Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students

Badge for BEST ONLINE DOCTORATE IN EDUCATION

Find top-ranked online doctorate in education degree programs to help students qualify to work as a college professor of education or conduct educational research.

Featured Programs

Key Takeaways

  • The recent shortage of qualified teachers makes education or teaching some of today’s most sought-after skills.
  • A holistic bachelor’s in education degree produces the most skilled teachers that can work in various settings and around students of specific school-age groups.
  • As educators or teachers, graduates of an online bachelor’s in education programs must have a passion for this extremely important work and possess strong problem-solving and communication skills to do their jobs effectively.

Top 10 Online Doctor in Education Programs

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  1. University of Southern California
  2. University of Georgia
  3. University of Arizona
  4. Florida State University
  5. Boston College
  6. University of Alabama
  7. University of Houston
  8. University of Kentucky
  9. Fordham University
  10. North Carolina State University
  1. University of Southern California
  2. University of Arizona
  3. University of Georgia
  4. Florida State University
  5. Fordham University
  6. Boston College
  7. University of Alabama
  8. University of Houston
  9. University of Kentucky
  10. Iowa State University
  1. University of Maine 96%
  2. Old Dominion University 96%
  3. University of Memphis 95%
  4. University of Kentucky 94%
  5. Iowa State University 91%
  6. University of Mississippi 90%
  7. University of Arizona 87%
  8. Duquesne University 84%
  9. University of Arkansas 83%
  10. University of Montana 82%
  1. University of Houston 23 to 1
  2. Florida State University 21 to 1
  3. University of Alabama 20 to 1
  4. Texas Tech University 19 to 1
  5. University of Arkansas 19 to 1
  6. Iowa State University 18 to 1
  7. University of Montana 18 to 1
  8. Old Dominion University 18 to 1
  9. University of Georgia 17 to 1
  10. University of Mississippi 16 to 1
  1. Boston College $61,706
  2. University of Southern California $61,503
  3. Fordham University $56,161
  4. Duquesne University $43,526
  5. Mercer University $38,746
  6. Andrews University $31,782
  7. Hampton University $29,312
  8. University of Maine $11,640
  9. University of Kentucky $11,247
  10. University of Arizona $10,990
  1. University of Southern California $60,446
  2. Boston College $32,616
  3. Andrews University $28,656
  4. Duquesne University $24,534
  5. Fordham University $23,112
  6. Mercer University $15,244
  7. Hampton University $13,099
  8. University of Kentucky $12,311
  9. University of Arizona $12,106
  10. University of Alabama $10,780
  1. Andrews University
  2. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  3. Old Dominion University
  4. Tennessee State University
  5. University of Memphis
  6. Duquesne University
  7. University of Idaho
  8. University of Montana
  9. Mercer University
  10. University of Maine
  1. Tennessee State University
  2. Andrews University
  3. Hampton University
  4. Old Dominion University
  5. Mercer University
  6. University of Idaho
  7. University of Montana
  8. Duquesne University
  9. University of Memphis
  10. Texas Tech University
  1. University of Southern California 13%
  2. Boston College 19%
  3. Florida State University 37%
  4. University of Georgia 40%
  5. North Carolina State University 47%
  6. Fordham University 58%
  7. University of Houston 66%
  8. Texas Tech University 68%
  9. Mercer University 75%
  10. University of Alabama 79%
  1. University of Southern California 9 to 1
  2. Andrews University 10 to 1
  3. Tennessee State University 12 to 1
  4. Fordham University 13 to 1
  5. Duquesne University 13 to 1
  6. Boston College 14 to 1
  7. Mercer University 14 to 1
  8. North Carolina State University 14 to 1
  9. University of Arizona 15 to 1
  10. Hampton University 15 to 1
  1. Florida State University $4,640
  2. University of Montana $5,352
  3. University of Idaho $6,182
  4. North Carolina State University $6,535
  5. Old Dominion University $7,029
  6. Tennessee State University $7,128
  7. University of Arkansas $7,666
  8. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $7,770
  9. Iowa State University $8,324
  10. University of Memphis $8,352
  1. University of Montana $4,932
  2. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $6,138
  3. Texas Tech University $6,956
  4. University of Idaho $7,754
  5. University of Arkansas $7,875
  6. University of Houston $8,713
  7. University of Georgia $8,878
  8. University of Mississippi $8,938
  9. North Carolina State University $9,095
  10. University of Memphis $9,378
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Are You A Good Fit for A Doctorate in Education?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics points to a 5% increase in K-12 principal jobs over the next decade. Jobs for postsecondary or university administrators, like registrars or deans, are expected to rise 7% during the same time period. The increase could be attributed to the growing number of student enrollment in universities and colleges.

Web-based graduate programs follow the same curricula as the on-campus options and lead to the same advancement opportunities for graduates who have earned a master’s degree in a related discipline. Essentially, an online education program at the doctoral level is ideal for adult learners who have external commitments.

