum focuses on leadership and data-driven decision-making, with specializations in Higher Education, Pre-K–12, and Systems-Level Leadership for transformative educational practices.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 76%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 66%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 85%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Arizona State University, Online ">Recommend Rate: 90%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 93%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $12,381
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 92%
• School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

Purdue Global Purdue Global Purdue Global Purdue Global OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">11,615 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $14,445
• Location: Indianapolis (IN)

Why we like them: Purdue Global ranks fifth in online education, with impressive enrollment among the top 2% of schools nationwide. Its doctorate in education online focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students complete 90 quarter credits, including core and elective courses, and engage in an applied research project. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the program allows credit transfers to save on tuition while providing personalized support from faculty advisors.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 28%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 17%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Purdue Global ">Recommend Rate: 75%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 60%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $8,815

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">9,257 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $33,686
• Location: Champaign (IL)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Diversity & Equity in Education

Why we like them: UIUC, ranked sixth for online enrollment, is a leader in distance education, serving many learners with a 93% retention rate and an 85% graduation rate. Financial aid is robust, averaging $16,552, ensuring accessibility. The online doctorate in education is a 64-credit program emphasizing transformative approaches to education policy and leadership through a social justice lens. Courses examine historical barriers and issues of race, gender, and sexuality, complemented by research methodology and a dissertation requirement, all without additional online fees.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 62%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 85%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 93%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign ">Recommend Rate: 97%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 64%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $16,552
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 97%

National University National University National University National University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">6,793 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $13,320
• Location: La Jolla (CA)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in E-Learning

Why we like them: NU ranks 7th globally for significant online enrollment, with 6,793 distance learners among the top 3%. Additionally, with a military enrollment of 4,776, it ranks in the top 1% for serving military students through programs like the GI Bill. The online Doctor of Education requires no GRE/GMAT scores, can be completed in as few as 33 months, and features 48 credit hours across 16 courses. Specializations include Curriculum, Teaching, and Instructional Leadership, enhancing leadership skills with weekly class starts for added flexibility.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 29%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 64%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at National University ">Recommend Rate: 47%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 91%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $5,932
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 93%

University of Southern California University of Southern California University of Southern California University of Southern California

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">6,251 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $64,726
• Location: Los Angeles (CA)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Why we like them: USC's doctorate in education online is ranked eighth among the top institutions, recognized for its impressive 92% graduation rate and generous financial aid packages. This three-year curriculum comprises 43 units and includes live virtual classroom sessions. Students engage in a dissertation in practice, addressing educational inequities. The program offers four concentrations: K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings, Leading Instructional Change, Higher Education Administration, and Educational Psychology. Admission requires a master’s and three years of leadership experience.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 16%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 92%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at University of Southern California ">Recommend Rate: 94%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 76%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $45,262

Nova Southeastern University Nova Southeastern University Nova Southeastern University Nova Southeastern University

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">5,059 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $36,300
• Location: Fort Lauderdale (FL)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Teaching

Why we like them: NSU ranks 9th, boasting an impressive online enrollment of 5,059 students and a commitment to financial inclusivity, as evidenced by 100% of students receiving aid. The Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Teaching is a 55-credit online program offering Curriculum Development, Teaching Theories, and Technology Integration concentrations. Students engage in at least one Summer Institute and can choose between an Applied Dissertation or a Strategic Research Project for their capstone. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring accessibility for aspiring educational leaders.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 58%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 78%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Nova Southeastern University ">Recommend Rate: 83%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $23,958

Regent University Online Regent University Online Regent University Online Regent University Online OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">5,033 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $19,680
• Location: Virginia Beach (VA)

Online degree: PhD in Education - Advanced Educational Leadership

Why we like them: Regent Online ranks 10th for its strong enrollment, placing it in the top 4% for online learners and 9% for military students. Its PhD in Education - Advanced Educational Leadership is a 67+ credit hour, research-based program focusing on strategic planning and program evaluation. Flexible start dates and concentrations like Educational Technology & Online Learning and K-12 School Leadership prepare students for roles such as university faculty or educational consultants, making it an attractive option for aspiring educational leaders.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 78%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 54%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 70%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Regent University Online ">Recommend Rate: 62%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 94%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $11,842
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 95%

Saint Leo University Online Saint Leo University Online Saint Leo University Online Saint Leo University Online

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">4,500 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $27,050
• Location: St. Leo (FL)

Online degree: Doctor of Education - School Leadership

Why we like them: SLU excels due to its substantial online enrollment of approximately 4,500. SLU Online offers an accessible Doctor of Education in School and Organizational Leadership designed for K-12 settings. This 57-credit program features a single on-campus residency in July and can be completed in three to four years. Focused on developing leadership skills, it emphasizes strategic planning, action research, and stakeholder engagement. Graduates will meet state licensure requirements and be equipped to improve student outcomes and manage educational systems effectively.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 49%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 54%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Saint Leo University Online ">Recommend Rate: 61%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $21,053
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 88%

Arkansas State University Arkansas State University Arkansas State University Arkansas State University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">4,119 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $13,312
• Location: Jonesboro (AR)

Why we like them: A-State is a top choice for online education, boasting a celebrated online enrollment that ranks in the top 4% nationally with 4,119 online learners at the undergraduate level. With a 92% recommendation rate , A-State provides a positive environment from firsthand accounts. The doctorate degree in education online consists of 60 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 40 months. The program is designed for future school leaders and emphasizes ethical leadership and innovative learning environments backed by experienced faculty.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 66%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 52%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Arkansas State University ">Recommend Rate: 92%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $11,225

Northern Kentucky University Northern Kentucky University Northern Kentucky University Northern Kentucky University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">4,022 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $20,848
• Location: Highland Heights (KY)

Online degree: Education Specialist in Teaching & Leading - Learning & Behavior Disorders

Why we like them: NKU ranks among the top 5% of institutions for online education, with over 4,000 enrolled learners and a substantial 93% satisfaction rate. Its Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading - Learning & Behavior Disorders program is 100% online, allowing students to earn a Rank 1 teaching certification in as few as 18 months. The program emphasizes advanced research, leadership skills, and practical experiences, preparing graduates for impactful roles in special education. With a notable 77% retention rate, NKU demonstrates a commitment to student support and success.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 90%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 77%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Northern Kentucky University ">Recommend Rate: 93%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $11,275
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 90%

Maryville University Maryville University Maryville University Maryville University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">3,561 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $27,166
• Location: St. Louis (MO)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Why we like them: MU ranks 14th for its impressive online enrollment of 3,561 students, placing it in the top 5% nationwide. With an 83% retention rate and financial aid at the 77th percentile, the program is accessible and supportive. The online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership can be completed in as few as 32 months, with flexible residency options and no entrance exams. The curriculum fosters reflective leaders, focusing on the dynamics between faculty and administration, all through a convenient 100% online format.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 92%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 67%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 83%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Maryville University ">Recommend Rate: 49%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $17,914
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 94%

Northeastern University Northeastern University Northeastern University Northeastern University

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">3,262 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $60,192
• Location: Boston (MA)

Why we like them: NU ranks 15th for online enrollment, with 3,262 students in remote learning and a 91% graduation rate. The average financial aid package is $42,331, ensuring accessibility for 85% of students. Its online Doctor of Education, accredited by NECHE, offers five concentrations: Higher Education Administration, Innovative Teaching and Learning, Transformative School Leadership, Workplace Learning, and Integrative Studies, designed to be completed in three to four years. The curriculum promotes action research, while two-day residencies in Boston or Seattle enhance networking opportunities.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 27%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 91%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of Northeastern University . ">Recommend Rate: 90%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 85%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $42,331

Concordia University - Chicago Concordia University - Chicago Concordia University - Chicago Concordia University - Chicago

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">3,236 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $34,964
• Location: River Forest (IL)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Leadership

Why we like them: CU Chicago offers both PhD and EdD programs in Leadership with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. The PhD program emphasizes theoretical and research-focused learning, requiring 67 credit hours, while the EdD program focuses on practical application, with a required 61 credit hours. Courses are conducted online in eight-week segments, and the programs are designed to produce ethical leaders equipped for modern organizational challenges. Both programs prepare you for exams and independent dissertation research, with courses in contemporary leadership theory, strategic planning, and organizational change.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 75%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 48%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 58%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of Concordia University - Chicago . ">Recommend Rate: 71%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $25,141

University of West Alabama University of West Alabama University of West Alabama University of West Alabama OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">3,190 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $20,090
• Location: Livingston (AL)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Rural Education - Library Media Track

Why we like them: UWA ranks 17th for comprehensive online offerings, with an enrollment of 3,190, placing it in the top 7% of institutions. With 99% of students receiving financial aid, UWA emphasizes accessibility for distance learners. The online EdD in Rural Education consists of 60-66 credit hours, designed for completion in 3-4 years through 8-week courses. The innovative curriculum features specialized tracks, a Mentor Collective program, and open educational resources to enhance learning without geographic barriers, making quality education accessible to all.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 28%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 37%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 69%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at University of West Alabama ">Recommend Rate: 71%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $9,291

University of Colorado Denver University of Colorado Denver University of Colorado Denver University of Colorado Denver

