Finding the cheapest online doctorate in higher education can help you become an expert in collegiate education, the academic system, and the structure of small colleges, massive university systems, and everything in between.
These degrees are for people with a deep passion for higher learning. If you work in academia or education, in roles such as administration or school leadership, one of these advanced degrees may be right for you. With various options and affordable prices, these degrees are perfect for anyone with a master’s degree and experience in higher education.
We have identified 55 online doctoral programs in higher education from 40 institutions. Ranging in price from less than $18,000 to more than $84,000, there are programs to fit any budget.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$43,000
Least Expensive: University of Wyoming ~$17,370
Most Expensive: Andrews University ~$84,660
We have created the most reliable and effective method for ranking schools by price. We skip fancy, complex formulas and simply give you the estimated cost, including fees, so you can make an informed decision. All programs listed above the dividing line are priced below the average and have been deemed “Best Buys.” Those who need an affordable doctorate in higher education online should start with these programs.
26 Cheapest Online Doctorate in Higher Education Programs
Grand Canyon University 
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Wyoming | (WY) | $17,370.00 $26,370.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | University of North Georgia | (GA) | $18,930.00 | All Students |
3 | University of West Georgia | (GA) | $19,080.00 | All Students |
4 | University of Colorado Denver | (CO) | $26,062.00 $30,706.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 |  Notre Dame of Maryland University | (MD) | $27,225.00 | All Students |
6 | Indiana State University | (IN) | $28,344.00 $36,597.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $29,100.00 | All Students |
8 | Delta State University | (MS) | $30,142.00 | All Students |
9 | National University | (CA) | $31,200.00 | All Students |
10 | Northern Illinois University | (IL) | $31,590.00 | All Students |
11 | Columbus State University | (GA) | $31,659.00 $77,775.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Tennessee State University | (TN) | $31,980.00 $45,720.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $32,553.00 $33,849.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Idaho State University | (ID) | $32,969.00 | All Students |
15 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $33,724.00 $14,950.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
16 | Morgan State University | (MD) | $33,800.00 $61,457.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Missouri Baptist University | (MO) | $34,605.00 | All Students |
18 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $34,969.00 | All Students |
19 | Saint Cloud State University | (MN) | $35,329.00 $34,096.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | University of Memphis | (TN) | $35,424.00 | All Students |
21 | Liberty University | (VA) | $37,543.00 | All Students |
22 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | (WI) | $38,183.00 | All Students |
23 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $38,220.00 | All Students |
24 | Amridge University | (AL) | $38,475.00 | All Students |
25 | National University | (CA) | $39,000.00 | All Students |
26 | East Tennessee State University | (TN) | $39,600.00 $48,900.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Fairleigh Dickinson University | (NJ) | $43,781.00 | All Students | |
Gratz College | (PA) | $45,757.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $45,872.00 | All Students | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $46,556.00 | All Students | |
National Louis University | (IL) | $47,665.00 | All Students | |
University of the Southwest | (NM) | $47,940.00 | All Students | |
Saint Peter's University | (NJ) | $48,214.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $50,384.00 | All Students | |
Endicott College | (MA) | $54,100.00 | All Students | |
Brenau University | (GA) | $54,612.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $55,300.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $58,140.00 | All Students | |
Edgewood College | (WI) | $58,518.00 | All Students | |
University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $59,508.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $60,750.00 | All Students | |
Widener University | (PA) | $64,265.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $82,775.00 | All Students | |
Andrews University | (MI) | $84,660.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online doctoral programs in higher education must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited online doctorate in higher education programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online doctorate in higher education in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire doctorate in higher education online including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an online doctorate in higher education that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online doctorate in higher education programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the affordable online doctorate in higher education programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get an Online Doctorate in Higher Education?
These advanced academic programs are challenging, requiring years of classes, rigorous study, and the development of a large dissertation. Why go through the hassle and frustrations of these programs?
There are many reasons why you might consider one of these degrees, including:
- High earnings for doctoral graduates: The median weekly income for people with doctoral degrees across all fields is over $2,000. The median income specifically for higher education administrators is $96,910.
- Technical expertise in a competitive job market: With an online doctorate in higher education, you’ll have a level of technical expertise and broad knowledge that few can claim. This gives you a competitive edge in the job market.
- Well-respected credential: As a doctoral graduate, you’ll have the most respected and honored credential in all academia.
