Pursuing a Doctorate in Education can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With the increasing availability of online programs, students have more options than ever for pursuing a doctorate in education at a reasonable cost.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the cheapest online doctorate in education programs currently available, exploring the average cost of these programs and what makes them stand out. We’ll also discuss why choosing an affordable program is so essential for the long-term financial health of students and highlight ways to help further reduce the cost, such as teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and dissertation grants. Whether you’re looking to advance your career in education or pursue a research career, this guide can help you make an informed decision about the most cost-effective way to achieve your goals.
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 Doctorate in 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 50 Cheapest Online Master’s in 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
Marshall University
Intelligent Score: 99.87In-state: $7,190
Out-of-state: $18,044
In-state: $7,506
Out-of-state: $7,506
SAT: 940-1145
ACT: 19-25
Resident: $418
Non-Resident: $1,115
Online
Higher Learning Commission
45
University of Wyoming
Intelligent Score: 99.66In-state: $3,480
Out-of-state: $14,472
In-state: $5,076
Out-of-state: $5,076
SAT: 1040-1240
ACT: 21-28
Resident: $337
Non-Resident: $537
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
44-75
University of the Cumberlands
Intelligent Score: 99.63In-state: $9,875
Out-of-state: $9,875
In-state: $4,282
Out-of-state: $4,282
SAT: 930-1140
ACT: 19-24
$375
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
University of Arkansas
Intelligent Score: 98.8In-state: $7,568
Out-of-state: $24,056
In-state: $7,752
Out-of-state: $7,752
SAT: 1090-1280
ACT: 23-29
$437
Online
Higher Learning Commission
42-96
Valdosta State University
Intelligent Score: 98.45In-state: $4,371
Out-of-state: $15,426
In-state: $4,572
Out-of-state: $4,572
SAT: 990-1140
ACT: 19-23
$293
Online, Hybrid
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
54-55
Kennesaw State University
Intelligent Score: 97.56In-state: $4,450
Out-of-state: $15,704
In-state: $5,328
Out-of-state: $5,328
SAT: 1030-1200
ACT: 19-25
$383
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
45-66
University of North Georgia
Intelligent Score: 96.83In-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
UMass Lowell
Intelligent Score: 95.32In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$495
Hybrid
New England Commission of Higher Education
42
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 94.93In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
Resident: $576
Non-Resident: $1,078
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60-96
Southeastern University
Intelligent Score: 94.89In-state: $26,520
Out-of-state: $26,520
In-state: $13,365
Out-of-state: $13,365
SAT: 960-1170
ACT: 19-24
$500
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
54
University of Colorado Denver
Intelligent Score: 94.6In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $34,930
In-state: $11,826
Out-of-state: $11,826
SAT: 1130-1350
ACT: 25-31
Resident: $429
Non-Resident: $1,333 Out-of-State Online-Only: $515
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
54
University of Southern Mississippi
Intelligent Score: 94.57In-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
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
54
University of Missouri
Intelligent Score: 93.53In-state: $9,330
Out-of-state: $27,612
In-state: $9,478
Out-of-state: $9,478
SAT: 1110-1320
ACT: 23-29
$515
Online
Higher Learning Commission
54
University of Louisiana Monroe
Intelligent Score: 93.06In-state: $5,407
Out-of-state: $19,135
In-state: $5,511
Out-of-state: $5,511
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$500
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
60
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Intelligent Score: 92.15In-state: $5,180
Out-of-state: $15,968
In-state: $5,738
Out-of-state: $5,738
SAT: 978-1130
ACT: 17-23
$475
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
63
University of West Georgia
Intelligent Score: 90.12In-state: $4,371
Out-of-state: $15,426
In-state: $4,338
Out-of-state: $4,338
SAT: 900-1090
ACT: 17-22
$241
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Evangel University
Intelligent Score: 89.44In-state: $23,722
Out-of-state: $23,722
In-state: $8,388
Out-of-state: $8,388
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$600
Online
Higher Learning Commission
50
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 89.14In-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
How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Education Cost?
