8 Top-Rated Online EdD Programs No GRE in Educational Leadership for 2026
Want to advance your career without the hassle of standardized tests? Good news – most online EdD programs have dropped their GRE requirements.
These available online educational leadership doctoral programs help you get quality education without test score barriers. Leading universities now offer EdD programs that you can complete in just three years. Students can start their journey in January, May, or August. The programs run completely online, though some universities include weekend seminars on campus. You’ll need between 42 to 48 credit hours to graduate, with some programs charging $1,402 per credit hour. This gives you several ways to pursue higher education without worrying about test scores.
This guide showcases eight excellent education programs that value your real-world experience over standardized tests. These programs are perfect for educators who want to enhance their leadership skills or administrators looking to create positive changes in educational systems.
1. Arizona State University – Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation
Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation has a Doctor of Education degree that revolutionizes education. This program stands out because it’s one of the few online EdD programs without GRE requirements that focuses on leadership innovation and supports working professionals.
Program overview
The ASU EdD in Leadership and Innovation helps scholarly practitioners improve their professional practice and create better learning opportunities for students of all ages. Students can complete this three-year, cohort-based program in two ways: through a hybrid format that combines classes at ASU’s West Valley campus with online learning, or entirely online. The same expert faculty teaches both options, which share similar coursework and structure.
Action research forms the core of the curriculum with 54 hours of required coursework and six additional hours of Advanced Professional Studies, totaling 60 credit hours. Students must complete a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus, and a dissertation. The program starts with foundational courses in action research and systems change leadership before moving to specialized professional and research cores.
The program accepts students at different times based on their chosen format—summer semester for campus/hybrid students and spring/fall semesters for online students. Working educator-leaders will find this program valuable, though it’s not designed for those seeking academic research-oriented tenure-track positions.
Key features
Leader Scholar Communities (LSCs) make this program unique. Students join these small groups of five to seven members during the fifth term and work with one faculty member who provides academic and personal support. Your LSC faculty instructor becomes your dissertation chair and guides you as you conceptualize, implement, and study change initiatives.
Students apply their learning in one of three specialized contexts:
- Pre-Kindergarten–Grade 12 Change Leadership
- Higher Education Change Leadership
- Systems, Professional and Reimagined Change Leadership (SPARC)
You’ll conduct multiple research cycles at your workplace and share findings in yearly symposia and the Doctoral Research Conference. The action research dissertation helps you make immediate, practical improvements in your educational setting.
Admissions requirements
You’ll need a master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”). The program doesn’t require GRE scores for admission.
The application process has these requirements:
- Graduate admission application and fee
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation from professional references
- Personal statement (3 pages, double-spaced)
- Guided writing sample
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Proof of English proficiency (for non-native English speakers)
Different start dates have different deadlines: October 15 for spring start (online), March 15 for summer start (campus/hybrid), and May 15 for fall start (online).
Tuition and financial aid
Several factors affect tuition costs, including your program, transfer credits, and course load. Arizona residents pay less for online tuition than in-person classes for the first 11 credit hours, after which the costs become equal. Non-residents don’t pay out-of-state tuition for up to 11 credit hours.
These financial aid options can help:
- Federal grants (need-based aid that doesn’t require repayment)
- Subsidized and unsubsidized loans
- Scholarships (both need-based and merit-based)
- Corporate partnerships offering tuition assistance
- Military benefits for veterans and active-duty service members
You must submit the FAFSA each year to qualify for financial aid. Previous college credits can help reduce your overall tuition costs when transferred.
2. Marymount University – Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation
Want a flexible doctoral program that values your work experience more than test scores? Marymount University’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation offers an online path tailored for professionals who want to make meaningful changes in their organizations.
Program overview
The Ed.D. program shapes leaders who bring positive change in a variety of instructional and organizational settings. This terminal degree helps you make an immediate difference in schools, communities, government, healthcare, and organizations both public and private. Students can complete the 48 credit hours in less than three years through eight consecutive semesters. The program runs entirely online and part-time. New cohorts start each fall and spring semester in a supportive community environment.
