Save thousands on an accredited online Ed.S. program in educational leadership! Browse through our 2026 rankings of the Most Affordable Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership Rankings
Our goal was to find you the cheapest online education specialist programs in the country that were under $20k. Our method was to meticulously research tuition rates & fees for every relevant distance learning degree in our database! You’ll see a quote for the total cost of the degree at the head of each profile. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re comparing your options:
- Program Costs: We’re quoting 2026 tuition rates. At public universities these rates tend to rise each year, so budget for a slight increase if you’re planning on 1.5-2 years of study. Some schools will “lock-in” tuition rates so you’re not paying extra.
- Program Focus: To create a level playing field for tuition research, we’ve focused on PreK-12 educational leadership programs, especially at the district level (non-licensure and licensure). However, we’ve also included a link to other online education specialist degrees offered by the university—they will have a similar price and may be better suited to your career goals!
- Licensure Tracks: We’ve excluded online Ed.S. programs that were only open to candidates with in-state credentials. But we decided to include any licensure-focused programs that were open to out-of-state applicants. Considering an online program for certification purposes? Check out our advice section on online Ed.S. licensure.
- Tuition Rates: We did a lot of research to nail down the correct rate for the program! Schools usually offer online Ed.S. programs at an online, graduate, or doctoral rate. Occasionally, schools will have a unique rate for their Ed.S. offerings.
- In-State vs. Out-of-State: If a public university charged different rates for residents & non-residents, we always opted for the out-of-state rate. Fortunately, plenty of online Ed.S. programs are the same price for all students, regardless of their location in the USA.
- Mandatory Fees: Schools love to tack on extra fees! These can take the form of technology fees, distance education fees, university services fees, and more. We’ve included any mandatory fees in our calculations. However, you’ll also have to budget for one-off costs (e.g. application fee) and course materials.
- Minimum Credits: The typical format for Ed.S. programs is 30-36 credits (e.g. 10-12 courses). This is assuming you already have a master’s degree. Some schools will consider applicants with a bachelor’s degree, but that means your program would rise to 60+ credits.
- Per Credit vs. Per Semester: Many online education specialist programs have a simple “per credit” rate, which makes it easy to calculate the total cost. For any programs that charged by the semester, we estimated that an Ed.S. would take 5 semesters of part-time study to complete (e.g. 6 credits per semester). Opt for a full-time plan of study (e.g. 9+ credits) and you may pay less!
- Accreditation: All schools had to be regionally accredited in order to qualify for our affordable rankings. We’ve also flagged any school with CAEP accreditation. This may be an important consideration for your state licensing board if you’re thinking of using an online degree for certification purposes.
- Non-Profit vs. For-Profit: Almost all of the schools in our rankings are non-profit universities. However, we were willing to consider for-profit schools if they held both regional and CAEP accreditation.
15 Cheapest Schools with Online Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Programs
1 Fort Hays State University
Minimum Program Cost: $10,464
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $348.78
CAEP Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Non-Licensure
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
Snagging the top spot is FHSU’s eminently affordable Online Ed.S. in Education Innovation & Leadership for PreK-12 educators! It’s a non-licensure education specialist degree that can be customized to suit almost any interest—the curriculum leans heavily on leadership issues. You’ll create your own leadership portfolio and have the choice of a capstone or an Ed.D. proposal for your final project. Take 6 credits per semester and you’ll be finished in 5 semesters.
A few important things to note! The CAEP-accredited College of Education doesn’t offer an Ed.D., so you’ll need to check that Ed.S. credits will be transferable to another school if you’re considering a doctorate in the future. Admissions are pretty open, but candidates must have a 3.25 GPA to apply. And a number of other online Ed.S. concentrations are available, including one for aspiring superintendents that’s accredited through the Kansas State Department of Education.
