online doctoral programs educational leadership

Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Programs

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It’s no coincidence that the people in charge of our education systems and organizations are often the most educated and experienced. For example, many college presidents have doctoral degrees. To take on an influential role in education and be in a position to make a difference, you need the credentials.

A doctorate in educational leadership is one way to become a leader in education, in student affairs, and at nonprofit organizations.

Featured Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Abilene christian university.

Campus + Online
In-State $39,250
Out-of-state $39,250
In-State $24,174
Out-of-state $24,174
Retention Rate 79%
Acceptance Rate 66%
Students Enrolled 5,057
Institution Type Private

Alverno College

In-State $30,408
Out-of-state $30,408
In-State $9,552
Out-of-state $9,552
Retention Rate 72%
Acceptance Rate 90%
Students Enrolled 1,596

American International College

In-State $39,370
Out-of-state $39,370
In-State $12,657
Out-of-state $12,657
Retention Rate 63%
Acceptance Rate 58%
Students Enrolled 2,244

American University

In-State $50,542
Out-of-state $50,542
In-State $37,447
Out-of-state $38,139
Retention Rate 86%
Acceptance Rate 41%
Students Enrolled 13,885

Appalachian State University

In-State $7,950
Out-of-state $20,246
In-State $4,839
Out-of-state $19,849
Retention Rate 83%
Acceptance Rate 83%
Students Enrolled 20,436
Institution Type Public

Arkansas State University

In-State $6,888
Out-of-state $12,744
In-State $6,282
Out-of-state $11,520
Retention Rate 78%
Acceptance Rate 70%
Students Enrolled 13,024

Aurora University

In-State $26,400
Out-of-state $26,400
In-State $14,100
Out-of-state $14,100
Acceptance Rate 82%
Students Enrolled 5,918

Belhaven University

In-State $27,450
Out-of-state $27,450
In-State $10,530
Out-of-state $10,530
Retention Rate 67%
Acceptance Rate 43%
Students Enrolled 3,627

Cabrini University

In-State $32,830
Out-of-state $32,830
In-State $2,183
Out-of-state $2,183
Retention Rate 76%
Acceptance Rate 80%
Students Enrolled 1,760

California State University-Channel Islands

In-State $5,742
Out-of-state $17,622
In-State $7,176
Out-of-state $16,680
Retention Rate 82%
Acceptance Rate 93%
Students Enrolled 6,966

California State University-Fresno

Retention Rate 77%
Acceptance Rate 97%
Students Enrolled 25,047

California University of Pennsylvania

In-State $7,716
Out-of-state $11,574
In-State $9,288
Out-of-state $13,932
Students Enrolled 6,509

Centenary University

In-State $33,550
Out-of-state $33,550
In-State $17,334
Out-of-state $17,334
Retention Rate 75%
Acceptance Rate 98%
Students Enrolled 1,551

Central Michigan University

In-State $13,376
Out-of-state $20,400
In-State $808
Out-of-state $808
Retention Rate 71%
Acceptance Rate 79%
Students Enrolled 14,594

Clemson University

In-State $14,118
Out-of-state $37,110
In-State $10,600
Out-of-state $22,050
Retention Rate 94%
Acceptance Rate 49%
Students Enrolled 27,341

College of Saint Mary

In-State $21,800
Out-of-state $21,800
In-State $17,638
Out-of-state $21,103
Acceptance Rate 50%
Students Enrolled 857

Concordia University-Irvine

In-State $37,990
Out-of-state $37,990
In-State $8,564
Out-of-state $8,564
Retention Rate 70%
Acceptance Rate 69%
Students Enrolled 3,734

Creighton University

In-State $42,618
Out-of-state $42,618
In-State $17,190
Out-of-state $17,496
Retention Rate 92%
Acceptance Rate 76%
Students Enrolled 8,397

Drake University

In-State $45,734
Out-of-state $45,734
In-State $11,738
Out-of-state $11,738
Acceptance Rate 67%
Students Enrolled 4,685