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">2,882 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $26,818
• Location: Denver (CO)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Leadership for Education & Equity - Higher Education

Why we like them: CU Denver offers a fully online Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity designed for current and aspiring leaders in higher education. This 54-credit program spans three years on a cohort model, with two annual in-person intensive sessions. Emphasizing Leadership, Equity, and Strategic Resource Management it culminates in an equity-focused Dissertation-in-Practice. With a 90% recommendation rate , CU Denver prepares students for impactful roles in diverse and multicultural environments, enhanced by executive coaching post-graduation.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 65%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 44%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at University of Colorado Denver ">Recommend Rate: 90%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $9,384

University of West Georgia University of West Georgia University of West Georgia University of West Georgia

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">2,739 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $16,996
• Location: Carrollton (GA)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration

Why we like them: UWG stands out for its impressive online reach, with 2,739 students, placing it in the top 9% for online enrollment. Its graduates enjoy a solid median earnings of $94,271, within the top 31%. The fully accredited Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration is a 60-credit online program emphasizing leadership, covering Organizational Theory, Advanced Seminar in Leadership, and Higher Education Finance. An on-campus orientation is required before fall enrollment, preparing students for critical roles in educational institutions.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 59%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 43%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 73%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of University of West Georgia . ">Recommend Rate: 74%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 96%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $8,452

Old Dominion University Old Dominion University Old Dominion University Old Dominion University

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">2,676 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $31,170
• Location: Norfolk (VA)

Online degree: PhD in Educational Leadership

Why we like them: ODU ranks 20th for its substantial online enrollment, with 2,676 students in its virtual programs, placing it in the top 10% of institutions. It boasts an 87% recommendation rate , indicating high satisfaction among learners. ODU serves 3,501 military students, ranking in the top 5% for military support. The online PhD in Educational Leadership focuses on social justice and comprises 60 credit hours in a cohort model, ideal for working professionals. While it does not lead to licensure, it prepares graduates for educational leadership roles.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 86%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 47%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 74%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Old Dominion University ">Recommend Rate: 87%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 92%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $9,058

Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">2,506 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $13,224
• Locations: California: Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego District of Columbia: Washington D.C. Illinois: Chicago Louisiana: New Orleans">Multiple Locations

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology and Technology

Why we like them: TCSPP Online ranks highly due to its enrollment of 2,506 distance learners, placing it in the top 11% of institutions for online education. With a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you receive plenty of access to professors. Notably, 100% of students benefit from financial aid, easing the cost of graduate education. The EdD in Educational Psychology and Technology, offered entirely online, can be completed in under four years, and includes concentrations in Higher Education Learning and Technology, K-12 Education Learning and Technology, and Instructional Design.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 36%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 0%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online . ">Recommend Rate: 69%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $2,599

University of South Carolina - Columbia University of South Carolina - Columbia University of South Carolina - Columbia University of South Carolina - Columbia

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">2,426 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $33,928
• Location: Columbia (SC)

Online degree: Doctor of Education - Education Systems Improvement

Why we like them: USC - Columbia ranks 22nd for online offerings, boasting 2,426 enrolled online students and a remarkable 90% retention rate. The university’s graduation rate is 78%, placing it in the top 8% of all U.S. institutions. The 100% online Doctor of Education in Educational Practice and Innovation focuses on Education Systems Improvement. With flexible pathways and no GRE/MAT requirement, it's perfect for aspiring educational leaders looking to enhance their credentials.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 72%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 78%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 90%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of University of South Carolina - Columbia . ">Recommend Rate: 89%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $6,880

Northwest Missouri State University Northwest Missouri State University Northwest Missouri State University Northwest Missouri State University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">2,101 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $15,569
• Location: Maryville (MO)

Online degree: Educational Specialist Superintendent

Why we like them: NWMSU excels in online education, engaging over 2,000 remote learners. With a 90% recommendation rate and an 80% retention rate, it demonstrates a solid commitment to student satisfaction. The online EdS in Superintendent, accredited by the AAQEP and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, can be completed in as few as 12 months. Fundamental courses include Multicultural Education, Relational School Leadership, and School Law, integrating profession-based fieldwork for practical application in educational leadership. Verify licensure compatibility if out-of-state.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 74%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 80%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of Northwest Missouri State University . ">Recommend Rate: 90%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $8,387
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 91%

Clemson University Clemson University Clemson University Clemson University

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">2,022 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $39,502
• Location: Clemson (SC)

Online degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education

Why we like them: CU excels in online education, ranking in the top 14% nationally with 2,022 students enrolled and a 92% retention rate among the top 5%. The PhD in Special Education at CU features a HyFlex approach, allowing for traditional or synchronous online instruction, and requires 55 credit hours. Core coursework includes Evidence-Based Research and College Teaching, concentrating on areas like learning disabilities. Applicants need a master's degree and teaching experience. Financial aid and competitive assistantships are available, enhancing the academic journey.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 47%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 92%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of Clemson University . ">Recommend Rate: 95%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $10,430
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, repayment rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional repayment rate information. ">Repayment Rate: 96%

University of Southern Mississippi University of Southern Mississippi University of Southern Mississippi University of Southern Mississippi

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">1,732 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $11,450
• Location: Hattiesburg (MS)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Educational Administration P-12

Why we like them: USM stands out with high online enrollment, ranking in the top 17% of institutions. The online educational administration doctorate requires 54 credit hours and is accredited by CAEP. Uniquely, it features a capstone project instead of a dissertation. With evening synchronous classes, working educators are accommodated, and licensure in administrative roles is provided. A current educator license and three years of teaching experience are required. USM offers a $500 Online Student Scholarship for first-time online learners and various financial assistance options.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 98%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of University of Southern Mississippi . ">Recommend Rate: 84%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $9,296

Sam Houston State University Sam Houston State University Sam Houston State University Sam Houston State University

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">1,618 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $18,752
• Location: Huntsville (TX)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Instructional Systems Design and Technology

Why we like them: SHSU boasts a robust online presence with 1,618 enrolled learners, ranking it in the top 18% among similar institutions. It enjoys a remarkable 97% recommendation rate, and 87% of students receive financial aid. The Doctor of Education in Instructional Systems Design and Technology is entirely online and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The program features small classes and dedicated faculty support, preparing graduates to excel in their fields.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 56%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View more reviews for this school at Sam Houston State University ">Recommend Rate: 97%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 87%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $10,499

Abilene Christian University Abilene Christian University Abilene Christian University Abilene Christian University

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">1,484 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $40,500
• Location: Abilene (TX)

Online degree: Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership - Conflict Management

Why we like them: ACU stands out with a solid online enrollment of 1,484 students, ranking it in the top 20% of similar institutions. Every enrollee receives financial aid, averaging $26,280, placing ACU in the top 12% for support. The online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, spanning 3-5 years, focuses on five key competencies and offers concentrations like Conflict Management. Students benefit from a robust, faith-based learning experience and a $3,000 scholarship for new enrollees. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ACU is committed to high educational standards.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average graduation rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average graduation rate information. ">Avg. Graduation Rate: 60%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of Abilene Christian University . ">Recommend Rate: 94%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $26,280

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">1,350 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $9,480
• Location: Kansas City (MO)

Why we like them: MBTS ranks highly for online education with 1,350 online students, placing it in the top 20% of similar institutions. Its online EdD program is designed for aspiring educational leaders and can be completed in four years with 40 credit hours. The curriculum includes Professional Doctoral Core Seminars, Advanced Educational Foundations, and a Dissertation Project. Graduates can tackle academic challenges and develop culturally relevant strategies by integrating Christian educational principles and advanced research skills. Competitive tuition enhances its appeal for online doctoral studies.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 95%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 59%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary . ">Recommend Rate: 60%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, financial aid recipients data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional financial aid recipients information. This data point represents the percentage of students who receive financial aid. ">Financial Aid Recipients: 43%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $5,774

Saint Thomas University Saint Thomas University Saint Thomas University Saint Thomas University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Online Enrollment : National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="online enrollment">1,155 enrolled
• Annual Tuition: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. "> $33,760
• Location: Miami Gardens (FL)

Why we like them: STU offers a 100% online EdD in Educational Leadership - Digital Instruction and Distance Learning, designed for educators to thrive in digital environments. The program requires 60 credit hours and can be completed in at least 40 months. Students can transfer up to 18 credit hours if they hold a second master's, accelerating their journey. No prior degree in education is necessary, ensuring broad access. Instruction is led by experienced educators, culminating in a remote dissertation defense, preparing you for prominent roles in digital education.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. ">Acceptance Rate: 49%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, retention rate data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional retention rate information. ">Retention Rate: 53%
• Recommendation rates and review counts are based on student reviews we have collected. View reviews of Saint Thomas University . ">Recommend Rate: 80%
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, average aid package data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional average aid package information. Average aid package is the average dollar amount of financial aid given to each student at this institution. ">Avg. Aid Package: $22,668

OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad."  Learn more  about how we make money. ">ADVERTISEMENT

Online Education Doctoral Degrees You May Be Interested In

Annual Tuition: $8,475

46 Programs ( view all )

• Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration: Student Affairs
• Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration: Student Affairs

Annual Tuition: $11,638

18 Programs ( view all )

• Bridge (Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision - Qualitative Research)
• Bridge (Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision - Quantitative Research)

Annual Tuition: $17,628

23 Programs ( view all )

• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Adult Education

List Of Accredited Online Education Schools

Student reviews of online education programs.

