An online doctorate in educational leadership is an excellent option for educators seeking to level up their careers and take on leadership positions in the field. These programs prepare graduates for positions like school principal (median salary of $103,460) or academic dean ($102,610). Designed with the working professional in mind, these online programs offer enough flexibility for students to balance work and study while gaining the necessary skills to promote positive change in education settings at all levels.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Educational Leadership 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 49 Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership 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
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 99.54In-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
Ball State University
Intelligent Score: 99.37In-state: $9,482
Out-of-state: $26,470
In-state: $9,328
Out-of-state: $9,328
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Resident: $573
Non-Resident: $791
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
90
University of Arkansas
Intelligent Score: 98.95In-state: $7,568
Out-of-state: $24,056
In-state: $7,752
Out-of-state: $7,752
SAT: 1090-1280
ACT: 23-29
Resident: $437
Non-Resident: $1,190
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
42
East Carolina University
Intelligent Score: 96.66In-state: $4,452
Out-of-state: $20,729
In-state: $4,749
Out-of-state: $4,749
SAT: 1020-1170
ACT: 19-24
In-State: $289
Out-of-State: $1,020
Online, On-Campus
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
60
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 95.96In-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
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
60
Appalachian State University
Intelligent Score: 95.73In-state: $4,242
Out-of-state: $19,049
In-state: $4,839
Out-of-state: $4,839
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
$304
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
60
Colorado State University
Intelligent Score: 95.11In-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, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
60
Central Michigan University
Intelligent Score: 94.39In-state: $12,296
Out-of-state: $22,881
In-state: $14,223
Out-of-state: $14,223
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$828
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
63-66
Lamar University
Intelligent Score: 92.46In-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
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
60
Florida State University
Intelligent Score: 91.91In-state: $4,640
Out-of-state: $19,084
In-state: $9,684
Out-of-state: $9,684
SAT: 1220-1350
ACT: 27-31
In-State: $479
Out-of-State: $1,110
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
69
East Tennessee State University
Intelligent Score: 91.47In-state: $7,340
Out-of-state: $25,487
In-state: $8,640
Out-of-state: $8,640
SAT: 940-1170
ACT: 20-27
In-State: $610
Out-of-State: $765
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
66-78
Carson-Newman University
Intelligent Score: 90.52In-state: $28,200
Out-of-state: $28,200
In-state: $9,387
Out-of-state: $9,387
SAT: 950-1130
ACT: 19-25
$570
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
57
University of the Cumberlands
Intelligent Score: 90.22In-state: $9,875
Out-of-state: $9,875
In-state: $4,282
Out-of-state: $4,282
SAT: 930-1140
ACT: 19-24
$415
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Northwest Nazarene University
Intelligent Score: 90In-state: $32,130
Out-of-state: $32,130
In-state: $10,836
Out-of-state: $10,836
SAT: 980-1190
ACT: 19-25
$625
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
36
Clarkson College
Intelligent Score: 88.35In-state: $14,119
Out-of-state: $14,119
In-state: $17,121
Out-of-state: $17,121
SAT: 1190 and 1370
ACT: 25-30
$914
Online
Higher Learning Commission
52
University of Kentucky
Intelligent Score: 87.67In-state: $11,135
Out-of-state: $29,945
In-state: $12,189
Out-of-state: $12,189
SAT: 1070-1280
ACT: 22-29
$953
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
42
Drexel University
Intelligent Score: 86.76In-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
60-61.5
Abilene Christian University
Intelligent Score: 83.95In-state: $37,750
Out-of-state: $37,750
In-state: $23,238
Out-of-state: $23,238
SAT: 1010-1220
ACT: 21-27
$767
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
What You Should Know About an Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Degree
You can pursue educational leadership studies in a PhD or EdD program. PhD programs have a greater focus on research, while EdD programs are aimed at practitioners who intend to become educational leaders. You may also see educational administration programs, which are focused on preparing future principals.
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.
School principals must be licensed in the state where they work. Other career paths that may require certification include instructional coordinator and school superintendent. People choosing to enter the corporate world in jobs such as chief learning officer are unlikely to need certification.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online doctorate in educational leadership programs:
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? An online doctorate in educational leadership generally requires about five years of study. Coursework is completed in the first three years, and students focus on their dissertation in the last two. Accelerated programs and part-time study options are also available.
- What licensing or certifications are required? You will need a license in the relevant state to become a school principal. All states have different requirements for school principals, but for most you’ll need a master’s degree at minimum, plus teaching experience and certification.
As you research, keep track of application deadlines and the information you must submit when applying. This information is available from school websites or the admissions department.
You should also consider how to pay for your education by researching scholarships, grants, and subsidized loans. Also, check if your employer offers tuition assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online doctorate in educational leadership degree?
Your doctorate in educational leadership is a great way to prepare for high-level educational roles. Upon graduation, you could become a school principal, managing daily operations and fostering student success, or a superintendent, leading entire districts and shaping policies. In higher education, you’ll likely find opportunities serving as an academic dean, overseeing programs and faculty, or as a provost, guiding institutional academic policies.
Are online doctorate in educational leadership degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
Yes, these programs can be as credible as on-campus options, with online formats making advancing your career through a doctoral degree more accessible than ever. These programs are particularly well-suited for working professionals, combining high-quality education with the flexibility to balance career and personal commitments.
Many offer the same curriculum taught by the same faculty as on-campus programs, ensuring consistent academic quality. Our top picks all hold regional accreditation, a key indicator of credibility and trustworthiness.
How long does it take to complete an online doctorate in educational leadership degree program?
Most online doctorate programs in this field are designed to be completed in about five years. This often translates to students spending the first three years on coursework, focusing on leadership theory, policy, and practice, followed by two years dedicated to researching and writing their dissertation. However, the nature of online learning allows more flexibility, letting students extend their timeline if additional time is needed to balance their professional lives with the demands of dissertation research.
Are there specialization options within online doctorate in educational leadership degree programs?
Many online doctorate programs in educational leadership offer specializations to ensure your studies align with your career goals. For example, those aspiring to become school principals or superintendents may focus on K-12 leadership, while students planning to pursue roles like academic dean or provost may find higher education leadership more suitable. Other specializations, like curriculum and instruction or organizational leadership, are ideal for educators focusing on academic program design or institutional management.
What is the cost of an online doctorate in educational leadership degree?
The average annual tuition for graduate school is $20,513. However, costs can fluctuate based on whether the institution is public or private and your residency status. Public universities often offer lower tuition rates for in-state students, while private institutions charge more regardless of residency. You may also encounter additional fees for technology, course materials, and dissertation support, affecting the total cost.
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