Rankings

25 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Education (M.Ed., Ed.M.) Grad School Programs

Written by Grad School Center Team We are a passionate team of experienced educators and advisors at GradSchoolCenter.com, dedicated to guiding students through their graduate education journey. Our experts, with advanced degrees across various disciplines, offer personalized advice, up-to-date program information, and practical insights into application processes.

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: March 15, 2024, Reading time: 39 minutes

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An affordable online master’s degree in Education is an advanced degree that is suitable for school administrators and teachers who require flexibility and convenience in learning. Whether you’re taking on a part-time or full-time commitment, it generally requires one to three years of learning.

While a Master’s degree in Education isn’t a mandatory requirement to obtain certifications for teachers, some states in the United States require them. As such, they must complete a graduate program in Education after numerous years of having initial certification credentials in the teaching profession.

It is one of the standard requirements to advance their certification and continue (and progress!) in their profession.

Completing an affordable online Master’s degree in Education or a related field can open numerous teaching opportunities as well as advancement in their careers. With a master’s program, they can pursue the roles of management and leadership in the academic setting.

Also, they are trained and prepared to develop their skills as well as keep updated with the latest educational trends or research. As a result, they become more efficient and knowledgeable administrators and teachers.

The professions associated with an affordable online Master’s in Education can lead to lucrative salaries compared to non-master’s degree holders. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary, middle, and high school principals had a median pay worth $98,420 in 2022.

It is also projected to grow by 5%, as fast as the average among other occupations, between 2022 and 2032.

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By opting for an online Master’s in Education, you can still obtain the degree while working full-time and without having to commute to class! You can still pursue continuing Education and fit your courses into your schedule. However, finding the best online school for you, and making that choice can be quite daunting.

Our list highlights the most affordable online schools that offer master’s in education programs, providing you with the flexibility and utmost convenience you need as busy working students. The researchers at GradSchoolCenter.com took into account these factors:

Grad School Center is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

The Most Affordable Online Master’s in Education (M.Ed., Ed.M.) Grad School Programs

Western Governors University

Western Governors University

Online MS in Curriculum and Instruction

Salt Lake City, Utah

Tuition Fee: $7,842 per year

Western Governors University’s affordable online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction program is an excellent program for current teachers or educators who want to advance in their careers. To enroll in this program, prospective graduates aren’t required to submit teaching licensure. WGU offers a personalized learning format.

That said, graduates, progress in the program via their mastery of the courses. Once they have proven their knowledge through assessments, they’ll immediately complete the required courses. They can complete as many courses as they want without additional fees. The program can be earned as quickly as 18 months.

Types of Aid: Tuition Assistance, VA and Military Benefits, Direct PLUS Loan for graduate and professional students, Federal Grants, Federal Work-Study Programs, WGU Annual Loans, State Grants, and Private Student Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

WGU helps graduate students to lessen the costs of their graduate education through numerous financial aid programs. WGU’s application to FAFSA is completely free and allows prospective graduates to qualify for different financial assistance exclusively for graduates.

Learn more about Western Governors University’s Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction Program

Indiana State University

Indiana State University

Online M. Ed. in School Administration and Supervision

Terre Haute, Indiana

Tuition Fee: $438 per credit (Residents) | $569 (Non-Residents)

Indiana State University offers an affordable online Master of Education – School Administration and Supervision program that is only available to prospective graduates living in Indiana. The 33-credit hour program can be completed in 24 months of full-time commitment. Some of the core required courses include:

This 33-credit hour program requires two culminating experiences to be taken twice, namely Principal Internship and Seminar in Effective Practices for Principals.

Types of Aid: Veteran Benefits Programs, Federal Work-Study Programs, Loans, Grants, Scholarships, and State Aid

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Indiana State University’s different types of financial aid programs help both undergraduates and graduates to minimize the cost of their academic expenses. Graduate students can be eligible for veterans’ benefits and student employment opportunities. They must first accomplish their FAFSA requirements so they can apply.

Learn more about Indiana State University’s Master’s in Education – School Administration and Supervision Program

University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming

MA in Educational Leadership Distance Learning Degree Program

Laramie, Wyoming

Tuition Fee: $6,460 per year (Resident) | $19,340 per year (Non-Resident)

The University of Wyoming has an affordable online 33-credit hour Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program to train and prepare efficient and competent educational leaders as well as researchers. No GRE requirement is required under this program for admission. Prospective graduates will complete core required courses such as:

A supervised internship is also required for program completion.