Drexel University

In-State $54,766
Out-of-state $54,766
In-State $36,234
Out-of-state $36,234
Retention Rate 90%
Students Enrolled 23,216

Edgewood College

In-State $32,600
Out-of-state $32,600
In-State $18,936
Out-of-state $18,936
Acceptance Rate 95%
Students Enrolled 1,894

Evangel University

In-State $24,434
Out-of-state $24,434
In-State $8,388
Out-of-state $7,650
Acceptance Rate 68%
Students Enrolled 2,367

Florida Atlantic University

In-State $5,642
Out-of-state $19,642
In-State $5,467
Out-of-state $16,695
Retention Rate 81%
Acceptance Rate 81%
Students Enrolled 29,592

Florida State University

In-State $5,616
Out-of-state $18,746
In-State $10,662
Out-of-state $26,657
Acceptance Rate 25%
Students Enrolled 44,161

Gonzaga University

In-State $47,560
Out-of-state $47,560
In-State $14,499
Out-of-state $14,499
Students Enrolled 7,381

Gratz College

In-State $19,648
Out-of-state $19,648
In-State $16,452
Out-of-state $16,452
Retention Rate N/A
Acceptance Rate N/A
Students Enrolled 403

Gwynedd Mercy University

In-State $36,192
Out-of-state $36,192
In-State $14,587
Out-of-state $14,587
Retention Rate 80%
Acceptance Rate 91%
Students Enrolled 2,521

Harding University

In-State $21,690
Out-of-state $21,690
In-State $10,540
Out-of-state $10,540
Retention Rate 84%
Acceptance Rate 45%
Students Enrolled 4,805

Holy Family University

In-State $30,590
Out-of-state $30,590
In-State $11,851
Out-of-state $11,851
Acceptance Rate 77%
Students Enrolled 3,011

Keiser University

In-State $20,800
Out-of-state $20,800
In-State $29,632
Out-of-state $29,632
Retention Rate 68%
Students Enrolled 19,019

Lehigh University

In-State $56,980
Out-of-state $56,980
In-State $27,000
Out-of-state $27,000
Retention Rate 91%
Acceptance Rate 37%
Students Enrolled 7,394

Liberty University

In-State $15,409
Out-of-state $15,409
In-State $7,847
Out-of-state $7,847
Acceptance Rate 99%
Students Enrolled 15,822

Lindenwood University

In-State $18,540
Out-of-state $18,540
In-State $9,684
Out-of-state $9,684
Acceptance Rate 74%
Students Enrolled 7,000

Lipscomb University

In-State $33,012
Out-of-state $33,012
In-State $17,100
Out-of-state $17,100
Retention Rate 85%
Students Enrolled 4,778

Minnesota State University Moorhead

In-State $8,539
Out-of-state $17,078
In-State $10,292
Out-of-state $10,292
Acceptance Rate 57%
Students Enrolled 4,681

Montana State University

In-State $5,824
Out-of-state $27,391
In-State $5,241
Out-of-state $21,469
Acceptance Rate 73%
Students Enrolled 13,688

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

In-State $14,869
Out-of-state $14,869
In-State $11,758
Out-of-state $12,113
Students Enrolled 1,146

New England College

In-State $27,108
Out-of-state $27,108
In-State $14,568
Out-of-state $14,568
Retention Rate 61%
Acceptance Rate 96%
Students Enrolled 2,815

New Mexico State University

In-State $6,728
Out-of-state $25,055
In-State $5,184
Out-of-state $18,023
Retention Rate 73%
Acceptance Rate 78%
Students Enrolled 10,323

New York University

In-State $53,770
Out-of-state $53,770
In-State $35,982
Out-of-state $35,982
Acceptance Rate 13%
Students Enrolled 58,226

Northcentral University

In-State $11,064
Out-of-state $11,064
In-State $16,881
Out-of-state $16,881
Students Enrolled 12,648

Northern Kentucky University

In-State $10,200
Out-of-state $20,472
In-State $9,900
Out-of-state $15,210
Acceptance Rate 86%
Students Enrolled 15,801