Janet Smith, Graduated 2024

Attended: American College of Education

Most of the instructors are great! A few, however, are terrible. When you get a bad professor, the school backs the professor and not the student. One bad apple ruins the whole barrel. I would not recommend the college because they do not monitor their bad professors, and it becomes a waste of your time. There are better schools.

Review Date: 10/9/2020

Overall Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Taneisha S., Graduated 2022

Attended: Concordia University - Portland

I began the Ed.D. program January 2018. Prior to beginning the process and being accepted, I received nothing but the utmost support and attention. The work is challenging yet manageable. Expectations of the program and from the professors has been explicit and known since the beginning. Anytime that I need to contact the school regarding financial aid, changing of specialization, dropping a course, etc. I have been met with prompt assistance and support. I look forward to continuing in the program ... Read More and have referred several colleagues and friends.

Review Date: 6/4/2018

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Elliott C, Graduated 2022

Attended: Liberty University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

I am currently completing my doctorate in Education with Liberty. I've attended 2 other large, highly touted universities and frankly I think that Liberty is as good or better than anything else I am aware of. My experience at every level of the process has been positive. I did not read the reviews prior to enrollment and now that I have I can't help but wonder where the fault lies; with the student or with the school. I've experienced none of the negative behavior I saw in the comments. I also noticed ... Read More that there were duplicate negative comments from the same students. Everyone I've dealt with has been kind and helpful. Do they contact you for financial check-in, of course they do. Every university expects payment. I'm an online student, but I've visited the campus and absolutely love the vibe there. The students are happy, the staff is helpful and the campus is beautiful. I would absolutely recommend this school to anyone.

Review Date: 11/24/2021

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Dr. Viranda Fason, Graduated 2022

Attended: National University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

The professors at Northcentral University really care about your academic success. They will mold you into the person you desire to become. There are no handouts. You must be okay with constructive criticism. If you cannot handle constructive criticism, this is not the university for you. Trust that you will not be given a degree, you will work hard to attain your doctoral degree. Northcentral University has some of the best people working together to ensure your success. However, you as a person ... Read More must bring your perseverance, rest but don’t EVER give up attitude, respecting constructive criticism because you are learning, effective time management strategies while sacrificing your time to research. You will experience Imposter Syndrome. You will experience times of second guessing what you have gotten yourself into. It happens to the best of us but DON’T GIVE UP! Blessings, Dr. V. Fason

Review Date: 9/28/2022

Overall Rating: 5/5

NeM, Graduated 2021

ACE is a good school, especially if you put in the effort to learn. It tries to balance value for the student with low cost. Most assignments provide the ability to learn something relevant in a low stress environment. I've only had 1 bad instructor, most range from helpful to very helpful. I have offered feedback on several occasions and have felt listened too, which speaks to a student-centric climate. The doctoral program has been reorganized, it sounds like for the better but it is too early ... Read More to tell. I am not sure if I would attend this school if I wanted to get a degree and teach at a university, but for a professional who is already employed, it is a good fit.

Review Date: 3/19/2018

Kat, Graduated 2021

Northcentral University provides rigorous curricula delivered by scholars who are experts in their fields. Programs are well designed with professors establishing high standards of performance for students. NCU degrees are earned not given. Therefore, when the degree is conferred, it actually holds merit, and the recipient can be proud in knowing that their hard work in conjunction with guidance from true scholars got them to the finishline. I've attended courses and/or online programs at four universities... ... Read More NCU is by far the exemplar of institutions of higher learning online. The 1-1 model is convenient and personal attention is great for people who want to advance their knowledge and attain higher degrees while working full or part-time. However, any online program also requires a student to be self-directed and self-motivated. Do not expect to have your hand held. A degree is HARD WORK...NOT A HAND OUT. I get sick of reading posts from whiny, disgruntled students who want an advanced degree but dont want to WORK for it. I am honored to be an alum of NCU. Thanks for the great ride NCU!! I love my alma mater.

Review Date: 4/15/2021

Leria Joy McKenzie, Graduated 2021

Attended: Walden University

Doing my doctoral degree at Walden University was a great experience. The quality of instruction was first class even though I did not realize it until I graduated and began helping my peers who were working on their doctoral dissertations and Masters' research. Being a Walden graduate also opened doors of opportunities that I never anticipated, such as presenting at international conferences and getting lucrative job offers. I'm glad I chose Walden over the various other universities that I reviewed ... Read More in my search for a tertiary institution to do my doctorate.

Review Date: 8/5/2021

Caroline Wendy Narine, Graduated 2021

The completion of my doctoral degree at Walden was a huge learning curve for me. I did not expect such a comprehensive package of courses. They were relevant to my specific area of study and scaffolded the research process. By the end of the doctoral journey, my competence was not limited to one research method but I graduated with expertise in all. The high quality and commitment of the instructors was exceptional. As an international student, the prompt and detailed feedback from my committee was ... Read More greatly appreciated allowing me to complete within a financially manageable period. For the first time in my career, I focused on social change in education and now I am carrying that torch. Thank you Walden for a doctoral journey which has allowed me the opportunity to take my research efforts globally.

Review Date: 8/11/2021

Pleasantly Surprised and Not Religious, Graduated 2021

I recently graduated with my doctorate in education in curriculum and instruction. First, I am a female minority and not religious. Although this institution has its notorious controversies, I owe it to the faculty to write this review. I was extremely apprehensive about attending Liberty due to its views, but I want to remind you that I am a woman of color navigating a system that was not intended for me and I don’t have the same choices of schools at the doctoral level that others have. I refuse ... Read More to allow a system to limit what I can and cannot do. Although Liberty required scripture in a majority of the assignments, I approached those assignments as a researcher and got a refresher on the Bible. The faculty is fantastic! They were patient and gave me grace when I asked for it. I graduated from this institution with my doctorate in two calendar years while working full-time. It can be done, but I had to practice an insane amount of self-efficacy, self-motivation and self-discipline. I read reviews that the degree requirements may not be very rigorous. The capstone requires three data collection methods both quantitative and qualitative. Also, the research is not generalizable and focuses on a problem of practice. This was a blessing in disguise. From what I gathered, of original cohort of 13 candidates in the capstone courses, I was the only person to graduate in the university’s recommended timeline. I say this to illustrate how rigorous this program actually is. It’s a wonderful program if you are a very independent learner who does not need a great amount of assistance or direction. In the end, it was a great experience from start to finish!

Review Date: 11/28/2021

Older guy, Graduated 2020

At first I was really intimidated by the lack of direction when it came to figuring out the system but once I had that, I was good to go. good instructors, good classwork and knowledge base, very few complaints. It is not easy, but if you keep at it, anything is possible. Some people are not suited to totally online studies, and I assume that is where the negative complaints come from. I, however, love the format and find it stimulating and refreshing to have this much freedom to do well. If you ... Read More are serious about getting your degree, this is the place for you.

Review Date: 2/16/2018

Gloria Dorcheus, Graduated 2020

Northcentral University offers such a wide range of programs that most of the students pursuing a degree might be able to find the right one that matches his or her interest. The system is structured in a way that allows students to continue with their activities while achieving their goals. Moreover, the starting point is whenever the student is ready. The university promotes discipline and commitment within their community through the different resources offered like the Commons and Academic Success ... Read More Center. Furthermore, NCU proposes a curriculum aligned with the community's needs and a content that generates social awareness. Finally, the institution integrates a team that support students until graduation such as instructors, financial and academic advisors, and coaches.

Review Date: 3/20/2017

Jon, Graduated 2020

Attended: Maryville University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

The Doctor of Education online program is rigorous and many of my colleagues consider it to be one of the most challenging and rewarding educational experiences of their lives. You will bond with your cohort and the required residency on the St. Louis campus is productive, rewarding, and fun. Highly recommended. Great experience and worth the money and time.

Review Date: 1/21/2020

Karina, Graduated 2020

I highly recommend ACE to my friends and family because I had an excellent experience. I completed my Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in under three years by taking extra classes. The dissertation writing process was smooth and there was support every step of the way which I greatly appreciated. My dissertation chair, Dr. Evans, was absolutely amazing! She was always available to answer questions and reassured me that WE would complete this degree. The rest of the staff at ACE were always friendly ... Read More and willing to support me and answer questions. Emails replies were often received within a day or two and all questions were answered by staff from various departments. Feedback by instructors on assignments was useful, timely, and applicable. I have several friends who have enrolled in the Ed.D. program and their experiences have been positive as well. Excellent value for your money, you receive high quality instruction for a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere.

