In this ranking, we profile the top 30 most affordable masters in leadership online programs.
Effective leaders share important qualities, such as impeccable communication skills, emotional intelligence, strong ethical convictions, and a strategic outlook on the future. For most leadership roles, adequate education and work experience are also required. Thankfully, giving up your current management or leadership position is not necessary. Masters in leadership online programs are available from top-ranked, accredited, and affordable institutions. Online programs offer a flexible learning environment, especially beneficial for working students.
Top 30 Most Affordable Master’s in Leadership Online Programs Methodology
We reviewed over 75 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered masters in leadership online programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: national or regional accreditation, institution rankings with at least one major publication like U.S. News and World Report, and affordable graduate tuition and fees less than $20,000 per year. We then listed our results according to raw affordability.
Below are the results of our list of top 30 most affordable masters in leadership online programs.
#30 – Norwich University
Online Master’s in Leadership
Northfield, Vermont
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,360
Norwich University’s masters in leadership online degree program earns a spot on our list of top online leadership programs. Offering four concentrations of study and tuition less than $20,000 per year, the program provides a career-focused degree that fits for working professionals. The program takes 18 months to complete and requires only one week on campus to satisfy the residency requirement. Delving into a niche area of leadership is possible through one of the available concentrations offered by the program. These concentrations allow students to tailor their degree in areas like human resources leadership, leading change management consulting, organizational leadership, and public sector and government/military leadership. Norwich ranks with U.S. News and World Report in the most recent publication of Best Colleges. In fact, 2020 rankings include #66 in best regional universities in the North and #158 in top performers on social mobility.
#29 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
The fully accredited online masters in organizational leadership at Southern New Hampshire University is a fast-paced program that takes 15 months to complete. Students work at their own pace, taking as many classes as they want to take each term. To finish the degree in 15 months, two courses per term are required. All courses through SNHU’s online leadership program are delivered online. These courses cover topics like human behavior in organizations, leading change, organizational leadership, responsible corporate leadership, and strategic human resource management. Good news for applicants without a current GRE or GMAT score. Admission to the program does not require any graduate entrance exams. SNHU ranks with U.S. News and World Report #1 in most innovative schools and #92 in best regional universities in the North.
#28 – Michigan State University
Online Master’s in Management Strategy and Leadership
East Lansing, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,132
The fully accredited and affordable online masters in leadership program at Michigan State University takes 20-24 months to complete. Fully online, the program offers convenient classes designed to accommodate busy and working students. A total of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree. Five areas of study prepare students for all aspects of business and leadership. These areas include decision making, human resource management, leadership, strategy, and team management. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor’s degree and at least three years of full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role. According to U.S. News and World Report, Michigan State ranks #84 in best national universities.
#27 – Creighton University
Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,376
The online masters in organizational leadership program at Creighton University is designed to prepare students with the leadership skills necessary to inspire and impact positive change in the workplace and community. In addition to the masters degree, optional certificates may be picked up in areas like bioethics, healthcare management, integrative health and wellness, and negotiation and conflict resolution. A total of 36 credits are required to satisfy the degree stipulations. Core courses include communicating and leading across cultures, innovation and adaptive change, leadership theory application and reflection, and writing for graduate students. Creighton, a private institution, ranks with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, current rankings include #104 in best national universities.
#26 – Azusa Pacific University
Online Master’s in Leadership
Azusa, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,362
Azusa Pacific University’s masters in leadership online program consists of 36 credits and is accredited by the WSCUC, formerly WASC. The program offers full-time and part-time enrollment options that begin each fall and spring. All classes are delivered online and some weekend classes are available. Some of the required courses taken in the online masters in leadership program include applied research, creative and collaborative leadership, leadership development and practice, research methods and design, and systems and strategic planning for leaders. Azusa Pacific ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 228th best national university and 75th top performer on social mobility.
#25 – Gonzaga University
Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Spokane, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,045
When ranking online masters in organizational leadership programs, we found that Gonzaga University offers affordable and accredited degree programs. The online MA in organizational leadership program offers four concentrations designed to allow students to tailor their degree. These concentrations delver deeper into the organizational leadership discipline, covering topics in change leadership, global leadership, servant leadership, and strategic and organizational communication. All classes, delivered online, are taught by Gonzaga’s esteemed professors. Some of the courses required for the program include communication and leadership ethics and organizational behavior and theory. U.S. News and World Report ranks Gonzaga among top institutions. In fact, Gonzaga’s rankings include #79 in best national universities.
