Affordability isn’t a word that most people associate with states on the Pacific coast. Beautiful coastlines for sailing and surfing? Check. Majestic mountains with incredible powder runs for miles? You bet. Amazing culture, food, and cutting-edge software companies? We got ‘em.
Cheap colleges? Not so much.
The Pacific region is a land of opportunities and challenges for educators. High school graduation rates here are slightly lower than the rest of the country on average, yet overall educational attainment is higher. Incomes are well above average, yet so is poverty and homelessness. The region celebrates the diversity reflected in a population where almost 40 percent speak a language other than English at home. All these points tell the unique story of both the opportunities and challenges our school systems and educational leaders work with every day.
Livability is great in the Pacific region. Teacher salaries are some of the highest in the nation, but so are cost-of-living calculations.
Then there is Alaska, which brings its own unique frontier perspective into the picture. Not to mention the Aloha State, where high costs and a single school district state-wide make for an insular educational administration environment like no other.
Add it all up, and you’ve got a region where you can get a terrific educational administration degree and have a very rewarding career as an educational leader—but the upfront investment can be significant if you don’t know where to look.
In the Pacific Region You Can Have the Best of Both: A Top-Quality Education at an Affordable Price
With education playing a big part in both industry and culture on the West Coast, you can still find some bargains that get you the kind of training you need without breaking the bank.
We’ve got you covered with some of the most affordable private schools offering educational leadership degrees in the region. State-by-state, we’ve crunched the numbers to come up with top-value master’s degree programs leading to licensure in educational leadership. And every last one of them offers the assurance of quality that comes with attending an accredited private university.
If you have your eye on a school- or district-level leadership position in California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, or Alaska, then any of these degrees can get you there with a smaller investment than you might think.
The Most Affordable Administrator Prep Master’s Programs in Educational Leadership in the Pacific Region
California
Notre Dame de Namur University
School of Education
Belmont, CA
Website
MA in School Administration (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $25,500
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $276 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Top-notch faculty represents diverse academic and practical expertise
- Evening courses meet just twice a week for maximum convenience and flexibility
- Boasts a tightknit cohort learning environment
- Home to a 24/7, on-demand academic success center
Notre Dame de Namur University’s MA in School Administration is a dynamic graduate program that provides a clear path to California’s Preliminary Administrative Services credential. Comprised of a rich curriculum that covers essentials in leadership, management, finance, curriculum development, and more, the MA in School Administration is where aspiring educational leaders in the Belmont area are born! You’ll love the tightknit cohort learning atmosphere that includes twice-weekly evening courses designed to meet the scheduling needs of busy educators like you.
University of La Verne
LaFetra College of Education
La Verne, CA
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $23,925
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $1,851 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: EdD in Organizational Leadership
- Boasts an accessible, dedicated faculty and small class sizes
- Ranked sixth in the nation for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report
- Outstanding alumni network of 85,000+
A career in educational leadership and administration could be well within reach with the help of the University of La Verne’s MEd in Educational Leadership! This exciting graduate program satisfies all requirements for the Preliminary Administrative Services credential in California. The program is designed to prepare confident leaders who value the importance of building a supportive school culture. Your coursework, group and individual projects, and related field experiences all come together to provide real-world preparation for today’s school leadership careers.
University of Massachusetts Global
School of Education
Irvine, CA
Website
MA in Education - Educational Leadership and Administration with PAS Credential (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $22,935
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,841 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: MA in Education (Educational Leadership, Leadership in Early Childhood Education)
- Features an instructor-led, course-based online learning format
- Flexible start times and eight-week courses offer outstanding convenience
University of Massachusetts Global offers an MA in Education – Educational Leadership and Administration that leads to the California Preliminary Administrative Services credential. This program features a convenient online format that includes all the coursework and practical experiences necessary for a career as a principal. The curriculum here is delivered in an asynchronous format, thereby allowing you to study whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for you. There’s a lot to feel good about when choosing University of Massachusetts Global for your online graduate degree— the school has been a leader in teacher preparation and online course development for more than 20 years!
Vanguard University of Southern California
Division of Arts, Education and Humanities
Costa Mesa, CA
Website
MA in Education - Christian Education Leadership with Preliminary Credential (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $22,270
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $3,506 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- May be designed with or without a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
- Nationally recognized leader in Christian education
- Proud to be an Hispanic-serving institution
- Home to a dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and personalized instruction
- Also Offers: MA in Education-Teacher Leadership
Vanguard University of Southern California’s MA in Christian Education Leadership is your ticket to a California Preliminary Administrative Services credential and an exciting career in educational leadership and administration! This unique program combines all coursework and practical requirements necessary for your California credential, while also integrating the Christian faith into all aspects of the curriculum. Vanguard is an Hispanic-serving institution that features a top-notch faculty, small classes, and a superb level of personalized instruction.
