In this article, we profile the top 30 accelerated online master’s in educational leadership programs.
Elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education administrators typically need a master’s degree. Employers look for candidates with experience working in the field and an advanced educational background. Many principals and educational leaders have earned a master’s in educational leadership. We reviewed a pool of schools that offer accelerated master’s in educational leadership online programs. These programs offer a quick path toward earning your specialized M.Ed.
Top 30 Accelerated Online Master’s Educational Leadership Programs Methodology
We looked at 272 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered at least one master’s in educational leadership online degree program. We narrowed our original selection of schools by applying the following criteria: regional or national accreditation, degree completion time of less than two years, and rankings with a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed the schools in order of raw affordability.
Below is our list of the top 30 accelerated master’s in educational leadership online degree programs.
Ranking the Top Accelerated Online Master’s Degree Programs in Educational Leadership
#30 – Boston University
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $51,716
Boston University’s master’s in educational leadership online degree program consists of only five semesters. The program is fully online and takes just under two years to complete. Courses run seven weeks in length, and students typically take two classes each 14-week semester. Online courses include campus ecology, concepts of history, governance and decision-making, legal issues, research and assessment, and social justice perspectives. Three start dates add to the flexibility of the program. These start dates occur in September, January, and May. The program is fully accredited but does not lead to teaching licensure. U.S. News and World Report ranks Boston University #42 in best national universities.
#29 – University of Indianapolis
Online Master’s Educational Leadership
Indianapolis, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $36,102
University of Indianapolis offers a fully accredited online master’s in educational leadership. The program is designed for educational professionals with Saturday classes and an online learning model. Curriculum is rooted in project-based and problem-solving learning activities. Classes are taught by seasoned instructors, educators, and principals. These classes include balancing management and leadership to ensure school success, leading school wide improvement through professional development, school finance and operations, school law for principals, and using data to build high-performing learning cultures. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #38 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #64 in best value schools.
#28 – Lehigh University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,280
The master’s in educational leadership online degree program at Lehigh University serves as entry into the study of how K-12 educational organizations function. The degree also serves as a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing the doctoral degree in educational leadership at Lehigh. Also, a new accelerated M.Ed. and principal certification is now available and takes only 15 months to complete. For the educational leadership master’s online program, classes are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include data based decision making, diversity, leadership of self and groups, and organizational leadership and change management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lehigh #53 in best national universities.
#27 – California Lutheran University
Online Master’s Educational Leadership
Thousand Oaks, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,150
One of the more affordable educational leadership online programs on our list is the online master’s in educational leadership at California Lutheran University. This 30-credit program takes only 12 months to complete. It is considered to be a hybrid program with 40% of requirements fulfilled online. The accelerated format allows students to enter the program in the summer and complete their degree during hiring season. Courses include current social, cultural, and political issues in education; educational leadership – managing resources; and educational leadership – school law and public policy. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #15 in best regional universities in the West and #11 in best value schools.
#26 – Barry University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Miami, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,820
In as little as 12 months, students can earn an M.Ed. educational leadership online degree from Barry University. This accelerated master’s program is designed for educators who want to pursue leadership roles in state and out of state schools. The program is delivered 100% online with classes taught by university faculty who teach on campus. Courses include educational decision making, emerging technologies and educational leadership, ethics and communication for leaders, leadership for assessment and accountability, methodology of research, and school personnel administration and development. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s from an accredited school, no teaching certification, two years of teaching experience, and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. U.S. News and World Report ranks Barry among the top 300 best national universities.
#25 – Northcentral University
Online M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership
San Diego, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,526
One of the top accelerated online master’s in educational leadership is the instructional leadership degree at Northcentral University. In this 100% online program, students will learn practical solutions to modern education issues. The program consists of 30 credits and ten courses, which take 15 months to complete. All classes are taught by doctoral faculty. Students gain one-on-one mentorship by doctors in the field of education. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s in education or closely related degree and satisfactory undergraduate GPA. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Northcentral among the unranked national universities. However, the online graduate education programs rank #224-#291 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#24 – Gonzaga University
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Spokane, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,845
One of the top educational leadership online programs on our list is offered by Gonzaga University. This 30-credit program is delivered across an accelerated four-semester format and allows students to earn their degree in less than two years. Successful applicants hold bachelor’s degrees from accredited institutions, offer satisfactory undergraduate GPAs, and provide two recommendation letters. All classes are delivered online and are taught by university faculty. Some of the online classes required include cultural competence and development, evidence informed decision making, leadership and inquiry, leadership – curriculum and instruction, and research and data analysis. U.S. News and World Report ranks Gonzaga #4 in best regional universities in the West.
