The West North Central region of the country covers a big swath of wide open territory—the emptiest parts of the Midwest. But the fact that folks tend not to stop here on their way through to the coasts has never bothered anyone who lives, works, and teaches new generations of students here in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
It’s long been the breadbasket of the country and the beating heart of America. That’s not changing anytime soon.
And while economic turmoil roils a lot of the surrounding regions, unemployment here remains some of the lowest in the country. And let’s not forget, it’s also the greatest place on earth to raise a family.
Educators are both respected and in-demand here, but that doesn’t necessarily make it easy to become a principal or school superintendent. With relatively few schools offering the specialized master’s programs in educational leadership required for those jobs, you can have a tough time finding something that fits your needs—and your budget.
Affordability Fits the Ethic of Tough and Independent Midwesterners
But a good challenge is just another workday for folks in this part of the country. You and your ancestors have been rising to meet the challenges presented by both man and nature for generations already. Finding a way to get the education you need to qualify as a principal or superintendent without breaking the bank probably won’t even crack your top ten list.
Still, it’s nice to have a little help, and that’s where we come in! We’ve put together this list of the most affordable private school graduate programs in educational administration in each state in the West North Central region. If you are interested in seeing the exact criteria we used to select schools that are both effective and affordable, you can find it right here.
But you won’t have to worry about coming away with the kind of solid foundations in educational administration that Midwesterners respect from any of these schools. And you can do it on a budget that meets the needs of someone raised on thrift and value.
The Most Affordable Administrator Prep Master’s Programs in Educational Leadership in the West North Central Region
Iowa
Northwestern College
Orange City, IA
Website
MEd in Educational Administration + Principal Endorsement (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,580
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $3,188 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: MEd in Teacher Leadership
- Named a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked among America’s Best Colleges by Forbes
- Convenient and flexible online format features eight-week courses and an asynchronous design
- Graduate in two years or less
Offered at more than $3,000 below the state average among similar programs and in a convenient and flexible online design that aligns with the needs of today’s busy, working educators, Northwestern College’s MEd in Educational Administration an outstanding degree for aspiring educational administrators and leaders like you! We love the eight-week courses here that allow students to work at their own pace and the embedded internship that puts theory into practice. Study whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for you and graduate in less than two years! Your Principal endorsement is just 37 credits away!
Dordt University
Sioux Center, IA
Website
MEd in School Leadership (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,150
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $3,618 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: MEd in Sport Leadership, MEd in Teacher Leadership
- Ranked among a Best Value School in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Optional accelerated format can be completed in as little as 14 months
- Home an engaging faculty with real-world experience
Dordt University’s MEd in School Leadership is priced nearly $4,000 below the state average among similar programs and offered in a fully online format that makes taking the next step in your career to leadership and administration easier than ever! You’re sure to love the dynamic, collaborative coursework of this program and the engaging faculty with extensive, real-world experience. You can either choose a two-year course of study or an accelerated format that allows you to earn your degree in as little as 14 months. Your Initial Administrator license and a new career in educational leadership and administration is closer than you think!
Kansas
Benedictine College
Education Department
Atchison, KS
Website
MA in School Leadership (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $10,725
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $3,020 below the state average for similar programs.
- Ranked among the Top Regional Colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Tightknit, engaging cohort learning environment
- Synchronous online format offers unmatched flexibility and convenience
Benedictine College’s MA in School Leadership features an affordable price tag you’re sure to love (it’s nearly $6,000 below the state average among similar programs) and a flexible, online format that makes earning your master’s degree easier and more convenient than ever. This program features a synchronous online learning environment that’s designed as a cohort for outstanding collaboration and communication. As you work toward your P-12 administrator’s license, you’ll study alongside a group of your peers in an engaging, distance-based environment.
Missouri
Calvary University
Graduate School
Kansas City, MO
Website
MSEd - Administration and School Leadership concentration (on-campus, online, hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $15,660
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $232 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Grounded in a biblical worldview
- Outstanding flexibility – choose on-campus or online courses or a blend of the two
- Superb guidance and mentorship from a world-class faculty
Calvary University’s MSEd – Administration and School Leader concentration offers an affordable path for educators like you looking to further your career in education. Here you’ll take courses in Instructional Leadership, Diversity & Equity in Schools, Educational Technology in Schools, Principalship, and Community Relations that are designed to arm you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to effectively and confidently assume building- and district-level leadership positions. You’re just 36 credit hours away from advancing your career and meeting the qualifications for a career in administration!