Types of Aid: Scholarships, Loans, Grants, Work-Study Programs, and Veterans Benefits

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Through a diverse range of financial aid opportunities, the University of Wyoming helps graduate students fund their graduate education. To be eligible, they must first complete their FAFSA requirements with UWYO. Application to UWYO’s FAFSA is entirely free of charge.

Learn more about the University of Wyoming’s Master of Arts in Educational Leadership Program.

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University LSU

Distance Learning M. Ed. in Educational Leadership

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Tuition Fee: $184 per credit hour

The affordable online Master of Education – Educational Leadership program offered at Louisiana State University can be earned in as few as 15 months. Its coursework encompasses a comprehensive academic spectrum.

The program’s curriculum is delivered entirely online, providing prospective graduates the flexibility and convenience of completing their graduate program while not neglecting their personal and professional commitments. Some of the core required courses for this program include the following:

Types of Aid: Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, Private Loans, Grants, and Work-Study Programs

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

LSU’s diverse variety of financial aid opportunities helps graduate students reduce their academic expenses. They can be eligible for Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans as well as different grants offered at LSU. If they prefer studying while earning, they can apply for student employment programs at the university.

Learn more about Louisiana State University’s Master’s in Education – Educational Leadership Program.

Emporia State University

Emporia State University

Online MS in Elementary Education

Emporia, Kansas

Tuition Fee: $12,425 per year

The Teachers College at Emporia State University has an affordable online Master of Science in Elementary Education program that is available for applicants who currently have teaching licensures. The program requires students to have at least 33 credit hours for graduation.

A 4-credit hour clinical experience culminates in the graduate elementary education program. It requires a minimum of 12 weeks or 480 contact hours in the academic setting. Prospective graduates will take core required courses such as:

Types of Aid: Scholarships, TEACH Grants, Loan Cancellation/Deferment Options for Teachers, Loan Initiatives for Future Teachers, and Tuition Waivers

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

With financial assistance opportunities exclusively for graduate students completing graduate education programs, Emporia State University helps them minimize the fees incurred in pursuing graduate studies. For prospective students to be qualified, they must first accomplish Emporia’s FAFSA requirements.

Learn more about Emporia State University’s Master of Science in Elementary Education Program.

Liberty University

Liberty University

M. Ed. – Curriculum and Instruction E-Learning Degree Program

Lynchburg, Virginia

Tuition Fee: $415 per credit hour

Liberty University’s affordable online Master of Education – Curriculum and Instruction program is offered 100% online with an 8-week course learning format. Depending on the graduate students’ commitment, they can complete the program in as quickly as 18 months.

Once they have completed their graduate education program, prospective graduates can be eligible to apply for licensure in a different state through reciprocity. To graduate, they must have a minimum of 36 credit hours.

Some of the featured courses include the following:

Types of Aid: Military Benefits, Payment Plans, Grants, Scholarships, External Aid, Federal Work-Study Programs, and Tuition Discounts

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Liberty University has received recognition as one of the top ten military-friendly universities around the country. Aside from affordable tuition rates, Liberty University offers different types of financial aid programs for both undergraduates and graduates.

Students must first complete their FAFSA requirements before qualifying for these financial aid opportunities. Application to Liberty’s FAFSA requirements is completely free. 

Learn more about Liberty University’s Master’s in Education – Curriculum and Instruction Program.

University of South Dakota

University of South Dakota

Online MA in Educational Administration and Leadership Degree Program with a Specialization in Adult and Higher Education

Vermillion, South Dakota

Tuition Fee: $470 per credit hour

The University of South Dakota offers an affordable online Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership program that has an Adult and Higher Education specialization. It offers two versions of this graduate education program, namely a thesis option and a non-thesis option.

Prospective graduates pursuing the thesis option must have 32 to 34 credit hours for completion, while the non-thesis option requires 32 credit hours.

Core required courses include the following:

Types of Aid: Grants, Scholarships, Work-Study Programs, Federal Direct Loans, Grad PLUS Loans, and Alternative Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Through the University of South Dakota’s numerous financial aid opportunities, graduate students can reduce the costs of their graduate programs. They can be qualified for different kinds of loans as well as scholarship programs. The university is also known for providing affordable tuition rates in its online graduate programs around South Dakota.