Oakland University

In-State $15,135
Out-of-state $24,735
In-State $19,323
Out-of-state $24,648
Acceptance Rate 92%
Students Enrolled 17,170

Rowan University

In-State $10,714
Out-of-state $20,108
In-State $13,695
Out-of-state $13,695
Students Enrolled 19,568

Saint Leo University

In-State $23,990
Out-of-state $23,990
In-State $15,218
Out-of-state $15,218
Retention Rate 55%
Students Enrolled 2,788

Saint Peter's University

In-State $37,660
Out-of-state $37,660
In-State $21,186
Out-of-state $21,186
Students Enrolled 3,009

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Students Enrolled 8,243

South Carolina State University

In-State $9,528
Out-of-state $20,218
In-State $9,928
Out-of-state $21,038
Acceptance Rate 84%
Students Enrolled 2,626

Southeastern Louisiana University

In-State $5,777
Out-of-state $18,255
In-State $6,684
Out-of-state $19,162
Students Enrolled 13,492

Southern Nazarene University

In-State $26,040
Out-of-state $26,040
In-State $12,590
Out-of-state $12,590
Retention Rate 66%
Students Enrolled 2,159

Stephen F. Austin State University

Out-of-state $22,840
In-State $5,262
Out-of-state $12,606
Acceptance Rate 89%
Students Enrolled 11,327

Tarleton State University

In-State $4,798
Out-of-state $14,201
In-State $4,356
Out-of-state $11,718
Students Enrolled 14,092

Texas Tech University

In-State $8,934
Out-of-state $21,174
In-State $6,956
Out-of-state $15,136
Students Enrolled 40,378

The University of Alabama

In-State $11,100
Out-of-state $31,460
Retention Rate 87%
Students Enrolled 38,644

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

In-State $11,332
Out-of-state $29,552
In-State $11,468
Out-of-state $29,656
Retention Rate 89%
Students Enrolled 33,805

University of Arizona

In-State $10,990
Out-of-state $33,739
In-State $12,348
Out-of-state $32,290
Acceptance Rate 87%
Students Enrolled 51,134

University of Arkansas

In-State $7,666
Out-of-state $25,420
In-State $7,875
Out-of-state $21,420
Students Enrolled 30,936

University of Florida

In-State $4,477
Out-of-state $25,694
In-State $10,770
Out-of-state $27,335
Retention Rate 97%
Acceptance Rate 30%
Students Enrolled 55,781

University of Houston

In-State $10,856
Out-of-state $26,096
In-State $8,713
Out-of-state $17,857
Students Enrolled 46,700

University of Kentucky

In-State $11,496
Out-of-state $30,913
In-State $12,583
Out-of-state $32,896
Students Enrolled 31,547

University of Mary

In-State $18,340
Out-of-state $18,340
In-State $12,244
Out-of-state $12,244
Students Enrolled 3,789

University of Memphis

In-State $8,352
Out-of-state $15,720
In-State $9,378
Out-of-state $13,194
Students Enrolled 21,917

University of North Carolina Wilmington

In-State $4,443
Out-of-state $19,063
In-State $4,719
Out-of-state $19,104
Students Enrolled 17,843

University of South Alabama

In-State $10,320
Out-of-state $20,640
In-State $8,226
Retention Rate 69%
Acceptance Rate 65%
Students Enrolled 13,463

University of Southern California

In-State $60,446
Out-of-state $60,446
Retention Rate 96%
Students Enrolled 49,318

Valdosta State University

In-State $4,371
Out-of-state $15,426
In-State $4,572
Out-of-state $16,470
Retention Rate 59%
Students Enrolled 10,225

Western Connecticut State University

In-State $6,162
Out-of-state $18,436
In-State $7,674
Out-of-state $19,768
Acceptance Rate 85%
Students Enrolled 4,802

Western Kentucky University

In-State $11,112
In-State $12,140
Students Enrolled 16,493

Western Michigan University

In-State $13,850
Out-of-state $17,313
In-State $17,539
Out-of-state $26,308
Students Enrolled 17,835

Wichita State University

In-State $6,843
Out-of-state $16,208
In-State $5,544
Out-of-state $13,615
Students Enrolled 16,921