#23 – Concordia University
Online Master’s in Educational Administration
River Forest, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,360
Concordia University’s accelerated online M.Ed. is designed for students who seek a quick route to earning leadership and administration credentials. The program does not lead to state licensure. Courses are delivered online, and the program may be completed in as little as 12 months or up to two years. Courses include curriculum and assessment – frameworks for student learning, ethics of school leadership, instructional leadership, school finance and business management, school law, and supervision and improvement of instruction. U.S. News and World Report ranks Concordia #72 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #44 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #88 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#22 – Regis University
Online Master’s Educational Leadership
Denver, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,852
Regis University offers an M.Ed. educational leadership online program designed for working professionals. The program moves at an accelerated pace with online classes that run five weeks in length. With the accelerated program, students are eligible to earn their principal license within 12 months. Courses include community and communications leadership, educational policy and organizational leadership, ethical and reflective leadership, human resources leadership, instructional leadership, and school strategy and sustainability. U.S. News and World Report ranks Regis #26 in best regional universities in the West and #32 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #197 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#21 – Immaculata University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Immaculata, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,780
Immaculata University offers a master’s in educational leadership online degree program with classes presented online and year-round. The flexible program allows students to enroll on a part-time or full-time basis and complete their coursework at an accelerated pace. Required courses include contemporary professional ethics, curriculum and instruction, human development, interpersonal relations, instructional needs of educational leadership, and methods of research. Administrative and instructional tracks are also available. U.S. News and World Report ranks Immaculata #183 in best national universities. Affordable graduate tuition, school rankings with U.S. News and World Report, and accreditation earn it a top spot on our list of accelerated master’s in educational leadership online programs.
#20 – Montclair State University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Montclair, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,481
The online master’s in educational leadership program at Montclair State University consists of 36 credits. The fully online format is designed for working educators. Students focus on one course per session, and each course lasts eight weeks. With summer enrollment and fast-track options, students may earn their master’s degree in just 14 months. Required courses include curriculum and assessment, effective leadership in a diverse society, ethical leadership and decision making, leading curriculum change for student achievement, school finance, and transformative leadership practices. Admission requires the GRE, but with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, the GRE may be waived. U.S. News and World Report ranks Montclair #169 in best national universities and #90 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #21 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#19 – Eastern Washington University
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Cheney, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,059
One of the most affordable educational leadership online programs on our list is offered by Eastern Washington University. The accelerated M.Ed. is designed to complete in just 12 months. Coursework is delivered 100% online, and the program offers seven start dates per year. Admission requires no GRE, though an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is needed. Typical course requirements include current issues in education, methods of educational research, philosophy and organization of American schools, and transformation of learning and teaching. Specialization courses include school administration and school law. U.S. News and World Report ranks EWU #77 in best regional universities in the West and #24 in top public schools.
#18 – Old Dominion University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Norfolk, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,904
Old Dominion University’s accelerated online M.Ed. in PK-12 educational leadership emphasizes leadership for school improvement and professional management. The program is open to individuals with a bachelor’s degree and satisfactory work experience in education. Courses are delivered online and taught by Old Dominion’s experienced faculty. A total of 120 hours of internship hours are embedded throughout the required content coursework. U.S. News and World Report ranks Old Dominion #215 in best national universities and #121 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #83 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#17 – Mississippi College
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Clinton, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,222
Mississippi College offers an online master’s in educational leadership degree program that moves at an accelerated pace. The program is 100% online and consists of 36 credits. Seven-week terms allow students to move through their required coursework at a quick rate. Courses include information management dimension of leadership, introduction to administrator preparation, organizational dimension of educational leadership, personal and interpersonal dimension of leadership, and school law. Successful admission to the program requires a minimum of three years of teaching experience, professional test scores, and a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #32 in best regional universities in the South. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #224-#291 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#16 – Gwynedd Mercy University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,813
One of the most affordable educational leadership online programs on our list is offered by Gwynedd Mercy University. The 33-credit online program leads to K-12 principal certification for those seeking credentials. The program moves at an accelerated pace and allows students to earn their master’s degree in just 20 months. Courses include curriculum and instructional supervision, educational leadership, human resources and staff development, research skills for reflective practitioners, school law and policy issues, and school resources management. To be admitted to the program, applicants must have obtained a bachelor’s from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0, have at least three years of teaching experience, and provide two supervisory reference letters. U.S. News and World Report ranks Gwynedd Mercy among the top regional universities in the North.