Learn more about the University of South Dakota’s Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership Program.

Ball State University

Ball State University

MA in Education in Educational Administration Distance Learning Degree

Muncie, Indiana

Tuition Fee: $573 per credit hour (Resident) | $791 per credit hour (Non-Resident)

Ball State University’s affordable online Master of Arts in Education in Educational Administration program is considered the most significant principal preparation program in Indiana. It was created to help graduate students succeed in academic leadership positions in both educational institutions and community sectors.

Prospective students don’t need to submit GRE test scores for admission to the program. The master’s in educational leadership program and supervision is a track to PreK-12 principal licensure; however, it’s not meant for a licensure track for directors of exceptional needs.

Depending on the graduate students’ pace, the graduate education program can be completed in as quickly as 18 to 20 months. For completion, students must accomplish 36 credit hours of coursework. They must take core courses such as:

Types of Aid: Military Students and Veterans Benefits, Employer Assistance, Tuition Reductions, Grants, Scholarships, Loans, Student Employment, Student-Athletes Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation, Assistantships, and Fee Remissions

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Ball State University’s different selection of financial aid programs helps graduate students fund the expenses of their graduate education. Through BSU’s FAFSA admission process, prospective students can be qualified for BSU’s tuition reductions, assistantships, grants, and fee remissions. Application to the university’s FAFSA requirements is entirely free of charge.

Learn more about Ball State University’s Master of Arts in Education in Educational Administration and Supervision Program.

University of West Florida

University of West Florida

Online M. Ed. in Educational Leadership

Pensacola, Florida

Tuition Fee: $385 per credit hour

The University of West Florida has an affordable online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program that develops and equips prospective graduates with the essential skills and expertise for a wide range of supervisory and administrative roles in educational settings.

This 30-credit hour program can be completed in 24 months, depending on graduate students’ timeframe and pace of learning.

Some of the core required courses for this program include the following

Types of Aid: Federal Direct Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Private Loans, Grants, Scholarships, and Federal Work-Study Programs

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Through graduate-centered financial aid opportunities, prospective graduates at the University of West Florida have the option to lessen the expenses acquired while pursuing graduate Education. Students who are interested in earning stipends can apply for student employment opportunities offered at UWF.

Learn more about the University of West Florida’s Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership Program.

Indiana University

Indiana University

Online MS in Education with Seven Degree Offerings

Bloomington, Indiana

Tuition Fee: $481 per credit hour (Resident) | $576 per credit hour (Non-Resident)

Indiana University offers eight affordable online graduate programs in the education field of study. The university has seven Master of Science in Education degree offerings and one Master of Arts degree program.

The majority of these programs require 36 credit hours for graduation except the Master of Science in Education – International and Comparative Education, requiring only 30 credit hours for completion.

For graduate students pursuing the Educational Leadership program, they must complete 27-credit hours of leadership core courses while 9-credit hours for strand courses. Prospective graduates must take core education courses such as the following

Types of Aid: Scholarships, Grants, Graduate PLUS Loans, Private Loans, Work-Study Programs, Summer Aid, Overseas Study, and International Students Aid

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Indiana University helps graduate students with the opportunity to fund their graduate studies. With scholarships and loans offered explicitly for graduate learners, the university helps reduce their graduate educational expenses acquired while completing the program. To be eligible, prospective students must first accomplish IU’s FAFSA requirements.

Learn more about Indiana University’s Master of Education Programs.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University

MS in Education – Educational Leadership – Administration and Supervision K-12 Online Degree Program

Norfolk, Virginia

Tuition Fee: $571 per credit hour (In-State) | $595 per credit hour (Out-of-State)

The affordable online Master of Science in Education – Educational Leadership – Admin and Supervision K-12 program offered at Old Dominion University is a cohort-based program that leads to a Virginia licensure completion. To be enrolled in the program, applicants must have a minimum of three years of full-time professional teaching experience or school counselor experience.

The program requires 30 credit hours for completion which already includes internships. Prospective graduates will complete 24-credit hour content coursework as well as a six-credit hour of clinical experiences.

Also, they must complete 120 hours of internship before graduation from the program. ODU’s graduate education program is designed to lead to the Commonwealth of Virginia Licensure in Educational Administration and Supervision (Pre-K-12).