Review Date: 6/9/2021

ERCars, Graduated 2019

I'm not sure if many people get that ALL universities are FOR PROFIT now... even if they don't say that, and many people pay a lot of money for colleges and still get treated like crap. I was at UVA... it cost $40K a year and most of the the professors never had time for you. I had a STAT's 2 teacher who couldn't speak English clearly and no one in the department would help me. I had an advisor who was nuts - even got arrested for grand larceny, but he's still there. So please don't think that in-person ... Read More universities are better. I'd rather know that I'm at a for profit university - they know their job is to take care of their customers. I did a lot of research to find NCU. Yes, you have to be responsible for keeping up with your progress and finances, because the advisors are just logistics people, but I've also had some really amazing professors who have far surpassed the quality of instruction I received in UVA's grad program. My research writing has improved significantly because of the professors at NCU. The books that they select and the sequential design of my program has allowed me to build one skill on top of the next. The feedback that I've received from most of the professors has been great. I used to ask for help at UVA and they called me lazy... they made me second guess my abilities during a serious medical issue... so I left. NCU has much better about accommodating me. FYI - it is a great bang for the buck, especially when compared to the money I paid at UVA and got very little back for it.

Review Date: 3/6/2017

Psych Teacher, Graduated 2019

The Ed.D. program is incredibly organized and all assignments are relevant and interesting. The faculty members are quick to respond to question, and they are incredibly helpful in providing assistance when needed. Everything is well organized, and I am impressed with the professionalism of all staff and faculty. Faculty members take their time to make sure that you are effectively learning the curriculum. The program is also affordable, and you pay as you go.

Review Date: 9/8/2017

Rebecca Plummer, Graduated 2019

Attended: Johns Hopkins University

The reputation of this school is evident in the awesome caliber of students I have encountered in just the first semester of attending. The courses are challenging and you are expected to accomplish much with very little initial feedback so your self-confidence needs to be high. We have a great social network for emotional and academic support that is invaluable. Great institution, even better students!

Review Date: 10/23/2016

Educator, Graduated 2019

Attended: Trevecca Nazarene University

This school has been excellent. The professors are very responsive, and the learning material is rigorous. The Ed.D program is well laid out and the assignments and expectations are clear. The application and enrollment process are streamlined, and the person who helped me was accessible by email and phone throughout the day. I am thankful for a University that does not have any "surprises" or curve balls!

Review Date: 12/20/2017

Barbara, Graduated 2019

Having earned both my Bachelor and Master's Degree from different reputable brick and mortar schools, I was not really interested in online degrees. However, when a friend told me about American College of Education doctoral degree programs, I realized that ACE offered what I was looking for in leadership and in education. The content of my courses was current and relevant to my work as an educator and could be infused in my everyday practice. The work at ACE is not cakewalk, so working and studying ... Read More full time at ACE was not the easiest undertaking. However, developing priorities and following a structured schedule made it manageable. When the challenge was hardest, particularly during the dissertation process, my chair and other members of my dissertation committee were very supportive. The team provided prompt constructive which helped in moving my work along a timeline that did not take forever. If you are considering graduate study, ACE is an excellent choice because of the affordability, the quality and relevance of the courses and the level of support that you are likely to get from the professors and the team assigned to guide you through your studies.

Review Date: 5/5/2019

Marie, Graduated 2019

I enrolled in this program and stopped during the first course. The quality of instruction and engagement was amazing and very high-level. But, this program tried to cram way too many requirements and components into the degree - which is supposed to be manageable for working professionals. If I didn't work full-time, I would love this program. Unfortunately, too much busy work like peer grading, reflective projects, and career portfolios that take time away from the true coursework was just too ... Read More much.

Review Date: 7/30/2019

Wallygirl, Graduated 2018

I love this school. The program is intense and educative! When I was researching online programs, Walden is the name that kept coming up. They have been around since the 1970's and were the first teacher education school for currently employed educators. The program is rigorous and upholds expectations of excellence. For students who have not previously attended online school, this may not be the right choice.

Review Date: 6/17/2015

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Doctorate in Education Program Guide

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Educators do their best, but sometimes the system isn’t perfect. Problems fall through the cracks and create more problems. There may be an issue you have a dream of fixing one day. A doctorate in education (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) can help you do that.

If you don’t know which you want to pursue, or you want to know the difference between an Ed.D. and Ph.D. , we’re here to help.

Popular Doctoral Programs in Education

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Is a Doctorate in Education Degree?

A doctorate in education is rigorous . It’s an advanced degree with challenging coursework and dissertation research. It offers a variety of valuable experiences and outcomes, from developing leadership skills to pursuing specialized career paths.

A Ph.D. in education helps you gain in-depth working knowledge of educational theories, research, and practices. You’ll be able to work with leading researchers and faculty and build a strong network of fellow educators.

A Ph.D. program typically prepares students for advanced research in education. It’s a research-oriented degree that emphasizes scholarly research, theoretical frameworks and contributing to the knowledge base in education.

An Ed.D. program often focuses on developing skills and knowledge for academic leadership roles. It’s a professional practice-oriented degree that applies research and theory to real-world educational contexts.

Earning an Ed.D. in education can prepare you for leadership roles such as a school principal, university president, or superintendent. Some programs prepare graduates for other community leadership roles. It can also prepare you to become doctoral faculty within an Ed.D. program itself.

Doctoral Programs in Education Courses and Concentrations

The curriculum of a doctorate in education depends on if it’s a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. program. Specializations will also impact curricula — educational psychology covers different topics than education policy would.

Both Ph.D. programs and Ed.D. programs usually cover advanced theories, research, and practical applications in education. Coursework may explore educational leadership, research methods, curriculum development, educational policy, and instructional design.

Doctorate in Education Concentrations

Educational Administration

Educational administration prepares students for leadership roles in educational settings. Key skills taught in the concentration include strategic planning, organizational management, policy analysis, and ethical decision-making.

Higher Education

A higher education concentration develops skills and knowledge for leadership roles in colleges and universities. Learning outcomes include gaining expertise in higher education policy, administration, research, and pedagogy.

Curriculum Instruction

Curriculum instruction involves the design, strategies and assessment of curricula. Gaining expertise in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and research are common points of focus in this concentration.

Educational Leadership

Educational leadership focuses on leadership skills and knowledge specific to educational settings. Students learn about topics like strategic planning, organizational management, policy analysis, and educational equity.

Human Resource Development

Human resource development (HRD) prepares students to lead, design, and implement effective training and development programs in organizations. Learning outcomes include advanced knowledge in adult learning theories, organizational development, and strategic HRD.

How to Apply for a Doctorate in Education Program

Most doctorate in education programs require a master’s degree . Beyond that, Ph.D. in education requirements can vary. Some programs may prefer several years of related work experience. Others look for candidates who have leadership skills in an educational setting or teacher certifications. Or, it can be a combination of all the above.

The following are typical general admission requirements for a doctorate in education program:

• Master’s Degree: Most programs require applicants to hold a master’s degree in education or a related field. Applicants typically need a strong foundation in educational theory and research. Most programs also require a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
• Recommendation Letters: Programs often request 1-3 letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your capabilities. Ideally, they should have knowledge of your academic abilities, work experience, leadership potential, and commitment to the field of education.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae: A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) highlights your educational background, work experience, research involvement, publications, and other relevant achievements.
• Purpose Statement: A purpose statement is a written essay about your passion and alignment with the program. Here, you’ll explain your motivations for pursuing a doctorate in education, research interest and career goals.
• Test Scores: Some but not all Ph.D. programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and meet score expectations . Fewer Ed.D. programs require it, but some still do.

How Much Does a Doctoral in Education Degree Cost?

The tuition for a doctorate in education can vary based on several factors. The institution can play a significant role in determining the cost. Prestigious universities often have higher tuition rates compared to less renowned institutions.

Average Annual Tuition and Fees: Online vs. On-Campus Programs

Online Doctorate in Education

On-Campus Doctorate in Education

The program format also impacts tuition. Online programs sometimes have lower tuition due to reduced campus infrastructure costs. Full-time students generally pay higher tuition rates than part-time students due to campus-specific fees and higher course loads..

Other associated costs include textbooks, technology fees, research expenses and potentially housing and travel expenses for in-person programs.

What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in Education?

A doctorate in education provides many career options . One path you can take is entering academia as a professor. You could also pursue leadership roles in K-12 institutions. For example, you could become a principal or superintendent, or a higher education leader. Other careers include educational consulting, policy analysis and research.

With a doctorate in education, you can make a meaningful impact in various settings. Common examples include schools, colleges, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions.

According to April 2024 Payscale data , the average base salary for someone with a doctorate in education is $88,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorates in Education

Ed.d. vs. ph.d. in education: what is the difference.

Students of both an Ed.D. or Ph.D. are prepared with the skills to impact education positively, but from different perspectives. An Ed.D. focuses on practical application in education and prepares students for educational leadership, such as a principal, superintendent, or college president. A Ph.D. is a research-focused degree.

Can you get an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. in education online?

Yes, there are many online programs for an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. in education. Schools like the University of Arizona, Drexel University and Walden University offer online doctorates in education. Each program typically has a main focus. For example, Arizona State University’s online doctor of education is in leadership and innovation.

How many years does it take to get a doctorate in education?

How many years it takes to get a doctorate in education varies by program, required credits, and whether you’re a full-time or part-time student. The average time to complete an Ed.D. is three years. Whether you already have a master’s degree or have completed doctorate coursework can also affect completion time.

Do all doctorate in education programs require a master’s degree?

Many doctorate in education programs require a master’s degree, but some will allow you to earn a master’s degree as part of the Ph.D. curriculum. These programs may make accommodations for students with a bachelor’s who want to jump directly into a doctoral program.