#15 – Grand Canyon University
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,555
Grand Canyon University offers an accredited fast online master’s in educational leadership designed for working and licensed educators. The 30-credit program allows students to earn their degree with flexible online classes and career-minded curriculum. Classes are taught by full-time GCU faculty. These courses include developing and empowering instructional leaders, developing and implementing professional development, educational administration, educational law, shaping school culture, and strengthening curricular programs to promote continuous school improvement. U.S. News and World Report ranks GCU #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, the graduate education school has received rankings and recognition from U.S. News in recent years.
#14 – Austin Peay State University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Clarksville, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,215
Austin Peay State University’s M.Ed. educational leadership online is a NCATE-accredited program administered 100% online. The program offers multiple start dates, flexible online courses, and an accelerated pace that promises program completion in as quick as 12 months. Courses run seven weeks in length, and the program consists of a total of 30 credits. Courses include administration of special services programs, human resources administration, instructional technology for school leaders, introduction to school leadership, schools and community relations, and supervision of curriculum and instruction. Admission requires an active teaching license with three full years of experience. U.S. News and World Report ranks Austin Peay #85 in best regional universities in the South. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #190 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#13 – University of West Florida
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Pensacola, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,062
University of West Florida offers an accelerated online M.Ed. with educational leadership certification. This program is fully online and designed to be completed in just 18 months. The program prepares individuals who want to pursue professional educational roles as principal, vice principal, or dean. To be admitted, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, offer an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, and have current teacher certification. All courses are delivered online and include administration of school personnel, foundations of measurement, introduction to school finance, leadership in education – school improvement theory and practice, principles of curriculum development, and the principalship. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #230-#301 in best national universities.
#12 – University of Louisiana
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Monroe, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,984
The master’s in educational leadership online degree program at University of Louisiana is a fast-paced and rigorous program designed to complete in just 15 months. With 100% online coursework and eight-week terms, students earn their degree at an accelerated rate. Courses include instructional leadership, instructional supervision, leadership theory and practice, managing school and district resources, multicultural education perspectives, and teacher leader – improving school performance. Admission requires a current teaching certification, three years of teaching experience, and an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution among the top 300 best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #157 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#11 – University of Arkansas
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,571
The fast M.Ed. educational leadership online degree program at University of Arkansas features a 100 percent pass rate on the School of Leaders Licensure Assessment. This program is fully online and designed to complete in approximately two years or less. Admission requires three letters of recommendation and a copy of a valid and active teaching license. Admission is rolling throughout the year. Some of the required courses include analytical decision making, ethical leadership, research for school leaders, and school organization and administration. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks University of Arkansas #152 in best national universities and #78 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #56 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – Oklahoma State University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Studies
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,197
Oklahoma State University’s online master’s in educational leadership is an accelerated degree program designed to be completed in just 18 months. Courses are delivered in a hybrid fashion with a mix of online and in the classroom meetings. The program structure caters to working educators with unique and flexible education needs. Courses run eight and sixteen weeks in length. These courses include developing educational organizations, education law, leadership theory and ethical decision making, research design and methodology, and supervision and instruction. Admission requires three recommendations from administrators, supervisors, or faculty and MAT or GRE scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #157 in best national universities and #80 in top public schools.