Types of Aid: Scholarships, Assistantships, University Payment Plans, Private/Alternative Loans, Grants, Direct PLUS Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, and Tax & Verification Programs

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Old Dominion University has many graduate-centered financial aid programs that supplement graduate students’ cost of attendance. Aside from affordable graduate tuition fees, ODU offers loan options, flexible payment plans, scholarships, and graduate assistantships.

Learn more about Old Dominion University’s Master of Science in Education – Educational Leadership – Admin and Supervision K-12 Program.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University

Online M. Ed. in Educational Leadership (Principalship) Program

Tempe, Arizona

Tuition Fee: $1,343 per academic year

Through ASU Online, Arizona State University offers an affordable online Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Principalship) program. It is a suitable graduate education program for prospective students who want to complete coursework and field experiences while taking advantage of the university’s flexible online learning format.

A total of 36 credit hours is needed for students to graduate in this program. They will attend 7.5 weeks of classes entirely online. They will complete featured education courses such as the following:

Types of Aid: Military and VA Educational Benefits, Grants, Loans, Student Jobs, Institutional and External Scholarship Programs, and Public Service Programs

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Arizona State University is one of the best value colleges to pursue a graduate program. Aside from affordable tuition fees, ASU has a diverse range of financial aid opportunities for students to reduce the expenses acquired in pursuing a graduate program. Students are eligible for public service programs, veterans’ benefits, and scholarship programs.

Learn more about Arizona State University’s Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership (Principalship) Program.

Florida State University

Florida State University

Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction E-Learning Degree Program

Tallahassee, Florida

Tuition Fee: $444 per credit hour (In-State) | $1,076 per credit hour (Out-of-State)

Florida State University’s affordable online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction program is offered through the university’s College of Education. It is a graduate education program designed for current teachers who are dedicated to developing their teaching expertise as well as becoming academic leaders.

The program requires students to have a minimum of 30 credit hours for completion. Depending on graduate students’ pace, FSU’s graduate program can be earned in 24 months.

Some of the core required courses include:

Aside from these core courses, prospective students have the opportunity to integrate elective coursework from eight majors, namely the following:

Types of Aid: College of Education Foundation Scholarships, Travel Scholarships, TEACH Grant, Graduate School Fellowships and Grants, Career Counseling Scholarships, Veterans and Military Benefits and Scholarships, and Minority Scholarships

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Florida State University’s numerous financial assistance options for graduates make it easier for them to lessen the expenditures of earning a graduate program. To qualify, the prospective graduate must also accomplish their FAFSA requirements during the enrollment process.

Learn more about Florida State University’s Master’s In Curriculum and Instruction Program.

Montclair State University

Montclair State University

MA in Educational Leadership Online

Montclair, New Jersey

Tuition Fee: $763 per credit hour

Montclair State University has an affordable online 36-credit hour Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program that provides prospective graduates with a practical structure and a concrete theoretical foundation.

With full-time commitment, the master’s program can be completed in a fast-track option with both the attainment of supervisor and principal certificates.

Prospective graduates who prefer the core choice option can choose and schedule their classes per semester. This option is entirely dependent on the student’s pace and the learning format that works best for them. They will accomplish foundational courses, including the following:

Types of Aid: Grants, Loans, Payment Plans, Scholarships, Student Employment, Study Abroad Financial Aid, and Summer Financial Aid

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Montclair State University has garnered recognition as the best university in New Jersey from the U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Online Graduate Education. Not only are you receiving a top-quality program from one of the best universities in the country but also an affordable way to complete a graduate degree.

Montclair has a diverse range of financial aid opportunities that assist students in funding their educational expenses. Once their FAFSA requirements have been completed, they can qualify for scholarships, loan programs, and grants, depending on their status.

Learn more about Montclair State University’s Master of Arts in Educational Leadership Program.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Online M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – Education Leadership

Manchester, New Hampshire

Tuition Fee: $627 per credit hour

Southern New Hampshire University offers an affordable online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Education Leadership program that can be completed in as few as 15 months. To graduate, prospective graduates must have 36 credit hours.

Some of the core required courses include:

Aside from core courses, prospective graduates must accomplish both a seminar and capstone in Curriculum and Instruction that consists of three credit hours each. The program is suitable for licensed educators pursuing additional endorsements. It doesn’t provide you with a track to initial licensure.

