30 Best Master’s in Educational Leadership

In the 2018 Academic Ranking of World Universities, the University of Washington came in 14th, or 3rd among all U.S. public universities. More than 54,000 students attend annually, with more than 1,800 undergraduate courses offered each quarter, and more than 12,000 degrees at every level conferred each year. 

At the UW College of Education, you can take an M.Ed. in EDPOL (Educational Policy) that examines in depth the problems in the U.S. education system. Lasting for two years, the program ends with a choice of taking a final project or a thesis. 

Coursework on this program is broken down into three core areas: policy, organizations, and leadership. You’ll take courses in areas like instructional leadership for schools, school reform, economics and educational finance, and family and community leadership. You can opt to add a formal focus with a certificate, too, such as education, equity, and society. 

Graduate tuition at the University of Washington costs $16,590 for students who are residents of Washington State, or $29,652 for non-residents. The Office of Student Financial Aid also provides private, state, and federal financial aid awards for those who have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). 

The UF College of Education enrolls around 3,500 students with around 2,400 remote learners (2018 figures). Students studying under this college can choose from nearly 30 programs, supported by more than 100 full-time members of faculty. More than 30,000 living alumni have gone on to build successful careers. 

This M.Ed. program can be taken either full-time or part-time, on-campus or online study option. When enrolled full-time, the degree takes two years to complete, with 6-9 credits per semester. Applications must be received by July 1, with international students needing to apply by March 15. 

Most students enroll in two classes each semester (6 credits), with 36 total number of credits needed for graduation. On this basis, the program will take two years to complete, though you may finish more quickly by increasing your workload. 

For in-state graduate students, the tuition runs at around $12,740, plus $17,394 for students out-of-state. Students living on campus will have estimated total costs of around $29,420, or $30,940 for students based off-campus, and $18,320 for those who live with their parents during their program. 

Based on the banks of the Mississippi River, the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus is surrounded by natural beauty. Students from more than 140 countries around the world come together with those from every state and participate in more than 800 student groups and organizations. 

This master’s degree in education policy and leadership (EPL) focuses on pre-K-12 development and education. Through a combination of coursework and practice, you’ll learn how to perform assessments of school organizations and their policies, design and execute programs that address student needs, and identify key skills and traits that are essential to improving school systems. 

When it comes to your curriculum, you can choose from the ‘Plan A option’ or ‘Plan B option’. Plan A comprises 30-36 credits with a master’s thesis, while Plan B comprises 30-32 credits with no thesis, but with additional coursework. Both pathways will take two years to complete. 

The graduate school charges tuition and fees of around $19,200 for residents of Minnesota, while out-of-state students pay around $28,845. The average amount of financial aid awarded is approximately $9,080, with around 56 students receiving financial aid in recent years. Tuition rates may change and in fact, rose 10% in 2020. 

Founded in 1858 with its inaugural class attending in 1869, Iowa State University now enrolls around 33,000 students annually, with more than 100 majors on offer. The university comprises 10 colleges and schools, and the school’s football team is known as the Cyclones. 

This university offers a master’s degree in higher education, which focuses on community college leadership and higher education administration. A number of graduate level certificate programs are also offered alongside the main degree programs. This allows students to tailor the structure of their degree program in line with career aspirations. 

Application deadlines vary from one program to another. As part of the application process, you’ll need to meet a minimum GPA threshold, in addition to providing a statement of purpose and up to three letters of recommendation. Master’s degree students do not need to evidence their GRE or GMAT scores. 

Graduate students who are also residents of Iowa will pay tuition and fees of around $10,990, while students from other states pay around $25,952. International students pay slightly more, at $27,584. With costs included, these figures are around $24,444, $39,406, and $42,962, respectively. 

Located in Tampa Bay, the University of South Florida has campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, too. Over 50,000 students study from a wide range of more than 180 majors and concentrations. In rankings by the aforementioned U.S. News & World Report, USF programs have ranked within the top 50 in recent years alone. 

