Research Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Programs by State

OnlineEdDPrograms.com contains a comprehensive database of online Doctor of Education programs offered by schools in the United States. Currently, there are colleges and universities in 41 states plus the District of Columbia that offer online Ed.D. programs. While the majority of these programs accept students from most, if not all states, some students may prefer to start their research by looking at in-state schools.

In general, there are three factors that students will want to consider as they compare programs offered by in-state versus out-of-state colleges and universities. These factors include: 1) any on-campus requirements in addition to online instruction, 2) state authorizations and whether or not a school is authorized to admit students from an applicant’s state of residence, and 3) if a school has variable tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students.

Campus Requirements for Online EdD Programs

While online EdD programs utilize primarily online instruction and course materials, some may require students to attend one or more on-campus sessions, in order to participate in orientations, hands-on learning experiences, projects, networking events, or other in-person activities. Sometimes referred to as on-campus intensives or immersion sessions, these sessions are meant to give students a chance to meet and work with their instructors and classmates face-to-face, and they can take on a variety of different formats depending on the program. Typically, these on-campus sessions are required; however, some schools may allow students to attend these activities virtually if there is no way for the student to attend in-person.

These on-campus sessions may also be used to help students work on specific aspects of their dissertation or to defend their dissertation at the end of their degree program. Some online EdD programs even begin with an on-campus orientation that is designed to introduce students to the school, faculty, their classmates, and additional resources like the library and writing center.

The length and timing of these campus sessions vary by program. While some might take place over one or two days (or a long weekend), others can last an entire week (or longer). In some programs, students actually complete a weeklong course to earn credits towards their degree. While these sessions may seem like an inconvenience for online students, they can be a valuable addition to an online learning experience. However, prospective students should note that they will generally be expected to cover the cost of travel and lodging for these campus visits themselves. When researching potential programs, it is important to factor in the expense of any campus residencies before applying.

OnlineEdDPrograms.com classifies a program as online if it requires three or fewer campus visits per year,, and there are many online programs available that require no visits to campus at all (although it is common for online students to attend graduation in person, if they choose). Programs that utilize primarily online instruction but require more than three visits to campus per year are classified as “hybrid” programs and are not included on this site at this time.

State Restrictions for Online EdD Programs

When researching online EdD programs, it is important to note that while the majority of programs accept students from every state, some may not. Schools offering online programs must have specific approval to enroll students from states in which they do not have a physical campus, and are required to seek this approval from each state individually. While generally not the case, due to certain restrictions, some online EdD programs may not be allowed to accept or enroll students from certain states.

These restrictions vary from program to program and can change over time. As such, students should always check a program’s website or contact an admissions advisor directly before applying to any online program based out-of-state, to ensure it is authorized to accept students from their state of residence.

Tuition Costs and Additional Considerations for Online EdD Students

Students should keep in mind that while some online EdD programs charge the same tuition rate for all online students, regardless of their location, there are programs that have different tuition rates for in-state residents and out-of-state students. When researching programs based out-of-state, students should be sure to check if this is the case before applying. Any tuition information listed on this site should be considered as an estimate only (see our Sources and Disclaimers page for more information). For the most up-to-date information regarding tuition costs, students should always contact an admissions advisor or school representative.

Finally, students interested in certain educational administration positions, such as principal or superintendent, should note that licensing requirements vary by state. In most cases, an EdD is not required to obtain this type of licensure. The typical qualification to become a principal or superintendent in most states is a master’s degree, graduate certificate, and/or Education Specialist (EdS) degree. As such, the majority of online EdD programs do not prepare students for licensure, and those that do offer tracks specifically designed to help students meet licensing requirements often have strict admissions policies and may not accept out-of-state students.

Find Online EdD Programs by State

The table below includes links to pages with detailed breakdowns of online EdD programs available in each state, as well as some additional information regarding campus-based and hybrid programs.