Types of Aid: Educational Tax Benefits, Institutional, and External Scholarship Programs, Grants, Federal Work-Study Programs, and Military and VA Perks

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

SNHU’s different types of financial assistance options offer graduate students the opportunity to reduce the fees incurred while completing graduate studies. The university is considered a military-friendly university that offers tuition discounts and benefits for active-duty military, veterans, and their dependents.

Prospective students must first accomplish SNHU’s FAFSA requirements before qualifying for the university’s financial aid programs.

Learn more about Southern New Hampshire University’s Master’s in Education: Curriculum and Instruction – Education Leadership Program.

Penn State World Campus

Pennsylvania State University

M. Ed. in Educational Leadership Distance Learning Degree

University Park, Pennsylvania

Tuition Fee: $1,007 per credit hour

Pennsylvania State University’s Penn State World Campus offers an affordable online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program that requires 30 credit hours for graduation. Through its partnership with the College of Education, prospective students can choose between three areas of concentration and deliver 100% online. They are:

Students pursuing the Teacher Leader concentration will complete foundational courses such as the following:

Types of Aid: Military, Veterans, and Dependents Educational Benefits, Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, Scholarships, Federal Student Aid, Employer Reimbursement, Tuition Deferment Programs, and Installment Payment Plans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Pennsylvania State University has a variety of financial aid programs for graduate students. The university helps them to lessen the charges resulting from completing graduate programs. Through the accomplishment of FAFSA requirements, they may become qualified to apply to the PSU’s different types of financial aid.

Learn more about Pennsylvania State University’s Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership Program.

University of New England

University of New England

Distance Learning MS in Education

Biddeford, Maine

Tuition Fee: $640 per credit hour

The affordable online Master of Science in Education program offered at the University of New England has five core courses and five elective courses for prospective graduates to choose from. Depending on their timeframe and pace of study, students can earn their degrees in just 24 months. No GRE requirement is needed for application to the graduate education program.

Graduates must have 30 credit hours so they can complete their degrees. UNE’s M.S. Ed. program has five areas of emphasis to choose from, namely the following:

Types of Aid: Tuition Payment Plans, Outside Funding and Scholarships, and Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Through different ways of financial assistance, the University of New England provides graduate students with the opportunity to finance their graduate education. They can avail of the different tuition payment plans that are suitable for their status. To be eligible, they should first complete the university’s FAFSA requirements.

Learn more about the University of New England’s Master of Science in Education Program.

American College of Education

American College of Education

Online M. Ed. in Educational Leadership

Indianapolis, Indiana

Tuition Fee: $6,600 per year

American College of Education’s affordable online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is offered in a completely flexible online learning format. For students who have already completed this program, they can qualify for the Florida Modified EL option. Depending on the student’s commitment, they can complete the program in 17 to 19 months of study.

Prospective graduates must have 34 credit hours for completion. They will fulfill leadership courses such as the following:

Types of Aid: Scholarships, and Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

American College of Education provides opportunities for graduate students to finance their graduate studies. Through several grants and scholarship programs, graduates can minimize the costs of their education. They may be qualified for these financial aid opportunities if they initially comply with the school’s requirements for FAFSA.

Learn more about the American College of Education’s Master’s in Education: Educational Leadership Program.

Minnesota State University – Moorhead

Minnesota State University

Online MS in Elementary Education

Mankato, Minnesota

Tuition Fee: $491 per credit hour

The affordable online Master of Science in Elementary Education program offered at Minnesota State University is designed to train and prepare licensed K-12 educators to become effective leaders in the field of Elementary Education.

It emphasizes applied theories and research to classroom teaching. To tailor to each student’s interests and goals, the program offers three tracks:

This M.S. Ed. program is delivered in an asynchronous learning format and requires 31 credit hours for graduation.

A capstone project is required to demonstrate their capabilities to synthesize a scholarship in a particular field of study. Its standard core courses include Analysis of Research in Education, and Integrating 21st Century Practices in the Diverse Elementary Classroom.

Types of Aid: Graduate Assistantships, Grants, Scholarship Programs, Federal Work-Study, Loans, Military and Veterans Education Perks, Tuition Waivers, Third-Party Payments, Minnesota Dream Act, AmeriCorps, and Student-Athletes Assistance

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Through several financial aid programs for graduate students, Minnesota State University provides its students with the opportunity to lessen the costs of attendance needed to complete a graduate program.

