Is an EdD Worth It? How It Can Impact Your Community

Education is the bedrock of social growth and innovation, so educators and leaders play a role that extends beyond the classroom. The Doctor of Education (EdD) enhances an individual’s expertise and empowers them to catalyze change within their communities. With a focus on leadership and transformational learning, the EdD is designed for professionals within and outside of the education sector who are passionate about making a meaningful impact.

However, earning a doctorate education requires a significant commitment. Learn more about this degree option, the impact EdD graduates can make in their community, and whether an EdD is worth it.

What Is an EdD?

An EdD is a terminal degree for professionals who aspire to leadership roles in education and the non-profit sectors. While often compared to the more research-oriented PhD in Education, the EdD is a practice-based degree designed to prepare professionals in different industries for real-world leadership positions.

EdD programs typically address practical challenges in organizational systems, policies, and institutions. These programs help students build skills to implement sustainable changes that can positively affect students, educators, and communities.

What Are the Career Outcomes for EdD Graduates?

While earning a PhD in education paves the way for research-focused roles, an EdD paves the way for more hands-on roles, particularly in educational leadership. These roles may be in educational settings, such as schools and universities, but they may also be in government or nonprofit work that furthers access to education and improves its quality.

Principal

Principals oversee the operations and activities of elementary, middle, and high schools. They coordinate curricula across grade levels; hire and manage school staff; and work to create a safe, productive place for students to learn.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), principals earned a median annual salary of about $105,870 as of 2025.

Superintendent

While principals oversee individual schools, superintendents are in charge of entire school districts. They develop and manage their districts’ budgets; hire principals for the schools in their districts; and manage a relationship with school boards, which set district policies.

According to Payscale, the average base salary of a school superintendent is about $159,540 as of 2026.

College President

A college’s president holds the highest management position in a postsecondary school. College presidents are in charge of determining the school’s programs, services, policies, and budget. They often are a public face for the college, frequently representing the school at fundraisers, government functions, and other public events.

According to the BLS, postsecondary education administrators, including college presidents, earned about $104,590 as of 2025.

How Do Educators and Leaders Promote Community Well-Being?

Professionals with EdDs promote community well-being by fostering social, emotional, and academic development among learners — and by acting as leaders and advocates within their communities. Here are several ways educators contribute to community well-being:

1. Support Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Educators who integrate social and emotional learning (SEL) into their strategies help learners develop key life skills, such as self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making. As the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) explains, SEL can foster a better learning environment by empowering students to speak up, listen well, and see themselves as valuable members of a learning community.

2. Create Safe and Supportive Environments

By creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, educators reduce bullying, violence, and discrimination, contributing to overall community safety and well-being. These environments also foster a sense of belonging among students, which extends to their families and the community beyond.

3. Encourage Civic Engagement and Leadership

Professionals with EdDs can encourage learners to become leaders by involving them in community projects, promoting volunteerism, and teaching the importance of civic participation. This can lead to greater community cohesion and a sense of shared responsibility.

4. Forge Stronger Family-School Partnerships

Educators help build stronger connections between schools and families, which is important for improving student outcomes and fostering a more supportive community environment. Positive family-school partnerships improve students’ academic performance and mental health, contributing to overall community well-being.

Learn more about our Online EdD programs

Why Should Education Professionals Choose an EdD?

In addition to community leadership, there are several reasons why professionals choose to pursue an EdD.

Career Advancement

An EdD opens doors to senior leadership roles, such as university administration, superintendents, nonprofit management, training and development, and policymakers. These roles often require expertise in organizational management, educational policy, and leadership strategies.

Specialized Knowledge

EdD programs offer specialized coursework that focuses on contemporary challenges in education and development. For example, many programs include training in leadership, curriculum development, and student engagement, allowing graduates to tailor their knowledge to specific professional goals.

Influence on Policy

Professionals with an EdD are positioned to influence local, state, or national educational policies. With the skills acquired through this degree, they can advocate for reforms that address systemic issues such as resource allocation, teacher development, and student success.

Research Opportunities

While the EdD is primarily practice-oriented, it also involves research that directly applies to education and development. Graduates often complete dissertations that focus on solving pressing issues in their field, providing practical solutions they can implement in schools or educational organizations.

Strong Return on Investment

Earning an EdD can lead to higher-paying career opportunities. People with a bachelor’s degree in education earn a median annual salary of about $66,000 as of 2026, according to Payscale. However, EdD degree holders earn a median annual salary of about $92,000 as of 2026, a $26,000 difference.

For those looking to advance their earning potential sooner rather than later, they may also find that an EdD is a better fit than a PhD in Education. A PhD in Education typically takes between four and seven years of study. An EdD typically takes less time, with some programs being as short as two years.

Why Is the EdD in Educational Leadership Ideal for Change-Makers?

The Online EdD in Educational Leadership program at American International College is designed for professionals seeking to drive change. This online doctoral degree program includes courses on leadership, student development, and educational policies. The program culminates with a dissertation, which allows students to apply research directly to their areas of interest.

For those wondering whether an EdD is worth it, the numbers speak for themselves. The program is suited for individuals interested in leadership positions emphasizing diversity, access, and inclusion. Graduates can enter leadership roles such as education administrator or training and development manager, earning more than $100,000 per year. It encourages both traditional and innovative methods to foster change, preparing professionals to handle the complexities of education, training, and development.

Take the Next Step to Become an Education Leader

Whether you’re interested in improving school systems, training leaders, influencing policy, or advancing diversity and inclusion, an EdD can help you make a lasting impact.

An EdD can transform your career and the communities you serve. Earning an EdD offers you the leadership skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to drive meaningful educational change. Learn more about how the Online EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration program at American International College can prepare you for a fulfilling career as a transformative leader in as little as two years. The program emphasizes diversity, access, and inclusion while encouraging a mixture of traditional and contemporary methods to prepare leaders for the shifting demands of the education field.

Advance your career today, and learn to become an advocate for change in your community with a doctorate in education.

Learn more about our Online EdD programs