What to Know About the Cost
FHSU is a public university in Kansas, but it charges the same online tuition rates for all students, regardless of their state of residency. There are no hidden fees. See the Comprehensive Fee Schedule for more info on one-off costs (e.g. application fee) and the Financial Assistance Office for help with loans and scholarships.
2 Arkansas State University
- Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Superintendency
- Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Principalship
Minimum Program Cost: $10,500
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $350
CAEP Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Superintendent or Principal
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
Ready to move up the ladder? A-State’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Superintendency is a pragmatic, low-cost program for aspiring district-level leaders. The 18-month curriculum covers everything from school business management to curriculum theory and culminates in a 14-week supervised internship. Just be sure to visit the Online Programs Map and check with your state’s education agency before applying from out-of-state!
And tidy up your résumé. A-State wants to see U.S. candidates with a 3.25 graduate GPA, a standard active teaching license as a Building-Level or Curriculum/Program Administrator; 3 years of experience as a certified teacher in an educational institution; and 1 year of building-level or curriculum/program administrative experience. Aiming for a principal position? Check out the similarly priced Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Principalship.
What to Know About the Cost
A-State has a straightforward tuition structure for online graduate students. In-state and out-of-state residents are charged the same rate and all fees are included in the cost per credit. Because of admission requirements, this program is not open to international applicants. A-State Online students are not eligible for A-State scholarships, but the Financial Aid & Scholarships office does have guides for graduate students.
3 University of Central Arkansas
Minimum Program Cost: $10,890
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $363
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Principal or Superintendent or Program Administration
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
UCA’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership (EDLP) comes in two PreK-12 flavors—building-level and district-level. Concentrations are built around a core of relevant credits (e.g. Program Planning & Evaluation) and finish up with a supervised internship. Anyone in the second strand receives thorough preparation for the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA)—the EDLP program has a 100% pass rate.
UCA is happy to consider out-of-state candidates, but it asks you to check with your state education agency and contact the education specialist program coordinator before applying. Graduate applicants will also be expected to have a minimum 3.0 GPA on any graduate coursework. Because it’s a typical 30-credit program, we’re predicting it will take you 1-2 years to earn this degree.
What to Know About the Cost
Starting in Fall 2024, UCA began offering online graduate degree & certificate programs at a special online tuition rate, regardless of a student’s residency status or location. Better yet, this flat per credit rate includes all fees. Ask the program coordinator for a budget of one-off expenses. For example, courses that have a key assessment will require a subscription to the Chalk & Wire Anthology Portfolio. Then visit the UCA Financial Aid Office to learn more about funding avenues.
For More Information:
4 Gordon College
- Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership – Public School Administration (Non-Licensure)
- Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership – Public School Administration (Licensure)
Minimum Program Cost: $12,075
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $390 + Administrative Fee
CAEP-Accredited: No
Licensure Track: Optional for MA Educators (Supervisor/Director or Principal or Special Education Administrator or Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent)
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
Gordon College’s affordable online Ed.S. for public school administrators is open to a range of candidates, but it’s worth noting that Gordon is a small Christian school. So courses will be taught from a religious perspective. The non-licensure program consists of 9 credits in educational & moral leadership, 15 credits in areas like school law, finance, and personnel, and a capstone experience/action research project. If you’re a Massachusetts educator, you can opt for the licensure track.
For Christian educators, this might be the ideal program. Candidates are expected to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, but Gordon will consider applicants with lower GPA thresholds on a provisional basis. The Herschend School of Education also offers unusual Ed.S. programs in Christian & Classical Christian School Administration that feature live Zoom classes in the spring & fall and in-person residencies in the summer. The Classical program even travels to Italy!
What to Know About the Cost
Graduate programs in education at Gordon are charged at a low tuition rate of $390 per credit hour. However, there will be an additional administrative fee of $75 per semester. We’ve included that fee in our calculations, with an estimate time to finish of 5 semesters. Additional one-off expenses might include the practicum fee, application fee and graduation fee. If you’re considering the Christian or Classical Schools program, there will be a much higher tuition rate and room & board expenses for the residencies.
