10 Affordable Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs 2025

If you're interested in an administrative position in your local school or school district, earning a master's degree in educational leadership can help you get there. Maybe you'd like to learn more about this type of degree program and how to complete one affordably.

Keep reading as we explore some top schools offering cheap online master's in educational leadership. We'll also look at what this degree encompasses and provide answers to some questions you may be asking.

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

An educational leadership master's program leads to an advanced degree in education. It is typically a post-licensure program that prepares existing teachers for leadership roles in school districts, private schools, colleges, universities, and other academic organizations.

Online programs in educational leadership provide a flexible opportunity for working professionals to further their education without sacrificing work or other commitments. These programs often provide flexible coursework that allows students to pursue full-time or part-time study options on schedules that work for them.

Educational leadership master's degrees typically consist of 30 to 36 credit hours and are completed within one to two years. They are often available as Master of Education (MEd) degrees but may also lead to Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degrees.

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

Tuition rates vary widely from school to school, with public colleges generally charging lower tuition rates than private ones, though this isn't always the case. Those pursuing master's in educational leadership online often pay lower rates regardless of the type of school they attend.

It isn't uncommon for some schools to charge as much as $1,000 per credit hour for an educational leadership master's. Among the schools featured in this article, students are charged much lower rates ranging from about $222 to $753 per credit hour.

Cheapest Online Educational Leadership and Administration Master's Programs

If you're ready to pursue your online master's degree in educational leadership, keep reading. Below, we'll explore some top schools providing affordable options for online learners.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private online university. It offers affordable, competency-based degree programs, including a Master of Science in educational leadership.

Students progress through flexible online coursework at their own pace, often graduating within a year or less. The school charges tuition per six-month term instead of per credit hour, making it possible for highly motivated students to get their degree for an average of less than $250 per credit hour.

• Estimated tuition cost: $221.79 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school accepts scholarships along with federal aid, payment plans, and employer and military benefits.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. American College of Education

The American College of Education is a private, for-profit online school based in Indianapolis, IN. Students at this school can earn an online Master of Education in educational leadership.

The program consists of 34 total credit hours and can be completed in as little as 15 months. Courses are highly flexible and affordable, and the school provides online support services and tutoring to help learners succeed.

• Estimated tuition cost: $235 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Payment plans help students afford their education, and grant and scholarship options help reduce costs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public school located in Durant, OK. It provides an online MEd in educational leadership with three specializations:

• professional track
• academic track
• principal and superintendent certification track

Programs range from 30 to 45 credit hours and can be completed within 12 to 18 months. Students benefit from flexible online coursework, a streamlined admissions process, and highly affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition rates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $280 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use federal financial aid and scholarships to pay for their tuition and other costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a public school in Jonesboro, AR. Students at this school can pursue an online MS in education with a specialization in educational leadership.

The school features affordable and flexible courses and multiple yearly start dates, making the program ideal for busy professionals. The program consists of 33 credit hours and can be completed in 20 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for internal and external scholarships as well as federal aid through the FAFSA.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Nelson University

Nelson University is a Christian school located in Waxahachie, TX. It offers a 30-credit online MEd in educational leadership.

Students complete courses online with flexible scheduling options. They also have diverse opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships, classroom activities, and industry partnerships.

• Estimated tuition cost: $370 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school offers scholarships, grants, and payment plans to help students graduate on a budget.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

6. Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University is a public school in Fitchburg, MA. It offers a range of affordable online degree programs, including an MEd in educational leadership and management.

This non-licensure program consists of 33 credit hours and offers accelerated options so students can finish in as little as a year. The program is designed for working professionals with relaxed admission standards, multiple start dates, and flexible coursework.

• Estimated tuition cost: $385 per credit hour
• Financial aid: This school accepts federal aid, scholarships, and various other forms of financial aid.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large Christian school headquartered in Lynchburg, VA. Students can enroll in hundreds of degree programs, including an MEd in higher education with a specialization in educational leadership.

Students in this program are prepared for college-level teaching and administrative roles. The program features flexible and accelerated eight-week course sessions and a transfer-friendly policy allowing learners to transfer in up to 50% of their total degree requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $430 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for scholarships through the school and outside sources, as well as federal financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University is a private school in Lakewood, CO. It offers a flexible and convenient online MEd in educational leadership through its adult and graduate studies division.

Both licensure and non-licensure tracks are available, with each consisting of 36 credit hours. Most courses are available in accelerated five-week sessions, with students typically taking one course at a time and graduating within 20 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $557 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school offers scholarships and tuition discounts to qualifying students and accepts many external forms of financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus is a public online school headquartered in Tucson, AZ. It offers an online master's degree in early childhood education leadership.

The program is designed specifically for educational professionals looking to fill leadership roles in schools and education facilities for very young children. Students take one six-week course at a time, which allows them the flexibility they need to get their degree while continuing to work.

• Estimated tuition cost: $600 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for scholarships and grants and may receive tuition benefits through military affiliation or employers.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. National University

National University is a private school in San Diego, CA. It offers a wealth of online degrees, including an MEd in educational leadership.

The flexible online program boasts weekly start dates and makes it possible for students to graduate within 15 months. The program consists of 30 credit hours and provides eight-week course sessions, and students can study on a schedule that suits them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $753 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Numerous scholarships are available, along with grants, loans, and payment plans.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose the best schools when creating our college rank lists. We considered the following criteria when selecting the graduate degrees outlined above:

• Accreditation: Each school is institutionally accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body like the Higher Learning Commission.
• Affordability: All of the programs feature affordable tuition rates well below $1,000 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: Each graduate school is known for providing high-quality learning environments for both on-campus and online learners.

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

Students pursuing an online degree in educational leadership can expect a combination of flexible courses, hands-on field experiences, practicums, and capstone experiences. Exact program requirements can vary by school, so check with any college of interest to find out specific details about their program.

Students in these master's degree programs take courses in instructional supervision, principalship, special education law, and more, helping them develop the well-rounded knowledge base required of educational leaders. The programs often provide specializations so students can pursue specific career goals. These may include:

• leadership in urban schools
• special education leadership
• principal leadership

Program lengths and coursework requirements may vary, but in most cases, full-time students can graduate within one to two years after completing 30 to 36 credit hours. Some programs may require more credits, and part-time learners may take longer to complete their program.

FAQs About Affordable Master's in Educational Administration & Leadership Programs

If you still have questions about pursuing enrollment in an affordable educational leadership program, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some common questions.

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

Getting a master's degree in educational leadership empowers teachers to pursue higher-paying administrative positions in the education system. For this reason, these types of degrees can be well worth the time and money invested in them.

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

Master's degrees in educational leadership can lead to a variety of career opportunities. Some specific job titles you may want to consider include:

• school principal
• assistant principal
• instructional coordinator
• postsecondary education administrator
• department chair

Can I Be a Principal With a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership?

Yes, it's possible to become a principal with a degree in educational leadership. In fact, many schools require candidates to have a master's degree.

Students can consider earning an online master's degree in educational administration or educational leadership. Getting a master's in educational administration online ensures students gain the necessary training and credentials on a schedule that works for them.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Educational Leadership Online?

Most educational leadership master's degrees take one to two years to complete. Some schools may offer accelerated programs designed for completion within a year or less. On the other hand, students studying on a part-time basis may need two to three years or even longer to complete their studies. It all depends on the structure of the program, your individual study routine, and how long it takes to accumulate the necessary credits for graduation.

Discover Online Educational Leadership Degrees

If you're an education professional ready to take your place as a school leader, explore the educational leadership programs featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools that interest you for more information on programs, admission requirements, and application deadlines.