Best Affordable Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2025
The best affordable online educational leadership programs can prepare you for administrative and advising roles in preschool, K-12, and postsecondary settings.
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2025If you’re looking for a flexible pathway to advance your career in education administration, consider this list of affordable online master’s programs in educational leadership.
While our suggested programs may not be the “cheapest” by tuition alone, our list factors in your return on investment (ROI), a school’s prestige, tuition and fees, and financial aid. An online program can help further minimize additional costs, such as travel and housing.
Check out some of the best affordable online master’s in educational leadership programs, and learn how to choose the best degree for your wallet and goals.
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
Why the Cheapest Online Educational Leadership Master’s Program Isn’t Always the Most Affordable
Several factors outside of tuition determine a program’s affordability. Financial aid, ROI, and education quality all contribute to the value of your degree program.
Financial aid could make a school with a more expensive sticker price way more affordable than you previously thought. Some institutions that seem more expensive initially offer financial aid packages so generous that their overall cost is comparable to or even less than that of “cheaper” schools.
ROI is one of the most significant factors in affordability. If you earn your degree from a school that charges low tuition but may not be widely recognized by employers, or is not accredited by a federally recognized agency, you might have a hard time searching for jobs. Choosing a prestigious school that charges more tuition may ultimately pay off if employers recognize your school for its rigor and reputation.
Benefits of Getting an Affordable Educational Leadership Master’s Online
- In BestColleges’ 2025 Online Education Trends Report, we found that almost all (99%) master’s students and graduates would recommend online education.
- A little less than that (95%) said that they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- Three in four (75%) online master’s students and graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- Almost half (46%) of online master’s students and graduates say their online classes included assignments they could relate to their current jobs.
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Cost?
Master’s in Education, 2019-2020
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$7,912
Avg. Net Price
$6,680
On-Campus
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$12,600
Avg. Net Price
$10,276
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students in an online master’s in education paid an average of $7,912 per academic year for tuition, compared to an on-campus price of $12,600.
In addition to a lower average tuition price at online programs, remote learning can help you save money in other ways. Online students don’t have to pay for transportation to class or room and board. Due to the increased flexibility of online learning, remote students may also be able to continue working while completing their education, avoiding a loss of income. If your master’s degree also involves in-person practicum hours, online programs often allow students to complete their requirements locally rather than at or near the school.
You can also save even more by applying for federal financial aid, which we’ll explore down below.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Program
What Is an Online Master’s in Educational Leadership’s ROI?
A good return on investment looks different for everyone. It depends on what you value, which could include a good educational experience, a strong cohort, high salary potential, or career growth.
Those seeking a strong financial ROI typically aim to make $20,000 more after graduating with an educational administration master’s degree than they made before with a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, consider that K-12 and postsecondary education administrators earn some of the highest salaries in educational leadership, often exceeding $100,000 per year. Qualifying for these high-paying roles often makes the degree worth it, considering the low average net price of a master’s in education.
However, if you’re interested in working as a counselor, advisor, university registrar, or teacher, all roles that work more directly with students, your ROI may not be as high. These careers make between $64,000 and $69,000, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
However, if you find more enjoyment in these roles and don’t mind a lower salary, then your personal ROI may be higher. Your salary may also depend on whether you work at a private school or a public school, as well as the state in which you work.
How to Save Money on Your Online Educational Leadership Master’s Degree
Save more money on your master’s degree by applying for federal financial aid, getting a teaching grant, and seeing if your employer will reimburse your tuition.
Apply for Financial Aid
To see how much you can knock off tuition, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you finish the FAFSA by inputting your financial information, you can see what you may be expected to pay for school before receiving any school offers. At the end of your application, select schools to send the document to to see what scholarships, grants, and loans you qualify for.
Note that schools offer different amounts of financial aid — sometimes a more expensive school may turn out to be cheaper than others after aid. Compare your offers to determine which school may be the best fit for your budget.
See if Your Program Is TEACH Grant-Eligible
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 per year if you’re earning a teaching degree. While a master’s in educational leadership may not exactly be considered a “teaching degree,” it’s still worth determining whether you’re eligible for the grant.
A few stipulations are that you must agree to work at a low-income school in a high-need field and complete four years of teaching within eight years of graduation, or else you’ll have to repay the grant as if it were a loan.
Determine Whether Your State Increases Teacher Salaries for Master’s Pay
If you’re a teacher looking to transition into an administrative role, it may take some time after graduation to gain the necessary experience. But you could still make a little more money by just having a master’s degree. Check to see if having a master’s degree in your state, such as Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, or Tennessee, qualifies you for a raise as a teacher. In Alabama, master’s degree holders made over $7,000 more than those with five years of experience and a bachelor’s degree.
Inquire About Employer Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
If you’re currently employed, see if your employer will help pay for your schooling by reimbursing you for the tuition you paid for. If you’re enrolled in a career-relevant degree program, your employer may help cover the costs. Reach out to your manager or HR department to determine your potential compensation and explore any additional benefits of working while pursuing an education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs
An online master’s in educational leadership can be worth it, depending on your goals. The median annual cost of an online master’s degree is approximately $20,387, per NCES. Administrators in K-12 and postsecondary education typically earn above $100,000 per year.
Your ROI may also depend on your location and the kind of school you work for — private and charter schools are generally better funded than public schools, for example.
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