5 American College of Education
Minimum Program Cost: $12,410
Minimum Credits: 34
Cost Per Credit: $306 + Technology & Library Fee
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Non-Licensure
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
Even though ACE is a for-profit college, it is regionally accredited and CAEP-accredited. So you may wish to investigate its Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership if you’re looking for a non-licensure degree with a convenient 18-month schedule. The curriculum is quite broad in its scope—you’ll be taking courses on leadership, financial management, global perspectives, and organizational behavior.
Another unique feature? This education specialist program has a low threshold of entry. The minimum GPA is 2.5 for full admission, but ACE will consider folks with a 2.0-2.4 GPA for provisional admission. International candidates are welcome to apply. There are multiple start dates per year and an Online Ed.D. in Leadership is available for those who wish to take the next step.
What to Know About the Cost
ACE provides a sample budget on the program website. The cost per credit is $306, but you’ll also have to pay for a $59 per credit technology and library fee. To keep things fair in our calculations, we’ve excluded the one-off fees for application & conferral in our tuition quote. But the total cost will be $12,660 when you factor those into the equation. A variety of payment plans and grants are available, but ACE does not participate in Title IV federal funding.
6 Arkansas Tech University
Minimum Program Cost: $12,528
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $417.57
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Superintendent
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
District-level leaders, here’s another affordable Arkansas contender to consider! Arkansas Tech’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership for superintendents features all the key courses required for licensure, including credits in school finance, school personnel, and legal issues. You’ll tackle a District Internship and complete a portfolio that reflects School Leaders Licensure Standards adopted by the state of Arkansas.
As always, check with the Ed.S. program coordinator if you live out-of-state. Arkansas Tech notes that applicants must hold a Standard Teaching License and Administrative License, but we didn’t see any specific restrictions for non-residents. Graduates have a 100% pass rate on the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) exam and work in school districts throughout the country. Credits from this education specialist program can also be applied to the Hybrid Ed.D. in School Leadership.
What to Know About the Cost
We used ATU’s tuition calculator to calculate the cost per credit for the online Ed.S. The figure of $417.57 includes the baseline tuition rate plus all of the mandatory fees. This rate is the same for in-state, border state, and out-of-state students. International students pay an additional $50 per semester international student service fee. You’ll also be on the hook for one-off costs like the $100 internship fee. Payment plans are available.
For More Information:
7 Northwest Missouri State University
- Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership – Generalist
- Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership – K-12
- Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership – Superintendent
Minimum Program Cost: $13,080
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $436
CAEP-Accredited: No
Licensure Track: Optional for MO Educators (Principal or Superintendent)
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
Education leaders can save a bundle with Northwest’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership – Generalist. It features 12 hours of required courses in district-level issues and a whopping 18 hours of electives. You can customize the curriculum for almost any area of Pre K-12 interest. Or you could consider one of the similarly priced education specialist degrees with licensure tracks.
This non-licensure Ed.S. is open to candidates with a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA. Applicants are also expected to have a valid classroom teacher certificate or the equivalent; see the Admissions section for a list of alternative documents (e.g. GRE scores). They’re estimating 12 months for completion, but this will be on a full-time schedule. You may want to budget for 18 months!
What to Know About the Cost
Even though Northwest is a public university, tuition rates are the same for all students, regardless of location. All fees are included in the cost per credit, so it’s easy to calculate the total tuition. Additional one-off costs will include things like textbooks and course materials. Visit the Student Resources section for online students for advice on financial aid & payment options.
8 Southeast Missouri State University
Minimum Program Cost: $13,194
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $439.80
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Superintendent or Principal or Special Education Director
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
You can have your pick of K-12 licensure tracks with Southeast’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Administration. The program will prepare you for certification as a superintendent, career principal (K-8/7-12), or career special education director (K-12). Skim through the Curriculum Checklist to learn about each pathway. The Superintendency track would feature 6 credit hours of internship within your school district.
