Best Affordable Online Elementary Education Degrees of 2025
A career in elementary education starts with a bachelor’s in education. Explore this guide to find the best online elementary education degrees available.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Best Affordable Elementary Education Programs
- #1: University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Tuition is just $189 per credit for North Carolina residents.
- #2: University of Northern Iowa — 84% of online students re-enroll the following year.
- #3: University of North Dakota — Students can combine an accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree to complete in just four years.
Elementary education is a calling for many who are interested in teaching children and helping young minds flourish and grow. If you’re interested in becoming an elementary school teacher, the first step is to get your bachelor’s degree in education.
Online education degrees from accredited institutions are considered just as valid and trustworthy as degrees obtained on campus. Graduates of online programs find them valuable to their career path, and online options tend to be less expensive.
Explore our guide below to learn more about the best online elementary education available to you.
Best Affordable Online Elementary Education Degrees
How We Rank Schools
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
UNC Charlotte's online bachelor's in elementary education teacher assistants to teachers program is specifically designed to transition teaching assistants into degree-holding elementary education teachers.Â
The 63-credit program takes approximately two years to complete and prepares students to work with children from kindergarten through sixth grade. Courses are entirely online, with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous delivery, allowing students to work full-time while enrolled.Â
Prospective students should have a minimum 2.7 GPA and an associate degree and currently work as a North Carolina K-5 teacher assistant.
Highlights
- 68% graduation rate
- The most affordable of our top picks
- Fully online courses
Know Before You Apply
- Associate degree needed to apply
- Must be working as a North Carolina K-5 Teacher Assistant
- In-person placements and student teaching internships required
56%
$ 3,812
84%
$18,474
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 30,298
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Northern Iowa
- Cedar Falls, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
University of Northern Iowa's 2+2 elementary education bachelor's program is designed for students who already have an associate degree and are interested in pursuing a career in elementary or middle school education.
Courses are offered entirely online, though in-person field experience and student teaching are required.Â
Prospective students should have their associate's degree from an accredited institution and complete prerequisite courses or equivalent. After graduation, students will be eligible for teaching licensure in Iowa.
Highlights
- More affordable than other top picks
- Minor options available
Know Before You Apply
- 69% graduation rate
- Associate degree required
44%
$ 8,396
84%
$19,940
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,021
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
University of North Dakota's bachelor of science in elementary education equips you to pursue licensure as a teacher in North Dakota or Minnesota. The program includes early classroom observation and a one-semester teaching placement, which can be completed anywhere in the United States or abroad.Â
This 125-credit program typically takes four years to complete. Students can also pursue additional teaching certifications through one of five minors or an online accelerated combined bachelor's and master's degree in elementary education.
Highlights
- Three start datesÂ
- Flexibility in teaching placements
- Accelerated options available
Know Before You Apply
- 63% graduation rate
- Smaller enrollment size
- Less affordable than other top schools
68%
$ 9,237
83%
$13,856
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,172
- Institution Type
- Public
East Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
East Carolina University offers students the opportunity to earn their bachelor's in elementary education through a partnership with local community colleges.
Students can start at any North Carolina community college and transfer to ECU to finish their teaching degree through online courses, field placements, and a full-time internship in a local public school classroom.Â
This ECU program offers full-time (two-year) and part-time (three-year) tracks. Prospective part-time students should have completed community college prerequisites and have a minimum 2.5 GPA (3.0 for full-time enrollment).
Highlights
- Offered full-time and part-time
- Earn real-world experience through an internship
- More affordable than other top picks
Know Before You Apply
- 62% graduation rate
- Community college courses required before enrollment
72%
$ 4,452
82%
$20,729
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,785
- Institution Type
- Public
Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Mississippi State offers an online bachelor of science in elementary education degree with concentrations in early childhood or middle school. The program is available to students in most states with courses delivered completely online. Additionally, the required field experience and student teaching internship components can be completed locally.
Students who successfully complete the program will be licensed to teach in Mississippi. Prospective students can apply as a junior with a minimum 2.5 GPA and at least 40 hours of work experience with children.
Highlights
- More affordable than other top picks
- Local field experience options availableÂ
Know Before You Apply
- Smaller enrollment size
- 63% enrollment rate
- Previous work experience with children required
45%
$ 9,248
83%
$25,294
- Acceptance Rate
- 76%
- Students Enrolled
- 22,657
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina Wilmington's distance learning elementary education program prepares students to teach children in grades K-6.
The program offers 10 concentrations and four minors and graduates will be prepared for North Carolina teacher licensure.Â
Courses are offered online; however, in-person tutoring and field experiences are required. The program is only available to students located within the Southeastern region of North Carolina.
Highlights
- Get prepared for state teach licensure
- 10 concentrations and 4 minors
Know Before You Apply
- Exclusively for regional studentsÂ
- Less affordable than other top picks
- In-person field experience required
70%
$ 4,443
83%
$19,063
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 17,843
- Institution Type
- Public
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The elementary education bachelor's degree program at Kansas State University prepares students to teach pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. The 120-credit-hour program offers fully online courses and includes field experience at a local elementary school.
