30 Most Affordable Private Colleges for Online Master’s in Educational Leadership or Administration Degrees in 2021
Discover a program that is right for you.
In this article, we list the 30 most affordable private colleges for online master's in educational leadership or educational administration degree programs for 2020
Educational leaders, whether administrators in elementary schools or secondary educational settings, hold a master's degree in education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrators, such as school principals, should have a favorable job outlook of 6% over the next seven years. The benefits of earning a master's in educational leadership include pay increase and favorable job growth. Now, online options from private and affordable colleges are available for those who want to return to school to earn a master's in educational administration or leadership.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master’s or PhD programs.
Most Affordable Private Colleges for Online Master's in Educational Leadership in 2021
-
Northwestern CollegeLocation
Orange City, IA
Tuition$5105
The master's in educational leadership online program at Northwestern College is a teacher leadership program designed for working educators. The program is accredited and affordable, with classes delivered entirely online and taught by industry experts. Students take one class at a time over an eight-week period, which allows for a completion time of just two years. All courses are delivered online and include curriculum and assessment for student learning, educational research methods and design, peer assessment and instructional coaching, professional learning communities for school improvement, and teacher as leader. Northwestern is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 6th best regional college in the Midwest and offers the most affordable program on our list.
-
Dordt CollegeLocation
Sioux Center, IA
Tuition$5430
One of the most affordable online educational leadership degrees for graduate level students is the online master's in teacher leadership at Dordt College. This online degree requires a total of 30 credits to complete the concentration in teacher leadership. The program is designed to meet the needs of working teachers who live far from campus. Some of the classes offered for the teacher leadership track include best practices in instructional strategies, curriculum development and evaluation, education in the inclusive classroom, interpreting and applying educational research, and learner development and principles of learning. Dordt is a top-ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 8th best regional college in the Midwest and 10th best value school.
-
Columbia CollegeLocation
Columbia, MO
Tuition$6585
Columbia College's online master's in educational administration or leadership degree program is one of the most affordable on our list. A total of 36 credit hours are required with classes delivered entirely online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include classroom management, curriculum design and evaluation, data-based instructional decision making, foundations and psychology of educational leadership, management of the classroom environment, perspectives on parental and community involvement in schools, and research design. Admission requires an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Columbia is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.
-
Aspen UniversityLocation
Denver, CO
Tuition$7125
One of the most affordable online educational leadership degrees on our list is the Master in Education – Transformational Leadership program at Aspen University. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's degree, official transcripts from an accredited college or university, and a complete application. Classes are delivered online and taught by industry experts. A total of 36 credits are required for completion of the program, with classes in classroom environments and management, communicating and framing leadership issues and decisions, ethics and educational law, integrating technologies across the curriculum, multidisciplinary foundations of education, and research on effective teaching. A final proctored examination is required for the completion of the program.
-
Evangel UniversityLocation
Springfield, MO
Tuition$7596
Evangel University is a private, Christian institution that offers online educational leadership degrees at the graduate level. The online master's in educational leadership program prepares students to become school building administrators and provides eligibility for principal certification. All courses are taught online by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include administration of special programs, human relations and collaborative process, leadership internship/capstone, and school supervision and improvement. Admission requires teacher certification, two years of teaching experience, and official Praxis or GRE scores. Evangel is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest and is one of the most affordable schools on our list.
-
Wilmington UniversityLocation
New Castle, DE
Tuition$8240
Wilmington University's online educational leadership degrees, including the master's in school leadership, are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation under NCATE standards. The program is entirely online and offers classes taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include curriculum leadership, fiscal operations and resources, school and community, school leadership – theory and practice, and the principalship (both preK-8 and 9-12). Admission to the program includes official transcripts that verify the completion of an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher for the most recent two years of post-secondary education. Wilmington is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top institution.
-
Liberty UniversityLocation
Lynchburg, VA
Tuition$8430
Liberty University's master's in educational leadership online degree is designed as a non-licensure program for those seeking K-12 school administration and leadership positions. The program is accredited under the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards and is ideal for individuals who do not want to complete a practicum. The program is 100% online and offers classes taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These classes include contemporary issues in education policy, elementary curriculum and methods, foundations in education, leadership and supervision in education, leadership in educational technology, and school leadership in diverse settings. Liberty is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university, and its online graduate education programs are ranked #174 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
-
Marygrove CollegeLocation
Detroit, MI
Tuition$8520
Marygrove College offers online educational leadership degrees, including the master's in educational leadership. This state-approved program is for individuals with the desire to become administrative leaders in education. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and teaching certificate. All classes are delivered online and include courses like curriculum theory and development, executive leadership and decision-making, introduction to management and leadership, legal issues in education, management in computer information systems, organizational theory and management, and supervision of staff and staff development. Marygrove is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.