This master’s degree is the Education Specialist in educational leadership, which is designed for experienced administrative professionals who want to drive change in underperforming schools. The coursework you’ll complete has been designed in collaboration with district-level school administrators and leadership personnel, ensuring you’ll get the most relevant skills and knowledge-based training. 

The curriculum covers essential topics including turnaround strategies for underperforming schools, the correct use of school data, ethical and political issues impacting school leadership, and the theory surrounding effective educational program models. There’s also an option to gain the Florida Educational Leadership Certification during the course of your studies. 

The University of South Florida offers some of the lowest graduate tuition rates in the country; the institution has even made rankings for affordability, including those by U.S. News & World Report and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. On-campus graduates who are state residents pay $7,840 in tuition and fees, while non-residents pay $15,864. 

In a recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report, Arizona State University made the top spot for innovation. The institution also snagged the top spot for global impact, in addition to ranking in various positions across a host of other lists, including first-year experience and being a top choice for international students. 

This Master of Education in educational leadership will lead into potential careers as a teacher or administrator in a K-12 school or organization. You’ll cover change in schools, the promotion of innovation and collaborative working, curriculum development, and how to structure effective evaluation tasks and provide feedback to teachers. 

Comprising 36 total credit hours, the program will take 6-7 semesters to complete if studied fully-online, or 4 semesters as a hybrid course. Upon graduation, you will also be qualified for an Arizona certification known as the Pre-K-12 Principal Certification, though you may need to take an additional examination as set out by the state. 

Depending on your choice of program, housing, and so on, your costs can vary. However, generally speaking, the cost of tuition for a graduate who is an Arizona resident is $32,278, with $11,720 of that being tuition. Non-residents pay approximately $44,102 in total tuition and costs, with $23,544 being base tuition. 

Minnesota State University, Mankato provides students with a choice from over 130 undergraduate and 75 graduate areas of study. The institution offers more than 50 online programs via distance learning, with around 66 of the university’s overall programs having been given specialized accreditation, certification, or other recognition. 

Comprising 34 credits in total, this program takes place at the Edina campus and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Your core courses will include essential topics, such as ethics in leadership and organizational and systems change. You’ll also take a 1-4 credit workshop, plus a capstone course in portfolio development. 

The workshop is a unique course that consists of an experience whereby students learn from one another, with a facilitator present. The portfolio development course is to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and performance, and is structured against the Department of Educational Leadership’s assessment plan for this program. 

Tuition at Minnesota State University is charged on a per-credit basis, with 1-11 credits costing $444.10 each and 12 or more credits costing $5,329.20. Should you choose to take any part of your program online, via distance learning, you’ll also pay an additional $36.25 per credit for any courses completed from home. 

Ferris State University is a stunning campus, but if you have to see if for yourself, check out the virtual tour of the Bulldog homelands. Another great insight into the university can be found in Ferris First, a pride initiative that showcases students and faculty alike, and the reason they chose to make Ferris their home. 

On this master’s degree in educational leadership, you’ll undertake a blend of theory and practice that will build a solid foundation for a future career in school administration. Learning is split between on-campus and online courses, with a two-semester internship that partners you with local district schools. 

For admission, you’ll need to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university of college, in addition to having achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0. However, the admission process for Ferris involves no personal essays or statements, or interviews. Application is via an online form with no application fee required. 

Graduate tuition for U.S. residents and Canadians runs $659.00 per credit hour, while international students pay $989.00. Should you choose to study online, there is also an additional online learning fee of $12 to be applied to each credit that’s taken fully online. 

Established in 1869, Saint Cloud University was formerly known as the Third State Normal School. Based in St. Cloud, the campus has undergone many transformations, previously being located within a refurbished hotel building and with just 5 members of staff. Today, the university boasts a program of more than 200 programs at every level. 

The educational administration and leadership master’s degree at St. Cloud University is available to both students who hold teaching licensure and those who do not. There are three start dates in fall, spring, and summer, and students are expected to have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. 

As part of the curriculum, you will complete a culminating project to present all the knowledge you’ve acquired while studying for your master’s degree. With a choice of either a thesis or portfolio, you’ll be expected to collate your research and design your own study, or design a portfolio that shows evidence of your learning and skills development through coursework, practice, and volunteering. 

