Created by ELD.com Contributing Writer
Education is important everywhere. It seems there’s a particular reverence for it here in the Midwest, though. Families in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin share the perspective that they want to send their kids out into the world with more knowledge and more advanced skills with every generation. From a region that has had its economy hollowed out by collapses in American manufacturing and the slow decline of the family farm, it’s a perspective grounded in hard-won experience.
And since people here put a strong emphasis on higher education, it’s good to know that teachers interested in advancing their education often have the economic resources to follow through on it. When adjusted for the relatively low cost of living here, states in this region are known for paying teacher salaries that come in above even what you’d find in some coastal states.
Even though you’re probably a teacher right now earning a good salary, that doesn’t mean you have money to burn when it comes time to earn the degree you need to move up into educational administration. That’s where this list of the most affordable educational leadership master’s programs in the region comes in.
With the thrifty cultural background in this part of the country, we don’t need to give you any lectures on the virtues of affordability. Even if you’re not strapped for cash, you can understand the value of getting a top-notch master’s degree at a rock-bottom price.
And you’ll find an excellent array of options that fall into that category right here. You can see the exact criteria we used to select the schools on this page, but by keeping our list limited to private colleges and universities, you can be sure quality isn’t compromised in service to cost.
Iowa, in particular, offers name-brand Master of Education programs from elite private schools that come in at some of the lowest prices in the country.
With any of these degrees, you can step up into a job as principal or superintendent in your state. It’s an area where those roles command respect in their communities, and where you can make a real difference to the next generation of students. And with one of these schools, you can do it without breaking the bank.
The Most Affordable Administrator Prep Master’s Programs in Educational Leadership in the East North Central Region
Illinois
National Louis University
National College of Education
Chicago, IL
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (on-campus)
MEd in Strategic Educational Leadership (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $23,290
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $1,844 below the state average for similar programs.
- Named a Best National University and a Best Bang for Your Buck (Midwest) University by Washington Monthly
- Strategic Educational Leadership major is designed to prepare students for educational leadership roles in areas like curriculum and instructional design, teaching, learning, and training
- Educational Leadership major can be designed with/without the Principal endorsement program
- Also offers:
- EdS, EdD in Higher Education Leadership
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- EdD, EdS in Strategic Educational Leadership
Aspiring educational leaders and administrators take note! National Louis University offers two exciting grad programs that are priced right and designed to prepare you as a confident, prepared principal, administrator, or beyond! The MEd in Educational Leadership can be designed as a Principal Endorsement program for Illinois and Florida or as a general education leadership program, while the Strategic Educational Leadership major is designed to prepare students for educational leadership roles beyond principal and superintendent positions. This online course of graduate study provides outstanding preparation for positions in curriculum and instructional design, teaching, learning, and training.
North Central College
School of Graduate and Professional Studies
Naperville, IL
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $21,528
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $3,606 below the state average for similar programs.
- Also offers: MA in Higher Education Leadership
- Can be designed with or without Principal endorsement
- Offered in a fully online format for superb convenience and flexibility
- Targeted scholarships and extended internship opportunities available
The path to Principal endorsement is within reach through North Central College’s MEd in Educational Leadership! This value-priced graduate degree, which is close to $4,000 below the state average for similar programs, is offered in a fully online format for superb convenience and flexibility and can be designed with or without the Principal endorsement. This dynamic course of graduate study is grounded in leadership virtues, the development of leader character, and the cultivation of practical wisdom, all of which provide a solid foundation off which future PK-12 leaders can build building their leadership skillset.
Lewis University
College of Education and Social Sciences
Romeoville, IL
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership – Principal endorsement (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $21,450
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $3,684 below the state average for similar programs.
- Ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked among the Best in the Midwest by the Princeton Review
- Fully online program design delivers outstanding convenience and flexibility
- Also offers:
- EdD in Educational Leadership for Teaching and Learning
- MEd in Educational Leadership-Teacher Leader Endorsement
Lewis University’s MEd in Educational Leadership is priced nearly $4,000 below the state average among similar programs… offered in a fully online format for outstanding convenience and flexibility… and designed to prepare you for the Illinois Principal endorsement! This exciting grad degree offers a robust foundation of theory and practice that produces critical, transformative administrators who can lead with confidence. Just some of the courses of this dynamic program include Critical Transformative Leadership; School Finance; Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for School Improvement; Organizational Systems in Educational Leadership; and Ethical and Moral Foundations of Educational Leadership.
