Top Online Elementary Education Programs of 2024
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Editor & Writer
Contributing Reviewer
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
Contributing Reviewer
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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:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online bachelor's in elementary education programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The 10 Best Online Elementary Education Programs of 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $350
Out-of-State | $350
Credits to Graduate: 120
UNI's online bachelor's elementary education degree, designed for working professionals who already hold an associate degree, offers a customizable education. You can pursue a double major in elementary and middle level education, and select minors in literacy education, early childhood education, or social and emotional learning.
Over a span of two years, live streaming and asynchronous work coursework prepares you to teach, with lessons in early literacy teaching methods, classroom assessment, and field experiences. You'll study with a consistent cohort of future educators. Some courses provide the opportunity for on-the-ground learning. Admission requires an associate degree.
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Cost per Credit (part time):
In-State | $433
Out-of-State | $869
Credits to Graduate: 120
UofSC's bachelor's in elementary education prepares teachers for grades 2-6 with field experiences that provide practice for certification in South Carolina. This 120-credit degree completion program takes 2-3 years, including the 12-month internship.
Throughout that time, you'll learn about classroom management, institutional methods, literacy and reading instruction and child growth and development. The Office of Clinical Experiences handles all classroom placements.
Choose from six start times. You will need at least 25 credits from an accredited school and a GPA of 2.5 or higher to get admitted into UofSC.
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $459
Out-of-State | $459
Quarter Credits to Graduate: 180
Drexel's bachelor's in elementary education degree offers a potential pathway to teaching certification with an additional special education credential. You'll develop special education competencies to modify curriculum, provide remedial instruction, and use the latest technologies.
This part-time program, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, takes between 2.5-5 years. To pursue a teaching certification you must complete 12 weeks of teaching experience and 190 additional hours of in-school activities. The program also offers a non-certification option.
If you hold less than 24 college credits, you need to submit your high school transcripts and a personal essay.
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $420
Out-of-State | $938
Credits to Graduate: 124
OSU's online elementary education program leads to a teaching certification recommended by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Besides three field experiences totaling 144 hours and a senior year internship, the rest of the coursework operates online. This four-year degree equips you to teach elementary social studies, science, math, and literature.
Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.5 and an ACT score of 22, including the writing area, or a 1120 SAT score.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $189
Out-of-State | $800
Credits to Graduate: 60
UNC Charlotte's bachelor's in elementary education is a degree completion program that trains teacher assistants to become certified teachers. Through a combination of live lectures and deadline-driven assignments, you can complete the 60 required core courses full time or part time. You'll study instruction design and assessment, theories and practices for an equitable education in urban areas, and instruction planning for diversity.
New students enter in the summer, usually with an associate degree and a minimum 2.7 GPA. Eligible candidates also need a recommendation letter from a school administrator, experience as a teacher assistant in North Carolina, and passing Praxis scores.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $394
Out-of-State | $394
Credits to Graduate: 120
K-State's elementary education bachelor's degree blends classroom experience and theory. The 120-credit program proceeds in three blocks. Block A covers education technology, psychology, and teaching skills with a lab. The next two blocks provide classroom experience through two field practicums.
You'll also complete a teaching internship that involves observing an elementary classroom and teaching independently. The program encourages you to earn a minor or certification.
After graduation, you can apply for an initial teaching license in Kansas.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP, North Dakota Educational Standards and Practices Board
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $384
Out-of-State | $577
Credits to Graduate: 125
UND's bachelor's in elementary education degree prepares you to teach grades 1-8 and choose from multiple minors. Pursue minors in early childhood education, English language learners and bilingual education, literary education, middle school education, or special education.
You'll get training in the classroom through various field experiences, and learn how to teach reading, social studies, math, and science.
If you want to earn a graduate degree, you can enroll in the dual program to earn a master's in elementary education faster than if you applied to a master's program only after completing your undergraduate degree.
