Educators with a passion for leadership and a desire to advance their careers are often drawn to affordable, flexible online graduate programs in educational leadership. With the median salary for school principals at $101,320 as of May 2022 and expected steady demand over the next decade, these degrees present an opportunity to propel students to the next level in their careers. Choosing the right program is pivotal, but how can you be sure it’s budget-friendly and offers a top-quality education?
Fortunately, Intelligent.com has researched and compiled this list of the most affordable online master’s in educational leadership programs to help you navigate the world of cost-effective online education. Here, we’ve identified the programs that offer the lowest cost per credit, with the average price at $300 to $500 per credit.
In addition, we’ll provide essential financial aid guidance and tips for selecting the perfect online master’s program as an educational leader while delving into the cost breakdown for these degrees, factors that can influence the overall expense of higher education, and the many forms of financial aid that can be used to finance your degree.
Cost Breakdown for an Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Program
Earning your master’s in educational leadership online is an excellent way to pursue higher education while balancing other responsibilities — like a full-time job or raising a family — but it comes with associated costs. Here’s a breakdown of these expenses to help you set your expectations.
- Tuition: Typically assessed per credit or term, online programs usually cost the same as their on-campus counterparts. Tuition rates will vary depending on the institution and program you attend.
- Fees: Additional fees cover tech support, academic resources, library access, and other services. These fees can add up over time and impact the total cost of earning your degree.
- Personal Technology: Online learners must invest in their own technology, including a computer, hardware upgrades, and a reliable Wi-Fi connection. These are essential for accessing course materials and participating in virtual classes.
- Books and Learning Materials: While e-books and online resources may be available, some courses may require physical textbooks or supplementary materials, incurring extra expenses.
Despite these additional expenses, many online students enjoy cost-saving advantages compared to traditional on-campus learners. For example, learners can save money on transportation, as they don’t need to commute to campus. Similarly, they bypass on-campus housing costs since they can study from home.
It’s essential to consider these costs when budgeting for your online degree. Remember that financial aid, scholarships, and grants can help offset some of these expenses, making your pursuit of higher education more accessible.
Factors Influencing the Cost of an Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Program
While it’s always possible to find an online Master’s in Educational Leadership program that’s affordable, it’s just as likely to stumble upon an expensive option. So, what causes these cost fluctuations? Generally, it comes down to the following factors:
- Public vs. Private Institutions: Private universities often charge higher tuition rates than public ones. Private institutions rely more on tuition revenue and endowments, whereas public schools may receive government subsidies, making them more affordable.
- Nonprofit vs. For-Profit: Nonprofit institutions are generally more cost-effective than their for-profit counterparts, as their primary focus is on education rather than generating profit.
- Student Residency Status: Tuition rates can differ based on whether students are in-state or out-of-state. In-state residents often benefit from reduced tuition rates at public institutions due to taxpayer subsidies.
- Student Military Status: Active-duty military personnel and veterans may receive tuition discounts or access to special programs to make education more affordable. These benefits can significantly reduce the cost of education.
These factors play a crucial role in determining the overall cost of your education, so it’s essential to carefully review each of these elements before deciding on schools you’d like to apply to.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the most affordable online Master’s in Educational Leadership degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Most Affordable 50 Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs
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How to Choose the Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Program That’s Right For You
Clarify your needs and goals
Gaining clarity on your academic path is an essential first step toward finding the online educational leadership master’s program that’s right for you. Identifying your desired specialty, preferred program type, delivery format, and scheduling expectations can help narrow your scope to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.
By honing in on these specifics, you can feel positive that you’re making a well-informed decision, increasing your chances of a successful and satisfying educational journey that suits your unique needs and career goals.
Research schools and programs
Start by checking for institutional and programmatic accreditation, as it ensures eligibility for federal funding and signifies a commitment to quality education. Then, consider the following questions to guide your research:
- Is the online platform user-friendly and accessible?
- What is the student-to-faculty ratio for online classes?
- Are there support services for online students, like academic advising and tech assistance?
- What is the faculty’s experience in online teaching?
- Are there opportunities for networking or collaboration with peers?
- How affordable is the school compared to your other options?
You should be able to find most of this information on school websites. Still, it can also be beneficial to connect with current students and alums through social media platforms like LinkedIn and Reddit, as they can lend first-hand perspective to your research. Seeking advice from admissions counselors and attending virtual information sessions are also excellent ways to gain insight.
Review application and eligibility requirements
Now that you have a shortlist of preferred schools for your online master’s in educational leadership, you can begin preparing for the application process by researching and understanding each institution’s admission requirements.
Online programs often require the submission of academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and, in some cases, GRE scores. Enrolling in a test prep program can be immensely beneficial for schools that mandate GRE scores. These programs provide focused preparation, enhancing performance and boosting your chances of securing a seat in your top programs.
How to Pay for an Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Degree
Out-of-pocket
For some students, paying for their degree out-of-pocket may be possible with careful budgeting, saving, and setting aside funds for tuition and related expenses. Some universities offer payment plans that break down tuition into manageable installments, making it more financially feasible and reducing the need for loans.
Federal student loans
Federal loans typically offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than private loans, making them more preferable. However, exploring other forms of financial aid, such as grants or scholarships, is essential to reduce your debt burden later on. Consider federal loans as a bridge to cover any remaining funding gaps. While they can certainly be helpful, you’ll want other forms of support to make the eventual repayment less taxing.