Students learn four main skills: leading change through transformation, working with diverse stakeholders, building innovative systems for improvement, and developing analytical thinking to review change processes. The coursework provides frameworks for organizational research and change through a dissertation in practice.
Key features
The program puts theory into practice. Student Johnathan Harris says, “This is a REAL-TIME Doctor of Education program,” where assignments can be “immediately put into practice”. Another student, Samantha Koury, points out the program’s “focus on building capacity for leadership” through practical resources, leadership theories, and vital self-reflection.
Your dissertation tackles real problems affecting your organization. Faculty advisors help you identify topics, conduct research, and develop state-of-the-art solutions. This hands-on approach lets you apply what you learn directly at work.
The program benefits include:
- Education that fits around your work schedule
- Growing professional networks with faculty and peers
- Better time management and project skills
- Coursework that matches your career goals
Admissions requirements
You need a bachelor’s and master’s degree from regionally accredited institutions with a minimum 2.75 GPA. You should also have at least three years of relevant work experience.
To apply, submit:
- A completed application with official transcripts
- Two professional recommendation letters
- Your current resume
- Complete a personal interview
- Write an essay about your goals and how the doctorate will help achieve them
The program doesn’t require GRE scores, making it available to qualified professionals without test score barriers.
Tuition and financial aid
Students starting Fall 2025 will pay $1,402 per credit hour. The 2024-2025 rate was $1,275 per credit. The 48-credit program represents a substantial investment.
Marymount helps students find financial support for their education. You can access federal government funding and private financing through banks or financial institutions. Military and veteran benefits or scholarships from various organizations might also help cover costs.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check your financial aid eligibility. Research all funding options carefully to manage program costs effectively.
3. University of West Alabama – Ed.D. in Rural Education
The University of West Alabama has launched a trailblazing EdD in Rural Education—the first doctoral program of its kind in the nation that tackles unique challenges in rural educational settings. This innovative degree gives educators specialized knowledge to help develop underserved rural communities.
Program overview
The EdD in Rural Education at UWA delivers relevant coursework about critical rural education issues through a flexible online format. Partnership schools and expert superintendents helped design this program to ensure real-world application. Students need 60-66 total credit hours and take courses in 8-week terms. Most students finish in 3-4 years, and the next cohort begins January 12.
Students complete 21 hours of professional courses covering leadership for better student achievement, advanced research methods, and family involvement in rural settings. The program requires 27 hours in their chosen specialization track and 12 hours of applied dissertation work. Students learn to analyze data, develop programs, and support policies that help rural students and schools.
Key features
The program has six specialized tracks that let students customize their education based on career goals:
- Counseling Track: Prepares educators to support diverse student populations and families
- Higher Education Administration Track: Develops administrators who can support teachers and address critical issues
- Instructional Technology Track: Focuses on incorporating technology in areas with limited technological access
- Library Media Track: Builds instructional leaders who change rural schools through media and library services
- Organizational Change and Leadership Track: Prepares program directors to optimize innovation in rural education
- Teacher Leader Track: Develops leadership skills for expert educators in various settings
Students work on practical applications through courses like “Challenges in Rural Education” and “Leadership for Organizational Change.” These courses help them understand specific obstacles in rural schools and create evidence-based solutions. The online format lets educators earn their doctorate while maintaining their careers.
Admissions requirements
You’ll need a master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. The EdD program welcomes education professionals, MBA graduates, community leaders, and non-profit community organizers.
You’ll need to submit:
- A completed online application with a nonrefundable fee
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Professional recommendations from two people who can verify your potential success
- Personal statement of goals
- Resume
The program suits professionals who want to expand their expertise in curriculum, instruction, administration, or leadership, including practicing education administrators, directors, team leaders, and teachers.
