Yes, an Ed.D. is largely considered a prestigious degree. According to the most recent census statistics, only about 3.5% of Americans have earned doctoral or professional degrees, so anyone with a doctorate is part of a highly educated, elite group. However, Dr. Vaughn A. Calhoun, Assistant Vice President and Dean of the Center for Academic Success at Seton Hall University, notes that some view an Ed.D. as less prestigious than a Ph.D. in Education because earning an Ed.D. does not require that a dissertation include original educational research.