Is getting an online doctorate in education worth it?

An online doctorate in education can be worth it for several reasons. A Ph.D. and Ed.D. are the highest level of education a person can earn in the field. NCES data shows online education doctoral programs are cheaper than in-person programs. Online programs also provide flexibility and convenience.

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Best online doctor of education programs for 2025.

Online Doctor of Education programs have become as rigorous as their on-campus counterparts. For many Education Ed.D. candidates, an online degree might even be the smarter choice. Online programs offer flexibility, affordability, access to innovative technologies, students from a diversity of career backgrounds, and global opportunities.

Showing 1 - 25 of 65 results

Vanderbilt university - online doctor of education in leadership and learning in organizations, from the school, university of southern california - doctor of education (ed.d.) in organizational change and leadership online, arizona state university - doctor of education (ed.d.) in leadership and innovation, baylor university - online doctor of education (ed.d.) in learning and organizational change, the university of north carolina at chapel hill - ed.d. in organizational learning and leadership, st. bonaventure university - doctor of education in educational leadership.

100% online. 24-36 months. St. Bonaventure s online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership will help you develop a solid foundation in applied educational leadership and theory. Ed.D. offers three dissertation options based on areas of interest and career objectives while connecting goals with a focus on real-world educational problems. Graduates will have the education and skills to become confident leaders within the education sector and the knowledge to advocate policy changes.

William Howard Taft University - Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

National university - doctor of education (ed.d.) program, trident university international - online doctor of education degree, new mexico state university - educational leadership doctoral program (eldp), university of arizona - doctorate of education (edd) in educational leadership program, grand canyon university - online ed.d. degree: doctor of education, boise state university - doctor of education in educational technology, northwest nazarene university - doctor of education (ed.d.) degree program, university of northern colorado - ed.d., aspen university - doctor of education (ed.d.) in leadership and learning, abilene christian university - online doctor of education (ed.d.) in organizational leadership program, texas a&m college station - doctor of education in curriculum and instruction program, lamar university - doctor of education in educational leadership, sam houston state university - doctorate of education (ed.d.), university of houston - executive doctor of education (ed.d.) in professional leadership, texas a&m university, commerce - the doctor of education degree in educational administration, university of arkansas – fayetteville - online doctor of education in educational leadership, university of louisiana-monroe - doctor of education, curriculum & instruction program, university of nebraska - lincoln - ed.d..

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Top 20 Fully Funded PhDs in Education

Phd program rankings.

• Fully Funded PhDs in Education
• Doctor of Nursing Education
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• No-GRE Online Ph.D. in Psychology
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• The Most Affordable Online DBA
• Doctorate in Public Policy/Administration
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• ALL Ph.D. Degree Program Rankings

Career Guides

• Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
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• Chemical Engineering (PhD CE)
• Chemistry (D.Chem.)
• Clinical Nutrition (D.C.N.)
• Speech-Language Pathology (CScD)
• Criminology (D.Crim.)
• Economics (DEc)
• Health Science (D.H.S./D.H.Sci)
• Library Science (D.L.S.)
• Molecular Biology (Phd Mol Biol)
• Occupational Safety and Health (D.O.S.H.)
• Physics (Ph.D. Physics)
• ALL PhD Career Guides

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Why earn a Doctorate Degree?
• What are the Ph.D. Admission Requirements?
• How Much Does a Ph.D. Cost?
• How many years will it take for me to achieve my doctorate degree online?
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• Ph.D. vs. Doctorate
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Fully funding one’s Ph.D. means paying nothing out of pocket for one of the most valuable things in the world – a well-trained mind. When studying education, learning about life in its different aspects is a gift that is given to the next generation of children, future teachers, scholars, and researchers.

The 20 schools on this list have gradually become the top education schools in the country with faculty who know what it’s like to succeed…and every Ph.D. program on the list offers full funding.

Methodology

This list of doctoral programs, offering the Top 20 Fully Funded PhDs in Education , gives education professionals needed information on where they can find the best fully funded Ph.D. programs in education to help them expand and enhance their careers as educators and administrators .

The programs are listed in random order. They are not in a ranked order because each program has its own strengths. Consider each program individually to determine which one is right for you.

Each fully funded Ph.D. in education is a quality program. Inclusion in this list is based on the following findings:

• 100% fully funded degree program for high-achieving applicants;
• Coursework is designed to prepare professional educators and education administrators to transition into top positions of education practice and leadership;
• Courses are prepared and delivered by top faculty in a top degree program;
• Appropriately accredited;
• A dissertation will be required.

To delve deeper, please see our Methodology page.

Top Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs

Indiana university – bloomington.

Education Program Standouts: The doctor of education programs at the School of Education at Indiana University – Bloomington are some of the highest-ranking graduate education programs included in both US News and World Report as well as Times Higher Education.

The IU School of Education is dedicated to preparing its graduate students for careers in government, technology, schools, and public institutions. The doctoral degrees in education are geared toward creative, technological, and leadership training.

Campus Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Doctorate of Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Specialization in Art Education
• Specialization in Curriculum Studies
• Specialization in Mathematics Education
• EdD in Educational Leadership
• PhD or EdD in Higher Education
• PhD in History, Philosophy and Policy in Education
• PhD or EdD in Instructional Systems Technology (EdD also offered online)
• PhD in Special Education

Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• GPA (minimum GPA varies from program to program)
• Personal Goal Statement
• Official Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation
• TOEFL scores (International Students)

Full Funding Options: Fellowships that offer full funding in the education doctoral programs at Indiana University Bloomington include the Dean’s Fellowship, Faculty Doctoral Fellowship, Proffitt Fellowship, and Malvina McNeill Fellowship.

Also, five different fellowships are offered to graduate students in the School of Education at IU Bloomington for members of underrepresented populations, three of which offer full funding. Department-specific funding may also be available.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORAL DEGREES IN EDUCATION AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Education Program Standouts: Michigan State University’s College of Education has developed some of the top PhD programs in the country. The education doctoral programs prepare leaders in education to deal with current challenges and address modern educational needs.

According to their website, Michigan State University’s “internationally known faculty members construct rigorous opportunities for advanced study, mentor students and engage in millions of dollars of funded research.”

According to the US News and World Report ranking of education graduation programs, in both elementary and secondary education, the University of Michigan has ranked number one in the country for over consecutive years.

Campus Location: Lansing, Michigan

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

• Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education
• Educational Leadership
• Educational Policy
• Educational Psychology and Education Technology
• Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education
• K-12 Educational Administration
• Kinesiology
• Mathematics Education
• Measurement and Quantitative Methods
• Rehabilitation Counselor Education
• School Psychology
• Special Education
• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Professional Goals
• Writing Sample
• Letters of Reference
• Transcripts

Full Funding Options: While pursuing the educational doctorate at Michigan State University a variety of options are available for full tuition funding.

Graduate assistantships, the MSU Fellowship program which offers five years of funding along with a stipend and research funding for enrolled students are all available for graduate students who pursue the doctorate in education at Michigan State.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORATES IN EDUCATION AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Boston college.

Education Program Standouts: Offering some of the top education doctoral programs in the country, The Lynch School of Education and Human Development is consistent in its inclusion in top programs of education in the U.S. and worldwide.

Named as the #1 Catholic school of education by U.S. News and World Report and offering $15.9 million a year in research funding, the Lynch school is defined by active inner support and looks to offer the best success to the schools and people they serve.

The Lynch School is planning to launch four brand-new interdisciplinary minors into their existing education programs.

Campus Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

• New England Commission of Higher Education
• PhD in Counseling Psychology
• PhD in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology
• PhD in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment
• PhD in Higher Education
• PhD in Educational Leadership
• PhD in Curriculum and Instruction
• Grades (graduate and undergraduate)
• Research experience
• Personal statement
• Resume or CV
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample

Full Funding Options: The Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College offers numerous fellowships for graduate students studying education including the Barry Fellowship and Duvjnak Fellowship which offer tuition remission. Also available at The Lynch School are many graduate assistantships, in fact, 361 assistantship programs are offered for graduate students across campus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION AT BOSTON COLLEGE

Harvard university.

Education Program Standouts: Harvard Graduate School of Education has one of the very top PhD in Education degree programs in the country. Harvard is currently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the number one school of education.

With a long and outstanding reputation for excellence, Harvard also provides options for full funding to doctoral students which makes a Harvard Doctorate accessible.

Campus Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

• Culture, Institutions and Society
• Education Policy and Program Evaluation
• Human Development, Learning and Teaching
• Resume and Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
• Standardized test scores
• Postsecondary transcripts
• Supplemental form for the PhD in Education

Full Funding Options: Through the Graduate School of Education, Harvard University’s Doctor of Education programs can be fully funded through such fellowships as the James Bryant Conan Fellowship.

Those who are accepted into the Doctor of Educational Leadership degree program can expect a full tuition waiver. A number of other fellowships and grants are offered to assist students in obtaining a doctoral degree in education from Harvard.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN EDUCATION FROM HARVARD UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

Education Program Standouts: The University of Virginia has one of the top education programs, according to U.S. News and World Report. Ranked #17 overall in Best Education Schools as well as #4 for Special Education Specialty Ranking, The Curry School of Education and Human Development has made a name for itself in the world of education and educators.