Tuition and financial aid
The EdD program costs $630 per credit hour, bringing the total program cost to about $44,130. Each online course has additional fees between $50 and $300, plus a $75 online Tiger One Technology fee.
About 80% of UWA’s students get some type of financial aid. Students can use grants, scholarships, and loans for tuition, fees, and books. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using school code 001024 to check their eligibility.
4. Spalding University – Ed.D. in Leadership
Want to earn your doctorate in less than two years? Spalding University’s 100% online EdD in Leadership program might be perfect for you. The program doesn’t require GRE scores and naturally fits into your busy schedule.
Program overview
The EdD in Leadership at Spalding is a practical doctoral program that helps organizational leaders advance both for-profit and non-profit organizations. You can complete this fully accredited 60-credit hour terminal degree in just two years without leaving your job. Students take two consecutive courses during each fall and spring semester through an accelerated delivery model.
The program consists of ten 6-credit-hour courses and a capstone project where you’ll create and execute an original leadership study. Your project is different from traditional dissertations because it uses a quick five-phase approach: literature review, methodologies, context/problem definition, empirical findings, and analysis. This well-laid-out structure helps you produce research that you could publish while tackling ground leadership challenges.
Leaders from education, business, healthcare, social services, and the arts will develop their skills through this curriculum. Therefore, you’ll become a thoughtful, ethical leader with expertise in organizational research, team building, and driving new ideas.
Key features
The program’s biggest advantage is its 100% online format with no residency requirements. You’ll take one intensive course at a time, which helps you balance work while completing your studies.
Four key themes shape the program:
- Advanced Leadership Concepts in Practice
- Global and Cultural Perspectives
- Organizational Innovation and Change
- Research-Informed Decision-Making
Spalding leads by example as the first university to join the Charter for Compassion, an international interfaith coalition that works to create just economies and peaceful global communities. This dedication to compassionate leadership shapes the curriculum, highlighting service and servant leadership principles throughout your learning trip.
Admissions requirements
You’ll need a master’s or professional degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify. Good news – you don’t need to submit graduate school entrance exam scores.
Here’s what you need to apply:
- Completed Spalding University application
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Virtual interview with a program representative
- Two letters of professional recommendation
- Current resume or CV
- Writing sample or critique of a journal article
Your writing sample can be either a 5-page academic/professional white paper with 5 creditable citations from the last 5 years, or a 750-1000 word journal critique analyzing an article related to your experience.
Tuition and financial aid
The program costs $850.00 per credit hour, with a total investment of $51,000.00 plus applicable fees. Several financial aid options can help you manage this investment.
Available financial assistance includes:
- Federal Direct Student Loans (unsubsidized)
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans for graduate students
- Private loans through FASTChoice
- Veteran Affairs benefits
You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Spalding’s school code 001960 to check your financial aid eligibility. Admitted students might also qualify for special doctoral grants and assistantships.
5. Aurora University – Ed.D. in Educational Administration
Aurora University offers a practitioner-oriented EdD in Educational Administration that blends theory, research, and practical aspects to create future educational leaders. This detailed online doctorate program doesn’t require GRE scores and works well for working professionals who want to advance in educational administration.
Program overview
The EdD in Educational Administration at Aurora University helps you excel as a school superintendent in K-12 settings. You can complete this ISBE-approved program in three years, though you have up to six years to finish your degree. The program needs 60 semester hours beyond a master’s degree – 30 hours of content coursework and 30 hours of research and dissertation.
Students join a cohort model that creates a community of doctoral learners. The courses run in an asynchronous online format, and you can join optional weekly synchronous sessions. This structure lets you study flexibly while maintaining high academic standards. Students start with foundational coursework in educational administration and then move on to specialized research and dissertation development.
Key features
The program is notable because it develops expertise in professional practice if you have plans to become school administrators, district leaders, and program directors. Every part of the curriculum focuses on equity, ethics, and excellence.
