Top Online Elementary Education Programs of 2024

Do you miss the days of using candy to learn division and Play-Doh to create shapes? Well, maybe you should go back to elementary school — just not as a student.

A bachelor’s degree in elementary education prepares you to work as a K-5 or K-6 teacher.

In an elementary education program, you’ll study instruction techniques and ways to teach specific subjects like literature and social studies. And your coursework will also prepare you for certification exams.

If you’re considering an online elementary education degree, here’s what to do next:

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Earning an online elementary education degree requires a significant amount of time and money. So it’s important to understand what these programs entail before making a commitment.

In this section, we cover some common program elements to help you make an informed decision.

While coursework can vary from school to school, most elementary education curricula cover similar topics to prepare you for the classroom.

In addition to foundational core coursework, some schools also offer specializations like:

As with other K-12 education degrees, if you’re seeking an elementary education degree online, you typically need to complete student teaching experience to qualify for graduation and licensure.

Student teaching usually lasts a full semester and is a required, unpaid part of the degree. Keep in mind that specific time requirements vary by state, so you should check with your board of education for more details.

A bachelor’s degree in elementary education — like any college degree — is a financial commitment. While public institutions typically cost less than private institutions, both cost chunks of change to complete.

But there’s some good news: You can make your degree more affordable through scholarships for education majors. Federal and private student loans are also available, too. For those taking federal student loans, many teachers also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Read More:How to Find Scholarships for College Students: Top 12 Resources

Read More:Scholarships for Education Majors

To ensure that your degree aligns with your goals as an educator, look for a bachelor’s degree in elementary education that fits your learning style, interests, and educational needs. Consider the following as you search for the right elementary education degree online.

The cost of an online program varies significantly by school. While public schools tend to have lower tuition rates than private schools, many private schools don’t charge higher rates for out-of-state online students. If you’re considering pursuing an online elementary education degree in another state, you might find a private school more cost-effective.

Don’t forget to include the cost of books and fees in your total costs when comparing programs.

An online elementary education degree may have synchronous or asynchronous coursework or a blend of both. Synchronous courses require you to meet virtually for live classes at specific times, while asynchronous courses don’t have set meeting times. If you prefer a more self-paced format, you need an asynchronous program.

Also, remember that many elementary education programs require student teaching, usually in person. See if you can complete your student teaching requirements at a school of your choice, especially if you live out of state.

Online and on-campus programs offer the same curriculum, so you don’t need to worry about not having a quality education if you study online. Just be aware that some programs may change certain elements — like practicums and labs — depending on the delivery method.

However, the cost of online and in-person degrees sometimes varies. Some schools have a separate tuition rate for online learners but may tack on a per-credit or per-semester technology fee to access the school’s virtual services.

To stick to your budget, consider looking for a school that includes digital textbooks and materials in your tuition costs and charges minimal or no technology fees to online learners.

If you plan to become a licensed educator, look for an elementary education degree from an accredited college or university. Accreditation spotlights schools providing high-quality academics through a supportive environment.

You can usually find accreditation information on a school’s website, but be sure to cross-check their accreditation status on the accrediting body’s website.

Institutional accreditation is important for legitimacy and transfer credits, but programmatic accreditation is important too. For elementary education degrees online, check for accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Student support services are important to every student, but can be especially helpful to you as an online learner. Services like online tutoring, career coaching, and virtual socialization and networking events can give you academic and social support while keeping you involved in your school.

If you can’t find information about a school’s support service on its website, contact an academic advisor to ask what’s available.

A bachelor’s in elementary education is worth it for those seeking a job as an elementary school teacher. Many states require a degree in elementary education in order to teach. You’ll also prepare for any necessary licensing exams and complete student-teaching experience.

When making a decision on whether a bachelor’s in education is worth it for you, it’s important to consider your own interests and economic situation. A degree is a large investment, and you should measure the return on investment (ROI) of your college degree.

With an average annual salary of $63,670 (The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023), you may wish to consider scholarships or loan-forgiveness programs to make your degree more affordable.

An elementary education degree often leads to teaching roles for preschool or elementary-aged students. However, other career possibilities besides those listed below are available for graduates. For example, some graduates may lead community youth programs or tutor children just learning to read.

Because many elementary education programs require students to complete several hours of student-teaching in real classrooms to graduate, they prepare learners well for various relevant careers, whether in or out of the classroom.

The following careers are some of the most common to pursue after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

If you plan to move forward with a master’s degree in elementary education, you could broaden your opportunities with potential careers such as principal or instructional coordinator.