6 Cheapest Online Ed.D. Programs for 2025

For students trying to earn an online Doctor of Education degree, many factors can help them decide which program is the right one based on their needs.

One of the biggest considerations for most students when evaluating online education is cost.

The affordability of online Doctor of Education Programs will vary based on a few key reasons, including:

• Full-time or part-time learning
• In-state vs Out of State Tuition
• Financial Aid options

Although these aren't the only factors that reduce costs of online Ed.D programs, they are some of the biggest ones. Below is a list of the six cheapest online Ed.D. degrees available.

1. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is a leader in online education degrees.

GCU offers online doctoral programs in education with multiple concentrations ranging from K-12 education to adult learning, with other specializations like Special Education and Christian Ministry available.

For learners planning for careers in education leadership roles, these online degree programs provide the skills necessary to begin work while also keeping costs down.

In addition to lower tuition costs, Grand Canyon University offers scholarships and financial aid options to help make their postsecondary degrees more affordable. One major cost-saving benefit that GCU offers is reduced tuition if you earn your bachelor's or master's degree through the college before working towards your doctoral degree.

2. Liberty University

The degree offered through Liberty University, based in Virginia is another affordable option for students.

LU offers concentrations including:

• Ed.D. in educational leadership
• Ed.D. in organizational leadership
• Ed.D. in instructional design and instructional technology

The program culminates in a capstone project to make graduates effective educators, through a combination of research and educational technology.

3. Valdosta State University

One of the Ed.D. options for online students that consistently tops rankings for cheap degrees is offered through Valdosta State University, based in Georgia.

Online learning options for Ed.D. students include leadership, curriculum, and instruction.

Online students at VSU are exempt from many of the student fees that on-campus students pay, which helps to keep costs lower.

VSU has some of the lowest tuition rates, but the program won't be right for everyone. The school only allows 9 transfer credit hours and a minimum 3.5 GPA for transfer enrollment.

4. California Coast University

Not only does California Coast University have low tuition rates, there are multiple other benefits that can make it a more affordable school for education professionals. If you pursue your degree online, there is a 10% discount compared to on-campus learning.

CCU offers payment plans with no interest, which reduces initial and long-term costs compared to other schools.

Another big advantage of a school like CCU is the asynchronous learning options. The school's education coursework is entirely self-led, meaning no scheduled class times or semesters.

5. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University offers reasonably priced Doctor of Education degrees. These includes an educational leadership program that has seminars taught fully online by former educators, including superintendents, principals, and other higher education leadership.

This degree program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions in all levels of education from K-12 to higher education administration.

Arkansas State University's degree program has the same tuition rates regardless of state of residency. This helps keep the education affordable for students.

6. University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia strives to prepare graduates for education administration. Although, UWG offers this program on-campus, the degree is offered fully online.

The University of West Georgia program includes a focus on educational policy and finance to help graduates gain the skills needed to rise to higher levels of education.

If you pursue the online Ed.D. from UWG, you will have lower tuition than on-campus learning because of reduced fees and no differentiation between in-state or out-of-state students.

What Is the Average Cost of an Ed.D.?

For an online Ed.D., students can expect to pay an average tuition of around $6,900 for non-profit public schools, which is about five times cheaper than on-campus Ed.D.s.

Costs are reduced for online programs due to a few factors, such as waived fees associated with campus costs. Fully online colleges also have fewer costs compared to on-campus colleges that offer online courses.

It's important to confirm that any online program to which you're applying is fully accredited. Non-accredited schools might be cheaper, but these degrees won't carry the same long-term value.

How To Make Your Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree More Affordable

The best way to make you Ed.D. more affordable is through financial aid. Some schools offer scholarships and tuition discounts, which can further reduce tuition costs.

Begin by filling out FAFSA documents and you'll be able learn more about what financial aid options are available to you.

FAQs about Earning an Affordable Ed.D. Degree

Can I Get an Ed.D. without a Master's Degree?

There are Ed.D. programs available for people without master's degrees. However, the schools that offer degrees may have alternate requirements, such as:

• qualifying GRE or GMAT scores
• proven work experience
• transferrable graduate level credits

Because most Ed.D. programs are designed for students that have at least a master's level postsecondary degree, programs that only require a bachelor's degree usually take longer to complete.

Is an Ed.D. Worth the Money?

For people pursuing careers as educational leaders, an Ed.D. is often worth the money. Having a higher degree provides opportunities in school administration, which can increase pay.

An Ed.D. degree offers career opportunities to advance in the educational field.

What Is an Online Ed.D. Program Like?

Online Ed.D. programs will vary from school to school, so it's important to talk to academic advisors before enrollment.

Most programs will be focused on the new role of technology in education and evolution in learning methodology. Ed.D. programs usually rely on research, practical studies, and writing to prepare students for their careers.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for an Online Ed.D. Program?

Much like the actual makeup of the program, admission requirements will vary from school to school. However, most schools do have very similar requirements.

Some of the most common admissions requirements include:

• master's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, although some programs only require a bachelor's degree
• professional experience as an educator (many schools require three years or more)
• additional requirements can include letters of recommendation, a resume, and even interviews with an admissions worker.

These are common requirements, but aren't universal. Before enrollment, talk to an academic advisor to find out what requirements your desired program has.

Find the Right Online Ed.D. Program For You

If you're looking to find more information on Ed.D. programs, both online and on-campus, start with Learn.org's database of articles and resources.

Once you find more information about the enrollment requirements for universities across North America, you can start reaching out to schools to begin work on your Ed.D. today.