Southeast is happy to consider anyone with a valid professional teaching certificate and two years of classroom teaching experience, but the bar is high for entrance—education specialist candidates should have a minimum graduate 3.5 GPA. Probationary admission may be available for those with lower GPAs. Take 6 credits per semester and you’ll be finished in 5 semesters. You can begin at any time of the year.
What to Know About the Cost
Tuition for this Ed.S. is charged at a special online rate for graduate students—the cost per credit that we’ve quoted includes all general fees. Southeast also provides a helpful list of additional one-off fees such as enrollment. SEMO also offers an Installment Payment Plan (IPP) where you can pay your semester charges monthly.
9 Valdosta State University
Minimum Program Cost: $14,060
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $395 + Online Learning Fee
CAEP-Accredited: No
Licensure Track: Optional for GA Educators (Tier II: Principal, Superintendent or Teacher Leader)
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
VSU’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is firmly focused on building & system-level training. You’ll be expected to complete 12 hours of core coursework in PreK-12 leadership and 18 hours of leadership performance-based activities. These activities can range from a school action research project to developing a budget. See the course descriptions in the graduate catalog for more details. (Teacher leaders should investigate the similarly priced Online Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership.)
Although it’s primarily geared toward Georgia educators who are working toward a Tier II Georgia certificate, this program is open to out-of-state applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA. (Folks with a 2.75-2.99 GPA can submit GRE scores.) In the admission section, VSU strongly encourages non-resident candidates to contact their respective state licensing agency prior to submitting an application.
What to Know About the Cost
The Online Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership is classified as a Georgia On My Line (GOML) program. That means it’s charged at a higher rate than the standard eTuition rate. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same price. In our tuition estimate, we’ve also included the per semester $442 online learning fee for 5 semesters.
10 Ferrum College
Minimum Program Cost: $14,625
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $475 + Technology Fee
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Non-Licensure
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
Are you a teacher looking to grow into leadership roles? You may want to put Ferrum’s low-cost Online Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership & Coaching on your shortlist. It’s 100% online with no synchronous/live elements and can be dusted off in 1-2 years. The practical curriculum has a nice balance of teaching & leadership skills. And all Ed.S. students complete a capstone field experience & electronic portfolio.
Because it’s a non-licensure program, the admission process is relatively simple. Within your application, you’ll need to provide proof of a teaching license (or relevant experience for non-licensed applicants) and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Folks with a 2.75-2.99 GPA can provide supplemental materials.
What to Know About the Cost
Ferrum is a small private college in rural Virginia, so tuition rates are the same for all students, regardless of their location. In addition to the per credit cost, Ferrum charges a $75 per semester technology fee and a one-off graduation fee. We included the technology fee in our calculations, based on an estimated finishing time of 5 semesters. Active-duty military are eligible for a 50% tuition discount.
11 University of Alabama
Minimum Program Cost: $14,700
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $480 + College of Education Graduate Fee
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Teacher Leader
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
The title says it all—UA’s cohort-based Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership (Teacher Leader P-12 Certification) is designed to lead to Alabama Class AA certification in Educational Leadership, but it is open to aspiring teacher leaders in other states. The curriculum features a wide variety of leadership & specialist topics (e.g. Ethical and Legal Issues), as well as a comprehensive exam.
Talk to the Ed.S. program coordinator & read the section on state authorization if you’re applying from out-of-state. All applicants are expected to have a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA, a valid master’s level professional educator certificate in any teaching field or area of instructional support, and a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience in a P-12 setting.
What to Know About the Cost
UA charges the same distance learning tuition rate for all graduate students, regardless of their state of residency. As an education specialist student, you’ll also be responsible for the College of Education’s small per credit fee for graduate courses. We’ve included that fee in our quote. Funds are available for online graduate students—check out the sections on UA Online Scholarships & Grants for more info.