Concordia University-Irvine
Servant Leader Institute, School of Education
Irvine, CA
Website
MAEd in Educational Administration (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $19,950
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $5,826 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Superb alumni network of 25,000+
- University is ranked among the Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report
- Offered in a flexible online or hybrid format for maximum flexibility
- Also offers:
- MA in Educational Leadership (MAEL)
- EdD in Leadership
- Bachelor’s in Christian Education Leadership
Concordia University – Irvine’s MAEd in Educational Administration is expertly designed for working educators and priced to please! This exciting cohort-based program, which prepares future leaders in private or public K-12 education, includes the full course sequence students need to earn their Preliminary Services credential and assume top roles in educational leadership and administration. Just some of the reasons you’re sure to love this program include your choice of an online or blended course format, outstanding mentorship from veteran practitioners, and the flexibility of multiple start dates throughout the year.
National University
San Diego, CA
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $19,890
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $5,886 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Offered in a fully online format – no residency requirements
- Outstanding, personalized attention to foster the growth of each student
- Earn your master’s degree in educational leadership in just 15 months
National University’s MEd in Educational Leadership is expertly designed to align with the needs of today’s busy, working adults! This dynamic course of study is offered in a fully online format and comes complete with new start dates every Monday, which means it’s easier and more convenient than ever to start and finish your master’s degree in educational leadership! Complete just ten courses to earn your degree here in just 15 months! The one-on-one learning model provides you with the personal attention you need, while the online format ensures that you’ll never need to sacrifice your personal and professional obligations to earn your graduate degree.
William Jessup University
School of Education
Rocklin, CA
Website
MAEd - Leadership and Research Concentration (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $19,800
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $5,976 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Online cohort model features seven- to eight-week classes
- Features a scholar-practitioner focus
- Home to an expert, industry-leading faculty
- Outstanding mentorship and leadership development
William Jessup University’s MAEd – Leadership and Research concentration offers a truly convenient and flexible online design and a direct path to California’s Preliminary Administrative Services credential. Here you’ll hone your skills as both a leader and an educator as you work toward becoming an educational administrator in the Golden State. This graduate course of study features two years of study, a scholar-practitioner focus, along with a strong research focus.
Touro University California
Graduate School of Education
Vallejo, CA
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $19,500
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $6,276 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Optional focus leading to a clear Administrative Services credential
- Extensive alumni network of 108,000+
- Outstanding completion rate of 97%
- Also Offers: EdD in Leading Innovative Diverse Organizations (LIDO)
The Touro University California MEd in Educational Leadership features a one-year course of study that includes the Administrative Services Credential preparation program. Offering a dynamic program that’s designed to prepare you to effectively and confidently manage and lead at the school, district, county, and state levels, Touro’s MEd in Educational Leadership includes a cohort design and an impressive 97% completion rate.
High Tech Graduate School of Education
San Diego, CA
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (on-campus, online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,000
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $7,776 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Cohort learning models
- Choose from an online program or an in-person residency program through one of the 16 high schools High Tech works with throughout San Diego
- The nation’s first graduate school that’s embedded within K-12 schools
- Ten-month in-person residency program matches you with a school director or teacher-leader in a K-12 project-based charter school
High-Tech Graduate School of Education offers an MED in Educational Leadership leading to a Preliminary Administrative Services credential. Whether on-campus or online, this program is expertly designed for working professionals who need flexible education options. Choose from either an online program that you can complete in just 20 months or an in-person residency program at one of the 16 High-Tech high schools in San Diego. Choose the online program and you’ll complete a one-week immersion course at the San Diego campus.
Hope International University
College of Education
Fullerton, CA
Website
MA in Educational Administration (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $15,750
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $10,026 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- College of Education is known for its small class sizes and superb, one-on-one mentoring
- Online format delivers superior flexibility
- Home to an esteemed faculty with real-world experience
Hope International University’s MA in Educational Administration is where you’ll develop the skills to become an effective administrator and leader. Whether you have goals of becoming a principal or superintendent, this exciting course of graduate study is designed to get you where you want to be. The curriculum features a rich blend of theory and practice and is taught by an esteemed faculty with real-world experience. Offered in a convenient and flexible online format, you can earn your graduate degree in educational administration in as few as 12 months!
Hawaii
Chaminade University of Honolulu
School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Honolulu, HI
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $25,200
Only private master’s program in educational leadership with an administrator certification option in Hawaii.
- Ranked among the Best Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report
- Named a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report
- Two special cohort options: 1) Educational Leadership – Hawai’i Association of Independent Schools and 2) Instructional Leadership – Teach for America
- Concentrations in Child Development, Instructional Leadership, Educational Leadership, Montessori Emphasis
- Also offers:
- MEd in Educational Leadership-Catholic Schools Leadership Program
- MEd in Instructional Leadership
- MEd in Child Development
- MEd in Instructional Leadership Teach For America Cohort
Aspiring educational leaders and administrators are sure to love Chaminade University of Honolulu’s MEd in Educational Leadership programs! These 100% online programs are built on a robust foundation of educational theory and child development and supported by a community of experienced scholars. Choose from one of four concentrations or participate in one of two special cohorts. Graduate with your master’s in educational leadership in just 18 months!