Their missions are two-fold, to prepare students to work in education from kindergarten through college and to conduct scholarship and research that directly addresses the problems of education today.

Campus Location: Charlottesville, VA

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Inquiry Brief Commission of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Doctor of Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Reading Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction
• Doctor of Philosophy in English Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Gifted Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Language Education in Multilingual Contexts
• Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Social Studies Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education
• Statement of purpose
• Possible master’s degree

Full Funding Options: The University of Virginia Curry School of Education and Human Development offers full funding, such as the Dean’s Fellowship, for PhD students.

The Dean’s Fellowship offers four years of full tuition and fees, health insurance and a $32,000 yearly stipend. Full-time doctoral applicants to the University of Virginia are automatically considered for the Dean’s Fellowship.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FULLY FUNDED PHDS IN EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

University of california berkeley.

Education Program Standouts: The Graduate School of Education at the University of California Berkeley has top-ranked quality and offers PhDs in Education that promote research in areas such as Critical Studies of Race, Class, and Gender; Culture, Development and the Learning Sciences and Social Research Methodologies.

The Graduate School of Education at Berkeley grounds itself in theory and practice equally along with an emphasis on making a positive impact on social transformation and personal growth.

Campus Location: Berkeley, California

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

• Doctor of Philosophy in Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Science and Mathematics Education
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Satisfactory scholastic average, usually a 3.0
• Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work

Full Funding Options: The Mentored Research Award and the UC Dissertation-Year Fellowship along with the Doctoral Completion Fellowship grant students in the Educational Doctoral programs full funding along with a stipend to assist them in completing their doctorates.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY

University of pennsylvania.

Education Program Standouts: The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education grants students seeking a top doctor of education degree the opportunity to do so with full funding. With an emphasis on both high-quality research and the building of practical knowledge building. The alumni at the University of Pennsylvania are recognized as some of the “most influential education leaders.”

Campus Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• PhD in Education, Culture and Society
• PhD in Education Policy
• PhD in Educational Linguistics
• PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development
• PhD in Learning Sciences and Technologies
• PhD in Quantitative Methods
• PhD in Reading/Writing/Literacy
• PhD in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education
• Official Test Scores
• Application Fee

Full Funding Options: All PhD students at the University of Pennsylvania are granted a full-time four-year fellowship that includes a stipend and student health insurance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHDS IN EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

University of washington.

Education Program Standouts: The Doctor of Philosophy program is a part of the College of Education at the University of Washington. Offering one of the best doctorates in education programs in the country, the University of Washington College of Education is currently ranked No. 3 in Education Schools at Public Universities.

The programs include continuous research, a comprehensive foundation in academics as well as teaching experience.

Campus Location: Seattle, Washington

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

• Curriculum and Instruction: Excellence in Content Instruction
• Educational Organizations, Leadership, & Policy Studies
• Leadership in Higher Education
• Learning Sciences & Human Development
• Measurement & Statistics
• Multicultural Education
• Social & Cultural Foundations
• Teacher Quality & Teacher Education
• Unofficial transcripts
• Goal statement/statement of purpose
• Resume/Vita

Full Funding Options: The College of Education at the University of Washington offers around 120 teaching, research and staff assistantship positions to graduate students every year. Those who will be primarily considered have a strong background in teaching, research or administration.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Stanford university.

Education Program Standouts: Ranked #3 by US News and World Report, Stanford University offers one of the best PhD in education programs in the country.

The Stanford Graduate School of Education prepares the next generation of education researchers under the guidance of top academic faculty and advisors.

Campus Location: Stanford, California

• Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education
• Cross-Area Specialization – Race, Inequality and Language in Education
• Elementary Education
• Literacy, Language and English Education
• History/Social Science Education
• Science Education
• Teacher Education
• Application fee and form
• 3 letters of recommendation
• College and university transcripts

Full Funding Options: All PhD applicants accepted at Stanford are guaranteed 5 years of full-time financial support. Around 20% of the doctoral students at Stanford University are awarded the Stanford Graduate Fellowship in the first year of their doctoral program.

This fellowship offers 11 academic quarters of funding for graduate students. Students awarded these fellowships are part of faculty research and assist with courses through their apprenticeship requirements. Other grants and fellowships are also offered at Stanford.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN EDUCATION AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY

University of texas – austin.

Education Program Standouts: The University of Texas – Austin College of Education ranks highly among the top doctoral education programs. According to their website, “The College of Education’s signature impact areas align the college’s strengths with essential needs in the fields of education in Texas and beyond.

They represent the major goals of the College of Education and help to determine how we will align the college’s resources to reach our vision.”

Campus Location: Austin, Texas

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

• PhD in Education Leadership and Policy
• PhD in Educational Psychology – Counseling
• PhD in Education Psychology – Human Development, Culture, and Learning Sciences
• Application and Fee
• GRE and GMAT

Full Funding Options: Fellowships are available for graduate students attending the University of Texas – Austin. One of the fellowships available is the Donald D. Harrington Recruitment Fellowship which offers up to 3 years of tuition remission along with a stipend.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

University of california – la.

Education Program Standouts: Named the #1 Graduate School of Education and Information Studies by US News and World Report for 2019, UCLA’s Graduate School has proved its commitment to new practice, groundbreaking research and award-winning faculty in order to offer some of the best doctorates in education available in the country.

Campus Location: Los Angeles, California

• Application and fee
• Diversity Statement
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree (check individual program requirements)

Full Funding Options: Students entering the UCLA doctoral programs may receive full funding for the entirety of their doctoral studies. If they do not, there are a number of fellowships, grants and assistantships that may be applied for.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – LA

University of michigan – ann arbor.

Education Program Standouts: The doctoral programs at The University of Michigan School of Education are designed to produce leaders in advanced education who are able to think rigorously, know the craft of research and make a difference in the future of education. With many concentrations, the PhD in Education is tailored to the unique interests and research of each student.

Campus Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Educational Policy, Leadership and Innovation
• Educational Foundations and Policy
• Learning Technologies
• Literacy, Language and Culture
• Teaching and Teacher Education
• Education and Statistics
• English and Education
• Education and Psychology
• Academic Affairs and Student Development
• Research, Evaluation, and Assessment
• Organizational Behavior and Management
• Public Policy in Postsecondary Education
• Individually Designed Concentration

Full Funding Options: The majority of students in the doctoral programs at the University of Michigan School of Education receive a minimum of four years of full funding. This includes a stipend for living expenses along with health insurance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORATE OF EDUCATION DEGREES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN – ANN ARBOR

University of wisconsin – madison.

Education Program Standouts: Ranked #1 among Public Schools in Education by US News World Report, the School of Education at The University of Wisconsin – Madison offers graduate programs in more than 12 areas which include occupational therapy, fine art and educational policy studies among others.

The School of Education provides some of the best doctorate of education degree programs for those who want to pursue a career in educational research.

Campus Location: Madison, Wisconsin

• 12 credits in professional education courses
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of reasons for graduate study

Full Funding Options: The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers doctoral students assistantships and fellowships, many of which cover the full cost of tuition and include a stipend.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

Columbia university.

Education Program Standouts: Teacher’s College at Columbia University, ranked #7 by US News and World Report of all graduate education schools, was founded “on the proposition that education alone can’t correct our society’s inequalities.”

In spite of being one of the top educational programs in the country, the Teacher’s College focus is on maximizing “the life chances of all people.”

Campus Location: New York City, New York

• Education Leadership
• Economics and Education
• Education Policy
• Politics and Education
• Cognitive Science and Education
• History and Education
• Philosophy and Education
• English Education
• Sociology and Education
• Mathematics and Education
• Online application form
• Two letters of recommendation
• Program-specific supplemental materials

Full Funding Options: Teacher’s College at Columbia University offers scholarships, research assistantships, fellowships, and grants which can cover the full cost of tuition for their PhDs in Education.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAMS AT TEACHER’S COLLEGE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Vanderbilt university.

Education Program Standouts: Peabody College Vanderbilt University offers some of the top PhD programs in the field of education. Dating back to 1785, Peabody has been ranked in the top positions by US News and World Report for the last 10 years and is currently ranked number 6 in Best Education Schools.

The mission of Peabody is to better the human condition and focus on the learning and development of children.

Campus Location: Nashville, Tennessee

• Specialization in K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy
• Specialization in Higher Education Leadership and Policy
• Early Childhood
• High Incidence Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities
• Low-Incidence Disabilities
• Severe and Multiple Disabilities
• Visual and Hearing Impairments
• Development, Learning and Disability
• Language, Literacy and Culture
• Mathematics and Science Education
• Learning and Design
• Educational Neuroscience
• Online application
• Scholarly writing sample

Full Funding Options: All admitted students into a PhD program at Vanderbilt University Peabody College receive funding for up to 5 years of study. This includes tuition, a monthly stipend and health insurance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EDUCATION DOCTORATE AT PEABODY COLLEGE VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

Johns hopkins university.

