Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Programs

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Educators with doctorates can apply for leadership roles at K-12 schools, school districts, or colleges. Learn more about earning a doctorate in educational leadership.

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Updated June 4, 2024

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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.

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Add up to three schools to compare

In this Article

Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $767
Out-of-State | $767

Credits to Graduate: 60

39%

Online Enrollment

$24,174

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$24,174

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Students Enrolled: 5,057

Institution Type: Private

Alverno College

Milwaukee, WI
2 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,043
Out-of-State | $1,043

Credits to Graduate: 54

67%

Online Enrollment

$9,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$9,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 90%

Students Enrolled: 1,596

Institution Type: Private

American International College

Springfield, MA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $960
Out-of-State | $960

Credits to Graduate: 51

41%

Online Enrollment

$12,657

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

63%

Retention Rate

$12,657

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 58%

Students Enrolled: 2,244

Institution Type: Private

American University

Washington, DC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,000
Out-of-State | $2,000

Credits to Graduate: 40

49%

Online Enrollment

$37,447

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$38,139

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 41%

Students Enrolled: 13,885

Institution Type: Private

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $319
Out-of-State | $1,194

Credits to Graduate: 60

60%

Online Enrollment

$ 4,839

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

83%

Retention Rate

$19,849

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Students Enrolled: 20,436

Institution Type: Public

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $363
Out-of-State | $665

Credits to Graduate: 60

69%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,282

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$11,520

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Students Enrolled: 13,024

Institution Type: Public

Aurora University

Aurora, IL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $670
Out-of-State | $670

Credits to Graduate: 60

34%

Online Enrollment

$14,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$14,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 82%

Students Enrolled: 5,918

Institution Type: Private

Belhaven University

Jackson, MS
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $625
Out-of-State | $625

Credits to Graduate: 60

69%

Online Enrollment

$10,530

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

67%

Retention Rate

$10,530

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 43%

Students Enrolled: 3,627

Institution Type: Private

Cabrini University

Radnor, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $830
Out-of-State | $830

Credits to Graduate: 54

74%

Online Enrollment

$2,183

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

76%

Retention Rate

$2,183

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Students Enrolled: 1,760

Institution Type: Private

California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $347
Out-of-State | $767

Credits to Graduate: 54

82%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

82%

Retention Rate

$16,680

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 93%

Students Enrolled: 6,966

Institution Type: Public

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $6,901
Out-of-State | $6,901 plus $320 per credit

Credits to Graduate: 60

84%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$16,680

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 97%

Students Enrolled: 25,047

Institution Type: Public

California University of Pennsylvania

California, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $568
Out-of-State | $851

Credits to Graduate: 39

80%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,288

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

67%

Retention Rate

$13,932

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 97%

Students Enrolled: 6,509

Institution Type: Public

Centenary University

Hackettstown, NJ
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,074
Out-of-State | $1,074

Credits to Graduate: 51

54%

Online Enrollment

$17,334

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$17,334

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 98%

Students Enrolled: 1,551

Institution Type: Private

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $858
Out-of-State | $858

Credits to Graduate: 63-66

46%

Online Enrollment

$808

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

71%

Retention Rate

$808

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 79%

Students Enrolled: 14,594

Institution Type: Public

Clemson University

Clemson, SC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $656
Out-of-State | $656

Credits to Graduate: 30

49%

Online Enrollment

$10,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

94%

Retention Rate

$22,050

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 49%

Students Enrolled: 27,341

Institution Type: Public

College of Saint Mary

Omaha, NE
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $745
Out-of-State | $745

Credits to Graduate: 55

46%

Online Enrollment

$17,638

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

71%

Retention Rate

$21,103

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 50%

Students Enrolled: 857

Institution Type: Private

Concordia University-Irvine

Irvine, CA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,046
Out-of-State | $1,046

Credits to Graduate: 46

71%

Online Enrollment

$8,564

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

70%

Retention Rate

$8,564

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 69%

Students Enrolled: 3,734

Institution Type: Private

Creighton University

Omaha, NE
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,115
Out-of-State | $1,115

Credits to Graduate: 51

39%

Online Enrollment

$17,190

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

92%

Retention Rate

$17,496

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 76%

Students Enrolled: 8,397

Institution Type: Private

Drake University

Des Moines, IA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $555
Out-of-State | $555

