2025 Best Online Doctorates in Education
Our ranking of the best online doctorate in education programs features accredited institutions with the highest number of online doctoral graduates. This shows the widest appeal among education professionals seeking advanced leadership credentials.
Key Takeaways:
- Nova Southeastern University ranks #1 with 245 graduates from its Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Teaching.
- Johns Hopkins University leads in graduation (95%), retention (98%) rates.
- Liberty University serves over 48,000 online students.
For more details, visit our methodology page. We also interviewed education leader, Dr. Katina Fuller-Scott, who emphasized the importance of aligning your degree with your purpose, building community even in online spaces, and using doctoral study as a launchpad for real change.
2025 Best Online Doctorates in Education
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Southeastern University | 245 | 4 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $21,958 | $86,029 | 89% | |
| Northeastern University | 244 | $17,816 | $105,916 | 92% | |
| Liberty University | 127 | $8,032 | N/A | 75% | |
| Johns Hopkins University | 90 | $28,350 | N/A | 93% | |
| Regent University Online | 66 | $12,200 | N/A | 83% | |
| University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign | 51 | 4 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $8,560 | $92,925 | 96% | |
| Arizona State University, Online | 49 | $18,150 | $93,596 | 93% | |
| Saint Thomas University | 42 | $16,040 | N/A | 72% | |
| University of Southern Mississippi | 40 | $10,010 | $80,970 | 86% | |
| Old Dominion University | 36 | $9,630 | $85,877 | 89% | |
| St. John's University | 33 | $34,246 | N/A | 90% | |
| University of Mississippi | 30 | $8,544 | N/A | 89% | |
| University of Colorado Denver | 29 | $10,026 | N/A | 91% | |
| Columbus State University | 27 | $13,513 | N/A | 83% | |
| University of Louisiana - Monroe | 26 | $15,000 | N/A | 93% |
2025 Best Online Doctorates in Education - Program Details
- Graduates: 245
- Annual Tuition: 4 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $21,958
- Median Salary: $78,376
- Recommendation: 89%
Why we like them: NSU secures its #1 ranking in popularity by graduating the most with this doctorate, with a total of 245 recent graduates. This high output of doctorates shows us that students are successful here. Perhaps it's the program's the mandatory Summer Institute, an immersive event that brings together faculty and students for skill-building, networking, and capstone support.
- Graduates: 244
- Annual Tuition: $17,816
- Median Salary: $104,623
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: NEU's doctoral in education program has a "dissertation in practice" that's launched at the start of your studies. This innovation was recognized nationally when the program was named the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate "Program of the Year."
- Graduates: 127
- Annual Tuition: $8,032
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 75%
Why we like them: LU's EdD in Curriculum & Instruction entails 8-week courses designed for working professionals. It integrates the capstone project into regular coursework, enabling you to demonstrate advanced research and complete program requirements more quickly than standard dissertation formats usually allow.
- Graduates: 90
- Annual Tuition: $28,350
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: JHU’s EdD program has unique concentrations, such as Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education, Learning Design and Technology, Neurodiversity and Neuroeducation, and Urban Leadership. The integration of courses like AI in Education and Gaming and Simulations for Learning also shows a commitment to technological innovation that we like to see.
- Graduates: 66
- Annual Tuition: $12,200
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 83%
Why we like them: The online Ed.D. at RUO is delivered from a Christian worldview and incorporates faith-based leadership into advanced educational practice. Unique specializations include Christian School Administration & Leadership, Exceptional Education Executive Leadership, and Educational Technology & Online Learning.
Online Education Doctorates That Deliver: What the Data Tells Us
Choosing an EdD or PhD in education is a serious investment in your time, energy, and personal growth. So how do you know which online doctoral programs are truly worth it?
We analyzed the 15 best online doctoral programs in education and ordered them by the number of graduates completing their program. These online schools are actually guiding students to the finish line.
That detail matters. Across higher education, doctoral attrition is notoriously high, with many students stalling out in the dissertation stage. But the programs on this list are bucking that trend. They offer hard evidence of something increasingly rare in doctoral education: follow-through.
Popularity in Online Doctoral Education and Why It Matters
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) leads with 245 recent graduates, more than double the next-most popular program. What this tells us:
This online Ed.D. is attracting experienced educators who feel confident enough to commit.
It’s keeping them engaged all the way through a dissertation or capstone.
It has built the infrastructure (academic, technical, and advising) to support busy professionals.
Theonie Beasley, a graduate from NSU had this to say about his doctoral experience:
"I am currently working on a doctorate at Nova and the experience has been phenomenal. The professors go over and beyond to assist you if you need help. The assignments are relevant and can be used currently within the educational field. The advisors assist you with course selection and follow up to make sure you’re succeeding."
In fact, across the top 10, the average online retention rate is a staggering 86%, placing many of these schools in the top on a national scale. For a process that typically takes 3-5 years and includes major personal and professional hurdles, that should be very reassuring.
Outcomes Are Everything at the Doctoral Level
Doctoral program prestige has long been linked to admissions selectivity and research clout. But when you’re mid-career and looking to lead, outcomes matter to you the most, and that's exactly why we focused on who finishes and not just who gets in.
