Best Affordable Online Education Programs
Online education degrees can offer a great return on investment. Explore affordable options available to learners nationwide.
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2023At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Affordable Online Education Programs
- #1: University of Missouri — This program includes coursework on how diversity and technology relate to children’s development.
- #2: Biola University — Biola looks at early childhood education through a biblical lens.
- #3: Maranatha Baptist University — This program prepares students for alternative certification for teaching careers at Christian schools.
The best affordable online education programs combine affordability with academic excellence. BestColleges uses a ranking methodology that compares many factors beyond a program’s price tag, including schools’ reputations and student outcomes.
We used government and private sources to bring you online education programs that offer the best value for your money.
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Best Affordable Online Education Programs
How We Rank Schools
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $408
Out of State | $498
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
The University of Missouri, Columbia, offers a bachelor's in education that degree-seekers can complete online, with in-person observation hours required. Throughout this bachelor's in early childhood education program, students complete at least 51 credits of major coursework. Required courses include administration in early childhood settings, diversity in the lives of young children and families, and technology and young children.
First-year applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate, and transfer applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. This program is currently test-optional for prospective students through 2023.
32%
$ 9,120
88%
$26,991
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 30,014
- Institution Type
- Public
Biola University
- La Mirada, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $604
Out of State | $604
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Biola University is a private, Christian institution in California that offers a 100% online bachelor's in early childhood education. Core classes include an introduction to teaching, early childhood curriculum, and psychology of marriage and family. Biola also takes a biblical approach, requiring classes like spiritual formation for young children and spiritual formation for Christian educators.
Prospective students must submit their applications with academic transcripts and short essay questions. Biola waives application fees and covers the cost of submitting official transcripts.
36%
$41,976
83%
$41,976
- Acceptance Rate
- 70%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,103
- Institution Type
- Private
Maranatha Baptist University
- Watertown, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $430
Out of State | $430
Credits to Graduate
128
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Established in 1968, Maranatha Baptist University is a Wisconsin-based, private Christian institution. Unlike other bachelor's in education programs, Maranatha's BS in educational studies does not lead to state licensure. Instead, this program prepares students for alternative certification for teaching careers at Christian schools.
Essential courses for this online program cover foundations of education, developmental psychology, and technology for teaching and learning. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate and document their development of biblical traits in a personal essay.
39%
$15,480
79%
$15,480
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 985
- Institution Type
- Private
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $375
Out of State | $375
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Kansas State University offers a bachelor's in education program that prepares graduates for education careers beyond the traditional licensure-to-classroom pathway. This education studies degree includes classes such as educational psychology, introduction to adult education, and educational technology for teaching and learning.
Prospective students can apply online and must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. High-performing high school students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are exempt from submitting ACT/SAT scores.
27%
$ 9,735
86%
$25,251
- Acceptance Rate
- 95%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,719
- Institution Type
- Public
Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $410
Out of State | $410
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Massachusetts and established in 1897, Bay Path University's American Women's College offers an online bachelor's in education studies aimed at adult women. This non-licensure track includes major requirements such as introduction to early childhood education, curriculum development, children's literature, and reading and literacy.
Prospective students can submit a free online application and must send in official transcripts from all previous institutions. Applicants must also complete an admissions phone interview.
62%
$35,081
68%
$35,081
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,324
- Institution Type
- Private
Prescott College
- Prescott, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $512
Out of State | $512
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Arizona's Prescott College offers an online bachelor's in education that can lead to teaching licensure. Throughout this 120-credit online program, students tackle core courses such as positive child guidance, survey of the exceptional learner, and curriculum design and evaluation. Additionally, students can pursue academic concentrations in environmental and social justice education.
Prospective education students must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Transfer students and first-time applicants can apply through the Common Application. Prescott College's online application waives any application fees.
65%
$30,888
61%
$30,888
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 993
- Institution Type
- Private
Wilmington University
- New Castle, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $399
Out of State | $399
Credits to Graduate
121
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Delaware's Wilmington University is a private institution that offers an online bachelor's in education that does not lead to licensure. In this 121-credit program, 57 credits cover required education coursework. Core education classes include professional issues in early childhood education, educating preschoolers with special needs, and developmentally appropriate practice.
Students interested in this online program must submit an online application with official transcripts. Wilmington University does not require ACT/SAT scores or an admissions essay when evaluating applications.
75%
$11,430
60%
$11,430
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 14,730
- Institution Type
- Private
North Greenville University
- Tigerville, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $450
Out of State | $450
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in South Carolina, North Greenville University is home to a bachelor's program in elementary education that degree-seekers can complete entirely online. Alongside standard general education requirements, students complete core classes such as intro to education, historical perspectives of education, and intro to early childhood education.
First-year applicants to this online bachelor's in education must submit an online application with associated fees. Additionally, prospective students submit official high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores.
16%
$21,120
72%
$21,120
- Acceptance Rate
- 63%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,426
- Institution Type
- Private
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $390
Out of State | $390
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Lynchburg, Virginia's Christian Liberty University offers a 100% online bachelor's in early childhood education that many students complete in fewer than four years. Throughout this non-licensure education program, Liberty students complete core classes such as early childhood education fundamentals, wellness in the early childhood setting, and developmental psychology.
Applicants to this online education program must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Prospective students can apply online or over the phone.
92%
$15,417
81%
$15,417
- Acceptance Rate
- 51%
- Students Enrolled
- 85,586
- Institution Type
- Private
Franklin Pierce University
- Rindge, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $400
Out of State | $400
Credits to Graduate
122
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Franklin Pierce University is a New Hampshire-based private institution that offers various undergraduate education programs, including a bachelor's in education studies that students can complete entirely online. In addition to general education classes, degree-seekers complete core requirements such as learning theory for professional education settings, community education, and educational psychology.