Before enrolling in an online doctorate program, it’s crucial to consider the total cost to make an informed decision about your future. While tuition can be a significant expense, many other factors, like fees, textbooks, and other educational materials, can quickly increase over time. Overall, an online doctorate in education can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 or more.
Attending a relatively affordable online doctorate in education program can save you a significant amount of money compared to a more expensive program. For example, just deciding to attend a program that costs $30,000 instead of $50,000 can save you $20,000 over time.
It’s also important to consider that, throughout the program, this amount could increase further due to factors such as inflation and interest rates. In addition, choosing a more affordable program may allow the reader to avoid taking out as much in student loans or accruing as much debt, which can have long-term financial benefits.
How To Reduce the Cost of Your Doctorate in Education Program
By choosing an affordable doctorate in education program, you’re already on the right track to reduce the overall cost of earning your degree. However, there are additional ways for students to further ease the financial burden of their education. In this list, we will explore several programs that students can use to reduce the cost of their Doctorate in Education beyond simply selecting a program with relatively low tuition. Indeed, with the help of these resources, you may even be able to earn your doctorate for free.
Teaching assistantships
Teaching assistantships can be an effective way for students to reduce the cost of their education by working for their institution as an instructor while simultaneously earning their doctoral degree. This can provide many benefits, including a salary, tuition waivers or reductions, and valuable teaching experience.
Teaching assistantships are typically available to doctoral students in education and related fields but are often highly competitive. Students awarded a teaching assistantship can expect to receive a stipend or salary in exchange for working a specified number of hours each week. In addition to the financial benefits, teaching assistantships provide beneficial teaching experience, which can help secure future employment.
It’s important to note that the availability and terms of teaching assistantships can vary by institution and program. Therefore, interested students should check with their institution to learn more about the availability of teaching assistantships and the application process.
Research assistantships
Research assistantships can be another way for students to reduce the overall cost of earning a Doctorate in Education. These assistantships involve working for a faculty member or research center on research projects related to education while pursuing a doctoral degree.
Research assistantships differ from teaching assistantships because they focus on research rather than teaching. While teaching assistantships involve working as an instructor, research assistantships include working on research projects under the guidance of a faculty member. In addition, these assistantships often include conducting literature reviews, collecting data, analyzing data, and assisting with writing research articles and grant proposals.
Students interested in research and with a strong background in research methodology and statistics may be particularly well-suited for these assistantships. In addition, those interested in pursuing a career in research or academia may find these assistantships particularly beneficial.
Similar to teaching assistantships, research assistantships can provide financial benefits such as a stipend or salary and tuition waivers. These benefits can reduce the doctoral program’s cost and provide students with relevant research experience. Additionally, research assistantships can offer networking opportunities and connections with faculty members and researchers in the field.
Fellowships and dissertation grants
Fellowships and dissertation grants can be an excellent way to reduce the cost of a Doctoral program in Education. These awards are provided by educational institutions, government agencies, private organizations, and foundations and are designed to support doctoral students as they pursue their research and complete their dissertations.
However, it’s important to note that these awards are slightly different, each with a unique purpose. For example, fellowships offer financial support to doctoral students by providing a stipend, tuition waiver or reduction, and other benefits like health insurance and travel support. Dissertation grants, on the other hand, provide funding specifically to support the research and writing of a dissertation.
Both fellowships and dissertation grants can be highly competitive, and the application process is rigorous. However, these awards can provide significant financial benefits to students, allowing them to focus on their research and complete their degrees without the burden of financial stress.
In addition to the financial benefits, fellowships and dissertation grants can provide students with invaluable networking opportunities and connections with researchers and scholars in the field. This can be particularly beneficial for students with their eyes set on a career in academia.
Our Research
This list features some of the country’s cheapest online Doctorate in Education programs. 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, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the cheapest online Doctorate in Education programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.