- Johns Hopkins University posts a 95% graduation rate — among the highest in the country — alongside a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. If you want highly individualized mentorship with top-tier research opportunities, this pairing is powerful.
- Northeastern University boasts a 90% graduation rate. And keep in mind, they serve over 3,000 online students.
- The University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign (UIUC) blends elite research credentials with standout support. Its 85% grad rate and 94% retention show the programs here are effective for those on the ground floor.
When choosing a program, ask yourself not just "Can I get in?" but "Will I get out—and grow in the process?"
Endorsements You Can Trust: What Our Student Surveys Show
Beyond graduation numbers, we also looked at how satisfied students are. Our recommendation rates come from over 75,000 verified student surveys, capturing everything from online support to faculty responsiveness to dissertation advising. Schools like UIUC (97%) show that students leave feeling satisfied with the journey.
These recommendation rates can be especially valuable in doctoral education, where students are looking for mentorship, flexibility, and a community that understands the challenges of balancing scholarship with real-world adult responsibilities. A strong endorsement from someone who’s been through that process is worth its weight in dissertation drafts.
And many students do speak from experience. One doctoral student, A. Williams, we surveyed from Liberty University shared:
"I am trying to achieve an Ed.D at Liberty. I find the coursework challenging as I am working and recently moved... The instructors are understanding regarding your situation and will give encouraging words... I referred a friend of mine who will be starting shortly."
At Regent University, a graduate of its advanced specialist program echoed the importance of faith-integrated support:
"Excellent online program... The professors gave excellent input into my learning. The online courses are well designed... Advising was excellent and Spirit led. Christian ideals are interwoven into classes."
And at University of Louisiana - Monroe, Jacqueline Morgan of class 202, an Ed.D. graduate, affirmed the full journey from certificate to doctorate:
"I received my teaching certification, my master’s degree and now my PhD from here... Excellent instructors, friendly staff and the most beautiful campus anywhere. I feel prepared to conquer the world, thanks to ULM."
These testimonials are real markers of how well these institutions deliver on the promise of a supportive, meaningful doctoral experience.
Expert Voices on Earning a Doctorate in Education Online
What does it really take to pursue an online EdD or PhD — and is it worth it? We asked a seasoned education leader, coach, and scholar-practitioner to reflect on the purpose, impact, and challenges of earning a doctorate in education online. They provide advice on choosing the right degree, finding mentorship, and leading from a place of purpose. Whether you're aiming to drive policy, transform schools, or shift systems, their perspectives can help you chart a more intentional path forward.
"Lead From Your Why": How Online Doctoral Study Can Fuel Transformational Leadership
Leadership Development Expert
"Education is a fast-paced, hands-on profession for educators and administrators. There was a time when educators could take paid sabbaticals to pursue advanced degrees. However, for many, that is no longer an option.
An online doctorate in education offers experienced educators and administrators the opportunity to integrate their real-world experience with advanced scholarship without stepping away from the very environments they’re trying to impact.
It’s a powerful pathway for reflective practitioners who are ready to deepen their understanding of leadership, learning, and systems change. For many of us who are already making a difference, the doctorate becomes a tool for greater clarity, connection, and confidence in the work we already do. It also scales that difference through policy, programming, or community transformation. And with the flexibility of online learning, it becomes accessible in a way that honors the complex lives educators and administrators are balancing.
I believe the real choice [between a PhD and an EdD] comes down to intentional alignment between your purpose and how you plan to leverage the degree.
A PhD is often the right fit for those looking to focus on theory-building, academic research, and teaching at the collegiate level. If your goal is to contribute to the academic body of knowledge and shape future researchers or policy at a national scale, the PhD may be your lane.
The EdD, on the other hand, is typically designed for scholar-practitioners who want to apply research to solve real problems in real-time, especially within schools, districts, or educational systems. If your goal is to influence practice and lead change in the field, the EdD may offer a more direct bridge.
I chose a PhD because I wanted to integrate scholarship and strategy, but I am a practitioner at heart. So I integrate both scholarship, learning, and strategy in my work.
The landscape is shifting. Graduates of online EdD and PhD programs are moving into roles such as district administrators, chief academic officers, policy analysts, education consultants, faculty, nonprofit directors, and even founders of their own educational consulting firms.
What’s exciting is the blending of roles across sectors. We see educators and administrators stepping into entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, DEI strategy, and government advisory roles. Skills are transferable. I've been able to leverage over 20 years in education to teach at a university and develop leaders in education and beyond through my education and management consulting company, BE What Matters®. Organizations are recognizing the value of leaders who can think systemically, work across boundaries, and lead with both heart and data. That’s what these programs should be preparing us for.
[Regarding your dissertation], three things come to mind:
-
Intentional design
-
Relational learning
-
Relevance
Effective online programs are not just convenient, but they are deeply intentional in how they design learning experiences that stretch students intellectually and professionally. They foster strong peer and faculty relationships, even across distance, because mentorship and collaboration are essential to growth. And they anchor learning in real-world problems of practice.