Oregon
University of Portland
School of Education
Portland, OR
Website
MEd – Principal License (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $24,804
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $4,547 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Ranked #1 private university in Oregon for value according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
- Ranked among the Best Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report
- Designed to address the needs of contemporary schools and districts
- Also offers:
- Post-master’s certificate-Professional Administrator
- MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs
- EdD (Concentrations in: School Leadership and Development-principal license; Organizational Leadership & Development-professional administrator license; Higher Education & Student Affairs)
Impressive and affordable, the University of Portland’s MEd – Principal Licensure program has everything you need to take the next step in your career in education! This highly regarded program is priced nearly $5,000 below the state average for similar programs, making it a clear standout among programs of its kind. This exciting course of study provides a solid exploration of the leadership and management needs of contemporary schools and districts, with courses like Cultural Responsiveness & Community Building; Policy, Ethics & the Law; Operations Management, Resource Allocation, and School Finance; and Human Resource Development, Growth, Supervision, and Evaluation.
George Fox University
College of Education
Portland, OR
Website
MEd in Principal License (Building-Level Leadership) (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $24,300
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $5,051 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Named a Best National University by U.S. News & World Report
- Home to a 100% Christian faculty and staff
- Ranked among the Best Western Colleges by the Princeton Review
- Also offers:
- MEd – P-12 Teacher Leadership
- EdD with options to add on a Professional Administrator License or Principal License
- EdD in Educational Leadership, Principal License, Professional Administrator License
George Fox University’s MEd in Principal License is more than $5,000 below the state average for similar programs and offered in the convenient and flexible online design that today’s busy educators demand. Other perks of this program include three start dates per year, a dedicated faculty of experienced practitioners, and options to complete the program according to your specific timeline. Complete this exciting course of study in as little as four semesters or as many as eight – the choice is yours!
Washington
Heritage University
College of Education
Toppenish, WA
Website
MEd in Educational Administration (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $26,720
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,387 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: Principal Residency Certificate
- Accelerated, one-year option for highly qualified candidates
- Features a dedicated faculty of experts in leadership and administration
Priced right and designed in a fully online format for outstanding convenience and flexibility, Heritage University’s MEd in Educational Administration offers a superb, streamlined pathway to Principal or Program Administrator Certification! This exciting course of study, which is designed to meet the needs of today’s experienced educators who have aspirations of advancing to leadership roles in K-12 systems, is home to a dedicated faculty of active superintendents, assistant superintendents, and principals with years of experience.
City University of Seattle
School of Education and Leadership
Seattle, WA
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership – Administrator Certificate (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $24,990
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $4,117 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Recognized as a Top 10 educator of adults nationwide
- Certification and non-certification tracks available
- One of the largest providers of principal certificates in Washington
- Superb, student-centered learning environment features a low, 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Also offers:
- EdD of Education in Leadership
- EdS in Educational Leadership
Priced nearly $3,000 below the state average for similar programs, you’re sure to love the affordability that the City University of Seattle’s MEd in Educational Leadership offers aspiring educational leaders and administrators like you! Expertly designed for practicing educators, this program features a fully online format for outstanding convenience and flexibility and a direct path to Administrator certification. On-campus classes are also available, if in-person learning suits you best. Choose the MEd in Educational Leadership here and you’ll be part of a program that has a reputation for being one of the largest providers of principal certificates in Washington!
Whitworth University
School of Education
Spokane, WA
Website
MEd in Educational Administration + Principal Certification (low-residency)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $24,300
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $4,807 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Unique, cohort learning environment features seminar-style courses
- Convenient and flexible format features online study complemented with once-monthly Friday evening and Saturday online classes
- Superb faculty boasts years of experience working in Washington public schools
With a price tag that places it nearly $4,000 below the state average for similar programs, the MEd in Educational Administration through Whitworth University is a clear winner for value for even the most budget-conscious. Expertly designed to meet the needs of today’s busy, working educators, this program features a unique, hybrid format that combines online study with just one on-campus Friday evening and Saturday class per month. It’s designed as a cohort for an engaging, collaborative learning experience, with seminar-style learning providing outstanding opportunities to network with your peers. You’re also sure to love the program’s esteemed faculty who have years of experience working in Washington’s public schools.
Gonzaga University
School of Education
Spokane, WA
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $20,400
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $8,707 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: EdD in Educational Leadership, Principal Certification
- Certification and non-certification tracks available (non-certification program offered online)
- Ranked among the nation’s top universities by U.S. News & World Report
- Named among the nation’s Best Colleges by the Princeton Review
Gonzaga University’s MEd in Educational Leadership offers outstanding affordability and an optimal learning environment for aspiring educational leaders and administrators! Delivered as a cohort, with classes offered in the evenings and weekends, depending on the needs of the cohort. Each cohort is assigned a faculty advisor who works directly with the students throughout the entire program. This exciting course of study is designed to prepare educators for principal certification and to become more effective, ethical, and informed leaders in the K-12 environment.