Best Affordable Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2025
The best affordable online educational leadership programs can get you into administrative and advising roles in preschool, K-12, and postsecondary education.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Affordable Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
- #1: University of Florida — The program includes mentorship and potential for Florida Level 1 certification in educational leadership.
- #2: Florida International University — FIU’s 16-month accelerated program includes a 16-week internship experience.
- #3: Lamar University — Lamar’s program can be completed in as little as 13 months.
College is only getting more expensive, so finding good affordable master’s degree to save you money with a high return on investment (ROI) is even more crucial than before. Online educational leadership programs are typically cheaper than in-person ones since you don’t have to account for travel, housing, and other campus-related expenses.
You can go into leadership roles like elementary and high school administration, a principal or superintendent, or postsecondary educational administration. If you’d like to work directly with students, you can also become an academic director, counselor, or advisor to students.
Best Affordable Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs
How We Rank Schools
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
We chose the University of Florida's online master's in educational leadership program to top our list because the courses are taught by student-centered faculty, the program includes mentoring, and you can complete the program with corresponding eligibility for Florida Level 1 certification in educational leadership if you choose. The 32-credit program typically takes two years to complete, depending on whether you are a full- or part-time student.
If you're interested in applying, you'll need a minimum GPA of 3.0 for upper-division undergraduate work, and a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. program.
Highlights
- Average class size of 10-15 students
- Spring, summer, or fall entry
Know Before You Apply
- Typical course load of six credits a semester
- Cost per credit hour from $548-$688
57%
$10,770
97%
$27,335
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,814
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
We selected the Florida International University's educational leadership master's program because there is no GRE requirement, it includes a 16-week internship experience, fulfills part of Florida's Educational Leadership certification requirements, and it offers a 16-month accelerated program. Through this program, you could achieve your career goal of becoming a principal, supervisor, assistant principal, district administrator, or instructional coordinator.
Courses are grounded in student achievement, instructional leadership, organizational leadership, and professional and ethical practice. The curriculum can be applied to both public and private schools and is designed to develop entry-level competencies in educational leadership.
Highlights
- Relatively affordable
- Well-known institution
Know Before You Apply
- 33 credits required
- Fall semester start
67%
$ 911
92%
$2,003
- Acceptance Rate
- 59%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,085
- Institution Type
- Public
Lamar University
- Beaumont, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Lamar University's online master of education in administration degree makes our list because it prepares students for human resource development, organizational management, instructional design for student achievement, and building parent involvement. This program is great for students who are service-oriented, community-oriented, and passionate about education.
This 100% online program can be completed in as few as 13 months, with total tuition coming in at $10,260. In this program, you'll benefit from hands-on experience and research relevant to today's educational challenges.
Highlights
- Was the first and is the largest fully online graduate program at Lamar
- Prepares you to take the Texas State Principal Certification exam
Know Before You Apply
- GPAs are a major consideration for admission
- $150 distance learning fee
81%
$ 6,471
59%
$13,815
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,914
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Missouri-St Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Missouri-St. Louis master's of educational administration program is known for its innovation and for turning students into change agents. The program fulfills the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements for school principal licensure. During this program, you will learn how to effectively self-reflect, drive student achievement, and create equity.
To apply, you'll need to submit a statement of purpose, online application, official transcripts from every college or university you've attended, a 3.0 GPA, two years of teaching experience, and letters of recommendation, which may be requested on a case-by-case basis.
Highlights
- No entrance exams for domestic students
Know Before You Apply
- May be able to transfer 9-12 previous graduate education credits
42%
$13,154
68%
$32,294
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,815
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is offered online but synchronously. UNC Greensboro is considered one of the top graduate schools of education in the country. As a student in this program, you'll complete a leadership internship and attend classes in a virtual classroom.
Your master's degree can be completed in as few as two years. The early admission date for this program is Oct. 1, and the final deadline to be admitted is Jan. 15.
Highlights
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
Know Before You Apply
- Jointly administered by two departments at the university
69%
$ 5,219
76%
$18,937
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 17,743
- Institution Type
- Public
Wayne State College
- Wayne, NE
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
We selected the master's degree in school administration at Wayne State College because no entrance exams are required, it can be completed in two years, and it is the best program in Nebraska and top-ranked across the U.S. Wayne State's excellent reputation usually includes reference to the relevance and applicability of the program material. The 100% online program is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education.
Through a practical internship and courses relevant to your career field, you'll be prepared for future administrative roles. Courses include topics like finances and facilities, administration and leadership, and supervision and instruction.
Highlights
- Can transfer up to 18 graduate credits
Know Before You Apply
- 36-45 credit hours
42%
$4,185
73%
$8,370
- Acceptance Rate
- 100%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,807
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Virginia master's of education administration and supervision usually takes six semesters or 33 credits to complete and can last 2-3 years. It is designed to be accessible to and meet the needs of working professionals in the field of education, as courses are offered one night a week. The program culminates in an individually designed administrative internship.