Online Doctor of Education: Career Paths

Because online doctoral programs in education, which is one of the most popular PhD routes in the United States, provide students and candidates with a great amount of flexibility and convenience, it makes sense to pursue a degree this way! Education doctorate online programs produce skilled professionals who qualify for today’s most lucrative and important careers in higher education leadership. Upon completion, graduates could pursue a career as:

College President: With a median salary of over $315,000, college presidents hold the highest position in a college or university. These Ph.D. degree holders establish and implement the strategic visions for their school, head fundraising activities, and join student events.

College presidents are also often the voice of a college, communicating to a variety of constituents like lawmakers, donors, government, and the school faculty, to raise the profile of the school both internationally and locally.

College presidents also work with senior administrators and members of the school’s faculty and staff to come up with new ways to support students to improve their learning environment while maintaining the school’s high academic standards.

Chief Learning Officers: Taking home roughly $209,000 every year, chief learning officers serve in top executive roles in a school. These senior-level professionals develop and drive strategies that they know can help their school meet critical business goals.

The CLO focuses on making strategies for learning, training, and development. They also usually manage the institution’s latest technology, like the online learning platform.

Provost: Provosts are the senior-level academic administrators at colleges and universities, typically reporting directly to the school’s president. Provosts work closely with department heads and deans to help identify the school’s priorities and academic goals, as well as how to budge the resources necessary to support these initiatives.

Provosts also manage the daily operations of a school and are often responsible for hiring and retaining a diverse faculty and staff.

School Superintendents: Superintendents hold the top position in a school district. They are responsible for forming and overseeing the district’s staffing, budget, spending, and infrastructure. School superintendents work closely with the school board to create and implement new programs and policies in line with the district’s goals. They also allocate the human and financial resources needed to attain the district’s overarching vision.

Academic Deans: Deans are the senior administrators within a college or university. The dean’s role will vary depending on the school, but often, they set academic goals, manage faculty and staff, implement strategic planning, oversee the department’s budget, support research initiatives, help fundraise, and foster student development.

Professors: College professors, or postsecondary teachers, work at the university or college level, creating course curricula, giving instructions to students in a particular area of study, including a doctoral program, and assessing the student’s progress. In addition to teaching, professors write scholarly papers, conduct research, and attend conferences.

Executive Director of Education: With the online doctoral in education, you can also work as an executive director and become the senior leader of a nonprofit business or organization. Working closely with a board of directors, executive directors of education are responsible for making daily operational decisions.

They also hire and manage staff, engage volunteers, handle external relations, and oversee a school’s budget—including fundraising activities. At times, these directors develop programs, policies, and strategies that will guide the organization’s purpose and mission.

Frequently Asked Questions About Education Degrees

Experienced teachers seeking to enter a career in higher education or administration can complete a doctorate in education (EdD).

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Completing an EdD can take as little as three years, but candidates choosing to attend only part-time can expect a longer timeline.

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The EdD usually requires a dissertation, which is completed in the final year of study and is expected to be a scholarly work that adds to the academic discourse in your chosen concentration. Online EdD programs give students the option to balance their careers and studies by attending virtual classes.

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The EdD is the terminal degree in education and can bring graduates the chance for promotion and salary increases. Upon completion, you’ll also qualify to work as a college professor of education or conduct educational research.

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Ranking The Best Online Doctorate in Education Programs

An online doctorate degree program in education offers every student the opportunity to truly become experts in their field. We indexed some of the country’s best web-based education degrees at the graduate level that are all considered excellent programs.

A standout feature of each school is the superior coursework they offer to impart to every future teacher the modern theories, principles, and techniques of the practice.

Besides technical knowledge and the basics of ethical practice, the coursework also promotes today’s most important skills that a teacher must possess, including patience, a genuine love for teaching, and a deep concern for the welfare of students.

Professors who are notable for their contributions to the field make up the teaching staff in the online doctorate in education online programs of the schools on our list.

Each program has earned the nod of regional accrediting agencies, proving the top-quality teaching degree online programs they offer.

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Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $64,666
    Expenses: $20,338
    Starting Salary: $143,715
    Salary after 4 years: $158,042
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdD in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 43
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1355/31

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $10,268
    Expenses: $16,362
    Starting Salary: $97,289
    Salary after 4 years: $105,769
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdS in Education

    Concentrations

    • Educational Psychology - Gifted & Creative Education
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $14,015
    Expenses: $18,350
    Starting Salary: $92,186
    Salary after 4 years: $100,221
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdD in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/29

    Career Outlook for Education degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,553
    Expenses: $18,124
    Starting Salary: $88,729
    Salary after 4 years: $96,463
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy
    • Required Credits: 69
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Educational Leadership and Policy
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #6

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/27

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,790
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $84,943
    Salary after 4 years: $92,347
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdS in Counselor Education
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Educational Leadership

    Concentrations

    • School Library Media Specialist
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #8

    University of Kentucky

    Lexington , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Kentucky

    Cost of Degree: $13,946
    Expenses: $20,206
    Starting Salary: $88,894
    Salary after 4 years: $96,642
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    PhD in Education Science

