Best Online Bachelor’s in Education Programs of 2025
Discover the best online bachelor’s degree in education for you, and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in a dynamic field.
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At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online Bachelor’s in Education Program
- #1: University of Florida — This college ranked at the top for its affordability, internship opportunities, and multiple specialization tracks in education.
If you’re considering a career in education, earning a bachelor’s degree in education should be your first step — and this guide can help you make an informed choice.
To develop our list of the best online bachelor’s in education programs, we evaluated factors such as admission and graduation rates, accreditation, net price, and career outcomes.
Our ranking list can help you explore some of the best online bachelor’s degree programs in education and find the right fit for your schedule, budget, and professional goals.
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Top Online Bachelor’s in Education Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
2025- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL4 yearOnline
$3,358
$15,000
64%
N/A
Why UF Online Made Our List
UF Online's BA in education sciences lets you select from among six specializations, including early childhood studies and disabilities in society. You'll also get the opportunity to participate in an internship, or practicum, which is designed to match your overall academic interests.
Why Attend UF Online
- Internship Requirement: All students complete internships that are tailored to their educational interests.
- Insightful Courses: You'll take interdisciplinary courses in education psychology, support for access, support of people with disabilities, educational technology, and social foundations of education.
- Multiple Specialization Options: After completing your core coursework, you can choose from among six specializations or select 15 credits in an area that interests you.
Know Before You Go
- No Teaching Certification: Unlike some education programs, UF Online's education sciences degree doesn't include teaching certification.
- Varying Tuition Rates: In-state students pay $129 per credit, while out-of-state students pay $553 per credit.
N/A
N/A
94%
5,462
Public
Yes
$3,358
$15,000
Gainesville, FL4 yearOnline
$3,358
$15,000
64%
N/A
N/A
N/A
94%
5,462
Public
Yes
Why UF Online Made Our List
UF Online's BA in education sciences lets you select from among six specializations, including early childhood studies and disabilities in society. You'll also get the opportunity to participate in an internship, or practicum, which is designed to match your overall academic interests.
Why Attend UF Online
- Internship Requirement: All students complete internships that are tailored to their educational interests.
- Insightful Courses: You'll take interdisciplinary courses in education psychology, support for access, support of people with disabilities, educational technology, and social foundations of education.
- Multiple Specialization Options: After completing your core coursework, you can choose from among six specializations or select 15 credits in an area that interests you.
Know Before You Go
- No Teaching Certification: Unlike some education programs, UF Online's education sciences degree doesn't include teaching certification.
- Varying Tuition Rates: In-state students pay $129 per credit, while out-of-state students pay $553 per credit.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,934
$21,174
71%
66%
Why Texas Tech Made Our List
Texas Tech's online BS in education only takes one year to complete. In addition to a bachelor's degree, the program leads to teacher certification in your degree specialization, English as a second language, and special education. While this program is fully online, you have to travel to a public school once per week to apply what you've learned from your coursework in a real-life setting.
Why Attend Texas Tech
- Classroom Coaching: Even as an online student, you'll get valuable coaching from experienced mentors and site coordinators.
- One-Year Program: This fast-track program lets you earn your degree and complete teacher preparation in just one year.
- Scholarships Available: Texas Tech offers merit-based, competitive, and need-based scholarships for eligible students.
Know Before You Go
- Face-to-Face Component: You’ll need to attend a public school once a week as part of your clinical teaching experience.
- Varying Online Tuition Rate: Texas Tech's online undergraduate programs cost between $415 and $500 per credit, depending on the program.
- Teaching Component: You'll spend the entire year teaching while completing coursework.
$8,347
$18,139
85%
40,773
Public
Yes
$8,934
$21,174
Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,934
$21,174
71%
66%
$8,347
$18,139
85%
40,773
Public
Yes
Why Texas Tech Made Our List
Texas Tech's online BS in education only takes one year to complete. In addition to a bachelor's degree, the program leads to teacher certification in your degree specialization, English as a second language, and special education. While this program is fully online, you have to travel to a public school once per week to apply what you've learned from your coursework in a real-life setting.
Why Attend Texas Tech
- Classroom Coaching: Even as an online student, you'll get valuable coaching from experienced mentors and site coordinators.
- One-Year Program: This fast-track program lets you earn your degree and complete teacher preparation in just one year.
- Scholarships Available: Texas Tech offers merit-based, competitive, and need-based scholarships for eligible students.
Know Before You Go
- Face-to-Face Component: You’ll need to attend a public school once a week as part of your clinical teaching experience.
- Varying Online Tuition Rate: Texas Tech's online undergraduate programs cost between $415 and $500 per credit, depending on the program.
- Teaching Component: You'll spend the entire year teaching while completing coursework.
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$48,300
$48,300
48%
62%
Why ULV Made Our List
The University of La Verne's online BA in elementary education can help you work toward a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Although the program is online, you must complete two in-person components: community service and a performing arts experience. Courses cover topics like children's literature, schools in society, and technology and digital literacy.
Why Attend ULV
- Low GPA Requirement: You only need a 2.5 GPA to enroll.
- Finish in 18 Months: At ULV, you can transfer eligible credits to complete your degree in just one and a half years.
- Fulfill Your BSR: Graduating satisfies the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) for the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST).
Know Before You Go
- Multiple Concentration Options: You can opt to take 12 extra credits to earn a concentration in many subjects, like child development, modern languages, and special education.
- No Discount for State Residents: ULV charges both in-state and out-of-state students the same tuition price.
