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71 Best Education PhD Universities in the United States 2026

54 Education PhD / Doctorate options in the United States are ranked for 2026. This is for applicants choosing a doctoral path in education and comparing places to study.

Ranked by our transparent composite score, with QS rankings, tuition fees and entry requirements.

71 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
3
UF University of Findlay logo

University of Findlay

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
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Founded
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5
AU Antioch University logo

Antioch University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
—
Founded
—
7
AU Augusta University logo

Augusta University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
—
Founded
—
8
BS Bowie State University logo

Bowie State University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
—
Founded
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Education at other levels

Best Foundation Education Best Diploma Education Best Bachelor's Education Best Master's Education Best Professional Education

Related PhD subjects

Curriculum & Instruction PhD Educational Leadership PhD

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best universities worldwide for PhD Education?▾

Based on our composite ranking, the top choices include University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Claremont Graduate University, University of Findlay. See the full ranked list above with QS positions, tuition fees and entry requirements.

How much does a PhD in Education cost abroad?▾

Tuition varies by university and is indicative on each profile — public universities are generally the most affordable, while private and international branch campuses charge more. Scholarships can reduce costs significantly.

Can international students study Education abroad?▾

Yes. Most programmes are taught in English and open to international students, who apply for a student visa through the immigration authority after accepting an offer.

How are these universities ranked?▾

We use a transparent composite score combining QS World/Asia positions, your destination country’s star rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — never paid placement. See our ranking methodology for the exact weights.

Studying Education at PhD level abroad

your destination country is a popular, affordable destination for Education at PhD level, with provincially accredited programmes taught in English at both public and private universities, plus international branch campuses. The universities above are ordered by our composite ranking score, which combines QS World and QS Americas positions, your destination country’s star rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — with no paid placement.

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This degree level is for applicants who want advanced research, leadership, or specialist study in education. It suits people who already have a strong academic background and want to move toward university teaching, policy, research, or senior practice roles.

The universities in this group are all public, so the main differences to weigh are location and programme fit rather than ownership. Some are in larger urban settings and others in smaller towns, which affects daily costs and access; fee information is published for some universities and missing for others, so confirm tuition and any extra charges directly before deciding.

Before applying, verify the exact doctorate title, entry requirements, tuition, funding, mode of study, duration, and whether the programme matches your research area. Also confirm application dates and any country-specific admissions documents with the university.