Wilkes University

In-State $37,994
Out-of-state $37,994
In-State $24,000
Out-of-state $24,000
Acceptance Rate 94%
Students Enrolled 5,207

William Carey University

In-State $13,500
Out-of-state $13,500
In-State $11,875
Out-of-state $11,875
Students Enrolled 5,738

William Woods University

In-State $25,750
Out-of-state $25,750
In-State $7,200
Out-of-state $7,200
Students Enrolled 1,737

Wingate University

In-State $40,070
Out-of-state $40,070
In-State $11,700
Out-of-state $12,330
Retention Rate 64%
Students Enrolled 3,396

Xavier University of Louisiana

In-State $23,411
Out-of-state $23,411
In-State $10,670
Out-of-state $14,899
Students Enrolled 3,419

Youngstown State University

In-State $9,196
Out-of-state $9,556
In-State $6,453
Out-of-state $6,633
Students Enrolled 11,298

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2024. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies .

Why Should I Get an Online Educational Leadership Doctorate?

An online doctorate in educational leadership program can help you develop the expert knowledge necessary to grow professionally. It also provides the flexibility to balance work, school, and other responsibilities.

Benefits of an Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Advance to senior leadership roles
Increase your earning potential
Level up skills and connections
Work across the education sector

Reasons to Get Your Doctorate in Educational Leadership Online

Keep working while you earn your degree
Save time on commuting
Learn from a place of comfort, like home
Choose a program that fits your learning style

How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program Cost?

Earning an online doctorate in educational leadership can be quite expensive. The cost exact of the degree depends on how long you spend in the program and your financial aid package.

BestColleges research shows that the average Ph.D. costs $40,900 annually. Over four years, this adds up to about $164,000. This includes tuition and non-tuition-related expenses. However, an Ed.D. program is usually less expensive than a Ph.D. program because the former degree typically takes less time to earn.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership?

A doctorate in educational leadership program can prepare you for a wide range of educational leadership and senior management roles. You can leverage your degree across the education sector to find a job that suits you.

For example, you can be a school district superintendent or an elementary school principal. You can also become the president or executive director of an educational nonprofit.

Frequently Asked Questions About an Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Is an online doctorate in educational leadership worth it.

If you’re interested in becoming a leader in the education sector, yes. A doctorate in educational leadership may qualify you to work as a principal or a K-12 school district administrator. The degree can also help you stand out in a competitive job application process.

You can also use your degree to explore positions within postsecondary education. This field may offer you a better working environment and more opportunities for professional advancement than K-12 education.

How long does an online doctorate in educational leadership take?

Some online doctorates in educational leadership take only three years to complete. If you learn part time , you may need five years to earn the degree. This option may work best if you want to continue working while in school.

How much money will you make with a doctorate in educational leadership?

Many professionals with a doctorate in educational leadership earn over $100,000 per year. Although compensation varies by employer and position, you can typically expect to increase your salary potential if you currently work as a K-12 educator.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 4, 2024.

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by Evan Thompson

Updated September 19, 2024

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Education?

Earning your doctorate in education can open doors to a wide variety of fulfilling careers in schools, colleges, and private industry.

by Mark J. Drozdowski, Ed.D.

Updated August 27, 2024

Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. vs. Ed.S.: What’s the Difference?

Discover the difference between an Ed.D., a Ph.D., and an Ed.S. and how to choose the right program to reach your goals.

Updated May 30, 2024

Earn Your NYU Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation.

Organizational change starts with an online doctorate in leadership and innovation from NYU. Leverage your knowledge and skills in transformational leadership roles to create new, sustainable solutions to systemic institutional challenges with your EdD.

Applications will open for the 2026 cohort in early 2025.

