10 Most Affordable Online EdD Programs in 2025

Several of the cheapest online colleges offer online doctoral programs in education, enabling students to earn an education doctorate without needing to attend on-campus classes. Doctor of Education (EdD) programs provide learners with knowledge of educational technology and theories, program development, data analysis, and leadership skills.

Some online programs have once-per-semester (or year) face-to-face sessions, while others are completely online. Students seeking fully funded online EdD programs are not required to have teaching experience, as EdD programs are available with varying entry requirements.

Most EdD programs are designed to prepare students for leadership positions in education, but graduates can apply their developed skills in a variety of in-demand professions. EdD salary can vary by profession, but many graduates can advance as educational leaders or in related professions. Continue reading to explore the cheapest online EdD programs.

What Is an Online Doctor of Education Degree?

A Doctor of Education degree is a doctoral degree that integrates research and practice relating to education and educational leadership. An EdD differs from a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in that it is more real-world and practice-oriented, while a PhD is focused on research methods and contributions. In other words, an EdD is better suited for those who will apply what they learn in educational practice, while a PhD is better suited for those who plan to pursue academia and research. While PhD programs typically involve dissertations, there are many online EdD programs with no dissertation. Both programs are the highest degree options for graduate programs.

An EdD program dives into theories and research in the field of education, and usually aims to improve skills and knowledge for leadership roles in education. An EdD program can take two to five years to complete, depending on prior coursework and enrollment. A part-time student will take longer to complete the same online doctoral program as a full-time student, and someone with a graduate or master's degree will generally need to complete fewer courses than someone with a community college or bachelor's degree. Online learning is typically more flexible in its delivery, as online doctoral programs are designed for working professionals who have busier schedules.

How Much Does an Online EdD Cost?

The cost of an online EdD varies by school and student, but the primary costs involved are tuition and fees. Depending on the program, students may need to complete between 45 and 65 credit hours to earn the doctorate in education. If the tuition rate is $650 per credit, then the total program tuition cost would be between $30,000 and $42,000.

Students will typically have other fees associated with their program and school, on top of the cost of tuition. Any potential credits earned for transfer courses or assessments (for prior experience) will decrease the total number of courses needed for a program, and bring down the total costs of tuition (as well as time to completion).

Financial Aid for EdD Online Students

Many affordable online colleges that accept financial aid offer online EdD programs. The first thing that aspiring students should do is fill out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once the FAFSA is submitted to the school(s) that students are considering, the financial aid office will explain what institutional and federal aid they qualify for.

Federal aid may be awarded in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. Before taking on any student loans, students should proactively seek out financial resources that don't require repayment (scholarships, grants, fellowships, etc.).

Students can also apply for countless scholarships that are offered by colleges and universities or private organizations. These are typically awarded based on various criteria, including merit and GPA, field of study, demographics, and other terms.

One great resource is the U.S. Department of Labor's Career OneStop, which has a scholarship finder that enables learners to search through thousands of different financial awards. Students should check their state education agency websites to find out if there are any state grants or other awards that they might be eligible for.

Read More: Online Colleges With Monthly Payment Plans

Cheapest Online EdD Programs

There are many schools across the United States that offer online Doctor of Education degree programs, but the costs of these programs vary. Our team has reviewed online EdD programs across the nation to find the most affordable options available. The 10 cheapest online EdD degree programs are discussed below.

1. University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands has an online Doctor of Educational Leadership program that consists of 60 credit hours. Courses are mostly asynchronous and are delivered through eight-week class terms. Students select a program concentration from a variety of subfields and learn about topics like higher education leadership, special education, and educational program development.

• Average in-state tuition: $415 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $415 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can apply for a variety of scholarships that are offered by University of the Cumberlands and private donors and groups.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida (UWF) has an online Doctor of Education program with two specialization options: curriculum and instruction, and instructional and performance technology. The program consists of 45 to 54 credit hours, depending on chosen specialization, and can include coursework in advanced instructional design, leadership in performance, and social theories of education.

• Average in-state tuition: $425 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $425 per credit
• Financial aid: UWF offers several different in-house scholarships as well as federal work-study programs and tuition payment plans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas offers three online Doctor of Education programs:

• EdD in adult and lifelong learning
• EdD in human resource development
• EdD in educational leadership

The human resource development program is entirely online, while the other two programs involve two to six on-campus sessions per academic year. The EdD programs contain between 42 and 60 credit hours, and can be completed in 2.5 to four years of study.

