Best online EdD programs with no GRE requirement

The Doctor of Education (EdD), the professional doctorate for educational leadership, allows practitioners to deepen their knowledge of the theory and practice of education and advance their careers through enhanced credentials.

Earning an EdD online has become a popular choice among mid-career professionals and other busy applicants. While some online EdD programs require the GRE, many don’t, instead prioritizing an applicant’s educational and professional background in the field.

In this article, discover the best-value online EdD programs with no GRE, along with admissions criteria and other considerations for pursuing an EdD.

Do online EdD programs require the GRE?

In the past, most graduate programs required scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), the standardized test for evaluating applicant readiness for graduate-level coursework.

Now, many top-ranking universities have removed the GRE requirement from their graduate admissions process, largely due to concerns over bias and discrimination against low-income and minority students.

Most EdD programs do not require the GRE, in part because EdD candidates typically have advanced degrees, usually in education, and several years of professional experience in teaching, administration, or leadership in schools.

That said, many programs require GRE scores for students that fall short of certain conditions, such as a stated minimum GPA.

When to submit GRE scores to test-optional programs

While many graduate programs have removed the GRE requirement altogether, others have kept it optional.

To decide to submit GRE scores to test-optional programs, a good rule of thumb is, if your GRE scores are considered competitive for that program, share them; if they’re below average, don’t.

Whether voluntary GRE score submissions influence admission decisions is unclear. However, a low GRE score could still hurt your chances of getting into a top school, even subconsciously, and a high GRE score could be decisive for less competitive applications – particularly with average or below-average graduate GPAs.

Best online EdD programs without a GRE requirement

Using our school ranking methodology, we found the 10 best online EdD programs without a GRE requirement by value for money. To rank highly for value for money, programs should offer a balance between:

• Net cost, or the cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses after financial aid, and
• Average earnings among graduates 4 years after finishing school.

In other words, these EdD programs should pay for themselves.

Our cost and earnings data comes exclusively from government sources, such as IPEDS and College Scorecard.

Note that while all EdD programs mentioned are delivered online, a few have some in-person elements, which we’ll call out.

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1. Concordia University, Saint Paul

Concordia University, a private Lutheran university in Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers 40 degree programs through its online branch, CSP Global. CSP Global’s online Doctorate in Education program offers the best value for money in the country.

This 3-year EdD program combines coursework from 2 focuses: applied leadership approaches and scholarship (research) for improving organizations. Through a rigorous curriculum and consistent mentorship from a leadership coach, students graduate with strong leadership and scholarship skills for their chosen field, in education or elsewhere.

• GRE requirement: No GRE required
• Delivery format: Online, mix of asynchronous and synchronous
• Dissertation: Yes

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2. Minnesota State University, Mankato

Initially founded as a normal school, or teaching college, Minnesota State University, Mankato is a public university in Mankato, Minnesota with a high- quality and affordable Doctorate in Educational Leadership program.

Minnesota State’s program is designed for current and aspiring leaders in K-12 schools, higher education, and nonprofits. Its curriculum includes courses in research methodology, professional development, organizational theory, and more, along with several doctoral internships and a dissertation.

The program is delivered through a hybrid cohort model. Classes meet 6-7 times per semester on the Mankato or Edina campuses, with the rest delivered online.

• GRE requirement: No GRE required
• Delivery format: Hybrid
• Dissertation: Yes

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3. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), a public university in Richmond, Kentucky, offers over 40 affordable online degree programs, including an online Doctor of Education program through its College of Education and Applied Human Sciences.

Offered fully online, EKU’s advanced degree program prepares education professionals to be effective leaders and practitioners in P-12, higher education, and other communities. Students choose a concentration in Curriculum Leadership for Social Justice or Leadership, Policy Studies, and Social Justice.

Admitted students should have a master’s in education or a related field and 3 years of relevant professional experience.

• GRE requirement: GRE required for GPAs less than 3.5
• Delivery format: Online
• Dissertation: Yes

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4. Appalachian State University

Founded as a teacher’s college, Appalachian State University is a public university in Boone, North Carolina, that offers a good-value online Educational Leadership (EdD) program.

The program combines courses in research and leadership to enable current or aspiring organizational leaders to make a difference in their educational communities. Applicants choose among the following concentrations:

• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Higher Education
• Educational Administration
• Instructional Technology Leadership
• Literacy in Exceptionalities

Those applying to the Higher Education concentration should preferably have an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree.

• GRE requirement: GRE waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and at least 5 years of experience, or an EdS degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher from an Appalachian State University
• Delivery format: Online, synchronous
• Dissertation: Yes

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5. Baker University

The online EdD in Higher Education Leadership offered through Baker University, a private university in Baldwin City, Kansas, is one of the best in the country by value for money.

Baker’s EdD program prepares students for leadership roles in postsecondary education, focusing on developing competence in executive-level decision-making in areas like budgeting and finance, ethics, and program planning. Graduates typically find employment at universities as presidents, provosts, admissions directors, and deans.

Applicants are expected to have at least 1 year of professional experience in higher education.

• GRE requirement: No GRE required
• Delivery format: Online
• Dissertation: Yes

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6. Columbus State University

Columbus State University, a public university in Columbus, Georgia, is home to an affordable Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Leadership program.