Credits to Graduate: 42

44%

Online Enrollment

$11,738

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

83%

Retention Rate

$11,738

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Students Enrolled: 4,685

Institution Type: Private

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,438
Out-of-State | $1,438

Credits to Graduate: 60.5-61.5

50%

Online Enrollment

$36,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

90%

Retention Rate

$36,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Students Enrolled: 23,216

Institution Type: Private

Edgewood College

Madison, WI
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,092
Out-of-State | $1,092

Credits to Graduate: 54

29%

Online Enrollment

$18,936

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$18,936

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 95%

Students Enrolled: 1,894

Institution Type: Private

Evangel University

Springfield, MO
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $600
Out-of-State | $600

Credits to Graduate: 50

27%

Online Enrollment

$8,388

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

76%

Retention Rate

$7,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Students Enrolled: 2,367

Institution Type: Private

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $372
Out-of-State | $1,027

Credits to Graduate: 83

65%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

81%

Retention Rate

$16,695

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Students Enrolled: 29,592

Institution Type: Public

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $444
Out-of-State | $1,076

Credits to Graduate: 69

58%

Online Enrollment

$10,662

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

94%

Retention Rate

$26,657

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 25%

Students Enrolled: 44,161

Institution Type: Public

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,010
Out-of-State | $1,010

Credits to Graduate: 51

19%

Online Enrollment

$14,499

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

92%

Retention Rate

$14,499

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 76%

Students Enrolled: 7,381

Institution Type: Private

Gratz College

Melrose Park, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $914
Out-of-State | $914

Credits to Graduate: 48

83%

Online Enrollment

$16,452

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$16,452

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 403

Institution Type: Private

Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,130
Out-of-State | $1,130

Credits to Graduate: 54

44%

Online Enrollment

$14,587

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

80%

Retention Rate

$14,587

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Students Enrolled: 2,521

Institution Type: Private

Harding University

Searcy, AR
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $640
Out-of-State | $640

Credits to Graduate: 35

30%

Online Enrollment

$10,540

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

$10,540

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 45%

Students Enrolled: 4,805

Institution Type: Private

Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $822
Out-of-State | $822

Credits to Graduate: 54-57

78%

Online Enrollment

$11,851

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

82%

Retention Rate

$11,851

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 77%

Students Enrolled: 3,011

Institution Type: Private

Keiser University

Fort Lauderdale, FL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $15,856
Out-of-State | $15,856

Credits to Graduate: 60

50%

Online Enrollment

$29,632

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

68%

Retention Rate

$29,632

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 97%

Students Enrolled: 19,019

Institution Type: Private

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $630
Out-of-State | $630

Credits to Graduate: 60

19%

Online Enrollment

$27,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

91%

Retention Rate

$27,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 37%

Students Enrolled: 7,394

Institution Type: Private

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $595-$650
Out-of-State | $595-$650

Credits to Graduate: 54

92%

Online Enrollment

$7,847

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

83%

Retention Rate

$7,847

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 99%

Students Enrolled: 15,822

Institution Type: Private

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $845
Out-of-State | $845

Credits to Graduate: 48

78%

Online Enrollment

$9,684

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$9,684

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 74%

Students Enrolled: 7,000

Institution Type: Private

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $953
Out-of-State | $953

Credits to Graduate: 36

46%

Online Enrollment

$17,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

85%

Retention Rate

$17,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 74%

Students Enrolled: 4,778

Institution Type: Private

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $717
Out-of-State | $717

Credits to Graduate: 45

76%

Online Enrollment

$10,292

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$10,292

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Students Enrolled: 4,681

Institution Type: Public

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $303
Out-of-State | $411

Credits to Graduate: 66

21%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,241

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$21,469

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Students Enrolled: 13,688

Institution Type: Public

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

Omaha, NE
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $850
Out-of-State | $850

Credits to Graduate: 44

77%

Online Enrollment

$11,758

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$12,113

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Students Enrolled: 1,146

Institution Type: Private

New England College

Henniker, NH
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $685
Out-of-State | $685

