Need some advice - Edgewood or Oklahoma State

[Rivena]

Hello - 

I'm trying to get some advice; I currently work in the Healthcare as a Fin Ops manager.  I plan to start my doctoral program, and I'm still on the fence between two programs I commonly see discussed on the online degree forums, so I figured I'd reach out to get a feel on what the consensus.

I was accepted into both the Financial DBA program at Edgewood and the DHCA program at OK State.  These were the only two programs I was interested in applying to, and now that I got into both of them, I don't know which path to take.

OK State was my initial wishlist pick; it's an R1 school, and I transferred in over 40% worth of total credits required into the program, so I'd finish it real quick (Spring 2027).  Earning a doctorate degree won't give me an immediate promotion; this is more for personal achievement.  I previously earned an MBA, and since my entire career has been in healthcare fin ops, I figured a DHA would nicely compliment my degree stack.  The DHA is handsomely much cheaper than OK State's DBA program, and with no dissertation required, I felt this program gave the best bang for my buck.

However, I keep going back and forth between this and the DBA program at Edgewood.  I like that Edgewood is a smaller school that's rooted in Dominican traditions.  I've looked at the feedback on here and on the DBA Student FB group, and the program looks and feels rigorous enough.  The program requires a doctoral research project that services similar to a dissertation, which I appreciate.  But this would also mean more time and money.

I feel like both degrees will provide me with great utility for my career path, but I can't decide which one to choose.  I like the affordability and how locked-in the DHA program is, but I wonder how those in the know will react to my "no dissertation required" DHA from an R1 school.  (Why go to an R1 school if no dissertation is required?)  I also find Edgewood's Financial DBA material aesthetically more compelling than DHA, and my job isn't too concerned whether I have a DBA or a DHA.  Also, my dissertation can revolve around addressing a healthcare issue, so I can easily create synergy between the DBA and my job.  

Because of the diverse participants on this forum, I wanted to share my conundrum with you all and see if I can get some feedback.  Cost-wise, Edgewood is about $6200+ more than OK State, which is negligible since work is helping me with tuition.

Given what I've described, which program would you pick?  

If anyone's interested, I can post a follow-up to this when I eventually begin my chosen program this Spring (Jan 2026).

Re: Dissertation versus no dissertation. Are you planning to teach or stay in industry? If this is for personal achievement, the DHA is cheaper, the DHA is faster, it better complements your degree stack, then DHA is the clear winner. Unless you're going into academia, I wouldn't worry about the dissertation issue, especially since it sounds like you don't have any real plans beyond "I want to get my doctorate."

You really did wrap that up nicely in one fell swoop.  Thank you; I really appreciate it.  Indeed, I have no real intention of getting into academia, outside of maybe some adjunct work online... if that.  One initial concern was how other employers outside of healthcare would look at a DHA degree if I ever decide to switch industries.  However, hiring teams would likely be more interested in my previous work experience and accomplishments than they would be on me having a DBA vs DHA. (Right?)  I remember feeling a similar anxiety when I was looking at MBA programs.  It HAD to be AACSB-accredited, because of AACSB's prestige and recognition.   :: sigh ::  The cycle continues.

Haha, I did the same thing when I was looking for my MBA! 

I think you'll ultimately be happy with the DHA. You'll get to call yourself doctor no matter what. Are you thinking about switching industries?

No, but I did pursue an MBA instead of an MHA, just in case I wanted to switch.  Superficially, completing a dissertation will serve as a great research artifact for my doctoral efforts, but if I can earn the same degree without all the sturm und drang of a dissertation, why not? I guess I'll deal with my switching industries concern when I actually decide to switch industries.  

You know, I will say, talking all of this out on here has really solidified my decision.   As long as no other B&M university decides to offer an accredited DBA for under $23k with no dissertation requirements from now until January, I stand confidently in my choice to go with OK State.

Just found this thread, (I realize you have already made a decision) and really, you can't go wrong with either school. Also, you don't need to have the dissertation to teach.  Many schools are now incorporating industry experts as part of their professor lineup, to ensure a well-balanced and current industry view of things.  There are so many schools, programs, and delivery modalities that blanket statements of "you need this or that" just don't work anymore, each school will have their own goals and mission. A DBA is an excellent choice, it's practical education that expands on your knowledge/skills/specialties, which corporate employers value and you'll have plenty of opportunities regardless of which school you exit. Many people build their degree plans wrong, trying to solve for all variables, versus what is aligned with their long-term goals.  If you know your long-term goals, then landing on which degree and why becomes easier to solve for x.  When I was reading your post, I would have also chosen OK State!  Please let us know how you like it.