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Educational Administration and Supervision programs show dramatic cost variations, with Stone Child College charging just $5,580 net while private institutions like Holy Family University reach $12,251. The $7,000 gap between lowest and highest costs reflects different institutional models serving future school leaders. Public universities dominate the affordable options, though Western Governors University breaks this pattern with its competency-based online format at $10,442. Graduation rates span from Arkansas Baptist College's concerning 8% to Holy Family's strong 60.40%, suggesting program quality varies significantly within this price range. The field connects directly to America's 130,000 public schools and 34,000 private schools, all requiring trained administrators. School districts nationwide face leadership shortages, particularly in rural and urban areas where many of these affordable programs operate. Students entering this field typically advance from teaching positions, making cost-effective graduate education essential for career progression. The $29,845 median earnings reflect entry-level administrative roles, though this increases substantially with experience and larger district positions.
35
Programs
$5,580 – $19,164
Net Price Range
$30,879
Avg. Program Earnings
48.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

35 Educational Administration and Supervision Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,580 $3,610 32.5%
2 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
3 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
4 $8,471 $8,050 46.0% 83.1%
5 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
6 $10,442 $8,300 50.9%
7 $11,139 $8,760 8.0%
8 $11,800 $9,212 25.7%
9 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
10 $12,233 $26,110 44.4% 97.0%
11 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
12 $12,267 $10,110 47.6%
13 $12,458 $9,212 18.1%
14 $14,085 $18,382 46.6% 59.2%
15 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
16 $14,814 $9,212 30.9%
17 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
18 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
19 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
20 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
21 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
22 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
23 $16,512 $9,212 14.1%
24 $16,931 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
25 $18,227 $12,715 57.9%
26 $18,289 $15,340 50.0%
27 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
28 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
29 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
30 $18,470 $13,546 40.0%
31 $18,847 $11,982 62.5%
32 $19,037 $37,732 56.6% 96.5%
33 $19,071 $10,899 53.2%
34 $19,113 $15,117 51.0%
35 $19,164 $14,710 58.4% 89.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate spread from 8% to 60.40% among affordable programs?

Arkansas Baptist College's 8% graduation rate represents an extreme outlier, while schools like Holy Family University achieve 60.40% completion rates. Student support services, faculty resources, and admission selectivity contribute to these differences. Programs with higher acceptance rates above 90% like Trinity Washington University often serve working professionals who face competing priorities that affect completion.

How do public and private costs compare for Educational Administration programs under $20,000?

Public institutions like Stone Child College and UT Rio Grande Valley offer net costs between $5,580 and $11,882. Private nonprofits show greater variation, from Universidad Adventista at $8,471 to Holy Family at $12,251. The $3,000 average difference reflects private institutions' higher sticker prices despite substantial financial aid.

Is Western Governors University's $10,442 cost competitive for online administration degrees?

Western Governors University's competency-based model at $10,442 sits in the middle range for these affordable programs. Its 50.90% graduation rate matches the national average for online programs. The flat-rate tuition structure allows motivated students to accelerate completion, potentially reducing total program costs.

Does the $29,845 starting salary justify these program investments?

The $29,845 median represents entry-level administrative positions, often assistant principal or department head roles. Most graduates see salary increases to $50,000-$70,000 within five years as they advance to principal positions. Given net costs under $15,000 for most programs, the return on investment becomes positive relatively quickly.

Where do graduates from these affordable programs typically find employment?

Public school districts in rural and suburban areas hire most graduates from these cost-effective programs. States like Texas, New Mexico, and Ohio face administrator shortages, creating strong job markets. Many programs maintain partnerships with local districts, with 70% of graduates staying within their program's region for their first administrative role.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.