South Atlantic Region – The Most Affordable Educational Leadership Administrator Prep Master’s Programs

Most Affordable Educational Leadership Degree South Atlantic RegionDrive down the coast from Virginia, through the Carolinas, through Georgia, and into Florida, and you will have traveled some of the prettiest stretches of the United States. Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C…. all small places with rich histories. You’ll also have passed through a range of diverse cultures, perspectives, and attitudes about education.

In the coming years, there’s no question that the South Atlantic states are going to need top educational leadership talent to handle some of the biggest questions over public schooling in the country.

States here are also seeing a new influx of families with school-aged kids. According to the Census Bureau, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina all landed in the top ranks of states gaining population between 2010 and 2020.

More population means more students in our schools, but it’s not always straightforward—while a lot of the influx has been a relatively young flow of immigrants, part of it has also been older Americans moving to more comfortable climates in retirement. That combination can make for some interesting challenges, which often find a focal point in the school system. In particular, it can make for taxpayers without children who aren’t all that thrilled about putting money into public schools.

See how we identified the most affordable educational leadership degrees offered at private universities in the South Atlantic region.

Affordability Comes Into Focus When Funding and Salaries Drop

That makes affordable degrees a must for prudent school leaders. And the good news is that looking for affordability doesn’t have to mean compromising quality. Since we built our list of most-affordable degrees from the ranks of private universities, you are already assured of getting an upper-tier education. Throw in the relatively low costs of the schools that made the cut for this list, and you’re getting an incredible value on first-rate leadership training.

As an educator, you’re naturally curious and learning-oriented so we’re sure you’ll want to know exactly how we determined affordability. It’s more straightforward than you might think, but a rock-solid formula that ensures we’re only presenting programs here that offer the best value. You can see our complete criteria for picking these schools right here.

Naturally, tuition rates can only really be considered a bargain if you are getting the education you want. So you’ll be happy to see that we’ve found a broad range of schools, with different concentration options and pedagogical philosophies to choose from. You’ll have no trouble finding something that’s a great fit for your career and your budget.

The Most Affordable Administrator Prep Master’s Programs in Educational Leadership in the South Atlantic Region

Delaware

Wilmington University

College of Education and Liberal Arts
New Castle, DE
Website

wilmington university

MEd in School Leadership (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,896
Only private master’s program in educational leadership with an administrator certification option in Delaware.

Wilmington University’s MEd in School Leadership is where innovative educators head when they have expanded leadership roles on their mind. Whether you aspire to pursue a school or district leadership position or continue your studies at the doctoral level, this exciting course of graduate study has what you need to succeed! This program comes complete with outstanding instruction and mentorship from active K-12 administrators, your choice of on-campus or online courses, and no less than 360 hours of hands-on experience in school settings.

Washington, D.C.

Trinity Washington University

College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education
Washington, DC
Website

trinity

MS in Administration, School Leadership (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $30,240
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $15,390 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Trinity University’s MS in Administration – School Leadership will take your career in education to the next level! Whether your goals include leadership at the elementary, middle, or high school level, this budget-friendly program is designed with you in mind. We love this program’s design—students meet just one weekend a month over the course of five semesters for unmatched convenience and flexibility. A superb faculty of current and former school administrators and a tightknit learning environment fosters a collaborative culture and a distinct focus on teaching and learning. This program is expertly designed to prepare you for the Administrative Services credential upon graduation!

George Washington University

The Graduate School of Education and Human Development
Department of Educational Leadership
Washington, DC
Website

george washington university

MA in Education and Human Development - Educational Leadership and Administration (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $27,600
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $18,030 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

A career as a principal or administrator is just 30 credits away through George Washington University’s MA in Education and Human Development – Educational Leadership and Administration! This affordable program is more than $18,000 less than the state average for similar programs at private universities. It comes complete with a focus on the needs of diverse educational communities and is designed to build upon the practical skills and knowledge you already have, preparing you to help advance student learning and achievement. It also meets the academic requirements necessary for certification/licensure in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and other interstate compact partner states. Pursue this accelerated course of study and you’ll graduate in just two years!

