An online doctorate in higher education degree offers students the opportunity to develop the leadership skills and knowledge needed to progress into more important roles in higher education. By pursuing this type of degree, students will be prepared for senior-level positions in education, such as deans, provosts, administrators, and much more. Deciding to pursue this type of degree online affords students a greater deal of flexibility in their scheduling and is oftentimes far cheaper.
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Best PhD in Higher Education Online Programs Methodology
For students who want to pursue a doctorate in higher education online, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that takes into account the cost of tuition and the length of the program. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. All of these programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified.
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
Ranking the Top PhD in Higher Education Online Degrees
#1. Wilmington University
Online Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership
New Castle, Delaware
Students at Wilmington University can enroll in the school’s Online Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership degree. This online doctorate in higher education is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. A total of 51 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Students in this program of study will work through a curriculum that is designed to teach the skills and concepts needed to succeed as a leader in the higher education space. Through this program, students will develop skills in leadership, social justice and inclusion, advising and supporting, technology, and much more.
Tuition: $24,888
Score: 100
#2. Delta State University
Online Doctor of Education in Professional Studies in Higher Education
Cleveland, Mississippi
Delta State University students can pursue the school’s Online Doctor of Education in Professional Studies in Higher Education. Through this program of study, students will become trained in skills related to higher education. Students will learn the skills needed to work as advisors, professors, or administrators in the higher education space. A total of 63 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Delta State University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Southern Associaton of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition:$26,271
Score: 99.75
#3. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Online Doctor in Higher Education Leadership
Baltimore, Maryland
This Online Doctor in Higher Education Leadership is offered to students at Notre Dame of Maryland University. This program is made available entirely online and has no residency requirements. Those who have completed this program of study have gone on to have careers as university administrators, deans, education researchers, and much more. Courses in this program include education and policy analysis, curriculum development for changing populations, and organization and governance in higher education. A total of 51 credits are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition:$29,325
Score: 99.5
#4. Concordia University
Online Doctorate of Education in Higher Education
Portland, Oregon
Concordia University students can enroll in an Online Doctorate of Education in Higher Education at the school. This online doctorate in higher education is designed to complete entirely online, including a virtual residency component that is also completely online. Students will learn about the critical issues facing academia today, they will learn how to evaluate education-related research to make decisions for their institutions, and will also gain organizational skills to manage their schools. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Concordia University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition:$34,644
Score: 99.25
#5. University of Florida
Online Doctorate in Education in Higher Education Administration
Gainesville, Florida
This Online Doctorate in Education in Higher Education Administration degree is made available by the University of Florida. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Florida has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Through the course of this program, students will learn how to become better leaders at their respective universities and colleges. They will learn how to lead faculty and students effectively. Those who have completed this degree program have gone on to have careers as professors, university administrators, and much more.
Tuition:$37,860
Score: 99
#6. University of Memphis
Online Doctor of Education in Higher and Adult Education: Higher Education Concentration
Memphis, Tennessee
The University of Memphis offers an entirely online doctorate in higher education to its students. In this program of study, students will train in the skills needed for senior-level administrative positions at colleges and universities. They will develop leadership and management skills that are critical to careers in higher education. To complete this degree program, students must earn a total of 60 credits. The University of Memphis has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition:$38,820
Score: 98.75
#7. Indiana State University
Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration: Higher Education Leadership
Terre Haute, Indiana
Students can choose to enroll in an Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration: Higher Education Leadership degree. A total of 72 credit hours are needed for the completion of this degree. The Higher Learning Commission has provided accreditation for this program. Indiana State University’s program of study is designed to give students the skills needed for leadership positions at colleges and universities. By completing this program of study students will be ready to work as professors, administrators, and even deans. Courses in this program of study include philosophy of education, development through the lifespan, school and society, and much more.
Tuition:$38,942
Score: 98.5
#8. St. Cloud State University
Online Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration
St. Cloud, Minnesota
St. Cloud State University offers an entirely online doctorate in higher education to its students. This Online Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration degree was created for online enrollment. St. Cloud State University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 72 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program are either eight-weeks or sixteen-weeks long. By completing this degree program, students will have gained the skills needed to become leaders and work in administrative positions at universities and colleges.
Tuition:$46,728
Score: 98.25
#9. Regent University
Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Students at Regent University can enroll in the school’s Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education degree. To complete this degree, students must earn a total of 66 credits. Those who have earned this degree have gone on to have careers in executive leadership, assistant dean positions, academic dean positions, and much more. Regent University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $51,150
Score: 98
#10. University of South Alabama
Online Doctorate of Educational Leadership in Higher Education
Mobile, Alabama
Offered entirely online, this Doctorate of Educational Leadership in Higher Education is made available by the University of South Alabama. This program of study follows a cohort model in which students will move through the curriculum with the same online classmates. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This degree is a great option for those who wish to advance their careers further in higher education.