#24 – Saint Joseph’s University
Online Master’s in Organization Development and Leadership
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,992
Saint Joseph’s University’s online masters in organizational leadership degree program develops professionals for careers in leadership. The online MSODL is an interdisciplinary degree that serves an alternative to the more traditional business degrees. Courses emphasize all aspects of organizational leadership and are taught by Saint Joseph’s faculty. Courses cover topics like leading teams, organizational change and culture, organizational development, and organizational leadership. According to U.S. News and World Report, Saint Joseph’s University ranks #10 in best regional universities in the North. Additional rankings include the graduate online business programs, such as the masters in organization development. These programs rank #30 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed.
#23 – California Baptist University
Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Riverside, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,130
An online masters in organizational leadership degree from California Baptist University provides specific training in leadership across cultures. The 30-credit online program requires applicants have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Once admitted, students take a number of online courses that cover topics in business, leadership, and organizational development. These courses include conflict resolution and negotiations, foundations of organizational leadership, managing human capital, and organizational communication. The WASC-accredited program also gains recognition from prestigious publications like U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges. In fact, some of the school’s rankings include #43 in best regional universities in the West.
#22 – St. Bonaventure University
Online Master’s in Strategic Leadership
Saint Bonaventure, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,590
Earning a masters in leadership online degree from St. Bonaventure University prepares students for careers as leaders in various organizations and businesses. The program is designed to go beyond the traditional, management-focused MBA by providing holistic online classes that emphasize leadership. Courses cover unique leadership courses like global leadership, leading change, leadership and diversity, and organizational structure and behavior. Electives are also offered and allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest. St. Bonaventure offers affordable tuition and recognition with reputable publications. In fact, St. Bonaventure’s 2020 rankings with U.S. News and World Report include #19 in best regional universities in the North.
#21 – Webster University
Online Master’s in Management and Leadership
Saint Louis, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,500
Webster University offers an ACBSP-accredited masters in leadership online degree program designed for working professionals. Flexible program delivery allows busy students to access classes and coursework in times that are convenient. Following the program’s schedule ensures students earn their online masters in just 18 months. The program covers a wide range of materials. Sample courses include basic finance for managers, managerial leadership, and organization development and change. In addition to core courses, students have the opportunity to select one of six areas of emphases. These areas allow students to tailor their degree in areas like marketing or organizational development and management. In addition to accreditation, Webster ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. 2020 rankings include #17 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #56 in best value schools.
#20 – University of Colorado
Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Boulder, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,246
University of Colorado’s online masters in leadership degree is a fully online program designed to prepare working professionals to assume roles as innovative leaders. Through interdisciplinary coursework that blends business, communication, and social sciences, students develop the necessary skills to address the needs and challenges of any organization. Accelerated seven-week terms help students achieve their goals quickly. In addition to rigor and fast-pacing, the program is customizable. In fact, students choose from five tracks of study so that they may hone their skills. These areas include human resources, leading innovation, organizational communication, organizational leadership, and strategic leadership. University of Colorado ranks UC #104 in best national universities and #170 in best value schools.
#19 – Queens University of Charlotte
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Charlotte, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,158
Offering one of the few online leadership programs for educators, Queens University of Charlotte requires no application fee or GRE for admission. The program, offered through the Cato School of Education, can be completed entirely online. Completion of the masters in educational leadership prepares degree candidates for K-12 North Carolina principal licensure. Courses taken throughout the program cover topics like building community, curriculum development and implementation, education law and ethics, leading in human resources and finance, and professional learning communities. Ranked among top regional colleges, Queens University is fully accredited. Also, U.S. News and World Report ranks Queens #13 in best regional universities in the South.
#18 – Arizona State University
Online Master’s in Applied Leadership and Management
Tempe, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,134
Arizona State University’s online masters in leadership and management program consists of ten classes and thirty credit hours. The program is offered in a hybrid model, blending flexible online classes with an optional in-person capstone project. ASU has 34 full-time faculty and nearly 50 adjunct faculty teaching online courses that are the same as those taught on-campus. These courses include accounting for business leaders, communicating and negotiating in a dynamic world, leadership and personal development, leading digital and data decision making, and strategy in a competitive world. ASU has received multiple rankings from U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #117 in best national universities and #6 in best online graduate business programs (excluding MBA).
#17 – Thomas Edison State University
Online Master’s in Management
Trenton, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,024
Thomas Edison State University is one of the more affordable choices for online leadership programs. Offering a masters in management degree and focus on organizational leadership, Thomas Edison ranks high on our list. The program is entirely online with courses taught by Thomas Edison faculty. Courses cover management and leadership topics, including economic issues in organizations, finance and accounting for managers, human resources management, and leadership management in the 21st Century. Students may also elect to focus their studies on one particular area. These focus areas include accounting, organizational leadership, and project management. Thomas Edison State ranks with U.S. News and World Report among the top best regional universities in the North.
