Best institutions to study Educational Leadership and Administration
A program that focuses on the general principles and techniques of administering a wide variety of schools and other educational organizations and facilities, supervising educational personnel at the school or staff level, and that may prepare individuals as general administrators and supervisors.
708 U.S. institutions graduated 31,615 Educational Leadership and Administration students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 13.0401, a specialization of Educational Administration and Supervision (CIP 13.04), and leads most directly to the Education Administrators, Postsecondary occupation (BLS SOC 11-9033).
About Educational Leadership and Administration programs
A program that focuses on the general principles and techniques of administering a wide variety of schools and other educational organizations and facilities, supervising educational personnel at the school or staff level, and that may prepare individuals as general administrators and supervisors.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Educational Leadership and Administration program, also known as Educational Administration and Supervision, is designed for individuals aspiring to take on leadership roles within educational institutions. This program focuses on the principles and techniques necessary for administering a variety of schools and educational organizations, preparing students for roles as general administrators and supervisors.
Students in this program will develop core skills in areas such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework often includes topics related to administration and management, education and training, and personnel management, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to lead educational settings effectively.
Credentials awarded
What Educational Leadership and Administration graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree17,274 graduates / yr · 568 institutions55%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship6,246 graduates / yr · 318 institutions20%
- Post-master's certificate4,941 graduates / yr · 176 institutions16%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate2,326 graduates / yr · 98 institutions7.4%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year274 graduates / yr · 25 institutions0.9%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice234 graduates / yr · 21 institutions0.7%
- Bachelor's degree229 graduates / yr · 5 institutions0.7%
- Doctor's degree - other90 graduates / yr · 7 institutions0.3%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Educational Leadership and Administration completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 28,058 |
| 2013 | 28,065 |
| 2014 | 28,465 |
| 2015 | 27,014 |
| 2016 | 28,846 |
| 2017 | 29,296 |
| 2018 | 31,672 |
| 2019 | 31,569 |
| 2020 | 32,607 |
| 2021 | 32,764 |
| 2022 | 32,985 |
| 2023 | 31,127 |
| 2024 | 29,802 |
| 2025 | 31,615 |
Top 50 institutions for Educational Leadership and Administration, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American College of Education Indianapolis, INPrivate for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 1,667 | — | — | — |
| 2 | Lamar University Beaumont, TXPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 1,642 | 37% | — | — |
| 3 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralMaster's | 935 | 43% | $21,535 | — |
| 4 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 775 | 46% | $11,580 | — |
| 5 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 660 | 65% | $28,911 | — |
| 6 | University of West Georgia Carrollton, GAPublicMaster'sMaster's | 532 | 43% | — | — |
| 7 | Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, MOPublicMaster'sMaster's | 427 | 54% | — | — |
| 8 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, OKPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 324 | 32% | — | — |
| 9 | Concordia University - Chicago River Forest, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert.Master's | 262 | 36% | $17,620 | — |
| 10 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 249 | 92% | $26,873 | — |
| 11 | Louisiana State University - Shreveport Shreveport, LAPublicMaster's | 240 | 38% | — | — |
| 12 | University of West Alabama Livingston, ALPublicMaster'sMaster's | 226 | 35% | — | — |
| 13 | William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, NJPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert.Master's | 216 | 44% | — | — |
| 14 | Concordia University - Saint Paul Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 209 | 46% | $17,328 | — |
| 15 | Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TNPublicMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 205 | 40% | — | — |
| 16 | University of Phoenix - Arizona Phoenix, AZPrivate for-profitDoctoralMaster'sMaster's | 201 | 21% | $15,478 | — |
| 17 | University of Oregon Eugene, ORPublicMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 197 | 72% | — | — |
| 18 | Molloy University Rockville Centre, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 187 | 70% | $25,812 | — |
| 19 | William Carey University Hattiesburg, MSPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 184 | 60% | $17,205 | — |
| 20 | Bank Street College of Education New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 184 | — | — | — |
| 21 | Montclair State University Montclair, NJPublicMaster's | 177 | 65% | — | — |
| 22 | Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NYPublicMaster's | 171 | 76% | — | — |
| 23 | Wilmington University New Castle, DEPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 170 | 20% | $16,588 | — |
| 24 | Point Park University Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 168 | 59% | $23,704 | $78,430 |
| 25 | Gardner - Webb University Boiling Springs, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 152 | 55% | $22,863 | — |
| 26 | The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TXPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 143 | 54% | — | — |
| 27 | McDaniel College Westminster, MDPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Master's | 137 | 63% | $18,988 | $89,315 |
| 28 | Emporia State University Emporia, KSPublicMaster's | 136 | 56% | — | — |
| 29 | Southern Nazarene University Bethany, OKPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 133 | 51% | $19,619 | — |
| 30 | Capella University Minneapolis, MNPrivate for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 133 | 20% | $19,369 | — |
| 31 | Eastern Washington University Cheney, WAPublicPost-degree cert. | 124 | 43% | — | — |
| 32 | Northwestern College Orange City, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 123 | 66% | $22,419 | — |
| 33 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FLPublicMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 122 | 63% | — | — |
| 34 | Drake University Des Moines, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 122 | 74% | $28,855 | — |
| 35 | Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CTPublicMaster'sDoctoralMaster's | 120 | 48% | — | — |
| 36 | Felician University Lodi, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 120 | 47% | $41,497 | — |
