Earning a doctorate can be expensive, but enrolling in a distance learning program may reduce the cost. The average annual tuition for the online Ed.D. programs on our list is $6,912, with the cheapest online Ed.D. programs coming in under $5,000 a year. This is a significant savings when compared to the average cost of an Ed.D., which is approximately $37,300 annually. A distance education program may be a more affordable option because many schools offer lower tuition rates for online students, even non-resident online students . Some schools also waive the additional fees for on-campus services, although distance learners may have to pay technology fees. Doctoral candidates may be able to save in other ways as well. Some may qualify for employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs or various types of financial aid.