#16 – Geneva College
Online Master’s in Leadership Studies
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,976
Geneva College’s masters in leadership online program was one of the first of its kind in the nation. This fully online program consists of 36 credits that can be completed in less than 2.5 years by taking one class every eight weeks. In addition to standard coursework, students choose one of three areas of specialization to focus their leadership training. These areas include ministry, non-profit, and project management. Depending on the area of interest selected, courses may vary. Geneva offers various start dates, which also adds to its flexibility. In 2020, five starts ensure students can jump in and begin taking classes. Admission is also convenient and the application can be completed online. Geneva is accredited and ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 92nd best regional university in the North.
#15 – Purdue University Global
Online Master’s in Management and Leadership
Indianapolis, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,414
Purdue University Global offers online leadership programs, such as the online masters in management and leadership. This completely online graduate program offers six concentration areas that allow students to tailor their degree to fit areas of interest or to meet career goals. Degree concentrations include health care management, human resources, information technology, leadership, organizational design and development, and project management. Coursework in the masters degree, regardless of concentration, includes a variety of business, HR, and leadership classes. Some required courses include business communications, management theories and practices, and strategic human resources management. Purdue Global ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 114th best global university.
#14 – Bellevue University
Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Bellevue, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,025
Bellevue University’s online masters in organizational leadership offers career-centric learning in six areas of expertise. Bellevue’s leadership program delivers online courses in areas like advanced leadership dynamics and organizational leadership. The program also covers creativity and innovation, as well as social psychology of leadership. By taking online classes, students challenge their thinking and delve into real-world problems faced in leadership roles. Also, the advanced degree serves as preparation for specialized professional certifications. For example, certifications include the Key Leadership Skills Certificate, Leadership Development Certification Program, and Strategic Organizational Leadership Certification. Bellevue has earned recognition from U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.
#13 – The University of Alabama
Online Master’s in Communication Studies – Organizational Leadership
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780
The University of Alabama offers an accredited online masters in organizational leadership degree that consists of 30 credits. Upon completion, students earn a masters in communication studies with a specialization in organizational leadership. Courses cover communication and leadership topics, such as conflict and negotiation, group leadership, human communication theory, and relational communication. Advanced topic seminars in organizational communication cover topics like assessment and intervention and communication theory. To be successfully admitted to the program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA and have received a minimum of 300 on the GRE. The University of Alabama ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 153rd best national university and 129th best value school in the country.
#12 – Grand Canyon University
Online Master’s in Leadership
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,760
Grand Canyon University’s masters in leadership online degree program is offered through the school’s Colangelo College of Business. The Master of Science degree covers areas of competency in leading others, leading organizations, self-leadership, and Christian leadership. By taking online courses and completing 38 credit hours, students earn a masters in leadership that prepares them for roles in any organization. Some of the courses you will take while enrolled in the program include leadership and innovation, leadership and organizations, leadership styles and development, and organizational development and change. The fully accredited GCU ranks with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #293-#381 in best national universities.
#11 – Campbellsville University
Online Master’s in Management and Leadership
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,380
Campbellsville University, ranked among top institutions, offers affordable online leadership programs. The online masters in management and leadership is a fully online degree program that is IACBE-accredited and consists of 30 credits. Courses run eight weeks in length and the program takes two years to complete. Required courses cover a variety of management and leadership topics. These topics include business ethics, leadership, managerial communications, managing diversity, negotiation and conflict management, and organizational theory. To apply to the program, you must provide official college transcripts with a minimum 2.5 GPA, GRE or GMAT test scores, and three reference letters. GRE or GMAT scores are waived if the applicant holds a regionally accredited bachelor’s with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. In addition to IACBE-accreditation, Campbellsville ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 92nd best regional university in the South.
#10 – University of Wisconsin
Online Master’s in Organizational Change Leadership
Platteville, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,018
University of Wisconsin’s online masters in organizational leadership program is designed to equip students with change leadership skills. Four areas of emphasis allow students to tailor their degree to meet career goals. These optional areas of emphasis include healthcare, human resources, project management, and safety risk control. Students earn the masters in organizational change leadership by completing 30-39 graduate credits. Courses include business analytics, intercultural change leadership, introduction to organizational change leadership, and organizational behavior. For those with transfer credits, the program will accept up to 12 credits toward the degree. UW Platteville ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 95th best regional university in the Midwest.
#9 – Colorado State University Global
Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Aurora, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
Colorado State University Global offers online leadership programs, including the masters in organizational leadership. Curriculum covers topics applicable to the business needs of today and in the future. Core degree courses cover topics like decision theory in a global marketplace, effective organizations theory and practice, fundamentals of research and writing, leading diverse teams, and organizational leadership. In addition to earning a masters at CSU Global, 12-credit specializations are also available. These specializations include areas of focus like business intelligence, global management, organizational learning and performance, and strategic innovation and change management. CSU Global has earned rankings from U.S. News and World Report, including best online graduate business programs.