12 University of Arkansas
Minimum Program Cost: $15,380
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $512.66
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Superintendent
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
The march of affordable Arkansas programs continues! U of A’s cohort-based Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is designed for aspiring district-level leaders. You’ll complete the usual array of courses in school governance, finance, and legal issues before tackling a Specialist Project and a 6-month internship under the guidance of a mentor. U of A has a 100% first-time pass rate on the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) exam.
Ready to apply? Candidates are expected to have a master’s degree in an education-related field & building-level certification. The program kicks off in the fall semester so education specialist students can progress together. Everyone needs to be available for synchronous/real-time online meetings on Wednesday evenings in the fall and spring semesters.
What to Know About the Cost
At U of A, all online students pay in-state tuition—see the Estimated Cost table on the program website. U of A is quoting the graduate rate for the College of Education and Health Professions. Online students are also responsible for mandatory fees—including library, network & data systems, off-campus, and online facilities fees—so we’ve added those to the cost per credit. Need help with the bill? Check out the section on Paying for College.
13 University of South Dakota
Minimum Program Cost: $15,492
Minimum Credits: 32
Cost Per Credit: $484.10
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Superintendent
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
USD offers two pathways to superintendency licensure—an on-campus Ed.D. and a 100% Online Ed.S. in Educational Administration and Leadership – School District Superintendent. The online curriculum hits the main pressure points for district leaders, including Public School Finance. It also features a mandatory field-based internship and comprehensive exam.
Out-of-state candidates should read the fine print in the Graduate Catalog and review the State Licensure Map. USD is happy to consider non-residents, but it does note that “there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota.” Talk to the education specialist program coordinator and your state education agency about how the internship could be handled.
What to Know About the Cost
The Ed.S. is classified as an online program for tuition purposes, which simplifies calculations no end. In-state and out-of-state graduate students pay the same per credit tuition rate; there are no additional mandatory fees. We’ve used 32 credits for our estimate—that’s the minimum number of credits required beyond a conferred master’s degree.
14 University of Southern Indiana
Minimum Program Cost: $15,522
Minimum Credits: 30
Cost Per Credit: $496.94 + Fees
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Superintendent
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
District-level licensure is the name of the game with USI’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. Within the curriculum, you’ll find courses in legal issues, special education policy, school finance, and the like, as well as an internship that’s spread over 3 semesters. Better yet, it’s a stackable credential—all of the credits can be transferred to the 60-credit Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
As you might expect, this Ed.S. program is built around requirements for the Indiana Superintendent’s license. However, USI will consider candidates with a valid teaching license & viable explanation for why they want to pursue the degree (talk to the Ed.S. program coordinator about your goals). It will also be looking for a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher on your master’s degree.
What to Know About the Cost
All graduate students enrolled in an online program at USI are assessed at the resident tuition rate. But there will be a number of additional fees, including the per semester university services fee (4-7 credits per semesters) and the per semester comprehensive learning fee (for less than 12 hours). We’ve factored those fees into our calculations, using 5 semesters as the typical time to finish.
For More Information:
15 University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Online Ed.S. in Administration, Planning and Policy (Non-Licensure)
- Online Ed.S. in Administration, Planning and Policy (Licensure)
Minimum Program Cost: $15,690
Minimum Credits: 33
Cost Per Credit: $470 + Fees
CAEP-Accredited: No
Licensure Track: Non-Licensure; Principal for MA Educators
Affordable Ed.S. Overview
Do you currently work in a school system? Looking to hone your leadership skills? UMass Lowell’s Online Ed.S. in Administration, Planning and Policy is a non-licensure program designed for candidates with at least 3 years of full-time PK-12 professional experience. Massachusetts educators seeking to become principals should investigate the Online Ed.S. in Administration, Planning and Policy (Licensure) with two mandatory principalship practicums. Both programs are 33 credits.