Doctorate of Higher Education Online: What to Expect
These programs come in a variety of formats, with different classes and various structures. You’ll find a variety of focus areas, including:
- Higher education leadership
- Education for changing populations
- Higher education administration
- Community college leadership
- Student affairs
- Instructional leadership
- Higher education analytics
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education vs Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.)
The most important distinction between these programs is the difference between a doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) in higher education and a doctorate of education (Ed.D.). On its face, this may seem like two ways of describing the same thing, but they are markedly different.
When most people think of a doctorate, they usually think of a Ph.D. This is because Ph.D. degrees are available in hundreds of subjects, including history, literature, math, engineering, and (of course) education. An Ed.D. is only in education.
A Ph.D. in education tends to be more research oriented, helping education experts research issues and drive change as scholars. They develop academic merit and, although graduates work at colleges and universities, can also work outside of academia. A Ph.D. usually requires four to six years of study, although some students need as much as eight years to complete a Ph.D.
Ed.D. is a professional doctorate focused entirely on education. It prepares mid-level professionals to become top-level leaders and executives in higher education. These programs are often shorter, usually requiring about three years to complete.
They lead to similar careers, but if you desire a more academic, research-oriented career and a deeper understanding of education, a Ph.D. is probably the right choice. However, if you are 100% dedicated to becoming an academic leader, such as a dean, provost, administrator, or college president, an Ed.D. is likely better for your future.
What Is a Dissertation?
If you’re going to complete an affordable online doctorate in higher education, expect to write a dissertation. A dissertation is a large research project that contributes to a field of study; in this case, education. The format and content vary widely, but they are usually between 100 and 300 pages.
Potential topics for a dissertation may include online vs in-person learning, the top personality attributes for academic success, effective strategies for creating college readiness among populations, or how to align college education with the labor market.
The process is complex. Usually students need to choose a topic, complete initial research, write a research proposal, conduct massive amounts of research, write the main elements, meet with advisors, create and edit the final draft, and defend the dissertation.
Courses and Structure in an Online Doctorate in Higher Education
There is a lot of variety, so it helps to look at three samples of online doctoral programs in higher education:
University of North Georgia – Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership & Practice
Students interested in an administrative or leadership career at a college or major university will benefit from this online doctorate in higher education. As a doctor of education (Ed.D.), the program helps current professionals expand their knowledge and career options. It requires 60 total credit hours. Students can complete the degree within three years.
This program consists of core courses (45 credit hours) and an Ed.D. dissertation. Classes include “Qualitative Research Methods,” “Ethics and Law in Higher Education Administration,” and “High-Impact Teaching in Higher Education.” Students must complete 15 core classes to graduate.
Old Dominion University – Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership
This program is specifically designed to create leaders at community colleges, which face similar but different challenges than larger universities. Students in this program must complete core coursework in community college leadership, which encompasses 21 credit hours. They must also complete 15 credits of research courses, six hours of electives, and a dissertation, which counts for 12 credit hours.
The core courses help graduates understand the management, finances, and overall operation of a community college. Classes include “Community College Leadership,” “Community College Politics, Policy, and Advocacy,” and “Modern Community College: Foundations, Philosophy, and Vision.” Research classes include a pro-seminar in doctoral studies, program evaluation, and linear models in educational research.
Liberty University – Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration / Assessment & Evaluation
Another Ph.D. in education, this program is for education professionals who want to be active scholars while making key contributions to the existing body of knowledge. With courses in learning analytics and data, this doctorate in higher education online explores the key theories and research methods for higher education.
While other programs in this list focus on college leadership, management, and administration, this program is more focused on data, analytics, statistics, and research. Courses include “Advanced Qualitative Methodology and Designs,” “The Research Process,” “Applied Qualitative Analysis,” and two courses in statistics.
Accreditation for Doctorate in Higher Education Programs
These online programs will expect the absolute best from you. You should expect the best from them in return. To make sure the cheapest online doctorate in higher education for your needs is also a high-quality program that meets the rigorous academic standards, search for accredited schools and programs.
Accreditation is a form of quality assurance within the academic system. Essentially, independent groups use a detailed oversight process to ensure schools and programs deliver an excellent education. They review curriculum, staff, admission standards, and graduation requirements to ensure all accredited schools are reliable and effective.
Colleges and universities can hold institutional accreditation, which covers the entire school. Regional groups like the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) grant institutional accreditation. All programs must come from an institutionally-accredited program for inclusion in our database.