When coursework, research, and leadership development are tied to the day-to-day realities educators and administrators are navigating, it becomes a real-time intensive for building leadership, policy, and scholarly expertise.
The best online programs are intentional about building community. They don’t just assign group work but they create spaces for genuine collaboration, knowledge exchange, and shared growth.
Whether through cohort models, discussion forums, synchronous seminars, or structured mentorship pairings, the learning becomes communal. My program used the cohort model and I absolutely loved it. I’ve experienced firsthand how virtual dialogue can be just as transformative as in-person connection when it's curated with care. And because students often bring decades of experience to the table, these peer relationships become some of the richest sources of insight and support. The added benefit is that community extends beyond the program and becomes a resource as you navigate your career.
I often reference Simon Sinek's book, Start with Why... Your 'why' will guide how you lead yourself first. But I will add 'lead from your why and stay rooted in it.' This journey will stretch you academically and personally, and there will be moments you’ll question if it’s worth it. There will be moments of doubt, delay, and discomfort but stay anchored in your why. Whether it’s to disrupt inequity, build better systems, or amplify the voices of those too often unheard, you’ll find your way through."
EXPERT TIP
"Build a support system, protect your focus, and trust that the version of you emerging on the other side is worth every late night and every revision, and every 'no' given to an invitation. You’re not just earning a degree, you’re becoming the kind of educator or leader who can transform not just organizations, but communities. Find your village and allow them to walk with you."
Student Reviews of Online Education Programs
The opportunities for mentoring and growing spiritually are usually on display. However, the chance to mentor online students seems to be lacking. There seemed to be confusion and chaos in some of the departments and units which are critical to the university. As a result, students sometimes receive poor service or communication because of the breakdown in the departments that need to communicate and collaborate. While some professors seem committed and hardworking, there are some that are very laidback... Read More
Review Date: 2/17/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
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
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am currently enrolled in Walden and I think the professors and curriculum is good. However, their financial aid office is filled with a bunch of dishonest people. They find every opportunity they can to cancel your financial aid and get to make you pay out of pocket. I really hate that I enrolled is this University.
Review Date: 3/19/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I would not recommend Northcentral University. If you are serious about your online education, do not attend NCU. The online department of this school is extremely unprofessional. They will disconnect a call if the employee cannot answer your question. They do not care about your GPA or how hard you work and take your education seriously. The school's agenda is to make money and impact the school's bottom line. You will not find the support you need to complete your program. My advisor quit and I... Read More
Review Date: 4/15/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
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
Review Date: 9/28/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
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
Review Date: 11/24/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
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
Review Date: 8/11/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
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
Review Date: 8/5/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
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
Review Date: 4/15/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The advisor gave me bad information which cost me money. I requested a different one. I then was hospitalized and the new advisor had me submit paperwork for refund/withdraw. Did everything I was supposed to. I was told by advisor it was approved. The next thing I know I'm getting calls about owing tuition for the semester I had withdrawn. When they called I explained and they said I had to find the advisor and have them clear it up. The advisor was gone and they assigned the first advisor back to... Read More
Review Date: 5/4/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
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
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
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
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The doctoral program has many problems all at the expense of the student. The promise was a program where you work on your dissertation from day 1, 2 residencies, and completion in 3 years. This is absolutley not what happens. The program has been changed so many times students cannot keep up with the requirements. Approvals are not completed in a timely manner if at all because staff seems to be spread too thin. Additionally, feedback is vague at best. Students are told this is an independent journey... Read More
Review Date: 2/9/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am a current student in the EdD program and am so disheartened by the lack on student concern at this faith based organization. The teachers are good, but I believe they are all adjunct, so the job is second priority to their full time job. The full time staff (advisors, financial aid, even student services) are unfriendly and not helpful. I have sent emails asking for help and when I do receive responses they are curt and abrasive. It is so discouraging with all of the personal obstacles I have... Read More
Review Date: 9/15/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
No terminal degree program can be successful unless the student has the ability to go it alone, especially in a school where the terminal degree professors are not committed to serving on a student's doctoral committee. While the program director was carrying the program on his back, the staff instructors (presumably all adjuncts) all offered excuses about their non-availability. The next most senior staff member, when asked to join my committee, offered an exasperated sigh and,"send me what you've... Read More
Review Date: 3/22/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
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
Review Date: 7/30/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
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
Review Date: 5/5/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
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
Review Date: 3/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I started my Ed.D with a focus on Adult Ed in January, and so far so good. I have found that if you keep on top of assignments, and manage your time appropriately, you're golden. On the other hand, I have seen students drop off from the roster who I previously noticed during discussions were sorely lacking in writing and analysis skills, not to mention the basic skill of doing what the instructions tell you to do. I suspect that is what happened to many of the negative reviewers on this site (although... Read More
Review Date: 6/19/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Walden is absolutely wonderful for both older and younger adults. It was truly an eye-opening experience meeting students from all over the world, all with similar life experiences, but different scenarios and backgrounds. It made the world seem smaller. Walden really is a wonderful school.
Review Date: 3/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes