Most Affordable Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2025

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

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• Typical course load of six credits a semester
• Cost per credit hour from $548-$688

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

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• 33 credits required
• Fall semester start

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

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• GPAs are a major consideration for admission
• $150 distance learning fee

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

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• May be able to transfer 9-12 previous graduate education credits

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

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• Jointly administered by two departments at the university

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

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• 36-45 credit hours

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

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• Low online student enrollment

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

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• Not great graduation rate

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

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• Less strong graduation rate

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

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• Could have better wraparound student support services