This EdD program is offered through one of 3 specializations:

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership
• Higher Education Administration

Graduates of the Educational Leadership track go on to become principals, assistant principals, and superintendents. Curriculum and Leadership track participants typically continue as curriculum specialists and similar roles, while those in the Higher Education Administration track take up jobs as administrators in academic and student affairs.

• GRE requirement: No GRE required (source: 2024-2045 catalogue)
• Delivery format: Higher Education Administration track is fully online; Curriculum and Instruction, and Educational Leadership tracks are hybrid
• Dissertation: Yes

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7. Michigan State University

The Doctor of Educational Leadership in K-12 Educational Administration program from Michigan State University, a large public university in East Lansing, Central Michigan, is affordable and one of the top programs of its kind in the country.

This 3-year cohort program for future leaders in Michigan schools, universities, and other communities is collaborative, requiring a group dissertation and some face-to-face learning alongside online coursework.

The program also helps graduates to become eligible for Michigan Central Office Administrator certification.

• GRE requirement: No GRE required
• Delivery format: Hybrid
• Dissertation: Yes

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8. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh, or simply “Pitt,” is a public university in Pittsburgh well known for its quality and low tuition. Its Doctor of Education program, offered nearly entirely online, is an ideal option for Pennsylvania-based education professionals.

The 3-year EdD program at the University of Pittsburgh is committed to promoting equity and justice in schools through effective leadership. Students choose from several EdD majors, ranging from Education Leadership to Urban Education, STEM, and Education Policy and Social Change.

Designed for busy professionals, this part-time program is offered through a mix of online and in-person learning, with 1 on-campus class required each month, usually on Saturdays.

• GRE requirement: No GRE required
• Delivery format: Hybrid
• Dissertation: Yes

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9. Union University

Union University, a private Baptist university in Jackson, Tennessee, offers a unique online Doctor of Education program for educators committed to Christian faith-centered leadership.

Students of the EdD degree program at Union specialize in either P-12 School Administration or Higher Education. The former features both licensure (in Instructional Leadership) and non-licensure tracks.

The 3-year EdD in P-12 School Administration is entirely online, and the Higher Education EdD program, which takes 3.5 years to complete, is also offered online, apart from a required 1-week summer residency to meet the cohort and faculty.

• GRE requirement: GRE not required
• Delivery format: Online
• Dissertation: Yes

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10. Delta State University

The Doctor of Education in Professional Studies program at Delta State University, a small public university in Cleveland, Mississippi, offers excellent value for the money.

The online EdD program at Delta State, which aims to prepare students for various leadership and administration roles in education, is offered through 3 specialization tracks: Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, and Higher Education.

To enter the program, applicants should have a 3.25 graduate GPA or higher, a master’s or educational specialist degree, and at least 2 years of relevant professional experience, such as teaching.

• GRE requirement: No GRE required
• Delivery format: Online
• Dissertation: Yes

Online EdD admissions requirements

At minimum, EdD programs require a master’s in education or a related field and a few years of relevant professional experience.

Without GRE scores, EdD program applicants will need to demonstrate in other ways that they’re ready to take on a doctoral-level program.

To evaluate readiness, EdD programs often have extensive eligibility requirements for candidates. Consider the below checklist to gauge yours:

Is an online EdD degree a good idea?

If going to a brick-and-mortar university for your EdD isn’t realistic, earning an online EdD degree is a convenient alternative.

But beyond convenience, is the decision to get an EdD degree online a smart one financially?

First, the good news: if you already work in an educational leadership role and plan to use an EdD degree to advance your career, how or where you earn your EdD doesn’t matter much – the credential does, much like how many employers view MBA degrees today.

In this case, getting an online EdD degree is generally worth it.

On the other hand, if you see an online EdD degree as a gateway to the field due to a lack of meaningful professional experience and contacts, the reputation of the schools handing out the degree becomes more important:

So, when choosing an online EdD program, consider your own circumstances. Don’t have your foot in the door in educational leadership yet? Then choose an online EdD program that is either from a reputable institution or known as a top choice for education.

What can you do with an EdD degree?

An EdD degree prepares graduates for leadership roles in K-12 or higher education, such as:

• Principal
• Superintendent
• School district official
• Admissions director
• College president
• Provost
• Dean

EdD holders also put their knowledge of educational theory into practice as curriculum designers or training and development specialists in settings like schools, corporations, nonprofits, and governmental organizations.

EdD vs. PhD in Education: what’s the difference?

As doctoral degrees in education, the EdD and PhD in Education are often confused. Despite frequent overlap in curriculum design (for instance, both involve extensive research and a dissertation), the EdD and PhD in Education have different career outcomes.

An EdD degree prepares graduates for careers in education leadership, while a PhD in Education is meant for education research and teaching. In broader terms, the EdD is a degree for practitioners and the PhD in Education is an academic-track degree.

If you plan to become a professor or contribute to scholarly research, you might want to pursue a PhD in Education instead of an EdD.

Final thoughts

An online EdD degree is a good option for mid-career education professionals who can use the credentials boost to advance their careers in K-12 and higher education.

Still unsure whether an EdD program is the best fit for you? Consider exploring our online college rankings, or taking the short quiz below to get ideas for other degree options.