Teaching is one of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and important careers you can choose. If you work as a teacher, you serve a critical function in your community, and you’re one of the most important contributors to society. (No, that’s not an exaggeration!) But perhaps it’s time for you to do even more. You can use your teaching experience and passion for education to become a principal, superintendent, or program leader. With some of the cheapest EdS educational leadership online programs, it can happen sooner than you might think.
These convenient online degrees build a future of education leadership, and they can come with a surprisingly low cost.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$16,700
Least Expensive: University of North Georgia ~$8,481
Most Expensive: Andrews University ~$47,724
We have created the most reliable ranking you can find online. Our simple, no-nonsense process creates a straightforward listing of affordable degrees. We skip complex formulas and simply calculate the costs so that you can have the most reliable, accurate estimate.
On a tight budget? Browse the degrees above the dividing line for the best prices. These are all priced below the average cost, making them an ideal option for aspiring EdS students.
The Cheapest EdS Educational Leadership Online Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of North Georgia | (GA) | $8,481.00 | All Students |
2 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $8,900.00 | All Students |
3 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $8,957.00 | All Students |
4 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $9,050.00 | All Students |
5 | University of Central Arkansas | (AR) | $9,750.00 | All Students |
6 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $9,850.00 $8,650.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
7 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $10,025.00 | All Students |
8 | East Carolina University | (NC) | $10,426.00 $36,724.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | University of Montana | (MT) | $10,534.00 $28,924.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $10,628.00 | All Students |
11 | Indiana State University | (IN) | $10,912.00 $14,056.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Northwest Missouri State University | (MO) | $11,250.00 | All Students |
12 | University of Mississippi | (MS) | $11,250.00 | All Students |
14 | Henderson State University | (AR) | $11,550.00 $15,180.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | Southeast Missouri State University | (MO) | $11,595.00 | All Students |
16 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $11,700.00 $15,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 |  Campbellsville University | (KY) | $11,760.00 | All Students |
18 | Arkansas Tech University | (AR) | $11,842.00 $20,977.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | University of North Alabama | (AL) | $12,000.00 | All Students |
20 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $12,011.00 | All Students |
21 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $12,300.00 | All Students |
22 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $13,110.00 | All Students |
23 | University of North Alabama | (AL) | $13,200.00 | All Students |
24 | The University of Alabama | (AL) | $13,500.00 | All Students |
25 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $14,250.00 | All Students |
25 | Troy University | (AL) | $14,250.00 | All Students |
27 | Delta State University | (MS) | $14,354.00 | All Students |
28 | Columbus State University | (GA) | $14,444.00 | All Students |
29 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $14,544.00 | All Students |
30 | National University | (CA) | $14,586.00 | All Students |
31 | Pittsburg State University | (KS) | $14,760.00 | All Students |
32 |  William Carey University | (MS) | $14,850.00 | All Students |
33 | University of Wisconsin-Superior | (WI) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
34 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | (IL) | $15,127.00 | All Students |
35 | Mississippi College | (MS) | $15,170.00 | All Students |
36 | Jackson State University | (MS) | $15,246.00 | All Students |
37 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $15,315.00 $14,009.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
38 | University of Montevallo | (AL) | $15,390.00 | All Students |
39 | University of South Dakota | (SD) | $15,411.00 | All Students |
40 | University of South Alabama | (AL) | $15,555.00 | All Students |
41 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $15,630.00 | All Students |
42 | Idaho State University | (ID) | $16,214.00 | All Students |
43 | William Carey University | (MS) | $16,275.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Campbellsville University | (KY) | $16,710.00 | All Students | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $16,825.00 | All Students | |
Trevecca Nazarene University | (TN) | $16,860.00 | All Students | |
University of South Carolina-Columbia | (SC) | $16,995.00 $18,884.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Minnesota State University-Moorhead | (MN) | $17,090.00 | All Students | |
Ball State University | (IN) | $17,108.00 $24,956.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Kentucky | (KY) | $17,325.00 | All Students | |
Asbury University | (KY) | $17,575.00 | All Students | |
Tennessee State University | (TN) | $17,589.00 $25,146.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Idaho | (ID) | $17,670.00 | All Students | |
William Woods University | (MO) | $17,950.00 | All Students | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $18,115.00 | All Students | |
University of Florida | (FL) | $18,657.00 $23,644.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $18,660.00 | All Students | |
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | (MN) | $18,675.00 | All Students | |
 Liberty University | (VA) | $18,697.00 $8,350.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $18,900.00 | All Students | |
Auburn University | (AL) | $18,900.00 | All Students | |
Park University | (MO) | $19,145.00 | All Students | |
East Tennessee State University | (TN) | $19,800.00 $24,450.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Old Dominion University | (VA) | $19,877.00 $20,669.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Clemson University | (SC) | $20,002.00 | All Students | |
National Louis University | (IL) | $20,200.00 | All Students | |
Columbia International University | (SC) | $20,750.00 | All Students | |
Webster University | (MO) | $20,900.00 $12,260.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Central Michigan University | (MI) | $22,730.00 $12,020.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $24,570.00 | All Students | |
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | (TN) | $25,200.00 $27,900.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Union University | (TN) | $25,545.00 | All Students | |
Saint Leo University | (FL) | $26,885.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $27,400.00 | All Students | |
Oakland University | (MI) | $28,526.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $29,000.00 | All Students | |
The George Washington University | (DC) | $32,780.00 | All Students | |
Abilene Christian University | (TX) | $34,515.00 | All Students | |
Andrews University | (MI) | $44,880.00 | All Students | |
Andrews University | (MI) | $47,724.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the EdS educational leadership online program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited EdS in educational leadership online. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the EdS educational leadership online programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published costs are estimated sticker prices for the affordable EdS educational leadership online, including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an EdS educational leadership online program that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest EdS educational leadership online programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest EdS educational leadership online programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get the Cheapest EdS Educational Leadership Online?