- Limited Transfer Credit Policy: Only courses completed within the past seven years are eligible for transfer toward a bachelor's degree.
$15,610
$15,610
76%
5,596
Private
Yes
$48,300
$48,300
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$48,300
$48,300
48%
62%
$15,610
$15,610
76%
5,596
Private
Yes
Why ULV Made Our List
The University of La Verne's online BA in elementary education can help you work toward a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Although the program is online, you must complete two in-person components: community service and a performing arts experience. Courses cover topics like children's literature, schools in society, and technology and digital literacy.
Why Attend ULV
- Low GPA Requirement: You only need a 2.5 GPA to enroll.
- Finish in 18 Months: At ULV, you can transfer eligible credits to complete your degree in just one and a half years.
- Fulfill Your BSR: Graduating satisfies the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) for the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST).
Know Before You Go
- Multiple Concentration Options: You can opt to take 12 extra credits to earn a concentration in many subjects, like child development, modern languages, and special education.
- No Discount for State Residents: ULV charges both in-state and out-of-state students the same tuition price.
- Limited Transfer Credit Policy: Only courses completed within the past seven years are eligible for transfer toward a bachelor's degree.
Is an Online Bachelor’s in Education Right for You?
Pros
Solid Employment Rate: Class of 2023 graduates with a bachelor’s in education had a 68% employment rate, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).- Relevant Coursework: According to a 2024 BestColleges survey, more than half (56%) of online students and graduates said their classes featured assignments they could use to explore career options.
- Positive Online Learning Experience: 97% of survey respondents would recommend online education to others.
- Strong ROI: 94% said their online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Cons
Lower Salary Expectations: The median salary for 2023 graduates with a bachelor’s in education was only $43,570, according to NACE. That’s around $6,000 lower than the median annual pay for all jobs.- High Program Costs: In our survey, just over 1 in 5 online bachelor’s students and graduates said paying for higher ed while minimizing student debt was the biggest challenge in completing their program.
- Financial Planning Regrets: 28% of online education, psychology, and social sciences students and graduates said they wish they’d researched cost and financial aid options more thoroughly before enrolling.
How to Choose the Best Bachelor’s in Education Program for You
When choosing the best bachelor’s in education program for you, it’s important to compare tuition costs, financial aid options, application requirements, and accreditation statuses.
Also, make sure the program is approved by the state where you plan to work. Each state sets its own requirements for teacher licensure, so attending a state-approved program can make your certification process go more smoothly.
Cost of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Online
$9,594 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$5,334 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
On-Campus
$14,226 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$6,060 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
Source: NCES PowerStats; latest available data is from 2019-2020
- Scholarships for Education Majors: Explore education scholarships offered directly by your school or program, as well as private scholarships meant for students studying education or who plan to become teachers.
- Online Student Scholarships: Look into scholarship opportunities specifically designed for online students.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Complete the FAFSA to see if you qualify for federal aid, which can include grants — free money for college you don’t have to repay.
- Student Loans: If needed, consider taking out direct subsidized and unsubsidized student loans from federal sources. Only consider private lenders like banks and credit unions as a last resort.
Bachelor’s in Education Program Length
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Bachelor’s in Education Application Requirements
Official Transcripts: You’ll have to send all colleges you apply to an official high school transcript directly from your school.- Standardized Test Scores: Submit your scores from standardized tests, such as your SAT or ACT scores. Note that many colleges are now test optional, so be sure to check if scores are required before you sit for any exams.
- Letter of Recommendation: Make sure to include at least one letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or mentor, if required.
- Personal Statement: This essay should focus on your background and goals. Some colleges may also ask you to complete supplemental essays.
- Application Fee: This typically costs around $50. Some colleges don’t require an application fee at all, while others may waive it for low-income students.
Accreditation for a Bachelor’s Degree in Education
The college or university you attend must have institutional accreditation for you to receive federal financial aid. Accreditation also confirms that an institution meets certain rigorous educational quality standards, such as faculty qualifications and academic support.
In addition to institutional accreditation, many education programs hold programmatic accreditation. This means the program has been evaluated and meets high academic and professional standards.
For education programs, the primary accrediting body is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). You can find a list of accredited programs on the CAEP website.
Jobs With a Bachelor’s in Education
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher | $62,310 | Instructs students in grades K-5, covering basic subjects such as math and reading |
| Middle School Teacher | $62,970 | Educates students in grades 6-8, preparing them for high school |
| Special Education Teacher | $64,270 | Works with students who have learning, mental, emotional, and/or physical disabilities |
| High School Teacher | $64,580 | Educates students in grades 9-12, preparing them for college or the job market |
| Professor | $83,980 | Teaches a particular area of expertise at a college or university |
Source: BLS
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Education
- Master’s in Education: You can earn a master’s in education and specialize in subjects such as curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, or special education. Adding a master’s degree to your resume can boost your earning potential and open doors to administrative positions like school principal.
- Doctorate in Education: You can pursue a Ph.D. in education, which typically prepares graduates for college teaching or research, or a doctor of education (Ed.D.), which targets those who want to move into educational leadership roles or work in public policy.
- Education Certificates: Certificate programs are designed for working adults looking to advance their skills or career. These are often shorter and cheaper than degrees while offering a focused approach in education specialties such as instructional supervision, education administration, and educational technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
Most states require you to have a state license if you want to teach in a public school. Earning a bachelor’s in education is usually just the first step. After that, you’ll have to pass a state-issued certification exam and complete a student teaching experience.
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