-
Howard Payne UniversityLocation
Brownwood, TX
Tuition$9180
Howard Payne University offers an online master's in educational leadership degree program that is both affordable and accredited. This completely online non-thesis degree offers course curriculum that is aligned with the state standards for principal certification. There is also an internship requirement that will fulfill state requirements for a principal certification. All courses are taught by Howard Payne instructors and industry experts. These classes include building management and design, curriculum alignment and management procedures, instructional leadership, school law and ethics, and student success through communication and collaboration. Admission requires a complete essay and application, official transcripts, and school district endorsement. Howard Payne is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 7th best regional college in the West and 3rd best value school in the country.
-
Bethel UniversityLocation
Saint Paul, MN
Tuition$9630
Bethel University offers online educational leadership degrees that can be completed 100% online. The master's in educational leadership is a 33-credit hour program designed to be completed in just 17 months. The program includes a thesis component and offers online courses taught by university professors. These courses include curriculum and instructional management and student development, educational research, improving instruction, introduction to differentiation and responsive teaching, preparing the thesis – action research project, and teacher as leader. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, one year of teaching experience, and a valid teaching license. Bethel University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 22nd best regional university in the Midwest and 28th best value school.
-
Grand Canyon UniversityLocation
Phoenix, AZ
Tuition$10612
Grand Canyon University's online master's in educational leadership degree is a 30-credit program with classes that run six weeks in length and can be taken entirely online. Additionally, the program is designed to prepare students to use professional and ethical practices through the lens of a Christian worldview. Classes are delivered online and include developing and empowering instructional leaders, developing and implementing professional development, educational administration – foundations for the developing leader, educational finance, educational law, shaping school culture, and strengthening curricular programs to promote continuous school improvement. Grand Canyon University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution. Also, several of the school's graduate degree programs have earned rankings and recognition.
-
Hampton UniversityLocation
Hampton, VA
Tuition$10811
The master's in educational leadership online degree program from Hampton University is designed to prepare teachers or educational practitioners for careers in educational administration. The program aligns with the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) and Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium standards. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or better, two letters of reference, and GRE scores received within the last five years. All courses are delivered online and taught by Hampton University professors. A total of 42 degree credits are required and through an accelerated pace, students may complete the degree in just 14 months. The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 18th best regional university in the South, and the graduate education school is recognized among the top 800 in the country.
-
Regis UniversityLocation
Denver, CO
Tuition$11250
Regis University's master's in educational administration online degree program is designed for those seeking principal licensure. The program is accredited and accelerated, designed to complete within just 12 months. All classes are delivered online and include community and communications leadership, data literacy and assessment, educational policy and organizational leadership, ethical and reflective leadership, human resources leadership, instructional leadership, and school strategy and sustainability. Admission to the program requires an official degree-bearing transcript from all previously attended U.S. regionally accredited institutions with a minimum overall GPA of 2.75, and a copy of your current teaching license. Regis is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best regional university in the West. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #133 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
-
Brandman UniversityLocation
Irvine, CA
Tuition$11460
Brandman University offers an accredited online master's in educational leadership program designed to prepare students who are seeking leadership roles in education-related fields. Several admission options are available, but in order to avoid the GRE requirement, students must show an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better and have completed either a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate program from a regionally accredited institution. All classes are delivered online and include comparative education, curriculum studies, education and social change, learning theory, research and evaluation methods, and social foundations of education. Brandman University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West, and the online graduate education programs are ranked #101 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
-
Queens University of CharlotteLocation
Charlotte, NC
Tuition$11730
Queens University of Charlotte offers one of the most affordable master's in educational administration online degree programs on our list. The online master's in educational leadership is presented 100% online and does not require the GRE for admission. Courses are taught by the same professors and industry experts who instruct on campus, and curriculum is designed to prepare students for licensure as K-12 principals in North Carolina. Some of the courses offered include building community, curriculum development and implementation, leading in a global society, leading in human resources and finance, professional learning communities, and supervision to improve instruction. The institution is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 22nd best regional university in the South and 28th best value school. Also, the graduate education programs are ranked #61 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
-
Cairn UniversityLocation
Langhorne, PA
Tuition$11790
The 39-credit online master's in educational administration degree program at Cairn University is designed for Christian educators who desire leadership roles in their school or district. The program may be completed in seven semesters if two courses are completed each term. All classes are delivered online and typically run seven to fourteen weeks in length. Some of the classes offered include data management and technology integration for school leaders K-12, educational research, financial and business management, issues in special education for school leaders, teaching models and instructional strategies, and theoretical and philosophical foundations. Successful applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited college or university and submit proof in the form of official transcripts from all schools attended. Cairn is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 137th best regional university in the North and is one of the more affordable schools on our list.
