Postsecondary administrators are the leaders who shape the future of education, managing academic programs, student services, and institutional policies. If you’re enthusiastic about advancing higher education and ready to take on leadership roles like provost, dean, or director of student affairs, an online doctorate in higher education could be your next step.
These programs are designed for driven professionals who aim to excel in a competitive field where 37% of leadership roles require a doctoral degree. With a median salary of $102,610 and top earners making over $209,870, this credential can significantly boost your career prospects and earning potential.
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
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- 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 Higher Education 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 29 Online Doctorate in Higher Education 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
Nova Southeastern University
Intelligent Score: 98.66In-state: $32,370
Out-of-state: $32,370
In-state: $20,618
Out-of-state: $20,618
SAT: 1030-1240
ACT: 20-27
$1,505
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
55
Andrews University
Intelligent Score: 96.49In-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
60-61
Maryville University
Intelligent Score: 95.53In-state: $24,766
Out-of-state: $24,766
In-state: $14,346
Out-of-state: $14,346
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$922
Online
Higher Learning Commission
48
Gwynedd Mercy University
Intelligent Score: 95.12In-state: $36,027
Out-of-state: $36,027
In-state: $13,967
Out-of-state: $13,967
SAT: 950-1140
ACT: 18-21
$1,076
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
54
Concordia University Chicago
Intelligent Score: 94.36In-state: $32,660
Out-of-state: $32,660
In-state: $9,090
Out-of-state: $9,090
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$753
Online
Higher Learning Commission
61-67
UF College of Education
Intelligent Score: 94.17In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
Resident: $518
Non-Resident: $656
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
90
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 93.92In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$800
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
67
Colorado State University
Intelligent Score: 92.29In-state: $9,426
Out-of-state: $28,147
In-state: $10,520
Out-of-state: $10,520
SAT: 1070-1280
ACT: 23-29
$945
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
University of Memphis
Intelligent Score: 92.14In-state: $8,208
Out-of-state: $12,048
In-state: $9,216
Out-of-state: $9,216
SAT: 990-1200
ACT: 19-26
$606
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
54
Indiana State University
Intelligent Score: 90.98In-state: $9,186
Out-of-state: $20,290
In-state: $7,668
Out-of-state: $7,668
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Resident: $438
Non-Resident: $861
Online
Higher Learning Commission
72
Saint Peter's University
Intelligent Score: 90.4In-state: $37,660
Out-of-state: $37,660
In-state: $21,186
Out-of-state: $21,186
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$795
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
48
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Intelligent Score: 88.31In-state: $7,770
Out-of-state: $24,900
In-state: $6,138
Out-of-state: $6,138
SAT: 1110-1320
ACT: 22-28
Resident: $357
Non-Resident: $750
Online, Hybrid
Higher Learning Commission
63
Missouri Baptist University
Intelligent Score: 87.46In-state: $27,946
Out-of-state: $27,946
In-state: $10,256
Out-of-state: $10,256
SAT: 840-1050
ACT: 18-23
$769
Online
Higher Learning Commission
42
University of Alabama
Intelligent Score: 87.33In-state: $10,780
Out-of-state: $30,250
In-state: $10,780
Out-of-state: $10,780
SAT: 1070-1330
ACT: 23-31
$740
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
66
University of North Georgia
Intelligent Score: 86.4In-state: $3,969
Out-of-state: $14,123
In-state: $4,140
Out-of-state: $4,140
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$303
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 86.02In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$595 - $650
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
University of Southern Mississippi
Intelligent Score: 83.65In-state: $8,786
Out-of-state: $10,786
In-state: $8,786
Out-of-state: $8,786
SAT: N/A
ACT: 19-26
$519
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
54
University of Mississippi
Intelligent Score: 83.39In-state: $8,718
Out-of-state: $24,990
In-state: $8,718
Out-of-state: $8,718
SAT: 1010-1230
ACT: 22-30
$514
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
48
What You Should Know About an Online Doctorate in Higher Education Degree
When researching your degree options, you may be considering the differences between a master’s degree and a doctorate degree. It’s important to remember that while both degrees can prepare you for a successful career in this field, a doctorate degree is more research-based and helps you develop particularly strong analytical skills.
Regardless of the program you choose to enroll yourself in, it’s vital that you choose a school that’s accredited by an approved organization. You can check a school’s accreditation status by visiting the Department of Education’s accreditation database.
After you obtain your doctorate, you’ll be qualified to enter several professions, including college president, provost, academic dean, and professor. While further licensing and certification aren’t typically required in these professions, you will most likely need to pass a criminal background check before working in a school setting.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online doctorate in higher education programs:
- How long does it take to earn this online degree? The timeline for obtaining a doctorate in higher education online depends on your schedule and commitment to completing the program quickly. While some can obtain their degree in about two years, most students take five to eight years to complete doctorate programs.
- Am I eligible for this program? While every school has different prerequisites, most doctorate programs in higher learning require students to have a degree in a similar field of study, such as education.
- 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.
As you research programs that interest you, make sure to keep track of important application information, including special essays you may need to submit and application deadlines. If you need assistance paying for your degree, also be sure to keep track of deadlines for financial aid programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorate in Higher Education Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online doctorate in higher education degree?
Many graduates pursue academic leadership roles, becoming deans, provosts, or even college presidents. These positions focus on shaping institutional policies and educational programs. Others may take on administrative roles, such as student services director or registrar, where they manage student support, records, and institutional operations.
Regardless of your specific path, all these roles combine strategic planning with a commitment to improving higher education, providing all graduates with opportunities to lead and innovate in these institutions.
Are online doctorate in higher education degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
Online doctorate programs in higher education are often just as credible as on-campus options, as they frequently share the same faculty and curriculum. However, the key to credibility lies in accreditation. All our recommended programs maintain regional accreditation, the highest standard for colleges and universities, ensuring quality and recognition by employers. You can trust these programs to provide a strong foundation for your higher education leadership or administration career.
How long does it take to complete an online doctorate in higher education degree program?
Completing an online doctorate in any field usually takes about five years with full-time study. This timeline includes three years of coursework and two years dedicated to completing a dissertation. Part-time students will likely see longer completion timelines, but most programs offer flexibility, allowing up to seven years or more to accommodate busy schedules.
Online learning is a great way to balance your studies with your professional and personal responsibilities. However, it’s important to note that it can take longer than the average in-person program simply because it still requires the same amount of dedication but with less structure.
Are there specialization options within online doctorate in higher education degree programs?
Many of these programs offer specialization options, which can be a great opportunity to align your studies with your professional objectives. These options may vary depending on the program but typically include the following:
- Educational Leadership: Ideal for aspiring college presidents or provosts focused on institutional management and strategy
- Student Affairs: Designed for those interested in supporting student development as directors of student services or campus life
- Policy and Advocacy: Best for individuals aiming to influence education policy at government agencies or nonprofits
- Online Education: Perfect for educators developing or managing virtual learning programs
- Diversity and Inclusion: For leaders committed to fostering equitable practices in higher education institutions
These tracks will help you develop expertise in your chosen area of study and can even make you more competitive in the job market.
What is the cost of an online doctorate in higher education degree?
The average annual tuition for graduate school is $20,513. It’s important to note that costs can vary widely depending on whether the institution is public or private and your residency status, with private and out-of-state tuition generally more expensive. For those planning to enroll part-time, this can also increase the total cost, as extended timelines may mean paying fees for additional semesters.
Virtually all programs offer financial aid to help with this cost. Contact your institution’s financial aid office to see which opportunities may be available to reduce expenses.
Compare School Options
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