| 37 | Creighton University Omaha, NEPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralPost-degree cert.Master's | 118 | 83% | $27,353 | — |
| 38 | Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FLPublicMaster's | 118 | 57% | — | — |
| 39 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 116 | 97% | $22,055 | — |
| 40 | Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 116 | 50% | $18,981 | — |
| 41 | Teachers College at Columbia University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 115 | — | — | — |
| 42 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FLPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 113 | 78% | — | — |
| 43 | Saint Leo University Saint Leo, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 113 | 45% | $18,986 | — |
| 44 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville, ILPublicMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 111 | 57% | — | — |
| 45 | Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, MAPublicMaster'sMaster's | 111 | 55% | — | — |
| 46 | William Woods University Fulton, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 111 | 47% | $22,203 | — |
| 47 | Youngstown State University Youngstown, OHPublicMaster'sDoctoralMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 111 | 50% | — | — |
| 48 | Aurora University Aurora, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 110 | 60% | $18,431 | — |
| 49 | Pepperdine University Malibu, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 109 | 83% | $41,986 | — |
| 50 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicDoctoralMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 109 | 69% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Educational Administration and Supervision field (CIP 13.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 54 states & territories
Where Educational Leadership and Administration graduates come from. Each state links to all Educational Administration and Supervision programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-9033, Education Administrators, Postsecondary, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Educational Leadership and Administration program can pursue careers as education administrators in various settings, including postsecondary institutions and K-12 schools. The job outlook shows little or no change, with an annual opening of approximately 15,100 positions and a median wage of $103,960, typically requiring a master's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 13.0401
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Education Administrators, Postsecondaryprimary SOC 11-9033 | $104,590 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~15,100 | Master's degree |
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary SOC 11-9032 | $105,870 | -1.5% Decline | ~20,800 | Master's degree |
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare SOC 11-9031 | $59,300 | -2.5% Decline | ~5,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Education Administrators, All Other SOC 11-9039 | $95,200 | +2.5% About as fast as average | ~4,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Educational Leadership and Administration programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Design or use assessments to monitor student learning outcomes.
- Recruit, hire, train, and terminate departmental personnel.
- Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the activities of personnel, including support staff engaged in administering academic institutions, departments, or alumni organizations.
- Advise students on issues such as course selection, progress toward graduation, and career decisions.
- Plan, administer, and control budgets, maintain financial records, and produce financial reports.
- Formulate strategic plans for the institution.
Tools and technology used
Other Educational Administration and Supervision specializations
The 13 other 6-digit CIP codes under Educational Administration and Supervision (CIP 13.04).
- Higher Education/CIP 13.0406
Higher Education Administration 4,257 graduates / yr258 institutions - Educational Administration and SupervisionCIP 13.04992,266 graduates / yr93 institutions
- Educational, Instructional, and Curriculum SupervisionCIP 13.04041,918 graduates / yr78 institutions
- Elementary and Middle School Administration/CIP 13.0408
Principalship 1,306 graduates / yr30 institutions - Superintendency and Educational System AdministrationCIP 13.04111,176 graduates / yr83 institutions
- Urban Education and LeadershipCIP 13.0410674 graduates / yr39 institutions
- Secondary School Administration/CIP 13.0409
Principalship 397 graduates / yr23 institutions - Community College AdministrationCIP 13.0407375 graduates / yr28 institutions
- Adult and Continuing Education AdministrationCIP 13.0403367 graduates / yr19 institutions
- Administration of Special EducationCIP 13.0402253 graduates / yr30 institutions
- Early Childhood Program AdministrationCIP 13.0414partial data99 graduates / yr8 institutions
- International School Administration/CIP 13.0412
Leadership partial data22 graduates / yr4 institutions - Education EntrepreneurshipCIP 13.0413limited data5 graduates / yr2 institutions
See all Educational Administration and Supervision programs →
Common questions
What degrees are offered in this program?+
Degrees include a Master's degree, Doctor's degree, Post-master's certificate, and Postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I gain from this program?+
You will gain skills in critical thinking, communication, active listening, and administration.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook indicates little or no change, with about 15,100 annual openings.
What types of careers can I pursue?+
Careers include education administrators at postsecondary institutions and K-12 schools.
What is the CIP code for Educational Leadership and Administration?+
Educational Leadership and Administration is CIP 13.0401 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Educational Administration and Supervision (CIP 13.04). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the general principles and techniques of administering a wide variety of schools and other educational organizations and facilities, supervising educational personnel at the school or staff level, and that may prepare individuals as general administrators and supervisors.
How many institutions offer Educational Leadership and Administration programs?+
708 U.S. institutions reported Educational Leadership and Administration graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 54 states & territories, awarding 31,615 credentials in the year. That is 70.7% of all Educational Administration and Supervision graduates.
How much do Educational Leadership and Administration graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Education Administrators, Postsecondary occupation, which Educational Leadership and Administration most directly leads to, pays a median of $104,590 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Educational Administration and Supervision field report median earnings of $78,430 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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