-
Cardinal Stritch UniversityLocation
Milwaukee, WI
Tuition$12015
Cardinal Stritch University offers an accredited master's in educational leadership online program that is designed for educators who want to increase their leadership knowledge and skills to serve in professional administration and leadership roles within private and public schools. Courses are available online or in a hybrid/blended format. These courses include leading complex systems, leading in culture of continuous improvement, legal and financial leadership, and research strand. Applications for admission are reviewed on a rolling basis, although successful degree candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and a valid Wisconsin teaching license. Cardinal Stritch is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution. The university's graduate education school is also ranked among the top 800 similar education programs and schools.
-
Gwynedd Mercy UniversityLocation
Gwynedd Valley, PA
Tuition$12222
Gwynedd Mercy University's master's in educational administration online degree is a 20-month program that consists of 33 credits and 100% online coursework. Applicants must have at least three years of full-time teaching experience and an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Online courses include communications and school-community relations, curriculum and instructional supervision, educational leadership, human resources and staff development, research skills for reflective practitioners, school law and policy issues, and school resources management. Gwynnedd Mercy is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 137th best regional university in the North and is one of the most affordable schools on our list.
-
Southeastern UniversityLocation
Lakeland, FL
Tuition$12719
Southeastern University's master's in educational leadership online program is designed for experienced teachers who are interested in career advancement and obtaining leadership roles in the K-12 school system. Classes are delivered online, and the program length runs 18 months if enrolled on a full-time basis. Part-time options are also available. Courses include curriculum and instructional strategies for all learners, educational leadership, and school communication and supervision. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0 or an official GRE score, and three years of teaching experience. Southeastern University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked in the most recent edition of Best Colleges.
-
Cornerstone UniversityLocation
Grand Rapids, MI
Tuition$13486
One of the most affordable master's in educational administration online programs on our list is the educational leadership graduate degree at Cornerstone University. This accelerated, 24-month long program is designed for individuals who have completed a minimum of one year of successful classroom teaching experience and have received teaching certification. Classes are delivered online and include community building and educational leadership, educational supervision and evaluation, issues in education, organizational leadership, and technology in education. Cornerstone is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 79th best regional university in the Midwest and 22nd best value school.
-
Dakota Wesleyan UniversityLocation
Mitchell, SD
Tuition$12600
Dakota Wesleyan University offers a type of master's in educational leadership online degree program that emphasizes educational policy and administration. The program is 100% online and designed to complete in just 15 months. Both part-time and full-time completion options are available. Courses run eight weeks in length with three different start dates per year. Required courses include advanced educational psychology, classroom management and ethical leadership, human relations – multiculturalism, legal and ethical issues in education, public policy issues in education, statistical analysis in education, and teaching and learning. Admission requires an earned bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 33rd best regional college in the Midwest.