#9 – Lamar University
Online M.Ed. in Educational Administration
Beaumont, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,112
Lamar offers an accelerated online M.Ed. with specialization in educational administration. This program is accredited, ranked, and fully online. A total of 30 credits make up the program with rigorously planned coursework designed to complete in just 16 months. Some of the required courses include curriculum management, fundamentals of leadership and technology, leadership for accountability, organization and management issues, school community relations, and school law. To be admitted to the program, students must have a valid teaching certificate and minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or better. GRE waivers are given to applicants with undergraduate GPAs of 3.0 or better. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lamar a top national university. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #115 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#8 – Louisiana State University
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Shreveport, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,349
One of the most affordable educational leadership online programs on our list is offered by Louisiana State University. The accredited and accelerated M.Ed. in educational leadership consists of 11 courses and a completion time of just 12 months. Coursework is delivered online and prepares students for the School Leaders Licensure Assessment. Some of these courses include creating a professional learning community, facilitating human resource development and empowerment, funding public education, legal and ethical issues in education, mobilizing the community, and technology leadership in schools. U.S. News and World Report ranks LSU #107-#141 in best regional universities in the South. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #224-#291 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#7 – University of North Texas
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Denton, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,165
The University of North Texas offers an accelerated online M.Ed. with a concentration in educational leadership. This program is designed for professional educators with an active teaching license. The 30-credit online program requires 10 educational leadership classes and offers five available start dates throughout the year. If students take two courses each eight or ten week session, they may earn their master’s degree in as little as 12 months. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of North Texas among the top 300 best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #4 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#6 – The University of Texas
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Edinburg, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,719
The University of Texas offers an accelerated online M.Ed. with a specialization in educational leadership. The program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better or satisfactory GRE scores. Applicants should also have a teaching certificate with a minimum of two years of teaching experience. Courses are delivered online, and the estimated program length is just 10 months. Required courses include curriculum leadership for school improvement, ethics and school law, instructional leadership, instructional leadership for diverse learners, and socio-cultural contexts of education. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Texas #230-#301 in best national universities.
#5 – Tarleton State University
Online M.Ed. in Educational Administration
Stephenville, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,695
Tarleton State University’s online M.Ed. educational leadership degree program prepares students for college campus level and administrative office roles. For those interested in working at the college level, a concentration in higher educational leadership is now available. The program consists of 30 or 33 credits (without or with a concentration) and takes approximately 18 months to complete. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and valid teaching experience. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Tarleton State University #91 in best regional universities in the West and #35 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #224-#291 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – American Public University System
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Charles Town, West Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,600
The M.Ed. educational leadership online degree program at American Public University System is a quick paced program that takes up to two years to complete. There are three optional concentrations available to students earning the M.Ed. in educational leadership: K-12 non-certification in athletic administration, K-12 non-certification track, or the K-12 non-certification virtual school track. Admission to the program requires an accredited bachelor’s degree and documented three years of teaching or managerial experience in a school setting. Courses are delivered online and include education law, emerging issues and trends in education leadership, personnel and human resources management, and research methods in education. U.S. News and World Report recognizes APU among top regional universities in the South.
#3 – Arkansas State University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,121
One of the most affordable educational leadership online programs on our list is offered by Arkansas State University. This fully accredited program requires the completion of 36 credits and takes 20 months to complete. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree and valid teaching license to be considered for admission. All courses are delivered online and include administration and supervision of special education, curriculum management, ethical leadership, school and community relations, school law, supervision and evaluation of teaching, and theories of instruction. U.S. News and World Report ranks Arkansas State #95 in best regional universities in the South and #38 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #180 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#2 – Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Durant, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,022
The online master’s in educational leadership at Southeastern Oklahoma State University is an accelerated program designed to complete in as little as 12 months. Online courses are taught by experienced faculty, and classes are delivered fully online. Classes include administration of special programs, fundamentals of curriculum development, introduction to education research, school administration, school and community relations, school operations management, and supervision and instruction. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a satisfactory undergraduate GPA of at least 2.0, though 2.75 or higher is preferred. U.S. News and World Report ranks Southeastern Oklahoma State #96-#127 in best regional universities in the West.
#1 – Fitchburg State University
Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Management
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $3,828
Fitchburg State University offers the most affordable master’s in educational leadership online program on our list. The 33-credit degree offers online coursework and an accelerated pace that allows students to earn their master’s degree in just 12 months. This non-licensure program has 100% online courses taught by university professors. These courses include curriculum and assessment for leadership, education law for the administrator, managing human resources and budget development, researching perspectives in education, and supervision and feedback for professional development. U.S. News and World Report ranks Fitchburg State #137 in best regional universities in the North and #44 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #224-#291 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for master’s in educational leadership online degree programs?
Master’s degrees, or more specifically an M.Ed., are required for educational leadership and administration roles. Specific admission requirements for master’s in educational leadership online degree programs vary by school and program, but general criteria are the same. By reviewing our list of accelerated master’s in educational leadership online programs, we found the most common admission requirements.