Credits to Graduate: 60

45%

Online Enrollment

$14,568

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

61%

Retention Rate

$14,568

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Students Enrolled: 2,815

Institution Type: Private

New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, NM
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $6,189
Out-of-State | $19,032

Credits to Graduate: 63-78

75%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,184

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

73%

Retention Rate

$18,023

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Students Enrolled: 10,323

Institution Type: Public

New York University

New York, NY
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,185
Out-of-State | $2,185

Credits to Graduate: 36

45%

Online Enrollment

$35,982

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

94%

Retention Rate

$35,982

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 13%

Students Enrolled: 58,226

Institution Type: Private

Northcentral University

La Jolla, CA
4 year
Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $650
Out-of-State | $650

Credits to Graduate: 54

N/A

Online Enrollment

$16,881

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$16,881

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 12,648

Institution Type: Private

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $705
Out-of-State | $827-$1,028

Credits to Graduate: 60

76%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,900

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$15,210

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 86%

Students Enrolled: 15,801

Institution Type: Public

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $872
Out-of-State | $1,027

Credits to Graduate: 76

63%

Online Enrollment

$19,323

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

73%

Retention Rate

$24,648

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 92%

Students Enrolled: 17,170

Institution Type: Public

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $833
Out-of-State | $833

Credits to Graduate: 60-72

51%

Online Enrollment

$13,695

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

$13,695

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 77%

Students Enrolled: 19,568

Institution Type: Public

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, FL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $780
Out-of-State | $780

Credits to Graduate: 57

84%

Online Enrollment

$15,218

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

55%

Retention Rate

$15,218

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Students Enrolled: 2,788

Institution Type: Private

Saint Peter's University

Jersey City, NJ
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $995
Out-of-State | $995

Credits to Graduate: 54

55%

Online Enrollment

$21,186

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$21,186

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 93%

Students Enrolled: 3,009

Institution Type: Private

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $516
Out-of-State | $568

Credits to Graduate: 60

62%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,288

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

82%

Retention Rate

$13,932

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 74%

Students Enrolled: 8,243

Institution Type: Public

South Carolina State University

Orangeburg, SC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $552
Out-of-State | $552

Credits to Graduate: 45

48%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,928

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

68%

Retention Rate

$21,038

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 84%

Students Enrolled: 2,626

Institution Type: Public

Southeastern Louisiana University

Hammond, LA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $858
Out-of-State | $858 per credit and a $6,239 per-semester fee for full-time students

Credits to Graduate: 60

38%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,684

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

71%

Retention Rate

$19,162

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 99%

Students Enrolled: 13,492

Institution Type: Public

Southern Nazarene University

Bethany, OK
4 year
Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $750
Out-of-State | $750

Credits to Graduate: 57

44%

Online Enrollment

$12,590

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

66%

Retention Rate

$12,590

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 2,159

Institution Type: Private

Stephen F. Austin State University

Nacogdoches, TX
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $589
Out-of-State |$619-$1,009

Credits to Graduate: 60

86%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,262

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

73%

Retention Rate

$12,606

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 89%

Students Enrolled: 11,327

Institution Type: Public

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $509
Out-of-State | $775

Credits to Graduate: 63

82%

Online Enrollment

$ 4,356

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$11,718

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Students Enrolled: 14,092

Institution Type: Public

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $313
Out-of-State | $733

Credits to Graduate: 96

68%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,956

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$15,136

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Students Enrolled: 40,378

Institution Type: Public

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $440
Out-of-State | $440

Credits to Graduate: 72

40%

Online Enrollment

$11,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

87%

Retention Rate

$31,460

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Students Enrolled: 38,644

Institution Type: Public

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $700
Out-of-State | $775

Credits to Graduate: 60

46%

Online Enrollment

$11,468

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

89%

Retention Rate

$29,656

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Students Enrolled: 33,805

Institution Type: Public

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $625
Out-of-State | $625

Credits to Graduate: 63

56%

Online Enrollment

$12,348

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$32,290

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Students Enrolled: 51,134

Institution Type: Public

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $438
Out-of-State | $438

Credits to Graduate: 42

35%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,875

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$21,420

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 79%

Students Enrolled: 30,936

Institution Type: Public

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $449
Out-of-State | $449

Credits to Graduate: 90

57%

Online Enrollment

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

97%

Retention Rate

$27,335

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 30%

Students Enrolled: 55,781

Institution Type: Public

University of Houston

Houston, TX
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $386
Out-of-State | $906