Graduate students at St. Cloud University pay $4,439 in base tuition and fees for residents, per semester. For non-residents, the figure is $6,452. On a yearly basis, total costs including room and board and books and supplies are $23,098 for residents and $27,124 for non-residents. 

More than 18,000 students enroll at Baruch College, speaking a collective 110 languages between them. Baruch has on numerous occasions been named “one of the most ethnically diverse student bodies in the United States.” Its campus is also conveniently located close to the heart of the city in Manhattan. 

Comprising a total of 33 credits for completion, this Master of Science in education – educational leadership leads to eligibility for the School Building Leadership Certification that’s required for all assistant principals or principals in New York State. Applications can be made following completion of 24 credits, though after completion of a further 15 credits, students can apply for School District Leadership Certification, too. 

Five additional partnership programs are also offered, which are the aspiring principals program, leaders in education apprenticeship program, scaffold apprenticeship model, new leaders for new schools program, and teacher education leadership program. The detail of these initiatives is too much to include here, but you can read more on the institution’s website. 

For graduate students who are taking 12 or more credits, tuition is charged at $5,545 per semester for in-state residents. Out-of-state students and international students pay on a per-credit basis, with a charge of $855.00. Part-time students taking less than 12 credits are also charged on a per-credit basis. 

The University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign dates back to 1867. Today, the university has numerous locations including Illinois Online , the distance learning program that takes place via a modern elearning platform. The university has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 2010. 

The typical plan of study for this master’s degree in educational administration and leadership comprises a minimum of 32 credit hours. You’ll get to choose 6 core courses from a selection of around 20, in addition to making similar choices later in your studies. This allows for a highly customizable program of study that you can align to your specific career aspirations. 

You’ll take 24 hours in courses such as education law, leading improvement and innovation, human resource management, or the school superintendency. You’ll then take an additional 4 hours in educational policy, organization, and leadership foundations, plus 4 hours in educational psychology foundations. 

Graduate base tuition for residents of the state is $12,688, while non-residents and international students pay $27,412. If living on-campus, you will also pay fees including a general fee, service fee, health service fee, and library and information technology fee.

Winona State University (WSU) was one of the first universities in the U.S. to provide laptops to its students. In addition to championing technology, the institution is committed to sustainability and this is reflected in courses, research, and programs. What’s more, WSU’s students contribute nearly 100,000 hours of community service each year. 

This master’s degree curriculum has been designed for existing teachers or other school staff within Birth-12 schools. It’s geared toward producing competent leaders and champions of systemic change within the education system. You may choose from two paths: one leads directly towards the K-12 principal licensure, while the other does not. 

The second program allows students who do not want to become principals to focus their studies on elective coursework. This is structured around other topics, namely your career aspirations and professional interests, such as curriculum design, educational technology, early childhood education, and student assessment, to name a few. 

Minnesota graduates pay $428.28 per credit, plus $41.50 in fees per credit to attend. Non-residents pay $646.17 plus $41.50, though there are reciprocity discounts for certain states. There is also something called the eWarrior Digital Life and Learning Program, which equips you with a laptop—and potentially iPad, depending on your program—for use during your studies, at a cost of $485.00. 

At North Carolina State University at Raleigh, curriculums are designed around real-world problem solving, with graduate programs that specialize in the areas of business and education, so you know you’re in good hands. The institution has the largest student body of any other within the state and is ranked in top place among North Carolina universities for affordability and value. 

This master’s degree in school administration offers online study options to students not located in Raleigh. It will prepare you for entry into or advancement of an existing career within leadership in a K-12 organization. You’ll complete eight 3-hour courses, comprising 24 credit hours. You’ll also take an 18-credit-hour internship. 

To satisfy the 42-credit requirements of the degree program, you will also undertake a full-time internship or residency in the second year. Courses on this program are generally scheduled in the afternoon or evenings for students who are studying on-campus, in addition to some Saturdays. 