The Non-Licensure program is remarkably thorough, with core courses in areas such as principalship, supervision, and curriculum & instruction. You’ll also have the chance to explore pragmatic topics such as managing resources & finances, program evaluation, and school policy & law. The degree culminates in a Ed.S. seminar which involves the in-depth study of a PK-12 education challenge and the development of a product that addresses the issue.
What to Know About the Cost
The baseline price for UMass Lowell’s Ed.S. was $470 per credit in 2026. However, all Ed.S. students are expected to pay additional fees. For our estimate, we used the tuition calculator and created a per semester cost estimate for 6 credits/6 semesters (part-time). That equates to $2,850 per semester and $15,690 in total. If you decide to study full-time (9 credits per semester), the total cost would be slightly less ($15,630).
For More Information:
Affordable Online Ed.S. Rankings Continued: #16-30
| School | Program | Licensure Track | Minimum Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16. | Fitchburg State University (MA) | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and Management (Non-Licensure) | Non-Licensure | $15,795 |
| 17. | Pittsburg State University (KS)* | Online Ed.S. in Advanced Studies in Leadership – General School Administration Emphasis | Superintendent | $16,020 |
| 18. | Lincoln Memorial University (TN)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership (Non-Licensure) | Non-Licensure | $16,082 |
| 19. | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (IL)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Administration with Principal Preparation Specialization | Principal | $16,471 |
| 20. | University of Wisconsin-Superior (WI) | Online Ed.S. in Educational Administration — Superintendent District Administrator | Superintendent | $16,980 |
| 21. | Henderson State University (AR) | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership (District Level) | Superintendent | $17,130 |
| 22. | Campbellsville University (KY)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Administration (Principal, Supervisor of Instruction and DPP) | Principal | $17,169 |
| 23. | Auburn University at Montgomery (AL)* | Online Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership | Instructional Leadership | $18,135 |
| 24. | Indiana State University (IN)* | Online Ed.S. in School Administration | Superintendent | $18,690 |
| 25. | Trevecca Nazarene University (TN)* | Online Ed.S. in Accountability and Instructional Leadership | Instructional Leadership | $18,960 |
| 26. | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (TN)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership (Without Endorsement) | Non-Licensure | $19,295 |
| 27. | University of Missouri – Columbia (MO)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Elementary & Secondary School Principal Certification | Principal | $19,467 |
| 28. | Old Dominion University (VA)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership – Administration & Supervision with Licensure | Administration & Supervision | $19,470 |
| 29. | Indiana Wesleyan University (IN)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership | Non-Licensure | $19,500 |
| 30. | University of Idaho (ID)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership | Principal or Superintendent or Special Education Director | $19,590 |
* Indicates CAEP-Accredited
How to Choose From the Cheapest Online Ed.S. Programs
You’ll discover a smorgasbord of intriguing online Ed.S. programs in our affordable rankings. If you’re having trouble making a decision, we’ve got some tips to help you sort the wheat from the chaff:
- Check the Admission Requirements: Schools are all over the show when it comes to baseline requirements for the online Ed.S. Some may expect candidates to have a high GPA threshold (e.g. 3.25-3.5); others may want to see specific evidence of your teaching experience. Make sure you’re eligible to apply before you put an education specialist program on your shortlist.
- There May Be More Ways to Offset Costs: Discuss your plans with your employer, school district, and the Ed.S. program coordinator before making a decision. You may be eligible for tuition reimbursement schemes, graduate scholarships, loan forgiveness programs, and partnership discounts. Belong to an educational leadership association (e.g. NASSP)? Find out if they offer any scholarships, fellowships, and/or university partnership deals.
- States Don’t Play By the Same Rules: For example, Arkansas and Missouri schools are offering some of the cheapest prices in the country to any applicant. But schools in the Southeast are often uninterested in out-of-state candidates. We had to exclude almost every school in Georgia and Alabama from our rankings because their online Ed.S. programs were limited to candidates with state-specific qualifications.