William Woods University
Fulton, MO
Website
MEd in Education Leadership (on-campus, online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $15,075
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $817 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: EdD, EdS) in Educational Leadership, EdS in Curriculum Leadership
- Largest certifier of school leaders in Missouri
- Outstanding alumni network of 20,000+
- Ranked among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
William Woods University’s MEd in Education Leadership is priced below the state average for similar programs and offered in a both an on-campus and online format to suit your specific needs. This dynamic course of study features a robust blend of coursework, practical experiences, and certification preparation to prepare students to assume building-level leadership roles with confidence. Just some of the topics explored in this program include school administration, school management, curriculum development, and supervision. You’ll study current research, educational trends, legal frameworks, and cultural issues as you elevate your understanding of building-level leadership. Take evening courses and you can complete your program in about two years!
Hannibal-LaGrange University
Division of Online and Graduate Studies
Hannibal, MO
Website
MEd in Administration (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $14,850
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $1,042 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Choose a K-12 Principalship or Special Director program track
- Fully asynchronous online courses allow students to study whenever and wherever it’s most convenient
- Eight-week courses offer superb flexibility
- Graduate in as little as 12 months
Hannibal-LaGrange University’s MEd in Administration offers a superb value, a fully asynchronous online format, and your choice of a K-12 Principalship or Special Education Director program track. We love the online framework here, which features convenient, eight-week courses that allow students to graduate in as little as 12 months. Built on a biblical foundation, the MEd in Administration is designed to hone your management and leadership skills as you study topics such as ethics and integrity, curriculum and instruction, school supervision, school business and facilities management, school law, and more.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
School of Education
Town and Country, MO
Website
MAEd - Educational Administration with Principal Certification (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $13,470
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,422 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: EdD in Teacher Leadership, EdD in Educational Leadership, EdD in Higher Education Leadership
- Ranked among America’s Top Colleges by Forbes
- Ranked among America’s Best Colleges by Money Magazine
- Superb communication and collaboration offered through a small cohort program design
- Classes meet just one night per week for outstanding convenience
Maryville University of St. Louis’ MAEd in Educational Administration with Principal certification boasts everything you’d want in a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration. It’s affordable (priced more than $2,000 below the state average among similar programs) and dynamic, and it features small class sizes, real-world learning experiences, and unmatched personal advising and mentorship from experts in the field of educational administration. It’s designed as a cohort of about 12 to 20 students who learn and network together throughout the course of the program. Classes here meet just one night per week for maximum convenience!
Avila University
School of Education
Kansas City, MO
Website
MAEd in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $10,500
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $5,392 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: EdS in Educational Leadership-Superintendent
- Named a Top Performer for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report
- Offers superb convenience – most courses are taught in an asynchronous online format
- Convenient, eight-week courses
Avila University’s MAEd in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification boasts a superb value… a flexible, online format…and a convenient course schedule that aligns with the needs of today’s working educators. Designed for experienced educators who are prepared to assume roles at the building level, this program comes complete with a superb faculty of professional administrators, real-world experiences (much of the coursework includes embedded, field-based experiences), and convenient, eight-week courses. It also features a focus on Restorative Relationship theories – creating a positive school environment by addressing student and staff issues in an inclusive and productive manner.
Evangel University
College of Online Learning
Education Department
Springfield, MO
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $9,600
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $6,292 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Home to an esteemed faculty of expert practitioners
- Fully online format boasts outstanding convenience and flexibility
- Three, convenient start dates per year
Evangel University’s MEd in Educational Leadership is priced more than $6,000 below the state average among similar programs, making it a leader in affordability in Missouri! It’s also offered in a convenient and flexible online format that accommodates the busy schedules of today’s working educators. This 30-credit hour program, which is taught by an esteemed faculty of experienced practitioners, skillfully prepares students to assume roles as building-level administrators. It also provides extensive preparation for Missouri licensing and three, convenient start dates per year!
