8 Best Online EdD Programs That Accept Transfer Credits 2026

If you are an experienced educator looking to advance your career, you may be interested in pursuing your Doctor of Education (EdD) degree. Online doctoral programs offer affordable, flexible pathways for working professionals to earn an advanced degree.

In this article, we explore various EdD programs offered by accredited institutions, including online EdD programs that accept transfer credits. Continue reading to learn how you can broaden your career options in this important and exciting field.

What Is an Online Doctor of Education Program?

A Doctor of Education program is a doctoral degree that prepares professional educators to become leaders in schools, nonprofits, and other organizations. EdD programs emphasize leadership skills, curriculum development, and applying evidence-based research to solve real-world challenges.

There are numerous online EdD programs that accept transfer credits. Online EdD programs offer similar curricula and project opportunities as their on-campus counterparts, though they add more flexibility as students complete coursework remotely. Some online programs are self-paced with asynchronous classes, while others provide live, online lectures at scheduled times.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer to an Online EdD Program?

The number of credits you can transfer to an online EdD program depends on your chosen school and your previous education and experience. Some programs accept a smaller number of transfer credits (e.g., 12 credits), while other programs allow you to transfer up to half of your degree total (e.g., 30 credits).

Schools require that transfer credits be earned at regionally accredited institutions, and many include a minimum grade point average (GPA). It's best to check directly with your prospective program to confirm your credits are eligible for transfer.

Best Online EdD Programs That Take Transfer Credits

The following list represents some of the best online Doctor of Education programs that accept transfer credits. All of the colleges and universities listed here accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

1. University of West Georgia

Located in Carrollton, GA, the University of West Georgia (UWG) is a mid-sized public school with an online EdD program. Online courses include advanced principles of school improvement, quantitative research methods, and leadership for change.

UWG's doctoral program has two tracks: a 33-credit track for students who already hold their Education Specialist (EdS) degree, and a 60-credit track for students who do not have their EdS. Eligible graduate students can reduce tuition costs through transfer credits and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

• Estimated tuition cost: $372 per credit hour
• Financial aid: UWG encourages students to apply for FAFSA determine their eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU) is a large public school that offers an online EdD through its Shreveport campus. The EdD program is 63 credit hours and is conducted entirely online. Graduate students can choose from three concentration options: leadership studies, health communication and leadership, and disaster preparedness and emergency management.

LSU students may transfer eligible graduate-level credits and receive credit for prior education and professional development courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $415 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial aid is available via scholarships, grants, loans, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery has an online EdD program with three degree specializations: early childhood, instructional leadership, and instructional technology. All coursework is conducted online.

The EdD program consists of 61 credit hours. Students may apply up to 12 transfer credits to their degree. Graduate students who have already earned their EdS at Auburn University may apply up to 30 credit hours to their EdD program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $483 per credit hour (in-state); $531 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, work-study programs, and military benefits are financial aid opportunities.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Liberty University

Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University (LU) is a large private school that features an extensive online learning platform in addition to its on-campus programs. LU's online Doctor of Education program has six specialization options:

• educational leadership
• curriculum and instruction
• higher education administration
• special education
• instructional design and technology
• administration and supervision

The EdD program is delivered entirely online through eight-week-long courses. Students may transfer up to 50% of eligible credits to their degree program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial support is offered through grants, scholarships, and loans; military members receive a reduced tuition rate.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Franklin University

Franklin University is a mid-sized private school located in Columbus, OH. Franklin University offers an online EdD program that can be completed in three years. EdD students may choose from five degree concentrations:

• PK-12 educational leadership
• leadership dynamics and organizational behavior
• higher education leadership
• curriculum and instruction
• educational technology

Franklin University boasts a generous credit-transfer policy. EdD students may transfer up to 33 eligible credits toward their degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $748 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students may receive scholarships, grants, and loans to help offset education costs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. South College

South College offers a self-paced online EdD program designed for working professionals. EdD students develop advanced skills and knowledge in leadership, change management, and strategy development and implementation. Students may choose from six degree concentrations:

• higher education leadership
• teaching and learning
• organizational leadership
• adult learning and development
• educational leadership
• instructional design and technology

South College accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. Depending on your educational and professional background, you can earn your EdD in 18 to 30 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,000 per semester
• Financial aid: South College provides scholarships, loans, and grants to eligible graduate students. EdD students are encouraged to apply for South College's Teacher Education Grant.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of New England

Located in Biddeford, ME, the University of New England (UNE) is a mid-sized private school with an online EdD program. Graduate students may apply eligible transfer credits toward their EdD, as well as credit for military and professional experience.

UNE's online EdD program is 51 credit hours and is conducted entirely online. The curriculum includes courses such as qualitative research design, policy analysis, and organizational dynamics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $860 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students should apply for FAFSA to determine their eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

8. National University

National University (NU) has a 48-credit online EdD program. The program is 100% online. Students may choose from 13 different degree specializations, such as special education and social-emotional learning.

Eligible students who already hold their master's degree may transfer up to 12 credits toward their doctoral degree. Student who have already earned their EdS at NU may apply up to 30 credit hours toward their doctorate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $947 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial aid is available via scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

How We Rank Schools

We use the following criteria when deciding which schools to feature, including tuition rates and accreditation status.

• Accreditation: All featured schools are regionally accredited institutions; this ensures each program meets quality education standards.
• Transfer credit policy: All programs must be online Doctor of Education programs that accept transfer credits.
• Affordability: We feature the most affordable programs at the top of our list.

FAQs About Online EdD Programs and Transfer Credits

Below, we answer frequently asked questions about online EdD programs, from degree costs to dissertation requirements.

What Is the Shortest Online EdD Program?

The length of EdD programs varies according to different schools and an individual's particular educational and professional background. Generally speaking, the shortest EdD programs are those that accept credits from EdS programs � up to 30 eligible credit hours, which can essentially cut the doctorate program timeline in half. The shortest EdD programs can be completed in about 18 months.

Can You Get an EdD Without a Dissertation?

Yes, you can get an EdD without a dissertation. Some EdD program curricula feature a capstone project instead of a dissertation. A capstone project highlights a doctoral student's capacity to apply advanced research to real-world problems.

How Much Does an Online EdD Cost?

The cost of an online EdD can range from roughly $20,000 to more than $70,000 in total tuition. Factors that affect cost include type of school (i.e., public versus private), residency status, program length, and financial aid opportunities. Applying transfer credits to your EdD will help offset education expenses.

Can I Transfer Credits From a Master's Degree Into an EdD?

Yes, you can transfer certain credits from master's degree programs toward your EdD. Typically, you must have earned your credits with a certain GPA and from an accredited institution. Credit-transfer policies vary, so it's best to confirm directly with your chosen program.

Is Choosing a Transfer-Friendly EdD Program Worth It?

Choosing a transfer-friendly EdD program is an excellent way to advance your career and to help save on education costs. EdD graduates typically enjoy higher salaries, leadership roles, and more flexibility in the job market.

However, pursuing your doctorate is a significant investment in time and money. You must carefully consider your personal commitments alongside your professional goals.

Explore Online Education Doctorate Degrees

If you would like to learn more about online degree options, we invite you to reach out to Learn.org's partner institutions. Request info and discover which school can best help advance your career in education.