The Takeaway for Students
- A Master’s in Educational Leadership is a challenging but rewarding degree.
- It can open doors to exciting leadership roles in education.
- If you’re serious about making a positive impact on education, it’s worth considering.
Are you a working teacher thinking about advancing your career? Do you want to make a big difference in how schools work? Maybe you want to help students learn better, improve how teachers teach, or even change how schools are run. The most obvious route for teachers who want to make more money and advance their career is administration. With a Master’s in Education (MEd) in Educational Administration or Educational Leadership, you can qualify to become a principal, assistant principal, or district administrator. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows high salaries for principals – an average of $103,000 per year.
Why You Can Trust College Consensus
College Consensus has been committed to producing unbiased and comprehensive college rankings that combine expert opinions and student reviews since 2017. Our transparent methodology aggregates data from trusted rankings experts, verified student reviews, and the National Center for Education Statistics. This combination ensures that our rankings are uniquely balanced, reflecting professional assessments, real experiences of students, and the objec. Our editorial team and subject matter experts rigorously review all content to ensure that users receive accurate, up-to-date information. Advertisers have no influence over our rankings or editorial decisions.
- Over 3,000 accredited colleges and universities evaluated for our rankings.
- Data from multiple well-regarded ranking sources and student review platforms.
- All rankings are updated regularly and undergo strict verification.
- A transparent methodology that balances expert opinions and student feedback.
- Only a select few top-rated institutions based on a combination of criteria make the cut.
Methodology: How We Ranked the 10 Best Online Educational Leadership Master’s Degree Programs
For our rankings of online programs, we consider core questions:
- Is the program accredited?
- Is the program available online?
- Is the program fully online?
- Is the program flexible?
From those basic requirements, we consider two other factors:
- Reputation (according to Consensus Score)
- Affordability (according to NCES data)
- Unigo
- My Plan
- Niche
- Grad Reports
- U.S. News Reviews
- Unigo
- U.S. News
- My Plan
- Washington Monthly
- Niche
- Forbes
- Grad Reports
- Wall Street Journal
- U.S. News Reviews
- Wallet Hub
| Rank | School | Cost | Student Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Purdue University Global | $14,421 | 82.7 |
| 2. | University of Florida | $28,659 | 83.7 |
| 3. | Appalachian State University | $24,537 | 82 |
| 4. | George Mason University | $39,397 | 75.3 |
| 5. | University of Alabama at Birmingham | $21,864 | 75.9 |
| 6. | Auburn University | $33,944 | 84.4 |
| 7. | Clemson University | $39,498 | 83.8 |
| 8. | Texas Tech University | $24,451 | 82.7 |
| 9. | University of Dayton | $47,600 | 83.9 |
| 10. | University of Alabama | $33,200 | 85.3 |
Purdue Global’s online MS in Education (MSEd) is designed for working P-12 teachers who want to earn their degree while keeping their jobs. There are three concentrations available:
- Essentials of Exceptionalities
- Leadership Essentials
- Literacy and Language Essentials
Students looking for an online educational administration degree should choose the Leadership Essentials, where they will learn about school finance, curriculum development, and faculty/staff development. Multiple start dates and asynchronous courses make Purdue Global flexible and convenient for any working teacher.
What the Experts Say
Purdue University Global does not have enough published rankings for a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Based on published reviews, Purdue Global earns an 82.7 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: MEd Leadership Essentials
- Credits: 30
- Time to Complete: 1 year
- Average Tuition: $14,421
Acceptance Rate: 100%
The University of Florida’s online MEd School Leadership Track prepares experienced teachers for administrative careers. The program is designed around Florida Department of Education standards. Students can choose one of two paths, one with eligibility for Florida Level 1 certification in Educational Leadership, and one without. UF’s MEd program offers three start dates per year, small class sizes, mentorship, and field experience.
What the Experts Say
The University of Florida has a 91.7 Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Student reviews give UF an 83.7 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: MEd School Leadership
- Credits: 32
- Time to Complete: 2 years
- Average Tuition: $28,659
Acceptance Rate: 24%
Appalachian State University is known for their education degree programs. Their online Master of School Administration offers a perfect opportunity for working teachers to move into leadership positions. App State’s program focuses on school improvement, leadership vision, and implementation. Students take a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses. You will also be able to intern on leadership projects in your current workplace. Graduates will be eligible for principal licensure.
What the Experts Say
College Consensus has not given Appalachian State a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
App State has an 82 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: Master of School Administration
- Credits: 36
- Time to Complete: 2 years
- Average Tuition: $24,537
Acceptance Rate: 89%
George Mason University’s online MEd in Education Leadership offers a further concentration in Independent School Leadership. GMU is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC). The Independent School Leadership program is fully online and designed for high-performing, working educational professionals.
What the Experts Say
George Mason University has a 62.9 Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Based on student reviews, GMU earns a 75.3 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: MEd – Independent School Leadership
- Credits: 30
- Time to Complete: 2 years
- Average Tuition: $39,397
Acceptance Rate: 89%
The fully online MAEd in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham gets you ready for leadership at school or district levels. Courses include:
- Data-Driven Decision Making for School Improvement
- Supervision and Mentoring of Instructional Staff
- Legal and Ethical Foundations for School Leadership
UAB emphasizes networking and real-world experience, with synchronous classes and a residency. You can also qualify for Alabama Class A certification in Instructional Leadership.
What the Experts Say
UAB scores 23.7 based on published rankings.