Education Program Standouts: The Doctorate of Philosophy in Education at Johns Hopkins University is part of a school of education that is only improving in its reputation for success. Jumping up 10 spots this last year in the rankings of US News and World Report for Best Graduate Schools, Johns Hopkins deserves recognition for its advancement.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in education is designed for students who are interested in becoming scholars equipped to address the modern challenges of education and improve pre-K-12 learning outcomes.

Campus Location: Baltimore, Maryland

• Master’s degree from an accredited university
• Official transcripts

Full Funding Options: Full tuition assistance along with a stipend is available to outstanding students who are accepted to the Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree program.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION FROM JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

Arizona state university.

Education Program Standouts: Educational policy and evaluation students work closely with nationally and internationally recognized faculty members on collaborative and independent research projects that result in policy briefs, reports, scholarly articles and engagement in education policy.

The program also provides opportunities for internships in applied settings and varied experiences in scholarly publishing.

Campus Location: Tempe, Arizona

• Educational Policy and Evaluation
• Learning, Literacies and Technologies

Full Funding Options: Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College supports full-time students in the PhD program with funding renewable for four years.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

New york university.

Education Program Standouts: The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development includes 10 departments and over 30 degree programs. The quality of the PhD doctoral students is a source of pride to Steinhardt which they strive to maintain. The doctoral graduates from Steinhardt are continuously known as leaders and innovators in their field.

Campus Location: New York, New York

• Bilingual Education
• Education and Jewish Studies
• Educational Communication and Technology
• Educational Theatre
• Higher and Postsecondary Education
• History of Education
• International Education
• Music Education
• Sociology of Education
• Teaching and Learning

Full Funding Options: Full-time Steinhardt PhD students are eligible for full-time tuition remission along with a stipend to help with living expenses.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREES IN EDUCATION AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY STEINHARDT

Northwestern university.

Education Program Standouts: Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy, perhaps more than the other schools on the list, emphasizes a wide variety of disciplines and brings them into harmony.

Their PhD in Learning Sciences along with the PhD in Computer Science and Learning Sciences studies many channels of inquiry including individuals, groups, and organizations to make discoveries that revolutionize the education world.

Campus Location: Evanston, Illinois

• PhD in Learning Sciences
• PhD in Computer Science and Learning Sciences
• Optional GRE scores

Full Funding Options: All students accepted into the Ph.D. programs at Northwestern University receive full tuition with an academic year stipend for five years contingent on progress.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHDS IN EDUCATION AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

What does it mean to say a degree is “fully funded? “

The very term “fully funded” or “full funding” when said of a doctoral degree program can be misunderstood. It can mean everything related to the degree program is paid for by someone other than the student—most often the university. Put simply, the student does not have out-of-pocket expenses for their degree program.

Better doctoral degree programs mean more than tuition remission and funding of other degree-related costs, such as various fees that arise. Top doctoral degree programs, most often when discussing fully funded degrees or full funding for a doctoral program, will cover not only the cost of tuition and degree-related expenses.

Fully funded degrees, in this second sense, will also provide doctoral students with a stipend, above and beyond strictly degree-related costs, to be used for living expenses while in the doctoral degree program. This is the goal that potential doctoral degree students looking for when applying to doctoral degrees that are “fully funded” or offer “full funding.”

So, be sure to be clear about what is meant when using the language of fully funded and full funding. The specifics of what funding includes and how it is divided up and divvied out can vary. Let’s take a look at some of these questions.

What is funded in a fully funded degree?

In a fully-funded degree that covers only tuition, fees, and degree-related expenses, only the actual cost of the degree is covered. In better doctoral degree programs, tuition and fees are covered. As nice as this is, in addition to tuition, the funding package will include a living expenses stipend, above and beyond tuition cost as well as a health insurance program for doctoral students.

Normally, funding lasts between 3 and 5 years with the goal of the timely and fully funded completion of the doctoral program within the term of the funding package. Universities invest a good deal of money in their doctoral students, so they want their fully-funded students to finish. Moreover, “failed” doctoral students don’t look good to potential future students or potential donors.

Successfully new doctors make the university, department, and faculty look good. Put in the work, and good departments and faculty will do everything they can to help you finish your fully funded doctorate.

Here’s a breakdown of what is commonly covered in top fully funded doctorate:

• Full-time Tuition
• Related Fees
• Stipend for Living Expenses
• Student Health Insurance

What do I have to do for a fully funded degree?

Fully funded doctorates, almost without exception, require the student to be enrolled in a doctoral program as a full-time student in order to maintain their funding. Also, depending upon department standards, students with full funding must keep their grade point average above a certain level to keep their funding.

As we have already discovered, “fully funded” and “full funding” can vary in meaning. For those doctoral programs that cover tuition and fees, as well as provide a stipend and health insurance, how the students receive this funding and the funding schedule can differ.

• Fellowships
• Assistantships: Research or Teaching
• External Funding Sources: Scholarships
• Travel and Research Grants

The “Gold Standard” for full funding will be awarded a Fellowship. Fellowships are normally quite competitive and limited to a small number. They are awarded on a merit basis. Those who have been awarded a fellowship receive full tuition, a stipend (usually more than other fully funded degrees), and health insurance.

Beyond showing up for class and performing well, no other extracurricular demands are made upon the student. This is a great benefit for doctoral students, given the intense demands doctoral studies make.

Instead of being required to fulfill certain funding obligations to maintain their funding package (see below), students with a fellowship can spend more time researching, presenting at conferences, and publishing their work. This can serve as an important head start in relation to their doctoral student peers who are not able to network and publish as much because of funding obligations.

Another way in which doctoral degrees are fully funded is through assistantships. Though not as great as a fellowship, an assistantship is also highly coveted. If you have been awarded an assistantship, as with a fellowship, you are guaranteed that your tuition will be covered, you will have a stipend, and health insurance coverage during your doctoral studies.

The downside of an assistantship in comparison with a fellowship is that you will have to devote twelve to twenty hours on average per week to earning your stipend. Assistantships usually come in the form of research or teaching assistantships.

A research assistantship is often more highly desired because it normally will be less demanding than a teaching assistantship and allows the doctoral student to work directly with a faculty member, helping them in their research and learning the discipline firsthand.

A teaching assistantship will usually require a doctoral student to teach one course per semester during the course of their doctoral studies.

In the absence of or in addition to doctoral fellowships and assistantships, internal and external scholarships may be available to doctoral students. Scholarships are awarded for a host of reasons. Those interested in scholarships should contact schools they are interested in, as well as research the internet for potential sources of funding through scholarships.

Travel and research grants are often offered to doctoral students in order to cover travel expenses incurred in the course of presenting at conferences during the doctoral program and/or additional expenses that research might entail for the doctoral student. The availability of such funding can be found through departmental representatives.

How much money is a fully funded degree worth?

Earlier, we mentioned that universities and faculties want their fully-funded doctoral students to succeed and finish their degrees. One reason was just how much money is invested in a doctoral student. Let’s take a look at what a doctoral degree is worth.

• Average Yearly Doctoral Tuition: $32,800
• Average Yearly (Median) Doctoral Stipend: $2800
• Average Yearly (Median) Health Insurance Costs for College Students: $2,000

Full funding in a doctoral program normally lasts three to five years. Let’s take four as the average and multiply the monetary equivalent of what the fully-funded doctoral student receives over the four years of funding. We arrive at a quite staggering amount of $264,000! On average, a fully funded doctorate is worth a little over a quarter of a million dollars!

Can I find a fully funded online doctoral degree program?

Fully funded online doctorates are a rarity. It might be going too far to say there are absolutely zero fully funded online doctorates, but such would be the great exceptions.

Some of the reasons why fully-funded online doctorates are almost as uncommon as the dodo bird stems from the fact that most fully-funded doctoral students are employees of their universities and departments through teaching and research assistantships.

Another contributing factor for why there are so few online doctorates that offer full funding is that full-time study is an almost invariable requirement for funding. In the world of online doctoral studies, a large proportion of students are not full-time. Perhaps there will be a shift in the world of online doctoral studies towards offering full funding for non-traditional students. Time will tell.

However, as more and more students embark upon their doctoral studies through online doctoral degree programs, the impetus to recruit and reward outstanding applicants through fully funded online doctorates may grow.

Can I work while participating in a fully funded Ph.D. program?

Yes, you can work while participating in a fully funded Ph.D. program. Many universities allow students to hold part-time jobs while completing their Ph.D., as long as it does not interfere with their academic work.

Additionally, some universities may even provide resources to help students find part-time work that is related to their research or field of study. Check with your university to see what resources are available.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Additional Information

• Download the Doctoral Viewbook
• Admissions & Aid

The Harvard Ph.D. in Education trains cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines to generate knowledge and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Ph.D. in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will collaborate with scholars across all Harvard graduate schools on original interdisciplinary research. In the process, you will help forge new fields of inquiry that will impact the way we teach and learn. The program’s required coursework will develop your knowledge of education and your expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative methods needed to conduct high-quality research. Guided by the goal of making a transformative impact on education research, policy, and practice, you will focus on independent research in various domains, including human development, learning and teaching, policy analysis and evaluation, institutions and society, and instructional practice.   

Curriculum Information

The Ph.D. in Education requires five years of full-time study to complete. You will choose your individual coursework and design your original research in close consultation with your HGSE faculty adviser and dissertation committee. The requirements listed below include the three Ph.D. concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching . 

