10 Affordable Online Master's in Organizational Leadership Programs 2025

A master's in organizational leadership is an excellent way for professionals to further their careers. These degrees help students develop their leadership skills and better understand organizational development.

However, finding the time or finances to go to graduate school can be hard. Affordable online programs can be a good solution. Keep reading to discover affordable online master's degrees in organizational leadership.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership?

Master's degrees are a type of graduate degree. An organizational leadership master's degree is focused on teaching students how to succeed in leadership roles within various types of organizations.

These degrees may be offered as a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS). Some Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees offer a major or concentration in organizational leadership as well.

An online degree is a degree where your classes are virtual instead of in-person. This is often a more convenient option for working professionals.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership Cost?

The cost of a master's degree in organizational leadership can range from less than $400 per credit hour to over $1,000 per credit. Your total cost will depend on several factors, such as:

• what school you choose
• whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• how many credit hours you need
• what financial aid (grants, scholarships, etc.) you receive

All graduate students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what they might qualify for.

Cheapest Online Master's in Organizational Leadership Programs

While some online master's degrees can be prohibitively expensive, others are much more affordable. We've highlighted some of the cheapest online master's in organizational leadership below.

1. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University is a pubic institution in Macon, GA. It offers a Master of Science in management with a concentration in organizational leadership online.

This program includes core management courses as well as courses on project management, continuous process improvement, and human resources management. It requires a total of 30 credit hours, and classes run in eight-week sessions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $261 per credit
• Financial aid: MGA accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Columbus State University

At Columbus State University, students can earn an online Master of Science in organizational leadership. Three concentrations are available: human resources management, leader development, and servant leadership.

Columbus State, a public university, is located in Columbus, GA. The degree here requires 30 total credits, including core courses on leadership theory, change management, and organizational behavior.

• Estimated tuition cost: $309 per credit
• Financial aid: Columbus State accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University offers a Master of Arts in organizational leadership and learning online. ATU is a public university in Russellville, AR.

This 30-credit degree covers topics like project management, ethical decision-making, organizational development, and organizational change. Students can conclude the program with either a thesis or a comprehensive exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $323.94 per credit
• Financial aid: ATU offers institutional aid and also accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Eastern Washington University

The online MS in organizational leadership at Eastern Washington University provides students with the competencies to succeed in leadership roles. Courses focus on leadership theory, including leadership development and leadership styles.

EWU, located in Cheney, WA, is a public university. Its organizational leadership program is 44 credits and concludes with a leadership capstone.

• Estimated tuition cost: $335 per credit
• Financial aid: EWU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

5. Cameron University

Cameron University is a public institution in Lawton, OK. It offers an online MSOL that prepares students for advanced leadership in settings like business, government, and nonprofit organizations.

The program requires 33 credits, including core courses on organizational behavior, change management, data-driven decision making, and organizational development. It also allows students to choose electives and requires a final capstone project or paper.

• Estimated tuition cost: $345 per credit (in-state); $450 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Cameron accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Fort Hays State University

Students at Fort Hays State University can earn a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in organizational leadership online. This is a 30-credit program that covers organizational systems, team leadership, and research methods for effective leadership.

FHSU, a public university, is located in Hays, KS. Students in this master's degree program choose to complete either an internship or a research project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $348.78 per credit
• Financial aid: FHSU accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid options.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands offers an online master's program in organizational leadership. The private Christian school is located in Williamsburg, KY.

This online program explores all facets of organizational leadership, including strategic planning, organizational behavior, global leadership, and research methods. It requires 31 credits and concludes with a capstone project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $355 per credit
• Financial aid: University of the Cumberlands offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Evangel University

The Master of Organizational Leadership at Evangel University is an online program that provides leadership skills with a religious focus. Courses cover topics like organizational development, communication, finance, and marketing.

Evangel University, located in Springfield, MO, is a private Christian school. Students can finish the 30-credit organizational leadership program in just 14 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $400 per credit
• Financial aid: Evangel offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid via FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Maine at Presque Isle

The University of Maine at Presque Isle is a public university in Presque Isle, ME. It offers a self-paced Master of Arts in organizational leadership that strives to develop transformative and effective leaders.

Coursework explores ethical leadership, organizational change, strategic leadership, and more. Because the program is self-paced, it charges a flat rate per eight-week term, no matter how many courses you complete in that time frame.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,450 per eight-week term
• Financial aid: UMPI accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

10. University of Dubuque

Through the University of Dubuque, students can earn a master's in organizational leadership and workplace development. Courses cover topics like strategic thinking, organizational change, and business analytics.

UD, a private Christian institution, is located in Dubuque, IA. Its organizational leadership degree requires 30 credits and takes about two years to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $416 per credit
• Financial aid: UD accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the online master's degrees in organizational leadership listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is regionally accredited.
• Affordability: All schools listed charge less than $450 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: The schools on this list are all nonprofit and offer high-quality academic programs.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in Organizational Leadership Degree

Most online master's degrees in organizational leadership require around 30 credit hours. Full-time students can usually complete these programs within one to two years.

These programs cover a range of topics focused on leadership and management, including:

• change management
• decision-making
• human resources
• leadership skills
• leadership styles
• leadership theory
• organizational behavior
• organizational development
• project management
• strategic planning

Your program may also require a research project or internship experience.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Organizational Leadership Master's Degrees

A low-cost online organizational leadership degree is a great option for working professionals and busy students. We've answered some frequently asked questions about these types of programs below.

Is an Online Master's in Organizational Leadership Worth It?

Many students find an online master's in organizational leadership to be worthwhile. These programs can help you reach your career goals and also help you hone important, real-world skills like problem-solving and decision-making.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Organizational Leadership Degree?

An organizational leadership degree can set you up for leadership and management roles such as:

• corporate trainer
• health services manager
• human resource manager
• management consultant
• project manager
• training and development manager

How Long Does It Take To Get an Online Organizational Leadership Master's Degree?

Most online master's degrees in organizational leadership can be completed in under two years of full-time study. Some offer more accelerated options, and others offer part-time course loads that take longer but are less strenuous.

Which Is Better, an MBA or a Master's in Organizational Leadership?

Both an MBA and a master's in organizational leadership have their benefits. An MBA is more focused on overall business, while a master's in organizational leadership will focus more on leadership skills. For the best of both worlds, look for an MBA with a concentration in organizational leadership.

Discover Online Organizational Leadership Degrees

Start your journey toward reaching your career goals by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request info about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.