The program has several specialized strands:
- Leadership in Educational Administration with Superintendent Endorsement
- Leadership in Educational Administration (Advanced Standing)
- Leadership in Higher Education Administration
- Instructional Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring
Students in the Leadership in Educational Administration strand must complete a superintendent internship in an Illinois School District. Students who already have an Illinois Superintendent Endorsement can transfer up to 30 credit hours through the advanced standing option and finish their degree in just two years.
In fact, AU’s EdD program has an impressive dissertation completion rate of 70-80%, which is by a lot higher than the national average. The faculty members all have terminal degrees in their fields and give detailed professional and academic guidance.
Admissions requirements
You need a master’s degree from a regionally accredited university to qualify. Students who want the Superintendent Endorsement must also work in an administrative position in their school district and have either a Type 75 Credential or Principal Endorsement on a Professional Educators License.
You’ll need to submit:
- Completed application
- Official graduate transcripts
- At least two references (one from someone who knows your academic work, another from someone familiar with your professional leadership)
- Curriculum vitae or detailed resume
- Personal statement (1,000-2,000 words)
- 30-minute writing sample (completed during campus interview)
The next step after submitting your portfolio is an on-campus interview with faculty members. The admission process looks at your leadership skills, communication abilities, and academic potential without needing standardized test scores.
Tuition and financial aid
The EdD program costs $690 per semester hour, bringing the total program cost to about $41,400 for 60 credit hours. Students pay an $80 technology fee each semester whatever their credit load.
You can get financial help through:
- Federal grants (need-based aid)
- Subsidized and unsubsidized loans
- Scholarships (both need-based and merit-based)
- Military benefits (active-duty military, spouses, dependents, National Guard members, and reservists get a grant of $250 per credit hour)
Veterans receive a 10% tuition discount for their program. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Aurora University’s school code 001634 to check your financial aid eligibility. We helped 98% of Aurora students get some form of financial assistance.
6. Grand Canyon University – Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership
Grand Canyon University’s College of Doctoral Studies offers a unique Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership program. This online program shapes graduates who can lead organizations and drive strategic growth initiatives.
Program overview
GCU’s Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership combines leadership theory with hands-on application. Students explore both for-profit and nonprofit organizational structures. This qualitative doctoral program lets candidates research specific aspects of their field while conducting original research. Students write and defend a dissertation as their final project, with milestone checkpoints throughout the curriculum.
The program helps students understand how culture, change, communications, diversity, and strategy shape organizational success. Students learn about corporate social responsibility, ethical decision-making, and the progress of leadership theory. The program’s accessible e-learning platform gives working professionals the flexibility they need.
Key features
The program builds on six core domains:
- Leadership: Theory and practice fundamentals
- Change: Strategic approaches to organizational change
- Culture: Assessing and creating dynamic environments
- Scholarship and Research: Future-focused research methods
- Globalization and Worldview: Communication strategies for diverse populations
- Organizational Development: Evaluating structures to determine success paths
Residencies play a vital role in the learning experience at or near GCU’s campus. These sessions are a great way to get networking opportunities, peer feedback, and faculty mentorship. GCU now offers both qualitative and quantitative research tracks. The qualitative track emphasizes individual experiences and perceptions.
Admissions requirements
Students need a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.4 GPA. GCU might accept applicants with GPAs between 3.0 and 3.39 with specific conditions. Students with GPAs below 3.0 cannot join the program.
GCU’s admission process does not require GRE scores, making it more available to working professionals. Education background applicants must have earned an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree in education before we think about their application.
Tuition and financial aid
GCU keeps its tuition rates competitive. Campus tuition has stayed at $16,500 since 2009. Military members and their spouses get special online program rates. Veterans and their spouses receive special online program scholarships.
Students can access these financial aid options:
- Federal grants based on financial need
- Student loans to supplement other funding
- Military rates for active service members
- Alumni scholarships ($2,000 for first-time doctoral students)
Beyond tuition, students should budget about $700 for books and course materials, $200 for technology fees, and extra costs for housing and transportation based on their living situation.