Florida

St. Thomas University

Biscayne College, Department of Leadership and Education
Miami Gardens, FL
Website

St. Thomas University

MS in Educational Leadership (online, hybrid)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,540
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $1,998 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

St. Thomas University’s MS in Educational Leadership is rich in coursework and experiences that will prepare you to become a competent and confident leader in education. We love the outstanding faculty of experts here who bring their extensive experience to the classroom and the dynamic online and hybrid courses that focus on the instructional aspects and curriculum planning for diverse student populations, research and assessment aimed at performance improvement, school law and finance, and more. And the program’s embedded field experience/practicum will allow you to begin applying what you’ve learned in the classroom as you prepare for a career in ethical leadership.

Jacksonville University

College of Arts and Sciences, Education Department
Jacksonville, FL
Website

Jacksonville University

MS in Leadership and Learning (hybrid)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,850
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,688 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Jacksonville University’s MS in Leadership is priced to please and designed to help you take the next step in your education career and become a competent and confident leader! This course of graduate study features a hybrid format for outstanding convenience and flexibility and a concentration in Instructional Leadership, Training, and Development (ILTD) that will equip you with the skills to lead training and professional development efforts, develop programs, use best practices to mentor in the workplace, and leverage technology to make informed decisions. You can finish this 34-credit program in just 18 months!

Saint Leo University

College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
St. Leo, FL
Website

Saint Leo University

MEd in Educational Leadership (online and centers)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,000
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $4,538 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Saint Leo University’s MEd in Educational Leadership offers everything the aspiring educational leader could ask for — an outstanding value that places it below the state average for similar programs, the choice of a hybrid cohort model or online format, and a dynamic curriculum that focuses on instructional leadership as well as school operations and leadership. This 30 hour program is designed to get teachers ready to be administrators. The state approved program leads directly to educational leadership in Florida once students pass the FELE. This program is also available in the multistate version, providing a master’s in educational leadership without the requirement of taking the Florida test. Students in this program are provided free FELE prep sessions and individual FELE tutoring as needed. Exam pass rates among Saint Leo University students are consistently above the state average! Catholic educators are provided additional resources to help them better understand differences in how private and parochial schools are managed. All educators receive a $50/credit hour discount. Higher discounts are available if the school / district / diocese they teach at has a preferred partnership agreement with Saint Leo.

Barry University

School of Education
Miami Shores, FL
Website

barry university

MS in Educational Leadership (hybrid)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,200
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $4,338 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Barry University’s MS in Educational Leadership offers superb value and outstanding convenience! Not only is it priced below the state average among similar programs, but it’s also offered in a hybrid format that makes earning your master’s degree in educational leadership easier than ever! This exciting course of graduate study offers a student-centered experience that prepares graduates to be responsive to the needs of a diverse student population in public and private institutions. We love this program’s superb faculty of experienced former administrators, as well as the flexibility of the evening courses that meet once weekly. Students here can complete this 36-credit program in just six semesters!

Florida Southern College

School of Education
Lakeland, FL
Website

florida southern college

MEd in Educational Leadership (on-campus, online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,020
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $4,518 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Florida Southern College’s MEd in Educational Leadership prepares you to make the transformation from educator to educational leader. Expertly designed for practicing teachers with at least two years of teaching experience, this program provides outstanding practical experiences and professional networking opportunities that are designed to advance your skillset and propel your career. You’ll take the Florida Educational Leadership Examination before you graduate, thereby positioning you for immediate employment in school- and district-level administrative positions!

Southeastern University

College of Education
Lakeland, FL
Website

southeastern university

MEd in Educational Leadership (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $13,500
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $7,038 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Southeastern University’s MEd in Educational Leadership offers an outstanding academic foundation that will allow you to transition from the classroom and into school leadership and administration. Rich in contemporary topics such as policy making, school finance, curriculum development, conflict resolution, and school law, this graduate-level program provides a seamless transition into academic administration. That’s thanks in large part to the embedded supervised practicum, which ensures a well-rounded program with real-world leadership experiences. The fully online course of study delivers unmatched convenience and flexibility for busy, working professionals!