Individual degrees can also have programmatic accreditation. Doctorates in higher education can have accreditation from either the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
If a degree does not have programmatic accreditation, that’s okay. (Not all programs in our database have this type of accreditation.) As long as the degree comes from an accredited school, it will meet a high level of academic quality.
Typical Admission Requirements for Online Ed.D. and Ph.D. Programs
A doctorate is the highest level of academic achievement. In fact, simply being accepted into an online doctoral program is a massive accomplishment. The standards are high, so be prepared for the most intense, detailed, and time-consuming admission process you have experienced.
The minimum academic requirement for a doctorate program is a master’s degree. This means that, combined with a bachelor’s, you need to complete roughly six years of studies before enrolling in a doctorate.
You’ll also need relevant professional experience. For an affordable online doctorate in higher education, this experience may be in college administration, possibly working in an admissions or business office. It could include teaching experience or curriculum development as well. For some programs, experience at elementary or high schools may be relevant, but most applicants will work at colleges.
Doctorate programs require a hefty list of documents that prove you are ready for the challenge. You’ll need to supply official documents from previous schools, a personal statement that outlines your intentions, and multiple letters of recommendation from professional and academic contacts. You may also need to complete an interview, which could be in person or through video conferencing.
The admission process is extensive, but if you have a strong academic background and professional experience, you will likely find a program to accept your application.
What’s the Cost for the Cheapest Online Doctorate in Higher Education?
All doctorate programs have a price. Some are expensive, while others are more affordable. Even if you have access to scholarships and other resources, you must research these programs and understand the total cost.
The average cost for these programs is $43,000. However, there are plenty of options well below this price. The cheapest online doctorate in higher education comes from the University of Wyoming, which offers the Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration. This program only costs $17,370, although out-of-state students will pay $26,370.
For all students, the most affordable online doctorate in higher education is the Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership & Practice from the University of North Georgia, which charges $18,930 to all students.
In total, 34 programs cost less than $40,000.
The least affordable online doctorate in higher education is the Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration from Andrews University, a private college in Michigan. This school charges $84,660 for the online doctorate.
Licensing and Certification for Higher Education Professionals
These careers rarely require a certification or license. Many applicants have experience teaching, which would mean a teaching license, but these programs do not require a license for enrollment; neither do the careers. College presidents, administrators, deans, and provosts need years of experience, but government-mandated licensing is not part of the career requirements.
Salary and Career Outlook for Higher Education Careers
Earnings are based on many factors that go far beyond education. Experience and skill are critical. In addition, there are many career options after graduation, and pay will vary depending on where you work. However, we can say that online doctoral programs in higher education, most likely, will pay off in the long run.
According to the BLS, people with doctoral degrees (all fields, not just higher education) have a median weekly salary of $2,083. Assuming they are paid for 52 weeks of work, this translates into an annual income of $108,316. For comparison, people with master’s degrees have a median weekly salary of $1,661, which becomes an annual salary of $86,372. So, for roughly four more years of study, your annual earnings increase by about $22,000.
Looking at specific careers in education, we see high earnings for leaders. The median income for post-secondary education administrators is $96,910, while the top 10% earn over $190,000. The minimum education for this career is a master’s degree. It stands to reason that with a doctorate, a person has a better chance at higher earnings.
These positions should see strong growth as well. However, the total job pool is small. The occupation of postsecondary education administrator is expected to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031. This is faster than the expected national growth for all jobs, which is 5%, but there will only be about 227,000 jobs by 2031. (For perspective, there will be almost 1.5 million postsecondary teachers by 2031.)
What’s Next in Your Education?
Frankly, if you complete a doctorate in higher education online, you have little to prove. You won’t have to demonstrate your skills or knowledge after completing one of these vigorous programs. From this point forward, you will be a top-level expert in the subject of higher education.
But learning is never complete, and you still need to remain at the leading edge of your industry. For higher education experts, this means attending seminars, reading advanced scientific literature on education, and meeting with other elite professionals who can share their knowledge.
It’s also possible to earn a post-doctorate certificate. These short programs develop knowledge and expertise in a specific, highly-concentrated area. They are ideal for higher education professionals who want an elite level of expertise in a certain area, such as technology, student success, or education outcomes.
Make an Informed Decision on the Cheapest Online Doctorate in Higher Education for Your Needs
An online doctorate in higher education is a massive step. Get the most complete and accurate information so that you can make the right decision for your future. With helpful resources and data on the most affordable online doctorate in higher education, we are happy to be your guide as you start your journey!