Prospective students must hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Applicants also submit official high school or college transcripts.
28%
$35,900
68%
$35,900
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,114
- Institution Type
- Private
Why the Cheapest Online Education Program Isn’t Always the Most Affordable
Online education degrees come at different price points, and you may think that the cheapest equals the most affordable. BestColleges approaches affordability differently. To us, a good affordable online degree in education:
- Offers the best education at the best price
- Offers a positive return on investment (ROI)
- Awards good to excellent institutional financial aid
As a result, some programs we recommend may feature a higher cost of attendance (COA) than other online education degrees you discover on your own. But when you factor in financial aid, you might find yourself paying less.
Take, for example, the two universities below. The more expensive school offers much more in savings, bringing the real price tag down to a level more comparable to the less expensive school.
| Institution Name | Northwestern University | University of Missouri–St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Yearly Cost of Tuition | $87,804 | $32,289 |
| Avg. Net Tuition After Aid | $23,341 | $11,577 |
| Avg. Savings From Aid | ~73% | ~64% |
Benefits of Getting an Affordable Education Degree Online
- The BestColleges’ 2025 Online Education Trends Report found that 75% of online bachelor’s students and program graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- 90% of online program graduates say they think that earning an online degree has had or will have a positive ROI.
- 69% of graduates feel that their online programs prepared them well for their first job after graduation. Nineteen percent say they were prepared extremely well.
- 98% of current, prospective, and graduated online college students say they would recommend online education to others.
How Much Does a Bachelor’s Degree in Education Cost?
Bachelor’s Degree in Education, 2020
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees:$9,594
Avg. Net Price: $5,334
On-Campus
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $14,226
Avg. Net Price: $6,060
Source: NCES PowerStats
The latest available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that, in 2020, online degrees in education offered about 10% cost savings compared to the net price of traditional on-campus programs.
Institutional, private, federal, and state financial aid programs can help on-campus and online degree-seekers lower costs considerably.
Keep in mind that these figures do not include online education’s other potential cost savings. Online students do not need to pay for on-campus housing, a meal plan, or commuting costs. Online programs may also attract applicants by offering free digital textbooks and other discounts.
Other factors to consider include tuition and fee changes since 2020. Although prices at most schools continue to go up annually, some colleges’ tuition has become more affordable in recent years due to inflationary effects.
Find Financial Aid for Your Education Degree
What Is an Online Education Degree’s ROI?
ROI refers to the financial, career, and personal benefits you end up receiving by paying for and attending college.
In the table below, data from the class of 2023 shows that, on average, graduates completing higher degree levels earn higher starting salaries. In other words, advancing your education can help you earn more.
You can calculate your potential ROI by determining your online education program’s cost and comparing that with the median salary for these graduates. Programs with a good ROI pay for themselves in only a few years due to increased salary potential.
But not all education programs are created equal, and a low cost doesn’t always mean a good return. Help ensure the program you choose offers a strong ROI by considering:
- The experiential learning opportunities it offers
- Your own personal satisfaction from the program
- The curriculum’s rigor
How to Save Money on Your Online Education Degree
With a little planning and effort, you may be able to reduce your COA significantly — and avoid incurring a lot of debt.
1. Apply for Financial Aid
Securing financial aid starts with filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The information you provide on the FAFSA will determine your eligibility for federal grants, which you don’t pay back, and federal loans, which you will have to pay back.
The government’s TEACH Grant program can also lower your tuition bill significantly.
Your school also may award institutional scholarships and grants to qualifying incoming students. This financial aid may require a separate application, depending on your school.
2. Look for Teaching Scholarships and Grants
Expand your financial aid search by researching state and private financial aid. The former may limit applicants to those who graduated from an in-state high school. These programs may also use a high school GPA cutoff.
Don’t forget to apply for scholarships and grants exclusive to learners pursuing an in-person or online education degree:
- Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship
- James Madison Memorial Fellowship Program
- Phi Delta Kappa International Prospective Educator Scholarships
Speak with your school’s financial aid counselors to discover more financial aid opportunities.
3. Start at a Community College
Starting your education at a local community college is a great way to save money on a four-year degree. You can earn an associate degree while paying the in-state tuition rate. This degree helps you fulfill general education requirements to transfer into a four-year bachelor’s program.
Don’t think that your online education degree will have less value to employers because you attended a community college. They care that your bachelor’s program provided you with the coursework and student teaching required for licensure.
4. Get Exempt from Credits
Whether you start your education at a two- or four-year school, you may earn college credit or receive an exemption before taking your first college course. Save money on your degree by:
- Taking Advanced Placement courses in high school
- Testing out of a course
- Submitting a portfolio to receive credit for prior learning
Discuss these and other options with your enrollment advisor. Even if you can skip some introductory courses, you may still need to take electives to meet your degree’s minimum credit requirement.
5. Research ‘Free’ Credentialing Programs
Your state may offer a low-cost or free credentialing program. Requirements may include:
- Attending a school meeting your state’s requirements
- Not already holding a teaching license or credential
- Completing a teacher-preparation program within a set timeline
You may also have to agree to work in a high-need school for 2-4 years after graduation. This requirement means that you pay for your online degree in education with labor rather than money.
Prospective students planning to move out of state after graduation should consider other financial aid options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Education Programs
Yes, you can become a teacher with just a bachelor’s degree in education. However, your degree needs to meet your state’s teacher-preparation requirements:
- Student teaching in one or more schools
- Coursework in the topic(s) you plan to teach
- Coursework in pedagogy, childhood development, and related topics
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