-
Walden UniversityLocation
Minneapolis, MN
Tuition$13555
Walden University's master's in educational administration online program is NCATE-accredited and one of the more affordable options on our list. The program is designed for educators who want to become a principal or administrator at the master's level. Completion requires 36 credits, although the program allows up to 15 transfer credits. Courses are completed online and taught by qualified Walden instructors. These classes include budgeting and allocating resources, communication and collaboration for leaders, ensuring quality education for students with diverse needs, foundations – educational leadership and administration, policy and law in school organizations, and teaching and learning for school leaders. Walden is accredited and has earned recognition in previous years from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
-
New England CollegeLocation
Henniker, NH
Tuition$13735
New England College's online master's in educational leadership is one of the more affordable programs on our list. Designed for current practitioners who are certified teachers or those who wish to become certified, the program can be completed entirely online or in a hybrid format. Core courses for the degree include dynamics of curriculum and instruction, dynamics of education reform and systems change, fundamentals of education inquiry, methods of evaluation and assessment, research practicum, and the psychology of learning communities. New England College is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #158 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
-
City University of SeattleLocation
Seattle, WA
Tuition$13914
City University of Seattle offers an accredited online master's in educational leadership program designed for educators who want to become principals or program administrators in public or private schools. You must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to applying to the program. Once admitted, courses are taken online and taught by university professors and industry experts. These courses include change management, conflict management and community relations, educational leadership, school finance and operations, school law, supervision and instruction, and technology for school leaders. City University of Seattle is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional institution in the West. Also, the online graduate education programs have earned top rankings.
-
Capella UniversityLocation
Minneapolis, MN
Tuition$15003
Capella University's online master's in educational administration program is designed for working educators who want to build their skills to meet the leadership challenges of the P-12 system. The program offers a specialization in school leadership for those interested in pursuing administration and principal positions. All classes are delivered online and include courses like assessment and improvement of instruction, foundations of master's studies in education, school leadership data and decision-making, strategies for eliminating achievement gap, and survey of research methodology. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the school has earned recognition from U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.
-
University of DaytonLocation
Dayton, OH
Tuition$16020
One of the top online master's in educational administration programs on our list is offered by University of Dayton. The program requires applicants provide a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, official academic transcripts, and results from the GRE or MAT if your undergraduate GPA falls below 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. The program can be completed online and offers courses taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Required courses include assessment and instruction for school improvement, curriculum development and leadership, curriculum evaluation and instruction, law of special education, legal issues in school leadership, and research methods and design. University of Dayton is a private Catholic institution that is accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #15 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
-
Dallas Baptist UniversityLocation
Dallas, TX
Tuition$16208
Dallas Baptist University's online master's in educational leadership is a 30-credit non-thesis program that consists of six core hours and 24 specialized preparation hours (certification hours). Courses are delivered online and include curriculum design and evaluation, defense of degree, principal standards and competencies, research in education, school law, and supervision of instruction. Entrance requirements for the program include a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of credible teaching experience in a K-12 public or private school. A waiver of the GRE or MAT requirement may be considered if the student holds a master's degree from Dallas Baptist or holds a bachelor's from Dallas Baptist with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Dallas Baptist is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university, and its online graduate education programs have also earned recognition.
-
Creighton UniversityLocation
Omaha, NE
Tuition$16424
The online master's in educational leadership program at Creighton University is a 36-credit program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public, private, and Catholic schools. Two specialization options are available so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest and career goals. These specializations include school administration and teacher leadership. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These classes include effective conflict engagement for educational leaders, school culture, school law, and strategic resourcing. Creighton is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the #1 regional university in the Midwest. Also, the graduate online education programs are ranked #61 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
-
Touro CollegeLocation
New York, NY
Tuition$17200
One of the top online master's in educational leadership and school administration programs on our list is offered by Touro College's School of Education. Admission to the program requires official transcripts from all colleges attended, a copy of your state teaching license, two letters of recommendation, and a complete application – including a typed personal statement. Courses are delivered online and include curriculum development and implementation, leadership for 21st century school leaders, personnel functions of school leaders, and supervision and instruction. Touro is a private college that is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as a top regional university in the North.
-
Hope International UniversityLocation
Fullerton, CA
Tuition$17332
Hope International University offers an accredited online master's in educational administration program designed for individuals with the desire to become leaders in the field of education. The program is offered entirely online and can be completed in as little as 12 months, depending on student pace. Some of the required courses include education policy and governance, ethics in education – spiritual and philosophical foundations, legal aspects of education, and school and community relations in a diverse society. Students must choose to complete either an action research project or thesis to satisfy degree requirements. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.
Our Methodology, Explained
Metric | Data Used | Percentage |
Academic Quality | Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates | 30% |
Affordability | Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid | 10% |
Reputation | Admission and enrollment rates | 30% |
Program Offerings | Number of program options | 20% |
Online Enrollment Score | Portion of learners taking at least one online course | 10% |
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
This concludes our list of the 30 most affordable private colleges for online master's in educational leadership or educational administration degree programs
Additional Resources
See All Posts
Discover a program that is right for you.
Explore different options for you based on your degree interests.