Viterbo University
La Crosse, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $335
Out-of-State | $335
Credits to Graduate: 53
If you have an associate degree, Viterbo's bachelor's in elementary education completion program can lead to teaching certification in 2-3 years. Additionally, you can choose to take nine additional credits to earn a special education license.
Viterbo, originally known as the St. Rose Normal School, has a background in training elementary school educators since 1890. The core curriculum combines Franciscan values, technology-enhanced instruction, and teaching approaches for diverse students.
Typically, accepted students start with 35-65 credits from accredited colleges.
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465
Credits to Graduate: 120
BVU's online elementary education degree coursework builds a foundation in instructional technology, elementary literacy, teaching methods, and educational psychology. Students in this program receive teacher prep on instructing grades K-6. Online students have access to tutors and a student lounge.
Through the Plus One Program, you can complete an organizational leadership or English as a second language master's in one year, (for a total of five years at BVU) instead of the standard two years to complete a master's degree.
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450
Credits to Graduate: 124
Campbell University offers its online B.S. in elementary education program in an eight-week accelerated format. The program covers many subjects based on your interest. These include assessment, data-informed teaching, education tech foundations, special education and adaptive technology.
A main focus of the program is nurturing your love for kids while providing the skills and knowledge needed to become a teacher. Coursework covers curriculum creation, assessment techniques, instructional practices, and addressing the diverse needs of students and families for grades K-6.
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.
Ranking Methodology Summary
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:
- 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.
Online Bachelor's in Elementary Education Coursework
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.
Courses
While coursework can vary from school to school, most elementary education curricula cover similar topics to prepare you for the classroom.
Common courses include:
- Educational Technology
- Children's Literature and Literacy Instruction
- Social Studies in the Elementary Classroom
- Reading and Language in the Elementary Classroom
- Classroom Management
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Elementary School Settings
Specializations
In addition to foundational core coursework, some schools also offer specializations like:
- Special Education
- Gifted and Talented Education
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Reading and Literacy
Student Teaching
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.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's in Elementary Education Cost?
Average Annual Cost of a Bachelor's Degree
Tuition & Fees | 2022-2023
$17,709
Total Cost | 2022-2023
$30,884
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).
Elementary Education Scholarships:
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program
The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program grants students pursuing a teaching career in a West Virginia public school up to $10,000 per year for four years to use toward tuition, fees, and relevant college expenses. After graduating, recipients must teach elementary education, special education, math, or science in an eligible school for at least five years.
Mrs. Prindables Future Educator Scholarship
The Future Educator Scholarship from Mrs. Prindables awards $1,000 each year to one student majoring in education, applicable to their tuition and related expenses. Students must fill out an online form to apply and explain their reasons for becoming an educator.
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program offers renewable scholarships for diverse students in need who study education or other fields. The award goes to 1,000 students annually, with an average annual scholarship of more than $12,000.
Read More: How to Find Scholarships for College Students: Top 12 Resources
Read More: Scholarships for Education Majors
How Do I Choose a Bachelor's in Elementary Education Degree Program?
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.
Cost
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.
Program Format
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.
Location
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.
Accreditation
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
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.
Is a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Worth It?
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.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor's in Elementary Education?
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.
| Elementary Education Career | Median Annual Wage (2023) |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher | $63,680 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,370 |
| Preschool Teacher | $37,130 |
| Special Education Teacher | $67,190 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $77,030 |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
What degree do most elementary teachers have?
Most elementary teachers have a bachelor's degree in elementary education or general education. An elementary education degree provides specialized knowledge future teachers need to teach elementary school students, like giving assessments and building literacy skills.
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in elementary education?
Most graduates with a bachelor's degree in elementary education teach either K-5 or K-6 students. But outside of teaching, you can work in other capacities in a school setting.
For example, with additional schooling, you could work as a guidance counselor, special education teacher, or school principal.
Are elementary school teachers in demand?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for kindergarten and elementary school teachers to grow by only 1% from 2023-2033. However, dedicated elementary school teachers are necessary to keep school systems well-staffed, so they'll continue to fill roles as other teachers retire.