Graduate students pay around $11,673 in base tuition for residents of the state, or $28,999 for non-residents and international students. On average, eligible students receive approximately $11,000 in financial aid. There are also tuition waivers and special rates for certain student groups, though they don’t apply to this program. 

At Appalachian State University, you’ll never be short on incredible views from the campus that’s situated against the Appalachian Mountains. As a university surrounded by natural beauty, this institution’s staff and students participate widely in sustainability efforts, in addition to having a broad choice of student clubs and organizations to participate in. 

With three start dates, the ASU Higher Education Program offers this master’s degree in higher education, with a concentration in community college and university leadership. Available on-campus or online, you’ll take a total of 36 credit hours to achieve your degree. 

Core requirements include study of diversity in higher education, the history and law of higher education in America, plus research methodology. The curriculum for the concentration includes study of courses such as Higher Education Finance, Supervising and Advising in Higher Education, and Leadership in Higher Education. 

Graduates at Appalachian State University pay approximately $7,976 if residents of the state, or $21,408 for out-of-state students. Financial aid averages around $8,000 for students who are eligible. Additional fees—books and supplies, room and board, and more—come to around $19,058 or $30,037, respectively. 

Networking is strong at the University of Nebraska Omaha, with over 500 partnered organizations focusing on community issues and 100’s of music events, festivals, professional speakers, and sporting events available. This university is also known for having some of the lowest tuition and fees schedules among the state’s four-year universities and colleges. 

Comprising 36 credit hours, this master’s degree in educational leadership consists of 21 credit hours in core courses, plus 12 hours of concentration courses, and 3 hours of electives. Class scheduling takes into account working professionals, with most taking place outside of working hours for the convenience of students. 

Your classes will also be scheduled in such a way that half of your study time takes place in the field, on practical assignments, or online. You’ll be able to choose from three concentration areas: building administration, SPED leader (special education leadership), or teacher leader, the latter of which doesn’t offer certification. 

The cost of attendance, including all tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies, runs at around $19,068 for residents or $27,690 for out-of-state students. Inclusive of typical personal expenses and transportation, these figures are closer to $22,970 and $31,592, respectively. 

Established in 1892, the University of Idaho was the only university in the state until 1963. Thanks to an absence of competition from other institutions, this has allowed this university to compete at a higher level right up to present day. In 2019, Forbes ranked the university among America’s Best Value Colleges. 

The university offers a Master of Education or Educational Specialist track, for those who want to become a principal or superintendent. Through collaboration with local school districts, students also have access to teaching opportunities in the areas local to the university campus, allowing you to work close by while you study. 

Both programs are approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and both are available online for students who’d prefer distance learning. For admissions consideration, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Successful completion of the program awards eligibility for the Standard Administrative Certificate Examination. 

Graduates at the University of Idaho pay $9,876 in base tuition, with added various costs bringing the total to around $26,456. On the other hand, non-residents pay $29,112 in base tuition and fees, for a total of approximately $46,070. These figures include assumed miscellaneous and personal spending of around $4,000. 

Western Illinois University offers a choice from more than 60 majors. Students receive around $10 million in scholarships every year and have access to more than 150 different programs or groups. Regardless of your reasons for considering WIU, there’s bound to be something that draws you in. 

This Master of Science degree is highly flexible for those students who intend on working while they study. A “weekend academy” means you’ll never need to attend classes during the working week, with cohorts meeting between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sundays. 

Comprising 33 semester hours, the course is open to applications from prospective students who have met both the WIU School of Graduate Studies admission requirements, plus the Master of Science in education requirements. The Department of Educational Studies at WIU has certified over 2,000 principals and 600 superintendents in the past 50 years. 

Tuition and fees at this university are assessed on a per-credit-hour basis. For graduates, this is $339.82 regardless of your state of residency. Contrary to usual expectations, there is also no significant increase for graduate tuition compared to undergraduate rates. A full list of fees and other rates can be found on the website. 