What the Students Say
UAB gets a 75.9 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: MAEd Educational Leadership
- Credits: 30
- Time to Complete: 2 years
- Average Tuition: $21,864
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Auburn University offers two online educational administration master’s degrees:
- MEd Administration of Elementary and Secondary Education
- MEd Administration of Supervision and Curriculum
Elementary and Secondary Education qualifies you for Alabama Certification Class A and AA; Supervision and Curriculum does not. With Zoom-based lectures and Canvas Learning Management Platform, courses are completely online.
What the Experts Say
Published rankings give Auburn University a 51.2 Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Students are overwhelmingly satisfied with Auburn, giving the school a 84.4 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: MEd Educational Leadership
- Credits: 30
- Time to Complete: 2 years
- Average Tuition: $33,944
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Clemson University offers a fully online MEd or EdS in Educational Leadership. Asynchronous classes give you flexibility to work around your professional and personal schedule. You can choose several routes with either the MEd or EdS, including South Carolina certification, out-of-state certification, or no certification. Clemson’s College of Education has been named the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for many years running.
What the Experts Say
Clemson earns a 58.8 Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Student reviews earn Clemson an impressive 83.8 Student Consensus.
What the Data Says
- Degree: MEd in Educational Leadership
- Credits: 36
- Time to Complete: 2 years
- Average Tuition: $39,498
Acceptance Rate: 38%
Texas Tech University has educated generations of Texas’ teachers. With Texas Tech’s online MEd in Educational Leadership, they’re also educating a new generation of administrators. Synchronous classes give you a networking experience more like a real-world classroom. Texas Tech is also part of the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA).
What the Experts Say
College Consensus gives Texas Tech a 22.9 Consensus Score based on published reviews.
What the Students Say
Student reviews give Texas Tech a respectable 82.7 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: MEd – Educational Leadership
- Credits: 36
- Time to Complete: 2 years
- Average Tuition: $24,451
Acceptance Rate: 71%
The University of Dayton’s online MS in Educational Leadership brings flexible, convenient education to busy teachers who want to advance. You will benefit from live online classes and interactive coursework taught by the same faculty as Dayton’s on-campus program. University of Dayton takes pride in its holistic learning tradition. Students can also choose a Principal Licensure track.
What the Experts Say
The University of Dayton gets a 55.6 Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
A 83.9 Student Consensus Score shows students are satisfied with the University of Dayton.
What the Data Says
- Degree: MS Educational Leadership
- Credits: 30 (MSE) or 45 (Principal Licensure Track)
- Time to Complete: 2-3 years
- Average Tuition: $47,600
Acceptance Rate: 62%
The University of Alabama’s online MA in Educational Leadership gives experienced teachers the credentials they need to move into administration. Students take courses like:
- Leadership for Improvement
- Human Resources Development
- Data-Informed Decision Making
The program is fully online, so busy working professionals can take their courses around their own schedule. With Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), you can trust UA’s program.
What the Experts Say
The University of Alabama has not earned a Consensus Score.
What the Students Say
Students give UA an 85.3 Student Consensus Score.
What the Data Says
- Degree: MA Educational Leadership
- Credits: 30-33
- Time to Complete: 2 years
- Average Tuition: $33,200
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Why Should I Get a Master’s in Educational Administration?
One big reason for getting your master’s, of course, is pay. Principals, on average, make over $100,000 per year. But there are many other reasons to consider your MEd in Administration or Leadership.
- Make a bigger impact: You’ll learn how to make important decisions that affect students’ lives.
- Advance your career: Many leadership roles in education require an Ed.D. This can lead to better jobs and higher pay.
- Gain valuable skills: You’ll learn about how schools work, how to lead people, how to make good decisions, and how to solve problems.
School principal is far from your only option with an Educational Leadership Masters. You can become a college administrator, a government policy-maker, or even someone who helps design learning programs for companies. Other careers include:
- Athletic Director: Leads all parts of a school’s sports programs. This includes hiring coaches, managing team budgets, making sure rules are followed, and building relationships with the community.
- Curriculum Developer: Creates or updates the subjects students learn in school. They make sure the learning plan is up-to-date, meets the right standards, and helps students learn effectively.
- Educational Consultant: An expert in education who helps schools improve. They offer advice on things like teaching methods, school improvement plans, and how to better serve students.
- School Superintendent: The top leader of a school district. They oversee all schools, create budgets, hire staff, set goals for the district, and make important decisions for the whole system.
- Special Education Director: A specialist who helps students with special needs. They use research and assessments to make sure special education programs are effective and help students succeed.
- University Registrar: Manages important student and faculty records at a university. This includes things like processing grades, scheduling classes, and advising students on academic matters.
Where Can I Work with a Master’s in Educational Administration?
| Industry | Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 295,810 | $ 111,060 |
| Educational Support Services | 900 | $ 106,190 |
| Religious Organizations | 310 | $ 104,730 |
| Other Residential Care Facilities | 100 | $ 79,420 |
| Child Care Services | 510 | $ 85,930 |
What Will I Learn in an Educational Leadership Master’s Program?
Well, you’ll learn how to run a school. You’ll study things like:
- How to manage budgets and resources.
- How to work with teachers, parents, and students.
- How to make sure all students have the chance to succeed.
- How to use data to improve teaching and learning.
But you’ll learn more than the nitty-gritty of running a school. You’ll also learn skills that you can take into all kinds of educational and training settings:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Delegating responsibility
- Developing a team
- Decision-making
- Networking
If you’re passionate about education and want to make a real difference, an MEd in Educational Administration might be a good fit!