We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category . These lists are subject to modification. 

Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples

Summary of Ph.D. Program

Doctoral Colloquia  In year one and two you are required to attend. The colloquia convenes weekly and features presentations of work-in-progress and completed work by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside Harvard, and Harvard doctoral students. Ph.D. students present once in the colloquia over the course of their career.

Research Apprenticeship The Research Apprenticeship is designed to provide ongoing training and mentoring to develop your research skills throughout the entire program.

Teaching Fellowships The Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to enhance students' teaching skills, promote learning consolidation, and provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pedagogical development.

Comprehensive Exams  The Written Exam (year 2, spring) tests you on both general and concentration-specific knowledge. The Oral Exam (year 3, fall/winter) tests your command of your chosen field of study and your ability to design, develop, and implement an original research project.

Dissertation  Based on your original research, the dissertation process consists of three parts: the Dissertation Proposal, the writing, and an oral defense before the members of your dissertation committee.

Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS) Concentration

In CIS, you will examine the broader cultural, institutional, organizational, and social contexts relevant to education across the lifespan. What is the value and purpose of education? How do cultural, institutional, and social factors shape educational processes and outcomes? How effective are social movements and community action in education reform? How do we measure stratification and institutional inequality? In CIS, your work will be informed by theories and methods from sociology, history, political science, organizational behavior and management, philosophy, and anthropology. You can examine contexts as diverse as classrooms, families, neighborhoods, schools, colleges and universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and more.

Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE) Concentration

In EPPE, you will research the design, implementation, and evaluation of education policy affecting early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary education in the U.S. and internationally. You will evaluate and assess individual programs and policies related to critical issues like access to education, teacher effectiveness, school finance, testing and accountability systems, school choice, financial aid, college enrollment and persistence, and more. Your work will be informed by theories and methods from economics, political science, public policy, and sociology, history, philosophy, and statistics. This concentration shares some themes with CIS, but your work with EPPE will focus on public policy and large-scale reforms.

Human Development, Learning and Teaching (HDLT) Concentration

In HDLT, you will work to advance the role of scientific research in education policy, reform, and practice. New discoveries in the science of learning and development — the integration of biological, cognitive, and social processes; the relationships between technology and learning; or the factors that influence individual variations in learning — are transforming the practice of teaching and learning in both formal and informal settings. Whether studying behavioral, cognitive, or social-emotional development in children or the design of learning technologies to maximize understanding, you will gain a strong background in human development, the science of learning, and sociocultural factors that explain variation in learning and developmental pathways. Your research will be informed by theories and methods from psychology, cognitive science, sociology and linguistics, philosophy, the biological sciences and mathematics, and organizational behavior.

Program Faculty

The most remarkable thing about the Ph.D. in Education is open access to faculty from all Harvard graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Learn about the full Ph.D. Faculty.

Jarvis R. Givens

Jarvis Givens studies the history of American education, African American history, and the relationship between race and power in schools.

Paul L. Harris

Paul Harris is interested in the early development of cognition, emotion, and imagination in children.

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics. 

Luke W. Miratrix

Luke Miratrix is a statistician who explores how to best use modern statistical methods in applied social science contexts.

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor studies the economics of education, with a particular interest in employer-employee interactions between schools and teachers — hiring and firing decisions, job design, training, and performance evaluation.

Paola Uccelli

Paola Ucelli studies socio-cultural and individual differences in the language development of multilingual and monolingual students.

View Ph.D. Faculty

Dissertations.

The following is a complete listing of successful Ph.D. in Education dissertations to-date. Dissertations from November 2014 onward are publicly available in the Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) , the online repository for Harvard scholarship.

• 2022 Graduate Dissertations (265 KB pdf)
• 2021 Graduate Dissertations (177 KB pdf)
• 2020 Graduate Dissertations (121 KB pdf)
• 2019 Graduate Dissertations (68.3 KB pdf)

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ph.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Philosophy in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

‘Economic Connectedness’ and Classroom Interactions

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Can Research Actually Be Practical, Not Just Publishable?

Alum Tara Nicola’s latest research tackles how to better support school counselors in producing school profiles

54 Education programs in USA

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Kansas State University

Curriculum and Instruction Doctorate (Ph.D.)

• Manhattan, USA

Full time, Part time

The Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for advanced students who seek a focus on educational research and scholarship in local, national, or international settings. Through their research specialization, graduates contribute their expertise as faculty in careers in higher education, positions in research organizations, or other settings that require educational research.

American International Theism University

Doctor of Education

• Englewood, USA

Distance Learning, On-Campus

American International Theism University has something for everyone. Now with our Accelerated Degree Programs, you can complete your Master’s or Doctorate Degrees in up to three years. Each course offers six credit hours and lasts for six weeks. Let your hard work and dedication pay off by achieving your degree in half the time. Enrollment is open, and students may begin the program at any time. All courses take place in classrooms, with a faculty member that provides one-to-one mentoring. Students also have free access to our comprehensive Study Tactics and Resources Center, which offers links to subject-related websites, libraries, articles, and research assistance.

University of Texas Arlington

Doctorate In Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

• Arlington, USA

The Ph.D. in educational leadership challenges the conventional wisdom that K-12 and postsecondary education are different worlds by bringing together scholars and students from all levels of education to work and study together with the goal of addressing systemic barriers that prevent so many individuals from achieving their fullest potential.

Atlantic International University

Doctorate in Education

• Honolulu, USA

Distance Learning

English, Portuguese, Spanish

The Doctorate of Education (D.Ed) program objective is to help students develop the individual skills necessary for solving educational problems, whether in teaching, supervision, or administration, while keeping such solutions in balance with institutional, community, or school system needs and expectations. The Doctorate of Education (D.Ed) program is offered online via distance learning.

Doctorate in Educational Administration

The Doctor of Educational Administration is designed to prepare experienced practitioners for senior administrative and policy-making positions, and pursue careers in policy, university or college teaching, and research.

University of West Alabama Online

Ed. D Rural Education, Organizational Change

• Livingston, USA

Earn your advanced degree to best serve students in rural school systems through the University of West Alabama's Doctor of Education in Rural Education. The first fully online degree of its kind, you'll be prepared to identify real solutions to rural education challenges as you work toward your dissertation.

Ed.D Rural Education, Teaching and Learning

Aurora University Online

EdD in Instructional Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring

• Aurora, USA

Take your school leadership skills to the next level now. Earn Aurora University's online EdD Leadership in Educational Administration: Superintendent Endorsement degree in three years. You'll study ISBE-approved coursework in topics such as curriculum and assessment for all levels of education and types of students, as well as law, data analysis, and coaching and mentoring. Complete the program with research coursework, dissertation hours, and internships that give you experience and connectio

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

Ph.D. in Cognitive Science

• Rochester, USA

RIT’s cognitive science Ph.D. provides an interdisciplinary study of the human mind that combines insights from psychology, computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, augmented reality, and philosophy. Students in the Ph.D. in cognitive science conduct research on human perception, cognition, action, and language with a focus on the representation and processing of information within biological and computational frameworks.

Ph.D. in Color Science

Color science research at RIT encompasses such diverse fields as medical data visualization, computer graphics and animation, art conservation, spectral and spatial measurements of materials, color printing, digital photography, motion picture and television, and modeling of our perceptions for use in defining color quality.

Seton Hall University

Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy

• South Orange, USA

The Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy offers a concentration in Education Research, Assessment, and Program Evaluation. This concentration is intended to meet the burgeoning demands for professional staff and leaders in educational organizations focused on data-driven decision-making, program evaluation, assessment and testing, and teacher or faculty pedagogical development.

Southern Methodist University - Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies

PhD in Education

• Dallas, USA

Consider this — our society relies on educators to help us learn and grow, and in turn, change the world for the better. But who do our educators rely on? A logical thought would be the supervisors above them, their mentors, or their fellow educators who work in the field with them day in and day out.

PhD in education

English, Spanish, Portuguese

Your AIU Distance Learning Doctorate of Education program will be a tailor-made program designed just for you by you and your counselor. This flexibility to meet your needs is rarely found in other distance learning programs.

Kent State University

Curriculum and Instruction - Ph.D.

The Ph.D. degree in Curriculum and Instruction prepares scholars for successful careers in college and university settings and produces curriculum leaders for schools and other educational institutions. The program is relevant for qualified students interested in issues related to educational research with a curriculum and instruction focus. Upon completion of the program, students will have gained insight into what it means to transition from doctoral student to disciplined scholar.

Georgia Southern University

Doctor in Curriculum Studies

• Statesboro, USA

The Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies at Georgia Southern University is an interdisciplinary program that encompasses a broad range of considerations from the purely theoretical to the pragmatic questions of design and evaluation.

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PhD Programs in Education

Those who pursue education as a career will undergo courses that are designed to train future educators. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of courses designed for students who wish to supplement any teaching credentials. These courses are offered at various institutions across the globe.

Education in the United States is mainly provided by the public sector, with control and funding coming from three levels: state, local, and federal, in that order. The common requirements to study at a higher education level in United States will include your admissions essay (also known as the statement of purpose or personal statement), transcript of records, recommendation/reference letters, language tests

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.