If you're looking for a flexible pathway to advance your career in education administration, consider this list of affordable online master's programs in educational leadership.
While our suggested programs may not be the "cheapest" by tuition alone, our list factors in your return on investment (ROI), a school's prestige, tuition and fees, and financial aid. An online program can help further minimize additional costs, such as travel and housing.
Check out some of the best affordable online master's in educational leadership programs, and learn how to choose the best degree for your wallet and goals.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Affordable Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like concentration options, program length, and relationships with school districts. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in December 2025.
Why the Cheapest Online Educational Leadership Master's Program Isn't Always the Most Affordable
Several factors outside of tuition determine a program's affordability. Financial aid, ROI, and education quality all contribute to the value of your degree program.
Financial aid could make a school with a more expensive sticker price way more affordable than you previously thought. Some institutions that seem more expensive initially offer financial aid packages so generous that their overall cost is comparable to or even less than that of "cheaper" schools.
ROI is one of the most significant factors in affordability. If you earn your degree from a school that charges low tuition but may not be widely recognized by employers, or is not accredited by a federally recognized agency, you might have a hard time searching for jobs. Choosing a prestigious school that charges more tuition may ultimately pay off if employers recognize your school for its rigor and reputation.
Benefits of Getting an Affordable Educational Leadership Master's Online
In BestColleges' 2025 Online Education Trends Report, we found that almost all (99%) master's students and graduates would recommend online education.
A little less than that (95%) said that they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Three in four (75%) online master's students and graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
Almost half (46%) of online master's students and graduates say their online classes included assignments they could relate to their current jobs.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Educational Leadership Cost?
Master's in Education, 2019-2020
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $7,912
Avg. Net Price: $6,680
On-Campus
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $12,600
Avg. Net Price: $10,276
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students in an online master's in education paid an average of $7,912 per academic year for tuition, compared to an on-campus price of $12,600.
In addition to a lower average tuition price at online programs, remote learning can help you save money in other ways. Online students don't have to pay for transportation to class or room and board. Due to the increased flexibility of online learning, remote students may also be able to continue working while completing their education, avoiding a loss of income. If your master's degree also involves in-person practicum hours, online programs often allow students to complete their requirements locally rather than at or near the school.
You can also save even more by applying for federal financial aid, which we'll explore down below.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online Master's in Educational Leadership Program
What Is an Online Master's in Educational Leadership's ROI?
A good return on investment looks different for everyone. It depends on what you value, which could include a good educational experience, a strong cohort, high salary potential, or career growth.
Those seeking a strong financial ROI typically aim to make $20,000 more after graduating with an educational administration master's degree than they made before with a bachelor's degree. If this is you, consider that K-12 and postsecondary education administrators earn some of the highest salaries in educational leadership, often exceeding $100,000 per year. Qualifying for these high-paying roles often makes the degree worth it, considering the low average net price of a master's in education.
However, if you're interested in working as a counselor, advisor, university registrar, or teacher, all roles that work more directly with students, your ROI may not be as high. These careers make between $64,000 and $69,000, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
However, if you find more enjoyment in these roles and don't mind a lower salary, then your personal ROI may be higher. Your salary may also depend on whether you work at a private school or a public school, as well as the state in which you work.
How to Save Money on Your Online Educational Leadership Master's Degree
Save more money on your master's degree by applying for federal financial aid, getting a teaching grant, and seeing if your employer will reimburse your tuition.
1. Apply for Financial Aid
To see how much you can knock off tuition, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you finish the FAFSA by inputting your financial information, you can see what you may be expected to pay for school before receiving any school offers. At the end of your application, select schools to send the document to to see what scholarships, grants, and loans you qualify for.
Note that schools offer different amounts of financial aid — sometimes a more expensive school may turn out to be cheaper than others after aid. Compare your offers to determine which school may be the best fit for your budget.
2. See if Your Program Is TEACH Grant-Eligible
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 per year if you're earning a teaching degree. While a master's in educational leadership may not exactly be considered a "teaching degree," it's still worth determining whether you're eligible for the grant.
A few stipulations are that you must agree to work at a low-income school in a high-need field and complete four years of teaching within eight years of graduation, or else you'll have to repay the grant as if it were a loan.
3. Determine Whether Your State Increases Teacher Salaries for Master's Pay
If you're a teacher looking to transition into an administrative role, it may take some time after graduation to gain the necessary experience. But you could still make a little more money by just having a master's degree. Check to see if having a master's degree in your state, such as Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, or Tennessee, qualifies you for a raise as a teacher. In Alabama, master's degree holders made over $7,000 more than those with five years of experience and a bachelor's degree.
4. Inquire About Employer Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
If you're currently employed, see if your employer will help pay for your schooling by reimbursing you for the tuition you paid for. If you're enrolled in a career-relevant degree program, your employer may help cover the costs. Reach out to your manager or HR department to determine your potential compensation and explore any additional benefits of working while pursuing an education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Master's in Educational Leadership Programs
An online master's in educational leadership can be worth it, depending on your goals. The median annual cost of an online master's degree is approximately $20,387, per NCES. Administrators in K-12 and postsecondary education typically earn above $100,000 per year.
Your ROI may also depend on your location and the kind of school you work for — private and charter schools are generally better funded than public schools, for example.
