Is a Master’s in Higher Education Administration Worth It?

As the number of Americans earning college degrees has risen, colleges and universities have grown in both number and size – and so has the need for qualified professionals to manage those institutions. That trend isn’t slowing. According to Lightcast Analytics, demand for postsecondary administrators is projected to rise 12.5% by 2032. 

The field of higher education offers a wide range of complex and engaging jobs, ranging from student affairs professionals to admissions directors to deans. Earning a master’s degree in higher education administration can help you build the expertise and skills you need to thrive in these dynamic roles. 

What is a Master’s in Higher Education? 

A master’s degree in higher education is a type of graduate education degree that prepares students to take on leadership roles at colleges and universities. Higher education master’s degrees vary in title and format between institutions. Franklin University’s M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with a focus in higher education leadership is a streamlined 12-month, 100% online degree designed to help working professionals advance their careers.

What Do You Learn from a Master’s in Higher Education? 

While the specific curricula of master’s programs in higher education administration vary by school, the goal of these programs is to teach professionals how to create optimized, inclusive learning environments and thriving, sustainable institutions. Most programs focus heavily on student affairs, exploring how administrators can contribute to a positive campus culture and help students make the most of their degree programs.

“Any person seeking to advance as a leader in higher education would find an M.Ed. in higher education leadership program beneficial,” says Dr. Patrick Bennett, vice president of academic quality and dean of Franklin’s School of Education. “This degree prepares leaders to address current and future issues in higher education, offering content from leadership in education, ethics and law and a strong foundation in theoretical and practical approaches to student affairs.”
 

Get a FREE education career action plan filled with resources and recommendations from those who are already there.

How Much Does a Master’s in Higher Education Cost? 

The cost of a master’s in higher education depends on the school you choose, whether you attend in person or online and a number of other factors. Before you enroll in a program, it’s wise to research its price carefully since hidden fees and tuition increases can add up quickly. 

Franklin University’s M.Ed. costs less than $25,000 total, tens of thousands less than the most expensive programs, and all new students are eligible for an automatic $2,000 scholarship that will bring your costs down further. Once you enroll, your tuition rate is locked in as long as you remain an active student, meaning you never have to worry about surprise price rises. Plus, the program’s flexible online schedule means you don’t have to stop working – and earning – to study. 

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Higher Education? 

A master’s in higher education is excellent preparation for a range of positions in colleges and universities. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for postsecondary administrators is $96,907. However, it’s important to understand that the salary and benefits tied to higher education roles vary quite a bit depending on each institution’s size and funding. Nevertheless, median salaries from job postings that include salary data can provide helpful context as you plan your career. 

Potential roles and median advertised salaries for job postings that require master’s degrees include: 

Director of admissions

• Median advertised salary with a master’s: $67,800

Admissions directors oversee a college, university or private school’s enrollment goals and process, manage the admissions team and participate in setting financial aid and scholarship strategy. 

Director of financial aid

• Median advertised salary: $75,100

Financial aid directors set and oversee a college or university’s financial aid policies and oversee the team that works to help students afford their education through scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs. 

Director of student affairs

• Median advertised salary: $87,900

Student affairs directors manage student programming outside of the classroom. They are typically responsible for student activities and organizations and administering co-curricular programs. 

Director of diversity and inclusion

• Median advertised salary: $100,100

Directors of diversity and inclusion work across the institution to ensure that students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds have equitable access to opportunities and to create programming that supports inclusion. 

Dean of student affairs

• Median advertised salary with a master’s: $105,200

Deans of student affairs manage strategy, programs and budgets related to a college or university’s student services. This may include significant supervisory responsibilities, especially at larger institutions. 

Advance Your Career in Higher Education

“Higher education is multidisciplinary and an increasingly complex system,” says Dr. Bennett. “Emerging leaders need new types of skills and knowledge to tackle these challenges and lead effectively.”

Franklin’s M.Ed. with a focus in higher education leadership is taught by passionate practitioners in the field who are committed to helping you move toward your personal and professional goals. The program is designed for working professionals, with 100% online delivery and the flexibility you need to balance your studies with your career. In as few as 12 months, you’ll graduate prepared to take on the most pressing challenges that colleges and universities face today. 

Learn more about Franklin’s M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with a focus in higher education leadership. 

Free Guide

Download Now

Finding the Right In-Demand Education Career

Get expert advice on how to launch or advance your career in a field that is both challenging and rewarding.