There are many reasons to consider an affordable EdS educational leadership online program. Here are just a few of the reasons why people complete these programs:
- Increased salary potential: With these degrees, you may qualify for a leadership position at a school or district. Leadership jobs in education bring high pay. For example, the median salary for school principals is over $100,000.
- Perfect middle ground between master’s and doctorate: These are post-master’s programs, allowing students to refine and expand their educations without committing to a larger doctorate, which can take up to seven years to complete. An EdS, on the other hand, requires only two to three years.
- Redefine, expand your role in education: You may enjoy teaching, but perhaps it’s time to use your skills at a larger level. If so, these degrees help you contribute to more classes and (most importantly) more students.
What to Expect from an EdS Educational Leadership Online Degree
Each program is different, but in general you can expect to learn skills that contribute to the success of a school, district, or a specific focus area, such as special education or curriculum development.
These are education degrees, not general leadership degrees. First and foremost, you learn to lead in education. While the leadership skills and knowledge can be applied to other industries, the coursework will center on education.
These programs are designed to help you gain a specific expertise within education. They come after a master’s degree, providing a faster option than a doctorate.
You can choose a variety of specializations within these programs. You’ll find options that include:
- Special education administration
- Adult education
- Superintendency
- Principalship
- Gifted and talented program director
- Curriculum director
With a large variety of specializations, you should find the program that works best for your needs.
Courses During an Online EdS in Educational Leadership
To understand these degrees, it helps to look at a few examples. Let’s examine the structure and coursework in three EdS in educational leadership online programs:
Fort Hays State University – Education Specialist in Education Administration (Superintendent)
Teachers with a master’s degree who would like to become superintendents should consider this program from Fort Hays State University. The curriculum and assignments prepare students to become leaders in school districts. The program consists of eight classes (24 credit hours total) and a capstone or proposal project, which encompasses six credits.
Courses in this program are all about school district leadership. Classes include “District Facilities,” “District Administration,” and “District Technology Operations & Management.”
Arkansas State University – Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership in Gifted & Talented Director
This is an affordable EdS educational leadership online program designed for current special education teachers (with master’s degrees) who want to lead special education programs at schools, campuses, or districts. Classes help graduates coordinate programs and judge their success.
The program consists of nine core courses and a single elective. Classes in the core section include “Curriculum Management,” “School and Community Relations,” and “Theories of Instruction.” Students must also complete an elective course. They can choose options that include elementary, middle school, or secondary curriculum.
National University – Education Specialist in Instructional Leadership
If you want the ability to access curriculum, interpret academic data, and communicate in the educational sphere, this is a perfect option. The program requires graduates to complete research courses, specialized courses, and a capstone. It totals 33 credit hours to complete.
The coursework in this program includes “Leadership for Improvement in EdS,” “Advanced Qualitative Methodology and Designs,” and “Advanced Quantitative Methodology and Designs.” Specialization classes include “Leader as Advocate and Decision-Maker,” “Practices in School Organizations,” and “Supervision and Leadership in Schools.”
Accreditation for EdS Programs
Accreditation is the act of reviewing and approving schools and degrees. Essentially, it’s a form of quality assurance for the education sector. If a school has accreditation, it is more likely to deliver a high-quality education.
There are two important forms of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation covers the entire school, while programmatic covers only a specific degree. All programs in our database come from institutionally-accredited schools, and many have programmatic accreditation as well.