Students may be qualified for military and veterans’ education benefits, assistantships, loan options, and tuition waivers depending on their status. Each applicant must also comply with the FAFSA requirements during admission to avail of MNSU’s types of financial aid.

Learn more about Minnesota State University’s Master of Science in Elementary Education Program.

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University

MS in Education in Educational Leadership E-Learning Degree Program

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Tuition Fee: $331 per credit hour

Teachers who are seeking Arkansas licensure are required to take an additional 3-credit hour Seminar in Arkansas Studies.

Some of the program’s core requirements are:

Students can choose one out of three curriculum courses, namely:

Arkansas State University’s A-State Online offers an entirely affordable and online Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership program. Prospective graduates must complete 36 credit hours for completion, consisting of 33 credit hour core courses, and one specialization course worth three credit hours.

Types of Aid: Loans, Work-Study Programs, Scholarships, and Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Arkansas State University helps graduate students reduce the expenditures they’ll acquire when pursuing graduate studies. Once they have completed the requirements for FAFSA at A-State, prospective graduates can be eligible for grants, loans, scholarships, and student employment, depending on their credentials.

Learn more about Arkansas State University’s Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership Program.

University of Arkansas

University of Arkansas

Online M. Ed. in Educational Leadership

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Tuition Fee: $438 per credit hour

The Global Campus at the University of Arkansas has a 100% online and affordable Master of Education in Educational Leadership program that can be earned within one to two years of full-time study. The graduate education program offers professional development and preparation for teachers seeking administrative roles in Elementary and Secondary Education.

To enroll, candidates must have valid teaching licensure. Thirty-three credit hours must also be earned to earn a degree.

An internship requirement culminates in this graduate program. Once graduates have completed their degrees, they can proceed to further advanced studies offered at UArk, namely Ed. S. in Educational Leadership and eventually, Ed. D. in Educational Leadership.

Types of Aid: Fellowships, Assistantships, Federal Grants, Federal Loans, Need-Based Aid, State Programs, Federal Work-Study Options, and University Scholarships

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

With a diverse range of financial aid programs exclusively for graduate students, the University of Arkansas continues to advocate its mission of recruiting and attaining achievers who diversify the academic setting.

The university’s College of Education and Health Professions has received a generous amount of support from donors; hence, they’re able to offer numerous scholarship opportunities for its graduate learners.

Learn more about the University of Arkansas’ Master of Education in Educational Leadership Program.

Columbia College

Columbia College

M. Ed. in Educational Leadership Online

Columbia, Missouri

Tuition Fee: $490 per credit hour

The affordable online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is offered at Columbia College, where graduate learners benefit from a completely flexible graduate program. The program’s curriculum offers a concrete understanding of the practices and theories involved in supervising an academic institution. Making up the educational tracks are:

Choose a specific area of concentration from these options:

Types of Aid: Standard Partnerships, Scholarships, State-Funded Grants, Low-Interest Student and Parent Loan Options, and Need-Based Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Aside from affordable tuition rates, Columbia College provides unique opportunities for graduate students to minimize the expenses of their graduate education. The school has standard partnerships with companies that provide tuition discounts to its students.

Learn more about Columbia College’s Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership Program.

Iowa State University

Iowa State University

Online M. Ed. in Higher Education

Ames, Iowa

Tuition Fee: $588 per credit hour

Iowa State University’s online affordable Master of Education in Higher Education program is designed to support knowledge of academic policies, methodologies, and practices that influence different postsecondary settings. This M. Ed. degree requires prospective graduates to complete 21 credit hours of a core curriculum and nine credit hours, totaling 30 credit hours.

It can be completed within two academic years, including one summer. Depending on the student’s preference, the learning format can either be synchronous or asynchronous. They complete courses such as the following:

Types of Aid: Scholarship Programs

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Iowa State University offers graduate students scholarship opportunities as a way to fund their graduate studies. To be eligible, prospective students must first complete the requirements for FAFSA at IA-State. Application to FAFSA is entirely free of charge.

Learn more about Iowa State University’s Master’s in Education in Higher Education Program.

