Tuition and Financial Support
Tuition and Fees
The current (2025-2026) tuition for the Ed.D. in Higher Education is $970/credit hour plus associated program and course fees, which is the anticipated minimum for all students. Please visit our Bursar's website for details on tuition and fees for this program. Every effort will be made to maintain these tuition rates for the full 3 years of the program but cannot be guaranteed. Tuition and fees are subject to change. This program does not qualify for the Teach for America (TFA) tuition rate.
The deadline to be considered for need-based departmental scholarships is March 1, 2026.
Financial Aid
Financing your Ed.D. requires planning in savings and lifestyle choices, and many students finance their graduate education through a combination of institutional funding, federal aid, private educational loans, and other sources. Students are encouraged to seek financial assistance from their school districts and other organizations. More detailed information about federal financial aid can be found at the Office of Financial Aid.
What Departmental Scholarships Are Available?
1 free credit hour in in Fall 2026!
No additional steps required!
Eligibility: Students must apply by 12/1/2025 and be admitted as a student in Fall 2026. Students using SMU tuition benefits are not eligible for this scholarship.
New students will apply for this scholarship via a short application that is shared once students have submitted their application.
Eligibility: Students must apply by 3/1/2026 and be admitted as a student in Fall 2026. Students using SMU tuition benefits are not eligible for this scholarship.