The online Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Teaching and Leading programs from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offer graduate-level education in a flexible and affordable format — and in an environment where the cost of higher education continues to rise, that accessibility matters. In the past decade, the cost of higher education has risen significantly.
According to Bankrate, from 2014 to 2024, average tuition and fees at public four-year colleges increased by about 27% for in-state students. Data from College Board’s Trends in College Pricing reports that average published in-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions rose to $11,950 in 2025-26, continuing a years-long upward trend. Meanwhile, the rising cost of graduate education has made the flexibility and affordability of online programs increasingly attractive to working professionals.
Many prospective students see online classes and degree programs as opportunities to avoid the higher costs of attending brick-and-mortar institutions. The Education Dynamics Online College Students Report 2024 found that more than 60% of online students cited affordability as an important factor in their enrollment decisions, and over a third identified it as the most important factor. The NKU programs offer graduate-level education in a flexible and affordable format, allowing students to level up their education without sacrificing any personal responsibilities.
How Do Online Programs Save You Money?
According to the Education Data Initiative, online degrees cost an average of $6,765 less per school year than traditional in-person degrees, and the cost of an online degree accounts for about 64% of the cost of a comparable on-campus degree. For NKU, out-of-state students enrolled in online courses pay approximately 50% less than those earning degrees on campus. Besides lower tuition rates for online courses, what are some of the other reasons online programs save you money?
- There is no need to factor in expenses for commuting or moving out of your current area.
- Online programs are also often accelerated, meaning less time is needed to finish the degree. The sooner you graduate, the sooner you will be eligible for jobs with potentially higher-paying salaries.
- Online programs are convenient and flexible, allowing you to continue working while you build and maintain financial stability.
The Affordable Choice
NKU’s 100% online programs for education specialists are designed for individuals who place a high value on their time and money and have personal and professional obligations that make accessibility and flexibility particularly appealing. Beyond those added benefits, the program will also help students develop the essential skills required to make an impact in their future roles.
These accelerated programs have competitive costs. Students can reduce the costs of commuting and possible relocation, and these programs are just as economical for out-of-state residents. Without the overhead associated with brick-and-mortar educational models, schools can offer competitive tuition, reducing the debt incurred while pursuing your next career goal.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s online Ed.S. in Teaching and Leading programs.