The most important programmatic accrediting body for this database is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group accredits programs in education at many levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. This also includes EdS programs.
Numerous EdS in educational leadership online programs in this database have approval from the CAEP. This includes the Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, Tier II, from the University of North Georgia, as well as the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from Andrews University, the most expensive degree in this list.
Another accrediting body in this list is the AAQEP. This is a newer group with a focus on innovation and technology within the education sector. Currently, the Education Specialist degree from National University requires a teaching certificate at level T5 or higher or a professional or lead certificate of some kind. Applicants can meet this need with a Life certificate or service field certificate as well.
Many programs require a specific GPA to enroll. A 3.0 GPA is standard, although some programs have higher or lower score requirements, and some have no official GPA requirements.
You will also need to supply letters of recommendation from supervisors and school leaders, transcripts from all previous colleges, and an application for admission.
What’s the Cost for an EdS in Educational Leadership Online?
With so much reporting on the rise of education costs, you might assume that these degrees are too expensive. But once you look at the numbers, you’ll be surprised by how affordable they are. Of course, they can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year, but the cheapest EdS educational leadership online has a surprisingly low cost. With diligent research, you can find an affordable EdS educational leadership online that fits your budget.
The average price for these degrees is $16,700. Assuming a two-year track, students are looking at roughly $8,370 a year for this education.
There are many degrees priced below this average, however. The cheapest EdS educational leadership online program comes from the University of North Georgia. Its Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, Tier II, costs $8,481. This program offers completion in four semesters, which means two years of study. Students can expect roughly $4,240 in tuition and fees each year to complete this degree. Best of all, this price is available to all students, not just Georgia residents.
You can find many other affordable options as well. With various specializations, there are eight programs priced below $10,000 and 48 programs priced under $15,000. These are the cheapest EdS educational leadership online programs, but don’t be fooled by the low price; they can deliver some of the best learning possible.
The most expensive option comes from Andrews University. Its Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership program costs $47,724.
If you need an affordable program, start by searching the degrees listed above the dividing line. These are all priced below the average cost.
Licensing and Certification Requirements for Educational Leadership
After completing one of these programs, you’ll be eligible for a career as a leader in the education system. This can take many forms, but graduates often work as principals, superintendents, and assistant superintendents. If you want to work in one of these positions, you’ll need licensure as a school administrator.
Let’s look at school principals as an example. To become licensed as a principal, you’ll need to meet education and experience requirements. Most of these programs should cover the education requirements, and you’ll need about two to three years of teaching experience as well. (This experience is required for enrollment in most EdS programs, so graduates usually have this covered already.)
After basic teaching education and experience, as well as a state-approved principal-preparation program, you will need to pass subsequent exams. Superintendents and principals usually have different exams.
Once you have completed all of these requirements, you can apply for licensing from the state. You’ll then be able to start your first year as a school principal.
Salary and Career Outlook for Educational Leaders
We don’t often associate educators with high salaries. But excellent incomes are waiting for people who understand how to teach, as well as people who understand how to manage, administer, and lead in the education sector.
A typical school principal provides the best example. The median salary for all school principals, including public and private schools, is $101,320. This means that half of all principals earn over $101,320. In addition, the top 10% in this profession earn over $158,000. Clearly there is a strong reward for people who can lead schools, arguably the most important institutions in our society.
Job growth, however, is slight. The BLS expects school principals to see little to no change between 2022 and 2032. This lack of growth is due largely to budget constraints at local school districts. But this is still a career that has strong potential. There is a serious need for education experts in all areas of the country. You can likely find a job no matter where you want to live. In fact, there are over 300,000 school principals in the U.S. As a result of retirements and career changes, there could be many opportunities for aspiring education leaders to step up.
The Next Step in Your Education
An EdS is an advanced degree. It is enough for a rewarding career in education. However, if you want to advance your career and become a deeper expert in education, you may consider a doctorate. This could be a doctor of philosophy in education degree, often referred to as a PhD, or a doctor of education, known as an EdD.
A PhD is a research-driven degree that requires as much as seven years of advanced study. However, when you graduate with an EdS degree, many of the credits will transfer to your doctorate. Your time in a doctorate program should be less once you complete an EdS.
Regardless of future schooling, you’ll need to meet continuing education requirements to renew your principalship or administration licensing. Each state sets its own requirements for renewal, but it often includes formal classes or online coursework, as well as testing to verify your knowledge and expertise.
The Online Degree You Need to Advance Your Education Career
Is it time to not just teach but lead? Is it time to take your experience, knowledge, and passion from a single classroom to the entire school? Use the resources on GetEducated.com to learn more about the cheapest EdS educational leadership online programs today!