According to the university website, Texas Woman’s University is the No. 1 university in DFW for graduate earnings vs. the cost of their education. It has also been named No. 1 for students who have children. As a working professional with a busy schedule, the flexibility this degree offers could make TWU the ideal choice for your education. 

This educational leadership degree prepares graduates to work in K-12 higher education and other settings. The program comprises 30 semester credit hours of coursework; this is broken down into 21 hours of educational leadership courses, 3 hours of research methods, 3 credit hours spent on an internship, and 3 hours of an applied research project or professional paper. 

Your courses will include, for example, Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Evaluation; Leadership and Special Programs; Professional Principal Preparation; and Professional Development and Supervision in Education. For admission into the graduate school, you’ll need an existing bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for your last 60 semester credit hours. 

Based on an assumed 18 credit hours per term, the base tuition cost for resident graduate students is $4,973, plus $2,695 in fees. Overall, inclusive of other fees and expenses, the total cost for on-campus students is around $22,155, or $13,722 if living at home. 

Students at the University of Oregon are known as Ducks and work together as part of a flock. The campus is situated in an area of natural beauty, surrounded by rivers, mountains, and the coastline. Students excel in areas of art, mathematics, and nature, with the institution the No. 1 public university in the state for first-year retention and graduation rates. 

You don’t need a background in teaching to apply for this master’s degree in educational leadership, which leads to careers in schools from Pre-K through to 12th grade. Typically completed within two years, the program comprises 45 credits, with 9 credits covered each term. 

You’ll start with core courses in areas like evidence-based decision making and professional writing, culminating in a master’s project at the end of the program. Up to 15 related graduate credits may be transferred as electives from another accredited institution. 

Base tuition and fees for graduate students at the University of Oregon are $17,238 for residents of the state, or $29,091 for non-residents. Inclusive of housing costs, books and suppliers, and other fees, the total cost is around $33,063 or $45,867, respectively. There’s also a one-time matriculation fee of $430 due in your first term. 

Michigan State University (MSU) has a total enrollment of around 50,000 students at a campus that sits on 5,300 acres of land. Situated just three miles east of Michigan’s capital, the institution offers a huge range of more than 200 academic programs and 275 education abroad initiatives. 

This is a master’s degree in K-12 educational administration, preparing you for a career in leadership within public, charter, or private K-12 schools or organizations. The program combines on-campus instruction with online courses, resulting in a schedule that you can easily fit alongside your existing work or personal life commitments. 

Comprising 21 core credits and 9 elective courses, it’ll take you an average of two to three years to complete your degree. After graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for various certifications from the Michigan Department of Education, providing you meet other eligibility criteria set by the state. 

When it comes to tuition, master’s degree students pay $755.50 per credit hour. This works out to around $18,858 for Michigan residents, or $37,056 for non-residents and international students who pay a higher rate. The average amount of financial aid awarded stands at around $11,500, which is a little above average. 

For more than 90 years, Brooklyn College has been educating students, with a total enrollment of nearly 18,000. Between them, the student body represents over 140 nations and speaks more than 90 languages. Students can choose from more than 175 undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and advanced certificates. 

This master’s degree in educational leadership leads to eligibility for the School Building Leader Certification within the state of New York. To apply for this certification, you will need to demonstrate at least three years experience of working full-time in the classroom or within pupil personnel services. 

While studying in this program, you’ll learn how to identify key principles driving curriculum design and apply the knowledge in the creation of your own materials. You’ll study financial and budget data, learn about effective leadership techniques, and understand how to observe and assess teachers while they teach. 

New York State residents pay around $5,545.00 per semester if studying full-time, or $470.00 per credit if studying part-time. Non-residents and international students pay $855.00 per credit regardless of classification as a part or full-time learner. There is also a costs and fees schedule available here. 

Located just half an hour away from New York City, Kean University has scored highly in a U.S. News & World Report ranking for social mobility. Campus locations include a full campus based in Wenzhou, China, and Kean Skylands, a campus that sits within 40 acres of protected land in western New Jersey. 

The master’s degree in educational administration is one of three programs offered by Kean University. The curriculum blends practice and theory, covering topics such as public administration and school law and policy. One notable alumni is Phil Murphy, who was appointed as New Jersey Commissioner of Education in 2018. 