The curriculum includes interactive online courses and field-based coursework. The program is cohort-based and boasts personal advising for professional development.
Highlights
- Part-time program with spring, summer, and fall entry
Know Before You Apply
- Low online student enrollment
10%
$18,382
97%
$30,790
- Acceptance Rate
- 19%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,082
- Institution Type
- Public
Southeast Missouri State University
- Cape Girardeau, MO
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The online master's in educational leadership at Southeast Missouri State University is designed for experienced teachers who want to become strong school leaders who change the lives of their students. This program includes project-based learning and a real-world internship in your school district. It fulfills the requirements for the K-12 Building Level Principal Missouri certification.
Applicants must have an average undergraduate GPA of 2.75, a professional teaching certificate, and two years of classroom teaching experience. This program can be completed in five semesters or 30 credit hours.
Highlights
- Teaching and preparing educators since 1873
Know Before You Apply
- Not great graduation rate
63%
$ 6,205
75%
$11,186
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,686
- Institution Type
- Public
Pittsburg State University
- Pittsburg, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
We chose Pittsburg State University's master's degree in educational leadership because it is open to licensed teachers and non-licensed leaders. The program welcomes students with any undergraduate degree and from various backgrounds. Courses in this program will include hands-on learning.
Through this program, you'll learn foundational leadership skills, explore the intersection of policy and leadership, develop research skills, and apply leadership theories in real-world settings. This program's flexibility allows working professionals to launch their leadership careers.
Highlights
- Option to complete a thesis or research project
Know Before You Apply
- Less strong graduation rate
74%
$ 6,820
78%
$17,652
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,732
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Idaho
- Moscow, ID
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The master's in educational leadership program at the University of Idaho is a great fit for education professionals who want to make positive change and have a passion for strong leadership and communication. This program will prepare you to become a principal, superintendent, district administrator, or director of an academic division. You'll be taught through hands-on learning and internship experience. Graduates of this program have gone on to practice around the state and nationwide.
Highlights
- Available online and on campus
Know Before You Apply
- Could have better wraparound student support services
48%
$ 8,272
75%
$27,508
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,849
- Institution Type
- Public
How Much Does a Master’s in Educational Leadership Cost?
An in-person master’s in education can cost you a median of $35,550 per year, accounting for tuition, fees, housing, and course materials. Private nonprofit colleges cost more on average than public institutions before financial aid.
Fully online master’s degrees are typically cheaper than in-person by over 45%, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The median cost of an online master’s degree is about $20,387 a year, saving you about $9,000 from the median in-person cost. Some of the best affordable online master’s degree programs range from $4,000 to $7,000 a year.
Online Education Master’s Programs, 2019-20
Avg. Tuition and Fees
$7,911.50
Avg. Net Price
$6,680.40
4 Ways to Help You Pay for Your Master’s in Educational Leadership
For grad school, you may have to pay the full price — or sticker price — for college. However, there are federal and state opportunities for free money to help you pay for your education. While many people take out loans, try out these ways first to get money you don’t have to pay back.
FAFSA
The go-to financial aid application is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This application determines eligibility for financial aid from the federal government through grants, work-study programs, and loans. Colleges and universities also use your FAFSA to determine scholarships and other aid awards.
Note: If you are an undocumented student, you won’t be able to fill out your FAFSA. Check to see if your state offers state financial aid for undocumented students.
Grants
Your school may offer grant opportunities after you complete the FAFSA. Grants are non-repayable gifts by an organization to fund your projects or education. You typically have to write a proposal to the organization for the grant, and winning isn’t guaranteed.
Work-Study Programs
Federal work-study programs offer low-income students part-time work at their school or an outside organization. Earned income can go directly to tuition costs, or you can deposit it in your bank account. You may work as a research assistant, tutor, office support staff, and more.
Scholarships
There are numerous scholarship opportunities available for you in the educational field. Professional associations, educational organizations, colleges, and universities offer this merit-based financial aid assistance. For example, the American Association of School Administrators grants a $2,500 scholarship to graduate students intending to become school superintendents.
How Much Can You Make With a Master’s in Educational Leadership?
You can find careers in education administration from the preschool level to the college level. If administration isn’t your speed, you can also become an educational, guidance, or career counselor or advisor. Here are just a few jobs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranging from highest to lowest paid.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Job Growth Rate (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| K-12 Education Administrators | $104,070 | Little or no change |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $103,960 | 3% to 5% |
| Education Administrators, All Other | $100,720 | 3% to 5% |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $66,990 | 3% to 5% |
| Education and Childcare Administrators in Preschool and Daycare | $61,320 | -1% |
| Directors in Religious Activities and Education | $52,880 | 1% to 2% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
An online master’s in educational leadership is worth it, depending on what field and academic level you pursue. The median cost of an online master’s degree is about $20,387 a year. This means you can earn a high ROI for K-12 and postsecondary education administrators, where the median salary is above $100,000 a year.
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