7. Maryville University – Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership
Maryville University’s Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership offers a fully online doctoral path. The program prepares professionals to become change agents in the collegiate world.
Program overview
This 32-month doctoral program serves professionals from schools, universities, and other settings who want to boost their leadership skills. Students complete 48 credit hours through a 100% online format without campus visits. The Ed.D. concentration goes beyond traditional education. Students develop expertise in college teaching, student dynamics, and lead organizational change that addresses critical higher education challenges. The program creates leaders who deeply understand higher education and can drive positive change.
Key features
Students benefit from several unique advantages:
- Personal mentoring from dedicated faculty-practitioners
- Growth through a cohort learning model
- Students courses and dissertation simultaneously instead of one after another
- Summer residency happens virtually with no travel needed
- The curriculum blends business, political, and social leadership elements
The program treats dissertation work as more than a final paper. Students integrate it throughout their learning journey. This hands-on experience readies graduates to take leadership roles that shape higher education at institutional levels.
Admissions requirements
Candidates need:
- Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Master’s transcript showing minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three years of higher education professional experience (the program may accept equivalent leadership experience)
The application needs master’s transcripts. International students might need to submit English proficiency scores.
Tuition and financial aid
The 2025-2026 tuition runs $975.00 per credit hour. The total program cost comes to about $46,800. Online programs include a technology fee of $775.00 per semester. Students can pay through major credit cards, personal checks, or employer tuition assistance programs.
8. Wilmington University – Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Learning and Innovation
Wilmington University’s Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Learning and Innovation helps professionals become skilled at leading learning initiatives and encouraging organizational improvement.
Program overview
This doctoral program teaches you to lead change initiatives at organizational, team, and individual levels. Students can complete their degree in as little as three years through fully online or F2F/Flex formats. Students need 54 credit hours to graduate. The curriculum includes 15 credits of organizational leadership core, 12 credits of research core, 15 concentration credits, 6 credits of field experience, and 6 credits of dissertation research.
Key features
The program has three distinct concentration options:
- Strategic Leadership
- Workplace Learning and Talent Development
- Student-Designed Learning Pathway
Students learn in cohorts that encourage collaboration among global learners. Their diverse backgrounds add value to your studies. You’ll also gain practical skills through summer institutes, consulting field experience, and an applied research dissertation project.
Admissions requirements
Applications are accepted throughout the year. Early applications submitted by March 31st receive priority consideration. You need bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The integrated admission process includes:
- Application review
- Credential screening
- Personal interview
- Group exercise
- Writing sample
Tuition and financial aid
The program costs $731 per credit hour across all locations and formats. Students can pay in full at registration or choose a payment plan. Students who need extra dissertation time pay a $104 sustaining fee.
Choose Your EdD Program Today
Picking the right EdD program is a crucial step to advance your educational leadership career. We explored eight excellent online EdD programs that don’t require GRE scores. These programs deliver quality education designed for working professionals.
These programs come with great advantages. You can balance your work and studies through online delivery methods. Most students complete their terminal degree in 2-3 years. Credit requirements range from 48-60 hours, and tuition costs vary between $630-$1,402 per credit hour based on your chosen school.
Each program brings its own strengths to the table. Arizona State University’s Leader Scholar Communities focus on action research. Marymount University emphasizes real-life application. The University of West Alabama tackles rural education challenges in new ways. Spalding University lets professionals finish in two years. Aurora University has high dissertation completion rates. Grand Canyon University focuses on strategic organizational development. Maryville University weaves dissertation work throughout its curriculum. Wilmington University gives students specialized concentration choices.
This complete information helps you make a smart choice based on your career goals, learning style, and budget. Note that these programs value your work experience over test scores, making doctoral education more available than ever. Your path to changing educational leadership begins when you choose a program that matches your goals and situation perfectly.