North Park University
School of Education
Chicago, IL
Website
MA in Educational Leadership – Principal track (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $21,420
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $3,714 below the state average for similar programs.
- Also offers: MA in Educational Leadership Teacher Leader
- Ranked among the best regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Designed as an engaging, on-campus cohort program
- Convenient schedule features Saturday-only classes for busy, working educators
North Park University’s MA in Educational Leadership offers an affordable and engaging path to a Principal endorsement, priced nearly $4,000 below the state average for similar programs! This exciting course of graduate study is designed as an on-campus cohort program that meets on Saturdays only to align with the needs of today’s busy, working educators. In just 22 months, you’ll build the educational leadership skillset that will make you an effective, confident leader in Illinois’ schools. The principal track will prepare you for Principal endorsement and for a career as a vice principal, assistant principal, or principal.
Aurora University
Aurora, IL
Website
MA in Educational Leadership – Principal Endorsement program (on-campus, online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,712
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $7,442 below the state average for similar programs.
- Offered in both an on-campus and online format for maximum flexibility and convenience
- Outstanding, online study available through AU’s interactive, virtual classroom
- On-campus courses available at the main AU campus and at partner sites throughout the state
Whether online or on-campus suits you best, Aurora University’s MA in Educational – Principal Endorsement program prepares you to become an Illinois assistant principal or principal! We love the value of this program – it’s priced more than $11,000 below the state average among similar programs. The online program features outstanding, distance-based education through AU’s interactive, virtual classroom, which allows students to study on their own time and graduate in as little as two years. The on-campus program features spring, summer, and fall start dates and classes are offered both at the main AU campus and at district partner sites throughout Illinois.
Indiana
Bethel University
Adult and Graduate Studies
Mishawaka, IN
Website
MEd in School Leadership (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $15,840
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $8,048 below the state average for similar programs.
- Ranked second on Washington Monthly’s Best Bang for the Buck Midwest university list
- Named among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for 15 consecutive years
- Accelerated format features seven-week courses and six start dates per year
- Outstanding convenience and flexibility offered through a fully online format
- Earn your degree in as little as a year
Offering outstanding convenience and flexibility through a fully online format and an impressive price tag that places it about $8,000 less than the state average among similar programs, Bethel University’s MEd in School Leadership has everything you need to advance to a career in educational leadership and administration! Designed specifically for licensed educators like you, this program features three unique cognates (specialized areas of study) that provide an accelerated style of learning. Just some of the topics studied in this dynamic course of graduate study include community relations, ethics, meeting the needs of diverse learners, and budgeting. You’ll study under an esteemed faculty of highly qualified, highly experienced educational administrators while you enjoy a distance-based course of study that allows you to study whenever and wherever it’s most convenient.
Indiana Wesleyan University
School of Education
Marion, IN
Website
MS in School Administration (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $15,840
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $8,048 below the state average for similar programs.
- Available as both a licensure and non-licensure track
- Accelerated, online design allows you to earn your degree in as little as 18 months
- Home to a highly qualified, esteemed faculty of experts in educational administration
- Also offers:
- EdS in District Level Leadership
- EdD/EdS in Educational Leadership
- Graduate Certificate in School Administration
Whether you’re seeking an administrative license or simply looking to advance your knowledge in educational leadership and administration, you’re sure to love Indiana Wesleyan University’s MS in School Administration! This fully online program offers unmatched convenience and flexibility and a price tag that places it more than $8,000 below the state average among similar programs. This dynamic course of graduate study is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in Christian leadership principles that will allow you to achieve a culture of continuous improvement in the schools you lead. Other highlights of this program include a curriculum grounded in real-world work activities… a highly qualified faculty with extensive experience in the field of education… and an accelerated design that allows you to earn your degree in as little as 18 months!