• Average in-state tuition: $446 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $446 per credit
• Financial aid: Students may be eligible for institutional scholarships and programs, and can utilize external sources of aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an online Doctor of Education program with five specialization track options:

• diversity and equity in education
• global studies in education
• human resource development
• international education administration and leadership
• learning design and leadership

Students take coursework relating to their concentration and can apply for various private scholarships through the financial aid office, and children of service members may qualify for a tuition waiver.

• Average in-state tuition: $520 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $520 per credit
• Financial aid: The financial aid office offers tuition waivers for children of service members, as well as an application for private scholarships.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi has an online EdD in Higher Education that can be completed entirely online in three years. The 48-credit program has an affordable tuition rate of $534 per credit and dives into subjects like statistics in higher education, evaluation method planning, and cultural impacts on educational outcomes.

• Average in-state tuition: $534 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $534 per credit
• Financial aid: The school offers multiple scholarships to online learners, including several that are specifically offered to non-residents (of Mississippi).
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. The University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma's EdD in education administration consists of 54 credit hours and can be completed in three years. Students can select a concentration of higher education leadership or PK-12 educational leadership, and are able to network and collaborate with peers during monthly virtual sessions and an optional on-campus experience (in year three).

• Average in-state tuition: $550 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $550 per credit
• Financial aid: Students are able to search and apply for a variety of financial aid awards through the college's online search tool, called 'CASH.'
• Accreditation: HLC

7. University of Tennessee - Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga offers an online cohort-model Doctor of Education in leadership and instructional practice, as well as a hybrid Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership and decision-making. The EdD program consists of 66 credit hours and includes coursework in human learning theories, research design, and evaluation and assessment.

• Average in-state tuition: $507 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $554 per credit
• Financial aid: UTC offers several different financial aid awards, including a few scholarships that are specifically for graduate students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri, also called 'Mizzou,' offers two online three-year Doctor of Education programs:

• EdD in educational leadership (54 credits)
• EdD in learning, teaching, and curriculum (48 credits)

Students learn about issues in today's educational leadership, as well educational research and strategies, leadership theories, policy development methods, and cultural impacts.

• Average in-state tuition: $590 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $590 per credit
• Financial aid: Mizzou offers multiple financial resources, including scholarship, grants and work-study opportunities.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Liberty University

Liberty University is a non-profit institution that has a fully online program for a Doctor of Education, as well as several PhD in education programs. EdD students can select from a variety of concentration options, including educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, special education, and higher education administration. Courses are delivered through eight-week terms, and students can progress at the enrollment level that fits their needs (full-time or part-time). The programs offer multiple start dates throughout the year.

• Average in-state tuition: $595 to $650 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $595 to $650 per credit
• Financial aid: Liberty University offers several different scholarships, including multiple awards that are specifically for online students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. South College

South College offers a self-paced online Doctor of Education, with concentration options in organizational leadership, adult learning, instructional design, and more. Students have access to individual mentors and can earn credits for the areas which they have prior understanding. The online doctoral program can be completed in 1.5 to three years, depending on how many courses students want to take each term.

• Average in-state tuition: $611 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $611 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can apply for multiple scholarships and grants through the financial aid office, including grants designed for teachers and education professionals.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team reviews many online programs in order to find the highest quality and affordable options. Costs, flexibility, quality, and other factors are all considered in the creation of a top programs list. It is our goal to bring you the most important information about the programs that best serve your needs and interests. Several of the key criteria that we consider are discussed below.

• Accreditation: All of the schools that are featured in our list have been awarded institutional accreditation, which means that they meet various standards for educational quality and outcomes.
• Affordability: Online doctoral programs can cost more than $2,000 per credit hour, but those listed here are some of the most affordable online EdD programs in the country.
• Program reputation and quality: Featured programs provide online students with the same expert faculty, academic excellence, and supportive student resources as those who study on campus.

Explore Online Doctoral Degrees

The online EdD programs listed here are the cheapest, high-quality online options available. Explore our resources to find programs and contact the schools with options that fit your needs.