The most common requirement for an online master’s in educational leadership degree is a bachelor’s degree in education from a regionally accredited college or university. In addition to the earned bachelor’s, undergraduate GPA stipulations may also be needed. Some of the top ranked and most competitive schools and programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00, while others require a minimum of 2.5. Official transcripts are nearly always required as part of the application so that degree and GPA may be verified.
In addition to the above requirements, letters of recommendation are a critical element of the application. Some programs require letters of recommendation from professors, while others ask for at least one from an industry professional.
Test scores may also be required, though are not common requirements among most of the programs on our list. In some cases, though, satisfactory GRE scores may be needed if the applicant’s undergraduate GPA falls short of the minimum requirement.
What can I do with a master’s in educational leadership online degree?
Graduates with a master’s in educational leadership online degree qualify for a variety of leadership roles. The most common job titles you will now qualify for include assistant principal, vice principal, or head principal (though certification is required); administrative positions at elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools; deans and department heads at postsecondary schools; and headmasters at private schools.
Administrators in school settings help manage curriculum, support and train teachers, work to create a safe learning environment for students, and oversee school operations. Most leadership roles in school and postsecondary institutions, such as colleges or universities, require a master’s degree. You can earn an M.Ed. with a concentration in educational leadership that will qualify you for these administrative roles.
Many head leadership roles, such as principal, college provost, or dean of students positions require an earned master’s and experience. Some master’s in educational leadership online programs provide students with opportunities to complete an internship or gain industry experience prior to graduation. In fact, some programs implement internships and experience as part of the graduation requirements. This means that when a student graduates from one of these programs, they are a more qualified job candidate, as they bring with them the required education and valid industry experience.
What is the average time to complete a master’s in educational leadership online degree?
Generally, a master’s in educational leadership online program requires 30 to 36 credits and can take anywhere between 12 months and two years to complete. Accelerated programs are available, and most take 12 to 18 months to complete. Full-time study is often required to complete the degree at an accelerated pace, though many part-time programs are available.
All of the master’s in educational leadership online programs on our list take less than two years to complete. Some programs require students to enter and take classes in sync with other students as part of a cohort group, while others allow students to work at their own pace. Cohorts typically have preset start and finish dates.
Students should expect to earn an accelerated master’s in educational leadership online degree in about 12 to 15 months when enrolled on a full-time basis. Part-time options are available, but may take longer to earn the degree.
The duration of a master’s program varies by institution. If you desire earning a master’s in educational leadership quickly, be sure to evaluate the program requirements. Some programs allow you to set your own pace while others do not. Full-time enrollment, though, is the fastest route to an online master’s in educational leadership.
What is the career outlook for individuals with a master’s in educational leadership online degree?
Elementary, middle, and high school principals can expect a favorable job outlook over the next eight years. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a projected growth of eight percent, about as fast as the average of all other occupations. This slight increase in growth is expected due to student enrollment and the number of educational institutions. When a school is built, principals are needed.
Postsecondary administrators should also expect a favorable job outlook through the year 2026. A ten percent job growth is anticipated due to increasing student enrollment in colleges and universities. As people consider going back to school to accomplish career goals, administrators will be in demand. High level leadership jobs in postsecondary education, such as deans and provosts, will be limited due to the set number of vacant positions per institution.
Job growth will also depend on state and local budgets. Budget constraints can delay the fulfillment of administration jobs. Also, when districts close schools, employment growth is limited. However, as the large baby boom generation nears retirement, a spike in job opportunities may become available. This is especially true for principal and administration positions.
How much will I make with a master’s in educational leadership online degree?
According to PayScale, a global compensation research organization, the average pay for an education administrator at an elementary or secondary school is $70,251. These jobs include principals and vice principals of elementary, middle, and high schools or secondary schools. The highest earners made in excess of $110,000 per year while the lowest earners made less than $41,000 per year.
Experience greatly impacts earnings potential for school principals and vice principals. PayScale reports entry-level education administrators with less than five years of experience can expect an average total compensation of $51,000. An experienced education administrator with ten to twenty years of experience can expect to earn $73,000 on average.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual wage for postsecondary education administrators in May 2017 was $92,630. The lowest ten percent earned less than $53,000 while the highest ten percent earned more than $182,000. The highest earners worked in private colleges, public universities, and also state, local, and private institutions and reported an average median wage of $94,320. Junior colleges, such as community colleges, reported a slightly lower median annual wage of $87,520. The majority of postsecondary education administrators work full time and year-round. However, summer hours may be reduced.
CVO Staff
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