    Concentrations

    • Educational Leadership
    • Physical Education
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Educational Leadership Studies

    Concentrations

    • Teacher Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  7. #9

    Fordham University

    Bronx , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for Education degree at Fordham University

    Cost of Degree: $23,950
    Expenses: $25,199
    Starting Salary: $108,433
    Salary after 4 years: $119,243
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdD in Education
    • Required Credits: 50
    • Completion time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for Education degree at North Carolina State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,700
    Expenses: $16,624
    Starting Salary: $97,948
    Salary after 4 years: $106,485
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Doctorate in Education Administration and Supervision
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #11

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $9,066
    Expenses: $18,644
    Starting Salary: $86,754
    Salary after 4 years: $94,315
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdS in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 96
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #12

    Hampton University

    Hampton , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Education degree at Hampton University

    Cost of Degree: $13,134
    Expenses: $16,886
    Starting Salary: $81,082
    Salary after 4 years: $89,166
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdS in Specialist in Education in Counseling
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Educational Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Counselor Education And Supervision
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/24

    Career Outlook for Education degree at Iowa State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,981
    Expenses: $13,339
    Starting Salary: $92,186
    Salary after 4 years: $100,221
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdD in Education

    Concentrations

    • P-12 systems-level leadership (inclusive of recommendation for licensure as a superintendent)
    • Community college leadership
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. #14

    University of Mississippi

    University , MS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/26

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,208
    Expenses: $18,690
    Starting Salary: $93,174
    Salary after 4 years: $101,295
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdS in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 18 month
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Education

    Concentrations

    • Higher Education
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Counselor Education

    Concentrations

    • Play Therapy
    • Required Credits: 25
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  13. #15

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/24

    Career Outlook for Education degree at Texas Tech University

    Cost of Degree: $9,518
    Expenses: $16,170
    Starting Salary: $101,405
    Salary after 4 years: $110,243
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    PhD in Curriculum and Instruction

    Concentrations

    • Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Educational Leadership Policy
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Family and Consumer Science Education
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Agricultural Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Higher Education Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 90
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  14. #16

    University of Maine

    Orono , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Maine

    Cost of Degree: $10,104
    Expenses: $15,320
    Starting Salary: $79,510
    Salary after 4 years: $86,441
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdS in Curriculum, Assessment And Instruction

    Concentrations

    • Elementary And Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #19

    University of Idaho

    Moscow , ID
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/23

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Idaho

    Cost of Degree: $9,968
    Expenses: $14,450
    Starting Salary: $77,370
    Salary after 4 years: $84,114
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdD in Education
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Education
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. #21

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,908
    Expenses: $18,080
    Starting Salary: $71,115
    Salary after 4 years: $77,313
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdD in Higher and Adult Education

    Concentrations

    • Higher Education
    • Adult Education
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for Education degree at Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,732
    Expenses: $15,556
    Starting Salary: $65,518
    Salary after 4 years: $71,229
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdD in Education

    Concentrations

    • Pre-K - 12 Administration
    • Higher Education Leadership
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Career Outlook for Education degree at Old Dominion University

    Cost of Degree: $13,704
    Expenses: $17,780
    Starting Salary: $80,169
    Salary after 4 years: $87,157
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    PhD in Technology Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Educational Leadership With Licensure
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Career And Technical Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/25

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Cost of Degree: $7,781
    Expenses: $17,210
    Starting Salary: $86,754
    Salary after 4 years: $94,315
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdD in Educational Studies

    Concentrations

    • Educational Leadership & Higher Education
    • Required Credits: 96
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. #25

    Andrews University

    Berrien Springs , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/24

    Career Outlook for Education degree at Andrews University

    Cost of Degree: $27,610
    Expenses: $11,674
    Starting Salary: $77,360
    Salary after 4 years: $85,072
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    EdS in Education

    Concentrations

    • Curriculum And Instruction
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Higher Education Administration
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Higher Education Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 5 years
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Education

    Concentrations

    • Curriculum And Instruction
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: 6 years
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Education

    Concentrations

    • Curriculum And Instruction
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: 6 years
    • Format: Online
    PhD in Higher Education Administration
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: 5 years
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    EdD/PhD in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 90
    • Completion time: 5 years
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Education Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Educational Leadership And Administration

Degree Level: Doctorate

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,126
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,466
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $84,256
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $91,600
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 7 years
  • Job Growth: 1.60%
  • Number of Jobs: 651,000
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Training and Development Managers6.54%$111,455
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary1.10%$96,328
Education Administrators, Postsecondary3.53%$94,550
Education Administrators, All Other2.78%$86,555
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare-2.94%$49,873

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$57,617$89,633$143,355

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New York5% higher than average$118,999
#3 Georgia13% higher than average$95,747
#4 Virginia5% higher than average$99,731
#5 Tennessee14% higher than average$89,691
#6 Delaware2% higher than average$105,079

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Training and Development Managers$111,455
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$96,328
Education Administrators, Postsecondary$94,550
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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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