If you’re an experienced educator ready to advance your career without pursuing a full doctorate, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is the perfect in-between option. It’s a powerful credential that can lead to higher pay, leadership opportunities, and new licensure endorsements—without the time or cost of an Ed.D. or Ph.D.
At GetEducated.com, we’ve ranked the Top 5 Cheapest Online Ed.S. Programs for 2025. These programs are fully accredited, 100% online, and surprisingly affordable. You may not have heard of all these schools, but each delivers serious value for ambitious educators. Watch our quick video or scroll down for more on each program.
1. University of West Georgia – Online Ed.S.
Why It Stands Out: UWG leads the list with a low-cost, high-quality education program respected across the Southeast.
Duration: ~1.5–2 years
Tuition: ~$8,600 total
Highlights: Specializations in instructional technology, educational leadership, and curriculum & instruction.
Perfect for: Educators in Georgia and beyond who want career advancement without high tuition.
2. Fort Hays State University – Online Ed.S. in Educational Administration
Why It Stands Out: FHSU is known nationwide for offering some of the most affordable graduate programs in education.
Duration: 2 years
Tuition: ~$9,800
Highlights: CAEP-accredited, asynchronous learning, licensure-ready for many states.
Perfect for: Teachers looking to move into administrative or leadership roles in K–12 settings.
3. Wayne State College – Online Education Specialist Program
Why It Stands Out: This Michigan-based public university delivers advanced training in special education leadership and curriculum development.
Duration: ~2 years
Tuition: ~$11,400 total
Highlights: Research-supported coursework, NCATE/CAEP-accredited, strong Detroit-area education partnerships.
Perfect for: Mid-career educators ready to specialize or pursue district-level impact.
4. Kennesaw State University – Online Ed.S.
Why It Stands Out: Part of Georgia’s university system, KSU offers affordability and quality with a variety of pathways to leadership and endorsement.
Duration: 18–24 months
Tuition: ~$11,700 total
Highlights: Online cohorts, endorsed by the Georgia PSC, designed for full-time educators.
Perfect for: Georgia educators seeking administrative credentials or deeper curriculum expertise.
5. Georgia Southern University – Online Ed.S.
Why It Stands Out: Offers advanced instruction in educational leadership and special education at a low cost and with high flexibility.
Duration: ~2 years
Tuition: ~$11,800 total
Highlights: Fully online, highly respected in the Southeast, and career-focused curriculum.
Perfect for: Teachers in Georgia or nearby states looking for licensure preparation and advancement.
Why Choose an Online Ed.S. Program?
- Advance into leadership without pursuing a doctorate
- Fully online learning fits around teaching schedules
- Opens doors to principal licensure, instructional design, or curriculum director roles
- Affordable tuition designed for working professionals
- Accredited by respected regional and national agencies
My Parting Thoughts
An Education Specialist degree can supercharge your career as a school leader, instructional coach, or curriculum expert—at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional doctoral programs. The programs listed above are affordable, accredited, and designed for working educators who are ready to take the next step.
Watch the video above to compare your options at a glance, then visit the full ranking report to explore tuition breakdowns, admission requirements, and to request more information directly from the schools.
Have Questions?
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