Georgia

Mercer University

College of Education
Atlanta, GA
Website

mercer university

MEd in Educational Leadership P-12 Tier 1 Certification (hybrid)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $19,380
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $1,426 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Mercer University’s MEd in Educational Leadership offers a direct path to Georgia’s P-12 Tier 1 certification! Whether your aspirations are aimed at elevating your career to building- or district-level leadership, this well-rounded and budget-friendly program has everything you need to succeed. This 30-hour program provides you with opportunities to synthesize and apply theoretical knowledge, elevate your skills through meaningful field experiences, and work closely with faculty mentors and advisors. The MEd in Educational Leadership is designed in a hybrid format – classes meet once a week online and once per month on-campus. A blend of both asynchronous and synchronous online study ensures outstanding convenience and flexibility.

Berry College

Charter School of Education and Human Sciences
Mount Berry, GA
Website

berry college

MEd in Educational Leadership (hybrid)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,020
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,786 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Berry College’s MEd in Educational Leadership is where Georgia’s educational leaders are born! Designed for busy, working pros like you, this affordable graduate course of study offers a superb blend of on-campus, online, and hybrid courses. Study theory with classes that focus on human resources, school administration, innovation, assessment, and technology, and then apply what you’ve learned through dynamic internships. An outstanding faculty of experienced administrators are there to provide you with one-on-one guidance and mentorship throughout the course of the program for a truly unparalleled learning experience.

Thomas University

Thomasville, GA
Website

thomas university

MEd in Education - Educational Leadership Tier 1 Certification (hybrid)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,292
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $3,514 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Thomas University’s MEd in Education – Educational Leadership Tier 1 certification features five semesters of eight-week courses and a tightknit cohort model that ensures an unparalleled learning environment for aspiring educational leaders like you! Courses feature twice-monthly on-campus meetings that are complemented with online study for a truly convenient graduate course of study for working adults. We also love the highly esteemed faculty of K-12 administrators and leaders and the embedded field experiences that allow you to immediately put theory into practice. And did we mention that this program comes in about $3,500 below the state average among similar programs?

Maryland

Hood College

Department of Education
Frederick, MD
Website

Hood College

MS in Educational Leadership (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,000
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,859 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Hood College’s MS in Educational Leadership is priced nearly $3,000 below the state average among similar programs and expertly designed to prepare today’s educators to be tomorrow’s K-12 school leaders! You’re sure to appreciate the program’s fully online design and its faculty of experienced public school administrators who understand the challenges of 21st century education. It also comes complete with a school-based internship that you’ll complete under the close mentorship of a working principal. You’re just 12 courses away from Maryland’s Administrator I or II license!

McDaniel College

Graduate and Professional Studies Division
Westminster, MD
Website

mcdaniel college

MS in Educational Leadership (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,721
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $3,138 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

McDaniel College’s MS in Educational Leadership is priced to please even the most budget-conscious aspiring administrators. And its fully online format provides even the busiest working educators with the convenience and flexibility they need. Offering multiple paths for certification in Maryland and Pennsylvania, this program is designed to facilitate the transition  into educational administration. This 33-credit course of graduate study comes complete with an internship – your opportunity to begin applying what you’ve learned to today’s challenging educational environment.

North Carolina

Salem College

Winston-Salem, NC
Website

Salem College

MEd in Educational Leadership (hybrid)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $20,475
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,087 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Salem College’s MEd in Educational Leadership is a leader in both affordability and convenience, offering tomorrow’s school leaders and administrators the best of both worlds and a clear path to the next phase of their career! Salem builds on its legacy of preparing leaders through the MEd in Educational Leadership with a rich curriculum that aligns with North Carolina’s Level 1 Administrator license. This exciting course of graduate study is designed as a dynamic cohort program that combines engaging online study with four on-campus Saturday residences where you’ll work with other like-minded aspiring educational leaders. Graduate in just two and a half years!

Gardner-Webb University

College of Education
Boiling Springs, NC
Website

Gardner-Webb University

MA in Executive Leadership Studies - K-12 School Administration (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,540
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $4,022 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Gardner-Webb University’s MA in Executive Leadership Studies – K-12 School Administration offers an outstanding value and a convenient and flexible online platform for aspiring educational leaders and administrators. Designed specifically for experienced educators, this program consists of a five-semester course of study that’s focused on leading the 21st century classroom and school community. Just some of the topics explored include resource management, research and assessment, curriculum and instructional development, and school leadership.