- Out-of-State Candidates Will Have Homework: If you’re interested in licensure or certification, you will need to check with your state Department of Education and the Ed.S. program coordinator before applying. There’s no guarantee that an out-of-state online program will be accepted by your state—see our licensure section for more on this challenge. In addition, some online Ed.S. programs may contain fieldwork & practicums that have to be completed within the state.
- Consider Both Affordability and Quality: Many of the programs in our rankings of the cheapest online Ed.S. degrees also appear on our list of the best online Ed.S. degrees. This means you don’t have to compromise on quality to find a program that fits your budget. By reviewing both rankings, you can choose an Ed.S. program that offers a great balance of cost and reputation.
- Ed.S. Programs Can Act as a Stepping-Stone: Folks often pursue an education specialist degree in order to earn certification/licensure, qualify for a pay raise, or make up for gaps in their training (e.g. educational administration). But remember, too, that credits from a cheap Ed.S. may be transferable to an Ed.D. in the future. If you are thinking of applying for high-level leadership roles, find out if the online Ed.S. is a stackable credential.
What’s the Deal with Online Ed.S. Licensure Programs?
Role of Online Ed.S. Licensure Programs
To keep up with the demand for credentials, many universities now offer Ed.S. programs that are designed to help you achieve specific licenses, certifications, upgrades, and endorsements. Online study means you can continue to work while you tick the boxes required by your state. In the realm of educational leadership, licensure is usually required for administrative roles like:
- Superintendent
- Assistant Superintendent
- Principal
- Teacher Leader
But there are also oodles of online education specialist licensure programs designed for subject-specific roles, including Special Education Director, Curriculum Director, Instructional Technologist, and a whole lot more. Your State Education Agency (SEA)/Department of Education will have all the details on certification & licensure requirements. Use this NCES tool to find the website link for your state’s Department of Education.
Affordable Online Ed.S. Licensure Programs for In-State Students
As a general rule, online Ed.S. programs with licensure tracks are designed to meet requirements laid down by the state’s Department of Education. For example, aspiring superintendents are often required to complete a specific set of courses, an internship and/or field experiences in their school district, and exams like the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA).
- This means the easiest route for certification is to choose a low-cost, in-state education specialist program (online or hybrid) that has been approved by your Department of Education. Most Departments post a list of state-approved programs on their website.
- Not seeing what you want in our affordable rankings? Use our listings to locate online Ed.S. licensure programs within your state. Some of these programs may offer special tuition discounts to local school partners or scholarships to local students.
Affordable Online Ed.S. Licensure Programs for Out-of-State Students
But let’s say you really dislike the schools in your area that are offering licensure & certification Ed.S. programs. Can you opt for a cheap out-of-state alternative? Possibly.
- First, you will need to check with your state’s Department of Education to learn if out-of-state online Ed.S. programs are eligible for licensure prep. For instance, some states may insist that the university has regional accreditation and/or CAEP accreditation before they even consider an out-of-state program. All schools in our affordable rankings are regionally accredited; we’ve flagged any school with CAEP accreditation.
- Accreditation isn’t the only hurdle. Your Department of Education may also insist that an education specialist licensure program include in-person elements like internships, field experiences, and practicums. For instance, aspiring superintendents are often required to complete an internship in their school district under the guidance of a mentor. An out-of-state program should allow you to tackle these elements in your home state.
- Your next step is to talk to the online Ed.S. program coordinator. Are out-of-state applicants even considered? Have any students from the program gone on to achieve licensure in your state? Will the curriculum cover the knowledge needed for state-specific exams and content knowledge (e.g. educational law)? Does the curriculum contain any courses that only apply to that state and no others (e.g. Kansas Principalship)?
Online learning is still a murky area for licensure, so don’t be afraid to check & double-check with your Department of Education and the online Ed.S. program coordinator. Unless education prices in your state are high, you may find that it’s easier to keep it simple and opt for a state-approved program in your area.