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Compare Doctorate in Higher Education Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Doctorate in Higher Education Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare Doctorate in Higher Education Programs
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Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education Programs of 2025
Compare Doctorate in Higher Education Programs
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Why This Matters

  • 37% OF POSTSECONDARY ADMINISTRATOR JOBS REQUIRE A DOCTORAL DEGREE

    According to O*NET, 37% of postsecondary administrator jobs require a doctorate, while an additional 48% require a master’s degree.

  • 7,700 MORE POSTSECONDARY ADMINISTRATORS NEEDED BY 2032

    The number of jobs for postsecondary administrators is expected to grow 4% over the next decade.

  • POTENTIAL TO EARN OVER $190,000

    Postsecondary administrators earn an average salary of $99,940 per year, with the top 10% making more than $196,420. Completing a doctorate program will help you reach the high end of your salary potential.

Our Research

This list features some of the best online doctorate in 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 education.

We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. 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 online doctorate in higher education degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

  • 51 hours to write this article
  • 78 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 84 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Doctorate in Higher Education Programs

Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education Programs badge
01

Nova Southeastern University
01

Andrews University
01

Maryville University
01

Gwynedd Mercy University
01

Concordia University Chicago
01

UF College of Education
01

Regent University
01

Colorado State University
01

University of Memphis
01

Indiana State University
01

Saint Peter's University
01

University of Nebraska - Lincoln
01

Missouri Baptist University
01

University of Alabama
01

University of North Georgia
01

Liberty University
01

University of Southern Mississippi
01

University of Mississippi
01

Texas Tech University
01

Ball State University
01

University of North Dakota
01

University of Arizona
01

University of West Georgia
01

Notre Dame of Maryland University
01

Columbus State University
01

Drexel University
01

Wilmington University
01

Appalachian State University
01

Bradley University

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What You Should Know About This 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 keep in mind 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 Departent of Education’s accreditation database.

After you obtain your doctorate, there are several professions that you’ll be qualified to enter. That includes college president, provost, academic dean, and professor.

While further licensing and certification isn’t typically required in these professions, you will most likely need to pass a criminal background check prior to working in a school setting.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online doctorate in higher education programs:

  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? The timeline for obtaining a doctorate in higher education online depends on your schedule and level of commitment to completing the program quickly. While some are able to finish and obtain their degree in about two years, most students take between six and 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, and other resources, 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 scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities.


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