Explore the Most Affordable Online PhD Programs in Education
Affordable online PhD programs in education give you the tools you need to reach your potential without straining the resources you currently have. This helpful PhDs.me student resource can help you discover vital information to pursuing this path.
Are you an educator looking to advance your career through administration, college teaching, or even starting your own business? Or are you a student planning ahead and thinking about the long-term value of earning a terminal degree? Either way, enrolling in an affordable online PhD program in education can help you reach your goals while still offering access to financial aid and flexible learning options.
There are several benefits to earning a doctorate in education. In addition to opening the door to higher-paying career opportunities, these programs can help you build valuable leadership, research, and communication skills that improve your performance in your current role.
Many affordable online PhD programs in education also offer flexible scheduling, making it easier to continue working while earning your degree.
This guide explores affordable online PhD programs in education, including ways students can reduce costs and the types of careers available after graduation. You’ll also find profiles of three affordable schools so you can better understand what to look for when comparing programs.
School Spotlights: A Look at Affordable Online Education PhDs
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, many colleges and universities across the country offer advanced education degrees, including online PhD programs. However, not every program will be the right fit — especially if affordability is one of your top priorities.
The good news is that choosing an affordable online PhD program in education does not mean sacrificing quality. To help simplify your search, we’ve highlighted programs that combine strong academics with lower costs, allowing you to prepare for the next stage of your career while still saving money.
Liberty University
Liberty University offers an online PhD in Education with several specialization options, including educational law, instructional design and technology, special education, and organizational leadership. The program can often be completed in about three years and has a tuition rate of $595 per credit.
The university also offers several ways for students to reduce costs. Online students may qualify for military tuition discounts, while first responders can receive a 25% tuition discount.
Small business owners may also qualify for a 15% tuition discount and the opportunity to earn credit for prior life experience. In addition, Liberty University offers a variety of scholarships for eligible students.
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University offers an online PhD in Curriculum and Instruction focused on the ethical, political, cultural, and philosophical factors that shape curriculum design and evaluation. The program also explores how curriculum is delivered both inside and outside the classroom, helping students develop a deeper understanding of modern educational issues.
The program combines synchronous and asynchronous coursework, meaning students attend some live classes while completing other coursework on their own schedules.
To help make the degree more affordable, Texas Tech University offers several financial aid opportunities, including assistantships and fellowships.
The University of Arizona
Whether you want to become a program administrator, instructional coordinator, or curriculum director, University of Arizona Global Campus offers an online PhD in Education designed to build leadership and research skills. The 59-credit program typically takes four years to complete and includes coursework in education trends, learning and cognition, research methods, and curriculum design assessment.
Students are also required to complete a dissertation before graduation.
To help lower costs, University of Arizona Global Campus allows students to transfer up to 30 credits. The university also offers scholarships, grants, military tuition discounts, and employee tuition savings through corporate partnerships.
Cutting Costs: What Makes an Online PhD Program Affordable
Looking at the tuition of affordable online PhD programs in education is important, however, there are other things to keep in mind that can contribute to the cost. Let’s take a look at some strategies to help cut those costs.
Application Fees
When comparing affordable online PhD programs in education, it’s important not to overlook application fees. These costs can add up quickly if you apply to multiple schools.
Fortunately, some universities offer application fee waivers for qualifying students. For example, applicants to the education doctoral program at University of California, Berkeley may qualify for a waiver of the $155 application fee.
Similarly, Texas Tech University and Liberty University also waive application fees for eligible students. Be sure to ask about fee waiver opportunities before applying.
Credit Transfer Policies
If you previously earned a master’s degree or completed doctoral coursework at another school, some programs may allow you to transfer credits into an education PhD program. Transfer policies vary by university, so it’s important to review each school’s requirements carefully.
For example, Walden University allows students to transfer up to 43 quarter credits toward its PhD in Education. However, the required six credits in doctoral support coursework cannot be waived.
Employer Sponsorship
Many employers understand that supporting continuing education can improve employee retention and strengthen recruitment efforts. As a result, some companies help cover the cost of graduate and doctoral education through tuition reimbursement programs.
Employees who work for colleges and universities may also qualify for tuition discounts for themselves or even their children. Below are examples of well-known companies that offer tuition assistance for graduate education.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial aid, including scholarships and grants, can help with funding for online PhD programs in education. Some schools, including the University of San Francisco and the University of Colorado Boulder, provide scholarships to help students defray the cost of their education.
Students can also find financial aid opportunities, such as the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, from the federal government, as well as organizations like the American Federation of Teachers.
Flexible Schedule
One major benefit of enrolling in an affordable online PhD program in education is the ability to enjoy a flexible schedule. This is perfect for those who work full-time because they can continue to earn while balancing work and studies.
Flexibility can mean multiple start dates like those at National University or the option to enroll for full- or part-time study at the University of Rochester.