#8 – San Diego State University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
San Diego, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,922
The masters in leadership online program at San Diego State University invites educators to earn a masters in educational leadership. This program is designed for teachers and school administrators who are aspiring to be leaders at the PK-12 classroom, school, or district level. Classes are taught by San Diego State professors and delivered online. These courses cover topics in educational leadership, such as communication and problem solving in PK12, organizational and systems leadership, professional learning and growth leadership, school improvement leadership, and visionary leadership. SDSU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 147th best national university and 141st best value school.
#7 – Granite State College
Online Master’s in Leadership
Concord, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,610
Granite State College’s masters in leadership online program aims to prepare students with the leadership skills needed to work within various organizations. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North, Granite State College offers high quality education through flexible online delivery. Courses for the masters in leadership program include topics like change management and communication, cultivating your leadership capabilities, foundations of organizational communication, and leading teams. To apply to the masters program, potential students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Also, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and two professional or academic references are required.
#6 – University of Oklahoma
Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Norman, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,577
University of Oklahoma’s online leadership programs include the Master of Arts in organizational leadership. This 33-credit hour program can be accessed fully online and is designed with the working professional in mind. Three leadership tracks are available and students choose which one to hone their skills and focus their studies. These tracks include government and military leadership, nonprofit and volunteer leadership, and organizational leadership. Core courses are required by everyone. These classes consist of nine credit hours in core leadership and nine credit hours in interdisciplinary studies. Courses include cultures of organizations and research methods in interdisciplinary studies. University of Oklahoma is accredited and ranked. In fact, U of O ranks #132 in best national universities and #172 in best value schools.
#5 – Concordia University
Online Master’s in Leadership and Management
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,550
Concordia University’s online masters in leadership and management program consists of 36 credits and is offered fully online. By enrolling in Concordia’s online leadership graduate program, students gain relevant skills designed to impact real-world careers in various industries. All online courses explore contemporary topics that affect leadership in today’s industries. Course topics include applied moral and ethical leadership, financial management for leaders, legal issues for today’s leaders, strategic leadership and process implementation, and strategic organizational research. For a successful application, potential students must provide official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution. You must have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and submit a 400- to 1000-word personal statement. Concordia is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top global university.
#4 – University of Maryland Global Campus
Online Master’s in Management
Adelphi, Maryland
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,514
University of Maryland Global Campus is included on our list of schools that offer online leadership programs. The online masters in management is a fully online graduate degree that offers an option to specialize in project management. While most of the 36 credits required for the degree emphasize management and project management studies, leadership classes and curriculum are embedded in coursework. University of Maryland’s Global Campus degree requires courses like financial decision making for managers, organizational theory and behavior, statistics for managerial decision making, and strategic management. University of Maryland ranks the school among the best regional universities in the North and #20 in most innovative institutions.
#3 – Liberty University
Online Master’s in Executive Leadership
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,333
Liberty University’s online masters in leadership is a fully online graduate program designed to prepare students to excel as business leaders and professionals in nonprofit, private, and public roles. The program requires no on-campus visits or residencies and does not have a thesis pathway. As a Christian college, Liberty also incorporates biblical and ethical foundations within their leadership program. But similar to most masters in leadership programs, Liberty offers classes that appeal to today’s markets and organizations. Classes at Liberty cover topics like effective executive communication, managing and leading across cultures, and team leadership and conflict resolution. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty #293-#381 in best national universities.
#2 – Western Governors University
Online Master’s in Management and Leadership
Raleigh, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,790
Western Governors University’s online masters in leadership is an ACBSP-accredited program that takes 18 months from start to finish. With low cost tuition and a fully online completion pathway, WGU earns a spot on our list for affordable masters in leadership online programs. Courses cover key subject areas in management and leadership. They discuss topics like becoming an effective leader, change management and innovation, managing organizations and leading people, and strategic management. Admission to WGU’s masters program requires a regionally-accredited bachelor’s and three years of significant experience in business. WGU’s flagship ranks with U.S. News and World Report among best regional universities. Also, the school ranks #12 in most innovative institutions.
#1 – Trident University International
Online Master’s in Leadership
Cypress, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,120
Trident University International offers the most affordable masters in leadership online degree program on our list. With 100 percent online classes and tuition under $6,200 per year, Trident earns a top spot as offering affordable masters in leadership online programs. A total of 36 credit hours must be completed to earn the leadership degree. Courses cover leadership and management classes like leadership of teams, mentoring and developing employees, and organizational change and transformation. Admission requires applicants hold a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Good news for individuals who haven’t taken a graduate entrance exam. The school does not require GRE, GMAT, or MAT scores for admission. In addition to affordability, Trident offers rankings with U.S. News and World report. In fact, recent 2020 recognition by U.S. News includes top national universities.
This concludes the 30 most affordable masters in leadership online programs.
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