Credits to Graduate: 51

69%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,713

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

85%

Retention Rate

$17,857

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Students Enrolled: 46,700

Institution Type: Public

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $737
Out-of-State | $737

Credits to Graduate: 46

39%

Online Enrollment

$12,583

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

85%

Retention Rate

$32,896

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 95%

Students Enrolled: 31,547

Institution Type: Public

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $775
Out-of-State | $775

Credits to Graduate: 60

45%

Online Enrollment

$12,244

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

80%

Retention Rate

$12,244

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Students Enrolled: 3,789

Institution Type: Private

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $744
Out-of-State | $897

Credits to Graduate: 54

58%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,378

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$13,194

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 95%

Students Enrolled: 21,917

Institution Type: Public

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $277
Out-of-State | $1,120

Credits to Graduate: 60

75%

Online Enrollment

$ 4,719

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

83%

Retention Rate

$19,104

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 69%

Students Enrolled: 17,843

Institution Type: Public

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $480
Out-of-State | $480

Credits to Graduate: 60

60%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,226

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

69%

Retention Rate

$16,452

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 65%

Students Enrolled: 13,463

Institution Type: Public

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,354
Out-of-State | $2,354

Credits to Graduate: 43

46%

Online Enrollment

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

96%

Retention Rate

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 13%

Students Enrolled: 49,318

Institution Type: Private

Valdosta State University

Valdosta, GA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $254
Out-of-State | $915

Credits to Graduate: 55

64%

Online Enrollment

$ 4,572

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

59%

Retention Rate

$16,470

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Students Enrolled: 10,225

Institution Type: Public

Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,150
Out-of-State | $4,150-$6,225

Credits to Graduate: 60

54%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,674

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

69%

Retention Rate

$19,768

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Students Enrolled: 4,802

Institution Type: Public

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $707
Out-of-State | $707

Credits to Graduate: 60

57%

Online Enrollment

$12,140

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$18,340

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 97%

Students Enrolled: 16,493

Institution Type: Public

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $765
Out-of-State | $765

Credits to Graduate: 60

72%

Online Enrollment

$17,539

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$26,308

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Students Enrolled: 17,835

Institution Type: Public

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $326
Out-of-State | $326

Credits to Graduate: 55

57%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,544

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

68%

Retention Rate

$13,615

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Students Enrolled: 16,921

Institution Type: Public

Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $864
Out-of-State | $864

Credits to Graduate: 54

81%

Online Enrollment

$24,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

71%

Retention Rate

$24,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Students Enrolled: 5,207

Institution Type: Private

William Carey University

Hattiesburg, MS
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $515
Out-of-State | $515

Credits to Graduate: 60

50%

Online Enrollment

$11,875

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

87%

Retention Rate

$11,875

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Students Enrolled: 5,738

Institution Type: Private

William Woods University

Fulton, MO
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $750
Out-of-State | $750

Credits to Graduate: 31

56%

Online Enrollment

$7,200

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

69%

Retention Rate

$7,200

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Students Enrolled: 1,737

Institution Type: Private

Wingate University

Wingate, NC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $560
Out-of-State | $650

Credits to Graduate: 63

37%

Online Enrollment

$11,700

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

64%

Retention Rate

$12,330

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 86%

Students Enrolled: 3,396

Institution Type: Private

Xavier University of Louisiana

New Orleans, LA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $6,821-$8,273
Out-of-State | $6,821-$8,273

Credits to Graduate: 60

43%

Online Enrollment

$10,670

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

68%

Retention Rate

$14,899

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 95%

Students Enrolled: 3,419

Institution Type: Private

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: National Policy Board for Educational Administration

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $447
Out-of-State | $462

Credits to Graduate: 61

56%

Online Enrollment

$6,453

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$6,633

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Students Enrolled: 11,298

Institution Type: Public

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.

Popular Jobs in Educational Leadership
Job Title	Average Salary (May 2024)
School Superintendent	$145,400
Executive Director	$88,200
Dean of Students	$101,710
Department Chair (College/University)	$89,420
Elementary School Principal	$90,760

Source: Payscale

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.