Queens University of Charlotte

Cato School of Education
Charlotte, NC
Website

Queens University of Charlotte

MA in Educational Leadership (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,401
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $6,161 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Priced more than $6,000 below the state average among similar programs, Queens University of Charlotte’s MA in Educational Leadership offers outstanding affordability! And the online design delivers exceptional convenience and flexibility. Just some of the program features that you’re sure to love include coursework with real-world simulations and other hands-on applied learning experiences, an asynchronous format that allows you to study whenever and wherever it’s most convenient, an expert faculty of experienced practitioners, and reliable 24/7 tech support.

Wingate University

Thayer School of Education
Wingate, NC
Website

Wingate University

MAEd in Educational Leadership (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,280
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $6,282 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Wingate University’s MAEd in Educational Leadership delivers both convenience and affordability and is designed as a focused path to North Carolina’s Level 1 Administrator license! This exciting course of graduate study includes an exploration of technology assessment, instructional strategies, professional development, financial and budgetary planning, and more and features online courses that ensure maximum flexibility for busy, working educators like you. This program comes complete with outstanding support from the Academic Resource Center’s success coaches and peer tutors.

Barton College

School of Education
Wilson, NC
Website

Barton College

Master of School Administration (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $13,962
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $8,600 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Barton College’s Master of School Administration is priced among the most affordable programs of its kind in North Carolina and offered in a fully online format that’s ideally designed for today’s busy, working educators. We also love this program’s esteemed faculty of experienced teachers, principals, and superintendents, small group learning experiences, and outstanding guidance and mentorship throughout the program. Perfectly aligned to prepare you for North Carolina’s Level 1 Administrator license, this exciting course of study is exactly what you’ve been looking for to advance your career in educational leadership and administration!

Converse University

School of Education and Graduate Studies
Spartanburg, SC
Website

converse university

MEd in Administration and Supervision (on-campus)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,200
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $293 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Converse University’s MEd in Administration and Supervision is priced to please and designed to offer a streamlined path to certification as an elementary or secondary principal or supervisor! We love the design of this 36-credit program, which features evening courses for maximum flexibility and convenience. Other perks of choosing Converse’s MEd in Administration and Supervision include an esteemed faculty of experienced educators, strong community partnerships with local school districts, and a record of outstanding student success.

Southern Wesleyan University

Department of Education
Central, SC
Website

southern wesleyan university

MEd in Administration and Supervision (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,200
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $293 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Southern Wesleyan University’s MEd in Administration and Supervision delivers both affordability and convenience, making it a surefire choice for aspiring educational leaders and administrators in South Carolina! You’re sure to love the price tag here that places it below the state average among similar programs, as well as the program’s curriculum, which is offered in a fully online format. Courses here are just seven weeks long, too, thereby offering significant convenience and flexibility for busy, working teachers. Choose Southern Wesleyan’s MEd in Administration and Supervision and you’ll earn the degree that will lead to a principal career in just 23 months!

Columbia International University

School of Education
Columbia, SC
Website

columbia international university

MEd in Educational Administration (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $15,600
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $893 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Columbia International University’s MEd in Educational Administration is priced below the state average among similar programs and designed in a convenient, online format that makes earning the degree that will allow you to advance your career in education easier than ever! The fully online format of this dynamic course of graduate study allows busy, working educators like you to study from the comfort of their homes, while the streamlined curriculum allows students to graduate in as little as 15 months. Though you’ll be studying at a distance, you’ll love the highly engaging and collaborative online classes that feature real-life case studies.

Charleston Southern University

College of Education
Charleston, SC
Website

charleston southern university

MEd in Elementary School Administration and Supervision (online)

MEd in Secondary School Administration and Supervision (online)

MEd in Elementary and Secondary School Administration and Supervision (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $13,500
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,993 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Charleston Southern University’s MEd is priced among the most affordable of its kind in South Carolina and offered in the fully online format that’s sure to please even the most budget-conscious! Available in multiple tracks leading to elementary/secondary school administration and supervision certification, this exciting course of study boasts rigorous and relevant coursework that prepares students to become competent, ethical leaders who deftly address the needs of diverse student populations, understand complex legal and ethical issues, and navigate any number of issues that impact student populations.