Our online leadership and innovation doctorate at a glance

Blending academic theory and real-world practice, NYU Steinhardt’s EdD in Leadership and Innovation is more than an online degree. It’s a unique program that provides working professionals with the tools to harness transformative change in their organizations and beyond.

three-day immersive residency at a global NYU site

hours per week

Average time commitment, including classes, will vary

total credits at the doctoral level

per credit hour

Based on 2024–2025 tuition rates

Minimum time to degree completion 1

EdD program overview

NYU Steinhardt’s EdD in Leadership and Innovation is more than a doctorate program. It’s a cohort of professionals, faculty , and distinguished cross-sectoral leaders from spaces such as:

For-profit companies
Higher education
Nonprofit and philanthropic organizations
Public and governmental organizations

We examine the most important issues cross-sectoral leaders face today and discover solutions that make change possible for tomorrow. We apply an academic lens to myriad sectors so students graduate from the doctoral program with the core competencies for impactful director and executive-level career options.

The research, analysis, writing, and critical thinking involved in students’ strategic design and implementation of a change management project are assets that students will bring to current and future employers.

The Problem of Practice

While many doctoral programs require students to complete a dissertation, NYU Steinhardt challenges students to examine and create an academically informed solution to a persistent organizational problem throughout the EdD program. This unique project is called the Problem of Practice (POP) , and it enables students to create real value for their organizations.

“We want students to have a collaborative experience in which they ignite a transformation in education from across sectors.” DR. NOEL S. ANDERSON FOUNDING FACULTY

Explore the cohort model design

When students work together, they leverage their unique leadership skills and professional experiences to develop new ideas and effect sustainable change. That’s why the cohort model is a defining feature of NYU Steinhardt’s EdD in Leadership and Innovation program. Traveling the curriculum together, students develop a common problem-solving language and discover new solutions to old challenges. Best of all, since courses run continuously through Summer and January terms, students earn their degree in 24–28 months, a duration that’s among the shortest in the country relative to other education doctorates.

Great minds, thinking differently

Our program unites experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds who share their unique perspectives on real-world challenges. By giving them the space to question, explore, and take risks, we foster innovation, resulting in new solutions to persistent organizational problems.

A collaborative system of support

For the duration of the program, faculty serve as mentors, supporters, challengers, and advocates, bringing decades of leadership experience to their partnership with students.

Built for immediate action

Students can complete their degree in as few as 24 continuous months, preparing them to create sustainable and scalable change at their organizations in their leadership roles.

Who is this program for?

The NYU online Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation is different by design. More than an educational leadership program, it’s a global cohort of cross-sector professionals motivated to create real change in their fields. Diverse leaders from the worlds of business, government, nonprofits, healthcare, and education seek out our program to be challenged to think beyond their areas of expertise – and to create new solutions and catalyze change in their organizations.

Current and former students’ employers include:

Blue Cross Blue Shield
The World Bank
NYC Department of Education
The Millennium School – Dubai

Current and former students’ job titles include:

Chief executive officer
Chief learning officer
Senior director of global security
Head of diversity, equity & inclusion
Program manager, behavioral health
Military officer
Director, office of educational assessment
Adjunct faculty

Students represent a global cohort whose diverse voices are informed not only by the work they do, but from lived experiences around the world.

The NYU EdD addresses the needs of full-time working professionals with a rigorous online Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation program that can be completed in as few as 24 months.

Three-day immersive residency

At the beginning of the program, your cohort will convene at NYU to meet, discuss your professional experiences, and examine the persistent challenges you face in your organizations. The residency will deepen students’ connections with peers and faculty and help serve as a foundation for the EdD curriculum.

Designed as a cohort model, our 42-credit curriculum includes 17 consecutive courses that can be completed in as few as 24 months. Students continue working while earning their degree, examining and solving a persistent challenge in their organization throughout the program.

Problem of Practice (POP)

Rather than completing a traditional dissertation, you will identify a persistent problem in your organization and examine it through an academic lens throughout the program, emerging with a thoroughly researched, actionable solution that creates real value for your organization.

Frequently asked questions

Finding the right EdD program to expand and leverage your leadership skills is essential to your success. To aid in this decision-making process, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about eligibility, tuition, courses, and more.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for the EdD in Leadership and Innovation program, you must hold both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. You must also have seven years of work experience in a leadership role. The GRE is not required for admission.