Marian University
Klipsch Educators College
Indianapolis, IN
Website
MA in Educational Leadership (hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $20,900
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,988 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Ranked among the Most Innovative Midwest Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report
- Designed in a unique hybrid model that combines Saturday classes with synchronous and asynchronous online study
- Part-time program can be completed in just two years
- Also offers: EdD in Organizational Leadership
Marian University’s MA in Educational Leadership is offered in a convenient and flexible hybrid, part-time format that makes it easier than ever to advance your career and assume the role of principal or other senior administrative positions. Designed for licensed K-12 educators and school counselors, this two-year program provides outstanding preparation for Indiana’s Building Level Administrator license. You’ll take courses here six to seven Saturdays per semester and then complete additional online study, including some live online sessions. You’re also sure to love the cohort learning model that allows you to move throughout the program with a tightknit group of peers.
University of Indianapolis
School of Education
Indianapolis, IN
Website
MA in School Leadership and Management (hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,840
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $11,048 below the state average for similar programs.
- Also offers: MA in Special Education Leadership and Practice
- Ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report
- Offered as an interdisciplinary program between the School of Business and the School of Education
- Convenient, hybrid format combines on-campus and online study
The University of Indianapolis’ MA in School Leadership & Management is both affordable and convenient, providing busy, working educators like you with everything you need to pursue the next phase of your career! Offered as an interdisciplinary program between the School of Business and the School of Education, this grad degree effortlessly combines best practices in business management and education leadership to produce effective, efficient educational leaders. This dynamic course of study prepares educators to sit for the Building Level Administrator licensure exam in Indiana and assume careers like vice principal, assistant principal, and principal. A unique hybrid format allows students here to study both on-campus and online and graduate in just five semesters.
Michigan
Concordia University Ann Arbor
School of Education
Ann Arbor, MI
Website
MS in Educational Leadership (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $21,408
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $4,834 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Fully online format features full- and part-time options and convenient, eight-week cohorts
- Six start dates per year offer maximum flexibility
- Home to distinguished faculty of experts in educational administration
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a gem among Michigan’s master’s degrees in educational leadership! Priced nearly $5,000 below the state average among similar programs and offered in a fully online format that delivers outstanding convenience and flexibility, the MS in Educational Leadership serves as a dynamic pathway to the Michigan School Administrator certificate and a fulfilling career in educational leadership and administration. Here you’ll explore the legal, ethical, and spiritual issues found within today’s school environment as you elevate your knowledge of the policies and regulations within the educational system. The online format of this program comes complete with full- and part-time options, eight-week cohorts, and six start dates per year.
Cornerstone University
Professional and Graduate Studies
Grand Rapids, MI
Website
MA in Education – Educational Leadership concentration (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $19,775
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $6,467 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Development
- Fully online course of study and four start dates per year offer maximum convenience and flexibility for today’s busy, working educators
- Convenient, seven-week courses feature engaging, online seminars
Cornerstone University’s MA in Education with an Educational Leadership concentration offers it all – affordability, convenience, and a supportive, engaging learning environment! This superbly priced course of graduate study is delivered in a fully online format that aligns with the needs of today’s busy, working educators. While this program is offered at a distance, you’ll learn alongside your peers in a supportive and engaging online community. An experienced faculty with real-world experience and expertise in the latest educational research rounds out this dynamic program, which features courses in organizational leadership, evaluation, finance, ethics, and more.
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,550
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $8,692 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Ranked among the best regional colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Named among the Best Colleges for Your Money by Money Magazine
- Unique, hybrid design features a blend of online courses with short, on-campus summer sessions
- Superb faculty of experts in educational administration
Calvin University’s MEd in Educational Leadership offers a price tag that even the most budget-conscious will appreciate and a hybrid format that makes earning the degree that will advance your career and position you for educational leadership and administration roles easier and more accessible than ever! Students of this program prepare to become competent, effective leaders at all levels of schooling. Grounded in a Christian framework and offering an optimum blend of online courses and on-campus summer sessions, this program is just what you’ve been looking for to earn your Michigan K-12 Administrator certificate and propel you career!
Ohio
Notre Dame College
Education Division
South Euclid, OH
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $19,800
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $377 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Eight-week online courses offer exceptional convenience and flexibility
- Home to a superb faculty with experience as superintendents, principals, teachers, education consultants, and more
- Engaging, synchronous online platform
- Licensure and non-licensure options available
Notre Dame College’s MEd in Educational Leadership is affordable, convenient, and expertly designed to prepare tomorrow’s educational administrators who are committed to personal, professional, and global responsibility. Offered in a fully online format that delivers exceptional flexibility and convenience for busy, working educators, this dynamic grad program has everything you need to take your career in education to the next level! Choose the MEd in Educational Leadership and you’ll explore topics like school management, personnel administration and supervision, school law, community relations, and integrated technology.
