East North Central Region – The Most Affordable Educational Leadership Administrator Prep Master’s Programs

Most Affordable Educational Leadership Degree East North Central RegionEducation 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.

See how we identified the most affordable educational leadership degrees offered at private universities in the East North Central region.

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

National Louis University

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.

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

North Central College

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.

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

Lewis University

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.

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

North Park University

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.

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

Aurora University

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.

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

Bethel University

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.

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

Indiana Wesleyan University

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.

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

Marian University

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.

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

university of indianapolis

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.

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

Concordia University Ann Arbor

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.

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

Cornerstone University

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.

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

Calvin University

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.

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

notre dame college

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.

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)

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.

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

Franciscan University of Steubenville

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.

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

ohio dominican university

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.

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.

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

xavier university

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.

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

Wisconsin Lutheran College

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.

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

Concordia University Wisconsin

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.

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

Carroll University

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.

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

Viterbo University

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.

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!

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