Tuition: $53,040
Score: 97.75
#11. East Carolina University
Online Doctorate of Educational Leadership in Higher Education
Greenville, North Carolina
East Carolina University offers this Online Doctorate of Educational Leadership in Higher Education. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided accreditation for this degree program. This degree provides students with the skills needed to excel in leadership in higher education. Courses in this program include organizational theory and culture, ethics in educational leadership, and much more.
Tuition: $53,580
Score: 97.5
#12. Maryville University of Saint Louis
Online Doctor of Education – Higher Education Leadership
St. Louis, Missouri
Made available through Maryville University’s online education platform, this online doctor of education – higher education leadership degree was created for online enrollment. In this program of study, students will develop the skills needed to work in the leadership and administrative roles at universities and colleges. This program of study follows a cohort model where students will move through the curriculum together throughout their study. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Maryville University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $53,820
Score: 97.25
#13. Saint Peter’s University
Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership
Jersey City, New Jersey
Students at Saint Peter’s University can choose this Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership degree. This degree program was created to prepare students for mid-level to senior-level positions in colleges and universities. This program of study requires a total of 48 credits to complete. Saint Peter’s University has received accreditation for this program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Throughout the pursuit of this program, students will develop skills in leadership to prepare them for their careers in higher education.
Tuition: $54,336
Score: 97
#14. Appalachian State University
Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership in Higher Education
Boone, North Carolina
At Appalachian State University, students can enroll in the Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership in Higher Education. Offered as a part-time curriculum, this degree program requires a total of 60 credit hours. This program of study has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Those who have completed this program have gone on to have careers as deans, provosts, department chairs, and more. Courses in this program include writing for the professional educator, organizational and systems theory, and leadership in organization.
Tuition: $55,500
Score: 96.75
#15. Colorado State University
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Resource Studies – Higher Education Leadership Specialization
Fort Collins, Colorado
This Online Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Resource Studies – Higher Education Leadership Specialization degree is offered by Colorado State University’s Global Campus. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Typically, this degree program requires five years to complete. Students who have completed this degree program have gone on to have roles in student services, enrollment management, academic support leadership, and more. This is a great degree option for those who wish to further their careers in higher education.
Tuition: $55,560
Score: 96.5
#16. Northcentral University
Online Doctorate in Leadership in Higher Education
San Diego, California
Northcentral University offers its students an Online Doctorate in Leadership in Higher Education. To complete this degree, students must earn a total of 60 credit hours spread across 20 courses. This usually takes 45 months to complete. Learning outcomes of this program include the development of educational theories, the ability to communicate with diverse audiences, the development of evidence-based solutions regarding education issues, and much more. Northcentral University has received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $57,720
Score: 96.25
#17. University of Nebraska
Online Doctorate in Higher Education
Lincoln, Nebraska
Students at the University of Nebraska can enroll in the school’s Online Doctorate in Higher Education degree. This program of study is designed to be completed entirely online except for an on-campus research seminar that is required at one point during the curriculum. A total of 90 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. The University of Nebraska has received accreditation for this degree program from the Higher Learning Commission. This degree is a great option for those who wish to further their careers in higher education.
Tuition: $58,680
Score: 96.25
#18. University of North Dakota
Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Practice and Leadership
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Students at the University of North Dakota can enroll in the school’s Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Practice and Leadership degree. Through this program of study, students will develop the skills needed for leadership and high-level administrative positions in higher education. A total of 91 credits are needed for the completion of this degree program. The University of North Dakota has received accreditation for this degree program from the Higher Learning Commission. This program takes approximately three years to complete.
Tuition: $59,220
Score: 96
#19. Ball State University
Online Doctorate of Education in Higher Education
Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University offers an Online Doctorate of Education in Higher Education degree. This online doctorate in higher education degree was created to be taken mostly online. Some of the courses of this program are offered only on campus. To complete this degree, students must earn a total of 54 credits. Courses in this program include the community college, issues in higher education, and legal issues in higher education. This program has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $59,241
Score: 96.75
#20. Nova Southeastern University
Online Doctor of Education with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership
Davie, Florida
This Online Doctor of Education with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership degree is made available to students by Nova Southeastern University. This program has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 54 credits are needed to earn this degree. This program is great for students who wish to further their careers in higher education. Courses in this program of study include comparative higher education, student affairs in higher education, and politics and external relations of higher education.
Tuition: $73,980
Score: 96.75
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This concludes our ranking of the top PhD in Higher Education online degree programs.
NPCO Staff