University of Nebraska Kearney

University of Nebraska Kearney

Online MA in Education – Curriculum & Instruction with Many Concentrations

Kearney, Nebraska

Tuition Fee: $315 per credit hour (In-State) | $554 per credit hour (Out-of-State)

The University of Nebraska Kearney has an affordable online Master of Arts in Education – Curriculum and Instruction program designed for K-12 educators in all grade levels. They are interested in becoming effective classroom educators. The program has 11 concentration areas to choose from:

Students must have 36 credit hours for completion; however, additional credit hours are required for state certification in some specific areas. The core courses include the following:

Types of Aid: Nebraska Promise, Military and Veterans Educational Benefits, Federal TEACH Grant, Private Student Loans, Federal Graduate PLUS Loans, Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loans, Assistantships, and Scholarships

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

The University of Nebraska Kearney is one of the best-value universities that provides numerous financial aid programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate students may be eligible for loans, assistantships, scholarships, and grants for funding their graduate program expenses.

They must also complete the FAFSA requirements at UNK, aside from its standard admission process to its graduate programs.

Learn more about the University of Nebraska Kearney’s Master of Arts in Education – Curriculum and Instruction Program.

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University

M. Ed. in Educational Leadership Program Online

Kennesaw, Georgia

Tuition Fee: $383 per credit hour

Kennesaw State University offers a Master of Education in Educational Leadership program designed to prepare and foster educational leaders to manage school improvement toward academic success and significant levels of student learning. The program’s curriculum is delivered entirely online with affordable tuition rates.

Depending on the student’s preferences, they can either choose synchronous or asynchronous sessions. The program requires 36 credit hours for graduation which is commonly accomplished in six semesters within 24 months.

The Educational Leadership program has three concentrations two of which can be completed online, namely Leading Independent and Charter Schools and Leadership in Urban Schools. The Coaching for Performance is completed through traditional on-campus learning. Some of the program’s core courses include the following:

Types of Aid: Work-Study Opportunities, Loan Options, External Scholarship Programs, Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, and Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Kennesaw State University has a wide range of financial aid opportunities to assist graduate students with educational expenses. The majority of awards are need-based, while some of these are offered in recognition of achievement or academic merit. The eligibility for financial aid differs per enrollment status.

Learn more about Kennesaw State University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common admission requirements for a Master’s in Education program?

Enrollment in a master’s degree in education program is a competitive process. For instance, a master’s in teaching that offers a track to initial teaching certification will typically enroll prospective graduates who hold an undergraduate degree in any area of study.

Some graduate programs that aren’t dedicated to a track-to-teacher certification will prefer enrolling candidates who hold teaching licensures and have professional experience working as teachers.

For graduate programs in Education associated with subject areas, applicants may be required to complete an undergraduate degree in that field of study.

For instance, a master’s degree in Education with a concentration in mathematics education will generally prefer applicants who already have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or mathematics education.

The majority of graduate-level education programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0, as well as GRE test scores. Other standard enrollment checklists include professional teaching experience, curriculum vitae/resumes, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, and personal essays.

master's in education

Can I obtain a Master’s in Education degree without having an undergraduate degree?

Though enrollment requirements and processes vary between schools and master’s programs, the majority of education-related graduate programs accept applicants who already have undergraduate degrees in other areas of the discipline.

The standard enrollment requirements for the majority of these programs include a strong academic background in any area of study and professional teaching experience that can be relevant to the master’s learning proficiency.

What are the types of Master’s in Education programs?

There are different types of graduate programs in Education. The suitable program for you entirely depends on your preferred area of study and professional goals. The most common graduate programs in Education are the Master of Education (M.Ed.), and the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T).

Some other types of master’s in education degrees include the Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.), and the Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.).

While these graduate-level education programs are similar in some components and several programs use the different program abbreviations interchangeably, there are substantial differences between these graduate programs. These graduate programs emphasize a particular area of teaching, such as secondary or elementary Education, or a specific academic area of study.

Also, some programs offer concentrations related to curriculum and instruction jobs or school administrator jobs. As a general rule, graduate education programs emphasize educational leadership and support, while some graduate teaching programs emphasize the development of direct teaching proficiencies.

master's in education

How will earning a Master’s in Education help my career?

Earning a Master’s in Education can help your career in a variety of ways. It can open up more opportunities for you to advance in your current career, such as taking on a leadership role or teaching at a higher level. A Master’s in Education can also provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to move into a new field or switch careers entirely.

You will gain knowledge in areas such as classroom management, teaching techniques, curriculum development, assessment, and other areas that can help you become a more effective teacher or leader.

Furthermore, a Master’s in Education can provide you with the skills you need to develop your own professional goals and objectives, which can help you become an even more successful educator.

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