Muskingum University
Department of Education
New Concord, OH
Website
MAEd - Principal’s License (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $19,720
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $457 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
Also offers: Post-graduate Superintendent License, Administrative Specialist License (School & Community Relations; Educational Staff/Personnel Administration; Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Development; Career-Technical Education; Pupil Services)
- Non-licensure track available (MAEd in Applied Leadership)
- Ranked among the Top Performers for Social Mobility in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Named a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report
Muskingum University’s MAEd – Principal’s License (3-14 or 8-21) offers an affordable graduate program for educators who are interested in taking their careers to the next level. For those looking to advance their education without a license, Muskingum also offers the MAEd in Applied Leadership. Both programs are part of the university’s Graduate & Continuing Studies Department, which is home to a host of programs aimed at accelerated teacher education and graduate teacher education.
Baldwin Wallace University
College of Education and Health Sciences
Berea, OH
Website
MAEd in Educational Leadership (on-campus, online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $19,210
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $967 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Highly ranked among esteemed publications like Washington Monthly, Forbes, Kiplinger, The Economist and Money Magazine
- Convenient and flexible – complete the program either part-time or full-time and through an online or on-campus format
Baldwin Wallace University’s MAEd in Educational Leadership is priced right and offered in both an online and on-campus format and your choice of full-time or part-time study for outstanding convenience and flexibility! This exciting program provides a direct path to career advancement, allowing practicing educators to earn the credentials that lead to a principal’s position. Here you’ll work toward your principal’s license as you explore leadership theories and practices, curriculum design, effective instructional programs, comprehensive professional development plans, and more. Complete this program part-time and you’ll graduate in just two years!
Franciscan University of Steubenville
School of Professional Programs
Steubenville, OH
Website
MS in Educational Administration (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,900
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $1,277 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Home to an expert faculty of experienced administrators
- Outstanding guidance and mentorship through engaging clinical experiences
- Fully online format offers superior convenience and flexibility
The Franciscan University of Steubenville’s MS in Educational Administration comes in as a strong contender with a tuition that falls below the state average and an online format that offers superior convenience and flexibility. Outstanding guidance and mentorship are offered here – students are paired with a practicing administrator in a clinical experience as they learn under an experienced faculty of former school administrators and other experts in education. Here you’ll work toward your principal’s license as you gain the skills and knowledge needed to serve as a compassionate, competent school leader.
Ohio Dominican University
Adult and Continuing Education
Columbus, OH
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (on-campus, online, hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,360
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $1,817 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Courses are offered on-campus and online for maximum convenience
- Classes meet just one night per week, in eight-week sessions
- Option to also add an Intervention Specialist license by taking another 10 credits
Ohio Dominican University’s MEd in Educational Leadership is an affordable path to your principal’s license and to an exciting and challenging career in school leadership. This graduate program, which features your choice of on-campus, online, or hybrid course delivery, is designed to address the knowledge, skills, and dispositions you’ll need to meet the challenges of today’s complex PreK-12 school environments. Classes here meet just one night per week and in convenient and flexible, eight-week sessions to align with the needs of today’s busy, working educators.
University of Mount Union
Alliance, OH
Website
MEd – Ohio Principal License (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,300
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $1,877 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Principal licensure and non-licensure tracks available
- Expansive alumni network of 19,000+
The University of Mount Union’s MEd with Ohio Principal License is priced well below the state average among similar programs and designed in the convenient, online format that today’s busy, working educators demand. This program’s blend of theory and practice prepares educators to become responsible, compassionate leaders who cultivate professional development and support the continued growth among those they lead in the classroom. Whether you aspire to make your way into an assistant principal, principal, dean of students, or other building-level leadership position, this program will prepare you for the Ohio principal’s license you need to get there.