There are numerous potential tracks to choose from so that you can align your studies with your interests and intended career path. For example, aspiring principals can opt for the supervisor and principal track, while those with a keen interest in technology could opt for the program in digital leadership. 

Graduate tuition is charged at a flat rate for full-time students and on a per-credit basis for part-time students. Full-time students pay around $8,677.75 if residents of the state, or $11,158.75 for out-of-state students. Part-time students pay $833.40 or $987.40 per credit, respectively. 

Plymouth State University is conveniently nestled close to some stunning natural beauty, including the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Established in 1871, this institution lets you custom design your degree program with integrated clusters, meaning you’ll graduate with a degree that’s highly relevant to your intended career. 

You have three focus options within this area of study: the non-certification option and K-12 School Principal Certification option are suited to those who want to complete a master’s degree. There is an additional third option to gain the K-12 certification without a master’s degree, though you require 5 years’ worth of experience teaching to be eligible. 

For admission into the master’s program, you’ll need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 from your undergraduate coursework. You’ll also need to evidence your official transcripts, provide three professional recommendations, and a statement of interest, alongside your resume and a $75 application fee. 

For state residents, graduate tuition runs at $550.00 per credit, while non-residents pay $765.00. There are additional, mandatory fees of $42 applicable to each credit. There’s also a $30 nonrefundable registration fee due each term for course registration, in addition to other fees for health services, student activities, and building maintenance. 

At UNC Charlotte, around a third of students are the first in their family to attend college. The student body represents 47 different states across the nation, with average in-state tuition and fees coming to around $7,096. You’ll have a choice of more than 90 bachelor’s and 100 master’s programs. 

This master’s degree in educational leadership is intended for those who want to work in P-12 administration, though it’s worth noting that the course doesn’t lead to licensure. You’ll be prepared for the intensive nature of leadership within education, including support and supervision techniques, and innovation and change in school systems. 

There are two application deadlines; first priority applications received by January 15 will receive full consideration for financial aid, while second priority applications can be made up until March 1. You’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.0, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, and a minimum of 3 recommendations. 

The tuition rate for graduate students who are NC residents is $542.25 for 0-2 credit hours, $1,084.25 for 3-5 credit hours, $1,626.50 for 6-8 credit hours, and $2,168.50 for 9 or more credits. Non-residents pay $2,221.50, $4,442.75, $6,664.25, or $8,885.50, respectively. There are also additional fees applicable to both groups of students. 

Lehman College welcomes around 14,000 students annually, with more than 80,000 alumni already having graduated from a variety of programs. Students can choose from around 90 undergraduate and graduate level degree programs. Lehman College has also been recognized in 4th place for student mobility by the National Bureau of Economic Research. 

This Master of Science in educational leadership program prepares you for licensure as a school building leader (SBL), as per the requirements set by New York State. After graduation, you’ll have the necessary knowledge and skills to work in a leadership position, for example as a principal or assistant principal, or a department chair. 

You’ll take courses in areas such as ethics in school leadership, creating supportive learning environments, and collaborative and community-based leadership. You’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.0, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and at least three years in a teaching position.

As a resident of NYS, you’ll pay around $470.00 per credit. Non-residents pay a little under double, at around $855.00 per credit. There are also additional fees that include a student activity fee and technology fee; for a full breakdown of all applicable fees, you can view them on the college’s website. 

Founded in 1922 and located in Wichita Falls, Texas, MSU boasts a 255-acre campus and is the only university in the state to be a member of COPLAC, the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Non-residents also enjoy a special rate of tuition, with MSU named on a recent list of the 10 cheapest public schools for out-of-state students. 

Your courses will cover all the key areas required for a graduate working in educational leadership and school system reform. You’ll cover courses such as School Business Management, School Law and Public Relations, and School Change and Reform. You’ll also undertake an internship in educational leadership. 