Residency Status
Where you live can play a role in how much your tuition costs, so you may want to find a school located in your state to take advantage of lower rates. The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition can be quite significant.
For instance, at the University of North Dakota, in-state students pay $498.45 per credit for the education PhD program, while the out-of-state tuition is $747.68 per credit.
University Classification
Just as your location can play a role in how much you pay for tuition, choosing a public or private school also makes a difference. New York students can save a substantial amount of money by enrolling in a public school.
Those enrolled in the education PhD program at the public State University of New York at Albany pay $532.76 or $626.76 per credit, depending on if they’re in-state or out-of-state students, and people attending the private New York University are charged $2,020 per credit.
Veteran Benefits
Some schools provide certain financial benefits to veterans and active service members, as well as their spouses and children. Schools like the University of Arizona and Liberty University offer special tuition rates for the military community.
In other cases, people in the military, as well as veterans, may be able to have fees waived when they apply.
Expert Insight
If possible, you should ask recent alumni how long it takes to finish the program, not just the advertised timeline. A lower-cost program that takes several extra years to complete may end up costing more in tuition and fees.
Explore the Highest Paying Careers for Program Graduates
One benefit of pursuing affordable online PhD programs in education is that you get the training you need to move into higher-level, higher-paying positions.
You can enjoy a healthy return on your financial investment when you earn an education doctorate, and the following are some of the highest-paying jobs available for graduates.
College or University Administrator
College and university administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of academic departments and student services offices. Their responsibilities may include managing budgets, supporting students, recruiting faculty, and coordinating major campus activities such as graduation ceremonies.
Common higher education administration roles include:
- Admissions directors
- Provosts
- Financial aid directors
- Deans of student affairs
National Average Earnings: $85,255-$148,251
Educational Consultant
Educational consultants help schools improve operations both inside and outside the classroom. They may work with primary, secondary, or postsecondary institutions to advise educators on teaching strategies and student support practices.
These professionals also work closely with administrators, students, and parents to identify challenges and recommend solutions that improve educational outcomes.
National Average Earnings: $108,801
Policy Analyst or Researcher
A policy analyst or researcher helps institutions craft policies that are most beneficial for the school, and they provide feedback on the effectiveness of existing policies. This work involves conducting extensive research and drafting reports detailing the findings.
National Average Earnings: $100,949
Professor
College professors help shape the next generation of educators by passing on their knowledge in the classroom. Whether they’re teaching courses about general pedagogical principles, instruction strategies for specific subjects or grade levels, or working with certain student populations, professors shape learning through classroom lectures, assigned reading, and tests.
National Average Earnings: $80,840
School District Superintendent
School district superintendents are charged with ensuring that multiple schools in a public or private school district perform well. To do this, these professionals make decisions about everything from finances to curriculum to policies.
Also, superintendents report on their schools’ progress to the state and federal government, as well as members of the district’s administration.
National Average Earnings: $177,019
FAQs about Affordable Online PhD Programs in Education
Do you still have questions about affordable online PhD programs in education?
To help you make an informed decision about pursuing these degrees, we’ve put together answers to the questions prospective students ask most.
Are online PhD programs eligible for employer tuition reimbursement?
Possibly. Although the policies for employer tuition reimbursement depend on the specific company, some organizations may provide this benefit for those in affordable online PhD programs in education.
In fact, some employers may encourage workers to enroll in online programs because the flexibility makes it easier for them to continue working.
Are there opportunities for teaching or research assistantships?
Yes, students enrolled in education doctoral degrees may be able to receive teaching or research assistantships.
These opportunities are available at schools like the University of Iowa, Stanford University, and Drexel University.
Do I need to purchase textbooks or do online programs offer digital alternatives or open educational resources?
In some cases, digital copies of textbooks may be available, which can help students save a significant amount of money. However, if you do have to purchase a physical textbook, you may be able to receive a discount depending on your school.
You may also purchase used copies of textbooks at a lower price.
How do programs support students in securing funding or grants for research projects?
When it’s time to work on a dissertation, getting funding for research can make a world of difference in students’ success. To help aid students in their research projects, some schools provide funding to help them lower out-of-pocket expenses.
However, if funding isn’t available directly from your school, you may be able to receive help with grant writing so you can win outside awards.
What is the average cost of an online PhD program in education?
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of an education doctoral degree is $112,350. However, it’s important to remember that the cost will vary from one school to the next.
What support services are available for online students to find employment after graduation?
Schools are invested in their graduates’ success, so when people choose an affordable online PhD program in education, they can take advantage of services to help them in their career.
Many solid programs provide career support so students can get leads on jobs, as well as assistance with job search activities like resume writing.
Expert Insight
Look for programs with strong cohort models and faculty support systems. Research shows that doctoral students are more likely to stay on track and complete their degrees when they have consistent advisor support and strong peer connections. When you finish on time, you save money.