Nebraska
Midland University
Walker School of Education
Fremont/Omaha, NE
Website
MEd in Leadership Teaching and Learning – Principal Endorsement (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,600
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,349 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Also offers: MS in Sport Administration and Leadership
- Convenient, eight-week courses provide maximum convenience for working educators
- Superb convenience via an engaging, online learning format
Midland University’s MEd in Leadership Teaching and Learning – Principal endorsement is offered at an outstanding value and delivered in a fully online format for today’s busy, working educators. This exciting program prepares educational leaders with the skills and knowledge to build a culture of learning and foster inclusive and equitable learning environments for the schools and communities they serve. We love the convenient, eight-week courses that ensure maximum convenience for full-time educators. Your move to educational administration and leadership has never been closer!
Doane University
College of Education Graduate
Lincoln/Omaha, NE
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,420
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,529 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Certification and non-certification tracks available
- Offered at the Omaha and Lincoln campuses for maximum convenience
- Diverse student body features students from 40 states and 26 countries
- Engaging cadre format encourages outstanding collaboration and communication
Doane University’s MEd in Educational Leadership is priced right (it’s about $2,500 below the state average among similar programs) and offered at the school’s Lincoln and Omaha campuses for maximum convenience and flexibility! This exciting course of graduate study begins in the summer, with all students moving throughout the program as part of a cadre. Students earning the graduate degree only will complete 36 credit hours, while students seeking PK-12 certification will complete 45 credits.
Concordia University Nebraska
Seward, NE
Website
MEd in Educational Administration with Principal Endorsement (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,240
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $2,709 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Ranked among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
- Choose from primary or secondary (or a dual concentration track for both) school administration concentration tracks
- Convenient and flexible eight-week online courses can be taken at your own pace
- Home to a faculty of distinguished experts in the field of school administration
Concordia University Nebraska offers the MED in Educational Administration with Principal Endorsement, an affordable, engaging graduate program that’s delivered in the online format busy, working educators demand. This exciting program features a series of eight-week online courses that you’ll take at your own pace. A faculty of distinguished experts in the field of school administration… opportunities for real-world training… and coursework delivered through a Christian Lutheran lens are just some of the many features of the MEd in Educational Administration. Choose Concordia University Nebraska for your grad degree in educational administration and you’re just 24 to 36 months away from Michigan certification!
North Dakota
University of Mary
Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Bismarck, ND
Website
MEd in School Administration (online, hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,240
Only private master’s program in educational leadership with an administrator certification option in North Dakota.
- Also offers: MEd in Special Education Leadership, EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration, MEd in Teacher Leadership
- Options to choose online and on-campus courses on a course-by-course basis for maximum flexibility and convenience
- Home to an expert faculty of practicing educators and administrators
The University of Mary’s MEd in School Administration boasts affordability at its finest and a flexible hybrid or online design that makes earning the degree that will take you from educator to administrator easier than ever! Choose from a fully online or blended format and you’ll graduate in as little as one and a half years. The blended format features summer classes at the main campus in Bismarck. Just a few of the perks of this exciting course of graduate study include a dedicated faculty of experienced, practicing educators and administrators… a practical-based program that allows you to immediately apply what you’ve learned… and options to choose on-campus courses that can be taken at one of the university’s many satellite campuses. Choose your preferred method of delivery on a course-by-course basis – the choice is yours!
South Dakota
University of Sioux Falls
Fredrikson School of Education
Sioux Falls, SD
Website
MEd in Educational Leadership (K-12 principal certification) (hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $13,365
Total tuition for an educational leadership master’s degree comes in at $68 below the state average for similar programs at private universities.
- Outstanding convenience and flexibility offered through a blend of on-campus and online courses
- Choose from a two- or three-year course of study
- Also offers:
- MEd in Educational Administration/Adult and Higher Education
- EdS-Principal or Superintendent
The University of Sioux Falls’ MEd in Educational Leadership offers excellent value and a unique, hybrid course delivery that makes earning your degree easier and more convenient than ever! This focused course of graduate study features a streamlined path to K-12 principal certification in South Dakota and a career as a competent and ethical leader who can assume building-level leadership roles with confidence. From collaborating with leadership teams to ensuring effective instructional leadership to implementing a vision for safe schools, this program has what you need to succeed as an educational leader and administrator!