There are three application deadlines for fall, spring, and summer semesters, which are May 15, September 15, and March 15, respectively. To apply, you’ll need to have a minimum GMAT score of 480, in addition to providing letters of recommendation, transcripts, and an online application. 

Graduate students who are residents of Texas pay around $6,609 in base tuition and fees. Non-residents don’t pay a great deal more, with average tuition and fees of around $7,779. The average amount of financial aid awarded to students who are eligible is approximately $6,200. 

Established in 1889, the University of Northern Colorado is not far from the famous Rocky Mountains. Nearly 13,000 students are enrolled, with around a quarter of these being graduate students. There’s a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and more than 120 graduate programs and 100 undergraduate programs to choose from. 

According to the university’s website, UNC is the highest-ranking university in the state for online graduate study, in addition to being in the top 10 for the whole nation. As a student with an interest in educational leadership, you’ll have the choice of studying toward a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Educational Specialist (Ed.S.). 

Your curriculum might include courses such as School Finance and Budgeting, Management and Leadership in Education, and Shaping Organizations. You’ll cover essential leadership techniques and strategies, the development of curriculums, resources, and policy, as well as program planning and organization. After graduation, you’ll be ready to work as a K-12 administrator. 

At the University of Northern Colorado, graduates pay the higher rate of $560 per credit hour as residents of the state, or $1,150 as non-residents or international students. There are additional fees, including a student services fee, LEAF fee, technology fee, library fee, and capital fee. 

With 80% of students receiving financial aid and a low student-to-faculty ratio of around 13:1, there are lots of reasons to choose the University of South Florida Sarasota, Manatee. The institution offers more than 40 bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certificate programs. 

This master’s degree is available partly online, with concentrations in K-12 public school leadership, non-public or charter school leadership, and curriculum leadership. These concentrations take place at different campuses and have unique focuses; thus, it’s worth considering your career aspirations to ensure you choose the most beneficial program type. 

K-12 public school leadership will lead to eligibility for the Level I K-12 Educational Leadership – Administrative Class Certification in Florida. However, while useful for specific careers, the other two concentrations do not satisfy all requirements for state administrator certification.

Undergraduate level tuition is among the lowest in the nation at this institution, though graduates pay considerably more. The graduate rate is $417.90 per credit for residents, or $863.64 for non-residents. Both pay around $4,850 in room and board and $1,200 for books and supplies, plus around $4,100 in other expenses. 

Northwest Missouri State University has more than 160 majors and programs to choose from. Students participate in a range of more than 200 clubs and organizations, with 96% working or continuing their education 6 months after graduation. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories and modern teaching apparatus. 

The Master of Science in educational leadership can be completed in just one year and has been structured around recent changes made to the national standards. For admission, you’ll need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, in addition to a 3.5 or greater on the GRE analytical writing component. 

Students enrolling in this program can choose whether they focus on the State of Missouri standards or National Educational Leadership Preparation standards. Those enrolled on the first program can choose to complete part of the coursework remotely via online learning, while the other focus is delivered on-campus. 

Graduate tuition at this institution is broken down into three separate rates for business, computer science and information, and other areas of study. You’ll pay the lowest tuition rate of $290.00 per credit, plus a $125.00 per-credit general fee and $23.20 technology fee, for an overall cost-per-credit of $438.20. 

CUNY City College has origins that date back to the start of the second industrial revolution, with the Free Academy being founded in 1847. This would later become the College of the City of New York and the institution that we know today. 

The educational leadership program at this college offers two qualifications in this area, one being a master’s degree and the other an advanced diploma. You’ll study a curriculum that incorporates organizational development, supervision models, methods for building learning communities, and staff development and leadership techniques. 

Coursework will be delivered in a variety of formats, including workshops, the analysis of case studies, simulations, problem-based assignments, and periods of reflection. Upon graduating from the program, you’ll have the skills and knowledge required to inspire and lead other educational staff in the transformation and improvement of school systems. 

CUNY City College’s graduate tuition is lower than average compared to similar institutions. Graduates pay around $11,402 in base tuition if they are residents of New York, or $20,832 for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available too, with approximately $8,500 awarded on average.