Xavier University
College of Professional Sciences
Cincinnati, OH
Website
MEd in Educational Administration (on-campus, online, hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,520
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,657 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Ranked among America’s Top Colleges by Forbes
- Ranked one of the Best 378 Colleges in America by the Princeton Review
- Superb record of student success: 99% of all students pass their licensure exams
- Outstanding convenience and flexibility – choose online or on-campus courses (many of which are offered at several, Cincinnati-area locations)
- Class starts offered year-round
Xavier University’s MEd in Educational Administration offers a superb price tag that even the most budget-conscious are sure to appreciate! Whether you have your sights set on becoming a principal, superintendent, or other educational leader, this program has everything you need to succeed. Just some of the topics explored in this dynamic course of graduate study include School Law; School Finance, Business Affairs, and Physical Facilities; Political Structures and School/Community Relations; and the Supervision of Instruction and Staff Personnel. We love the convenient and flexible curriculum here that includes your choice of in-person or online study. Students can start their core courses at one of five Cincinnati-area locations for outstanding convenience and flexibility!
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Lutheran College
College of Adult and Graduate Studies
Milwaukee, WI
Website
MA in Leadership and Innovation - Principal License (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $20,160
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $3,883 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Ranked among the top Regional Colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Named a Best Value School in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Fully online program offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility
- Also offers:
- MA in Special Education Leadership (Director of Special Education License)
- MA in High Performance Instruction (Director of Instruction License)
Wisconsin Lutheran College’s MA in Leadership and Innovation boasts a direct path to principal licensure that’s designed with value and convenience in mind! Through this dynamic course of graduate study, students refine their decision-making skills, elevate their understanding of policy implications impacting educational leaders, and learn to lead with confidence in 21st century schools. Whether you aspire to becoming a program director, principal, dean of students, director of instructor, or lead trainer, this exciting program has what you need to advance to the next phase of your career!
Concordia University Wisconsin
Department of Graduate Education
Mequon, WI
Website
MS in Educational Administration (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $20,070
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $3,973 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Offered in a fully online format for superb convenience and flexibility
- Outstanding online experience includes a personal guide, online tutoring, and flexible course options
- Also offers:
- EdD in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement
- MS in Instructional Leadership (ESL Licensure, ESL/Bilingual Licensure, Gifted and Talented Licensure)
- Courses for Superintendent License, Principal License, Director of Instruction License, School Business Administrator License
Principal, Director of Instruction Licensure, or School Business Administrator… whatever certification area and educational role you have your sights set on; Concordia University Wisconsin’s MS in Educational Administration will get you where you want to be! This exciting course of graduate study, which offers a direct path to licensure in a number of educational leadership roles, is priced right and offered in a fully online format that today’s working educators demand. The MS in Educational Administration is laser focused on legal, financial, personnel, school safety, and other emerging issues faced by today’s educational leaders.
Carroll University
School of Education and Human Services
Waukesha, WI
Website
MS in Educational Leadership (low-residency)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,600
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $5,443 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: Courses for Principal License, Director of Instruction License, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services License
- Ranked among the top Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Named a Best Value School in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Designed as a low-residency cohort – students meet just one weekend per month over a 20-month period
- Superb faculty of experienced practitioners lead cohorts from start to finish
Your path to Principal and Director of Instruction Licenses and a new career in educational leadership has never looked so convenient or so affordable! Carroll University’s MS in Educational Leadership is offered in an engaging cohort where students meet just one weekend a month over a 20-month period. Each cohort is overseen by two instructors who follow the program through its entirety. You’ll feel great about choosing a program that comes complete with instructors who have extensive school and district leadership experience… coursework that’s responsive to the needs of the cohort… and learning experiences that are rich in practice.
Viterbo University
School of Education
La Crosse, WI
Website
MAED - Principal License and/or Director of Instruction License (online, hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,060
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $5,983 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Convenient, blended delivery features all online core courses
- Personalize your program with coursework leading to principal and/or director instructor licenses
- Also offers:
- MAEd - Director of Special Education and Pupil Services License
- MAEd with an Innovative Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching Certificate, Innovative Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching Certificate, Director of Instruction Certificate, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services Certificate, Principal Certificate, School Business Administrator Certificate, or Superintendent Certificate
- EdD in Ethical Leadership (option to combine with a Superintendent License)
Viterbo University’s MAEd – Principal License, Director of Instruction License offers unparalleled affordability and a direct path to licensure for busy, working educators with aspirations of advancing their career. Offer a superb blend of coursework that focuses on topics such as servant leadership, social justice, and educational equity, this exciting course of graduate study prepares leaders who can confidently lead diverse populations in 21st century schools. A blended delivery, which includes online core courses, ensures a convenient and flexible path to principal and/or director of instruction licenses!