While teachers are the frontline heroes of education, administrators are essential in ensuring that teachers are supported and schools run smoothly. For educators ready to advance their careers, earning an online doctorate in educational administration can provide opportunities in leadership roles and increased earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school principals earn a median salary of $103,460, while postsecondary administrators bring in a median salary of $102,610.
These programs offer the flexibility to grow professionally while maintaining your current responsibilities, making them a great fit for those balancing their studies with a full-time job or family obligations.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Educational Administration degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 28 Online Doctorate in Educational Administration Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Indiana State University
Intelligent Score: 99.97In-state: $9,186
Out-of-state: $20,290
In-state: $7,668
Out-of-state: $7,668
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$569
Online
Higher Learning Commission
72
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 99.86In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$595
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
54
Andrews University
Intelligent Score: 99.7In-state: $29,808
Out-of-state: $29,808
In-state: $27,936
Out-of-state: $27,936
SAT: 1030-1380
ACT: 21-28
$1,471
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Arkansas State University
Intelligent Score: 97.51In-state: $5,232
Out-of-state: $10,800
In-state: $4,986
Out-of-state: $4,986
SAT: 1000-1220
ACT: 20-26
$440
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
60
Belhaven University
Intelligent Score: 96.51In-state: $26,650
Out-of-state: $26,650
In-state: $10,350
Out-of-state: $10,350
SAT: 995-1135
ACT: 19-23
$595
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
City University of Seattle
Intelligent Score: 95.59In-state: $13,658
Out-of-state: $13,658
In-state: $11,812
Out-of-state: $11,812
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$785
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
90
Clark Atlanta University
Intelligent Score: 92.95In-state: $18,990
Out-of-state: $18,990
In-state: $14,814
Out-of-state: $14,814
SAT: 880-1040
ACT: 17-20
$640
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
East Tennessee State University
Intelligent Score: 92.83In-state: $7,340
Out-of-state: $25,487
In-state: $8,640
Out-of-state: $8,640
SAT: 940-1170
ACT: 20-27
$765
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60-72
Concordia University Irvine
Intelligent Score: 92.24In-state: $32,660
Out-of-state: $32,660
In-state: $9,090
Out-of-state: $9,090
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$1,015
Online
WASC Senior College and University Commission
46
Drexel University
Intelligent Score: 92.17In-state: $53,868
Out-of-state: $53,868
In-state: $36,234
Out-of-state: $36,234
SAT: 1180-1380
ACT: 25-31
$1,396
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
60.5-61.5
Edgewood College
Intelligent Score: 91.76In-state: $31,700
Out-of-state: $31,700
In-state: $18,576
Out-of-state: $18,576
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,092
Online
Higher Learning Commission
54
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 91.46In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
$460
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
96
Endicott College
Intelligent Score: 91.21In-state: $34,470
Out-of-state: $34,470
In-state: $12,666
Out-of-state: $12,666
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,036
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
60
Ball State University
Intelligent Score: 90.88In-state: $9,482
Out-of-state: $26,470
In-state: $9,328
Out-of-state: $9,328
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Resident: $438
Non-Resident: $656
Online
Higher Learning Commission
90
Hampton University
Intelligent Score: 90.48In-state: $26,198
Out-of-state: $26,198
In-state: $13,099
Out-of-state: $13,099
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$695
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Sam Houston State University
Intelligent Score: 89.25In-state: $5,856
Out-of-state: $15,672
In-state: $5,765
Out-of-state: $5,765
SAT: 970-1120
ACT: 18-23
$842
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
ECU College of Education
Intelligent Score: 88.98In-state: $4,452
Out-of-state: $20,729
In-state: $4,749
Out-of-state: $4,749
SAT: 1020-1170
ACT: 19-24
Resident: $289
Non-Resident: $1,020
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
60
Lamar University
Intelligent Score: 88.57In-state: $6,129
Out-of-state: $15,945
In-state: $6,397
Out-of-state: $6,397
SAT: 943-1140
ACT: 17-23
Resident: $359
Non-Resident: $779
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
What You Should Know About an Online Doctorate in Educational Administration Degree
A doctorate in education is similar to a doctorate in educational administration. The main difference is that an educational administration program focuses on the systems of leadership within education and how to support teachers, while a doctorate in education will focus more on theories of learning.
Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). If your school isn’t accredited, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
In addition to your graduate degree, most employers at the K-12 level will be looking for you to be a licensed teacher in your state. You may also need to get certified as a school administrator.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online doctorate in educational administration programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? To be eligible for a doctorate in educational administration program, you’ll need a master’s degree in a relevant field. You may also need a certain number of years of work experience and an active teaching license.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? The programs on our list range from 51 to 67 credits. For most people, this will take around three years of full-time study to complete. If a dissertation is required, this could increase the length of the program.
- What financial aid opportunities are available? With the help of grants, fellowships, assistantships, and other resources, many students can significantly reduce the cost of their degree program. You may even be able to earn your doctorate for free.
Another thing to keep in mind as you start the application process is that programs usually have very specific deadlines. You’ll have to provide documentation of your master’s degree, teaching license, and possibly some test scores, which can take time to get together. If you want to do an assistantship or require loans to fund your doctorate program, you’ll also need to keep track of those deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorate in Educational Administration Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online doctorate in educational administration degree?
This degree will give you a solid foundation you’ll need to secure leadership roles in education. Many graduates pursue careers as K-12 school principals, focusing on educational policy, academic success, and school operations. Those more interested in pursuing higher education often advance into roles as postsecondary administrators, including positions such as academic dean or director of student services, overseeing programs, budgets, and institutional goals.
Regardless of your specific path, this degree will provide you with the strategic, organizational, and leadership skills needed to thrive in these positions.
Are online doctorate in educational administration degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
By earning your doctorate in educational administration online, you’re very likely to have a learning experience that’s on par with on-campus programs, with most of these programs sharing the same curriculum and faculty. The primary difference lies in the format — online programs offer a flexible, high-quality alternative for working professionals balancing education with a full-time job or other responsibilities.
A key factor in assessing credibility is accreditation; regionally accredited programs are known for meeting strict academic standards. Our top picks maintain regional accreditation, ensuring you’ll receive a respected and recognized degree.
How long does it take to complete an online doctorate in educational administration degree program?
Completing this degree takes about five years for full-time students — three years of coursework and two years dedicated to the dissertation. However, the flexibility of online learning can extend the timeline, especially for part-time learners who may be balancing their education with other commitments. Part-time students may take up to seven years or more to complete their degree.
Are there specialization options within online doctorate in educational administration degree programs?
Many doctorate programs in educational administration offer specializations to help you align your education with your career goals. These specializations vary by institution but typically include options like K-12 leadership, ideal for aspiring school principals or district administrators, and higher education administration, suited for those pursuing roles as deans or program directors.
Other options include curriculum and instruction, tailored for educators focused on developing academic programs, and educational policy, designed for those aiming to influence policy at the state or national level.
What is the cost of an online doctorate in educational administration degree?
The average annual tuition for graduate school is $20,513. Yet, it’s important to note that this figure can fluctuate depending on several factors. Public institutions often charge lower tuition than private schools, especially for in-state students, while out-of-state or private tuition rates can be significantly higher. Additional costs, such as technology fees or course materials, may influence the total price. You’ll want to research these costs carefully, exploring financial aid options to find the best fit for your budget.
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