Private education loans
Private education loans often come with high-interest rates and less flexible repayment terms than federal loans, making them a less desirable choice than other financial aid options. Prioritizing scholarships, grants, or federal loans is typically a wiser approach to managing your education costs. Private loans should be considered online after exploring all other options, as their repayment can be more financially challenging in the future.
Scholarships
Scholarships, along with grants, do not require repayment — making them one of the preferable forms of financial aid. Even better, scholarships are awarded for meeting various requirements, including academic achievement, field of study, and personal circumstances. You can likely find scholarships at your university or from private foundations, community organizations, and corporate sponsorships.
Grants
Grants are another form of financial aid that requires no repayment, making them equally preferable to scholarships to fund your education. They are typically need-based and are often awarded to students with demonstrated financial need. You should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find grants, as it’s the gateway to various federal and state grants. Additionally, many public and private universities offer their own institutional grants, which you can find through your school’s financial aid office.
Work-study
Work-study programs can be an excellent way to fund your education, as they allow students to work part-time jobs on or off campus, gaining valuable experience while earning money to cover educational expenses. To apply, simply indicate your interest in work-study on the FAFSA. Eligibility depends on financial need, and the school’s financial aid office can help determine if you qualify. Many institutions offer multiple positions, making it easier for students to find roles that align with their career goals and financial needs.
Employer tuition assistance
Many employers offer tuition assistance benefits, covering part or all of an employee’s education costs, as it’s a win-win: employees can learn new skills, and companies benefit from a more educated workforce. This assistance can significantly reduce the financial burden on students, making higher education more accessible. Check with your employer’s HR department or benefits office to discover available programs and criteria.
Scholarship Database
Intelligent Scholarship Finder Tool
"A Helping Hand" Scholarship
Award Amount: $500
Due Date: January 31, 2025
"Follow Your Own Path" Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $500
Due Date: January 31, 2025
"Tuition Solution" Scholarship for STEM Students
Award Amount: $500
Due Date: January 31, 2025
$25k "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $25,000
Due Date: Closed for 2024
(ISC) Graduate Cybersecurity Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000
Due Date: Closed for 2024
(ISC) Women in Information Security Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000
Due Date: Closed for 2024
A.C. "Kate" & Leo Joseph Merlone St. Dominic Catholic Church of Saginaw Member Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies
Due Date: Closed for 2024
A.C. "Kate" & Leo Joseph Merlone Teaching Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies
Due Date: Closed for 2024
a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000
Due Date: Closed for 2024
AAAE Native American Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,500
Due Date: March 15, 2025
Applying for Financial Aid
For many students and their families, applying for financial aid begins with submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Students must provide information about their family’s income, assets, and demographics to apply. The application is available online and must be completed annually to access financial assistance.
Learn more about the FAFSA
For those eager to learn more about the FAFSA, visit our Ultimate FAFSA Guide. This comprehensive resource breaks down the complexities of the FAFSA, offering insights into the loans and grants available. With step-by-step instructions, it simplifies the application process, ensuring you don’t miss crucial financial aid opportunities.
Student loan forgiveness and repayment
With the status of student loan forgiveness in the United States remaining uncertain, it’s more crucial than ever to borrow only what you need. College counselor Dana Marvin encourages students to “…take out what you need and nothing more. For example, if you’re eligible to take out a loan for $12,500 per year but only need $8,000, there’s no need to take out a loan for that extra funds.” While it may seem like a good idea at the time, it’s important to remember that “every dollar you take out in a loan will not only be paid back but with interest.”
For graduates with a Master’s in Educational Leadership, programs like Teacher Loan Forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness can offer potential relief. Teacher Loan Forgiveness may provide up to $17,500 in forgiveness for educators serving low-income schools. Public Service Loan Forgiveness can benefit public service workers, including educators, after making 120 qualifying monthly payments.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Educational Leadership Degree?
As the name implies, a master’s in educational leadership prepares students to be leaders in various educational settings, including public and private schools, school districts, post-secondary institutions, extracurricular academic organizations, and more. Some of the most common jobs for graduates of educational leadership master’s programs include school principal, higher education administrator, school district superintendent, and curriculum developer.
While most educational leaders work in an academic setting, some choose to work as educational consultants, either independently or as part of a firm. These individuals can either work with students and families to plan and prepare for post-secondary education opportunities or with institutions to develop new curriculums, improve enrollment and retention, or address other concerns.
A master’s in educational leadership can be a terminal degree, although some students may decide to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership (Ed.D). This degree can open up additional opportunities in research or teaching at the post-secondary level.
Career Outlook
- School principals—Elementary, middle, and high school principals supervise all school operations, coordinate curricula, manage staff, and provide a safe and productive learning environment for students.
- Median annual salary: $103,460
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 0%
- New jobs projected: 20,200 per year
- Instructional coordinators — Oversee school curriculums and teaching standards, develop educational material, implement it with teachers and principals, and assess its effectiveness.
- Median annual salary: $74,620
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 2%
- New jobs projected: 19,200 per year
- Post-secondary education administrators — Direct various departments and services at colleges and universities, including admissions, student affairs, registrar, financial aid, and development.
- Median annual salary: $102,610
- Project employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New jobs projected: 15,300 per year
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