Bluefield University

School of Education and Social Sciences
Bluefield, VA
Website

Bluefield University

MA in Educational Leadership (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,100
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $1,186 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

A new career in educational leadership and administration is just 18 months away through Bluefield’s affordable and convenient MA in Educational Leadership! Designed to prepare educators for school- and district-level positions in leadership, this exciting program prepares students to take the School Leaders Licensure Assessment. You’ll take flexible and convenient online courses in topics like school law, assessment and evaluation, and trauma-informed leadership as you complete structured internships that put theory into practice.

Regent University

School of Education
Virginia Beach, VA
Website

Regent University

MEd in Educational Leadership (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,950
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $1,336 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

    • MEd in Christian Leadership
    • MEd in Curriculum and Instruction-Teacher Leader
    • MEd in Leadership in Mathematics Education
    • EdD in Advanced Educational Leadership
    • EdD in Christian Education Leadership
    • EdD in Exceptional Education Executive Leadership
    • EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Management
    • EdD in K-12 School Leadership
    • EdS in Educational Leadership (Adult Education, Advanced Educational Leadership, Christian Education Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Psychology, Educational Technology and Online Learning, Exceptional Education Executive Leadership, Higher Education Leadership and Management, K-12 School Leadership, Special Education)
    • EdS in Leadership in Mathematics
    • PhD in Education (Advanced Educational Leadership, Christian Education Leadership, Exceptional Education Executive Leadership, Higher Education Leadership and Management, K-12 School Leadership
    • Post-Master’s Certificate in Advancing Leadership

Regent University’s MEd in Educational Leadership is affordable and convenient and Christ-centered, making it a winner in Virginia for aspiring educational leaders and administrators! Ideally designed for today’s busy, working educators, this exciting program provides students with a streamlined path to PreK-12 Administration & Supervision add-on endorsement and a career as a principal or superintendent! Choose Regent’s MEd and you’ll study under an esteemed, award-winning faculty as you explore topical issues in education such as data literacy for improvement, school finance & management, differential instruction & assessment, and student learning & well-being.

Averett University

Danville, VA
Website

Averett University

MEd in Administration and Supervision (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,430
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $1,856 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Averett University’s MEd in Administration and Supervision delivers both affordability and convenience, making it a standout for aspiring educational administrators and leaders like you! Expertly designed for current educators who want to work toward the School Administrator add-on endorsement, this program features a fully online format for outstanding convenience and flexibility and a superb course of graduate study that prepares students to become competent, ethical, and confident principals and superintendents. The MEd in Administration and Supervision is designed as a 20-month, accelerated, cohort-based program that features six- to eight-week, asynchronous online classes.

Shenandoah University

Division of Education and Leadership
Winchester, VA
Website

Shenandoah University

MSEd in Education Administration (hybrid)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $13,950
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $4,336 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Shenandoah University’s MSEd in Education Administration is priced more than $4,000 below the state average among similar programs, making it among the most affordable of its kind in Virginia! Offering a streamlined path to the School Administrator add-on endorsement, this dynamic course of study features a cohort model for an engaging, collaborative learning experience, a blend of on-campus and hybrid courses that are scheduled to accommodate the busy schedules of working educators, an esteemed faculty of experienced school administrators, and fellowship options.

Liberty University

School of Education
Lynchburg, VA
Website

Liberty University

MEd in Administration and Supervision (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,450
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $5,836 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.

Built on a Christian foundation, priced as one of the most affordable programs of its kind in Virginia, and offered in the fully online format that today’s busy, working educators demand, Liberty University’s MEd in Administration and Supervision really does have it all for the aspiring principal or superintendent! Just some of the other features of this program that you’re sure to love include accelerated eight-week courses, a faculty of dedicated educators, and the opportunity to earn your degree in as little as two years. Your School Administrator add-on endorsement and a new career in educational administration and leadership are closer than you think!

Wheeling University

Wheeling, WV
Website

wheeling university

MAEd in Educational Leadership – School and School System Leadership track (online)

Total Estimated Program Cost: $14,850
Only private master’s program in educational leadership in West Virginia.

Wheeling University’s MAEd in Educational Leadership – School and School System Leadership track is your affordable path to principal certification and an exciting and fulfilling career as a principal or superintendent! Designed as a fully online program with seven and 16-week sessions, this convenient and flexible course of study is expertly designed to meet the needs of today’s busy, working educators. An accelerated design and multiple start dates throughout the year allow students to earn their degree in just one year!

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