Admittance to the full professional education major has additional requirements. After graduation, students are eligible to apply for an Initial Teaching License in Kansas.
Prospective first-year students need a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher or ACT/SAT scores above a certain threshold, while transfer students need a minimum GPA of 2.0 on transfer coursework.Â
Highlights
- 70% graduation rate
- Transfer credits accepted from other institutions
Know Before You Apply
- Less affordable than other top picks
- Smaller enrollment size
- Additional requirements to be admitted into the professional program
49%
$ 9,964
87%
$26,838
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 19,745
- Institution Type
- Public
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Oklahoma State University's online elementary education degree prepares you to teach grades 1-8 in Oklahoma. Full-time students can complete the 124-credit program in four years.Â
Courses are offered in asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid formats. Students are required to complete three in-person field experiences and a student teaching experience.
Prospective students needed a minimum 3.0 GPA or passing SAT or ACT scores to apply. Candidates must first submit an OSU undergraduate application.Â
Highlights
- Asynchronous courses available
- More affordable than other top schools
Know Before You Apply
- 66% graduation rate
- Larger enrollment size
- In-person field experiences and student teaching required
53%
$ 5,417
84%
$20,937
- Acceptance Rate
- 71%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,008
- Institution Type
- Public
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The online bachelor of arts in elementary education program at University of South Carolina equips students to teach children in grades 2-6. The program can be completed in 2.5-3 years, including a yearlong, in-person internship during the last year.Â
Students can choose specialized content preparation courses in areas such as physical education, art, and elementary math. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be recommended for teacher certification in elementary education.Â
This degree completion program requires prospective students to have 30 credit hours from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Highlights
- 78% graduation rate
- Six start dates per year
Know Before You Apply
- The most expensive of our top picks
- Large enrollment size
- Degree completion program
61%
$12,288
91%
$34,534
- Acceptance Rate
- 61%
- Students Enrolled
- 36,579
- Institution Type
- Public
Why You Should Get an Elementary Education Degree
Work in a School Setting: Work in a public or private elementary school.- Prepare Students: Teach young students basic concepts and subjects to lay the groundwork for their future schooling.
- Prepare for Certification: Getting an accredited bachelor’s degree in education is considered the first step you need to take before getting your teaching certification.
- Summers Off: Most elementary teachers have the summers off as well as breaks in the winter and spring.
Benefits of Getting an Elementary Education Degree Online
We surveyed online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates to see what they thought about their online programs for our 2025 Online Education Trends Report. Read what they had to say about the value of their degree:
- 95% think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- 75% believe an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- 52% say their online classes included assignments they could relate to their current jobs.
How to Choose the Best Elementary Education Degree Program for You
When you’re comparing which online program to pursue, be sure to analyze the cost of the program, how long it will take, what careers it’ll prepare you for, if financial aid will be available, and if the program is accredited. All of these factors will contribute to how much of a return on your investment the degree will bring.
How Much Does an Online Elementary Education Degree Cost?
Elementary Education, 2019-2020
In-State Avg. Tuition & Fees
$9,875
In-State Avg. Net Price
$5,428
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average net price for in-state elementary education programs is $5,428. The average in-state tuition and fees for an education program is $9,875.
Each program may vary in cost and the available amount of scholarships and grants. You will have to research the programs you are interested in to see if you can afford them. Keep in mind you will also have to pay for course materials and technology costs related to accessing online courses.
Find Financial Aid for Your Elementary Education Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get an Elementary Education Degree Online?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
A typical bachelor’s degree in elementary education takes four years, or 120 credits, to complete. If you’re looking to complete your degree in a shorter amount of time, you can look into accelerated degrees. Accelerated and online programs tend to help you get your degree faster. After you complete your degree, you may also need to set aside time to prepare for and take your teaching certification test.
Accreditation for an Elementary Education Degree
A bachelor’s degree is an investment of your time and money, so you want to make sure the program you choose is worth it and will give you a quality education. One way to ensure quality and value is by verifying a program is accredited. Programmatic accreditation means that a program has met certain standards of quality set by an independent third party. Even online schools are accredited.
What Can You Do With an Elementary Education Degree?
Once you complete your elementary education degree, you’ll want to get any additional state-required licenses or certifications in order to begin teaching. With your degree, you will be able to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher, special education teacher, teacher assistant, kindergarten teacher, or childcare center director.
Unfortunately, these jobs are experiencing little to no growth or even a decline in growth from 2023-2033 according to the BLS. However, that means having a bachelor’s degree in education is all the more important because it makes you a more competitive job candidate in this tight market.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education Teacher | $64,270 | Works with students who have mental, physical, or emotional disabilities |
| Teacher Assistant | $35,240 | Works with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and support |
| Kindergarten Teacher | $62,310 | Teaches young children the basics needed for future schooling |
| Childcare Center Director | $56,270 | Manages a childcare center by supervising staff, making budgets, and planning activities |
Learn More About Elementary Education Jobs
Is an Online Elementary Education Degree Worth It?
While you likely won’t make six figures as an elementary educator, what you will be doing will have an impact on your students for years to come. Research shows that early education has an immense effect on how students do for the rest of their lives.
Earning your bachelor’s degree is crucial in the journey to becoming a teacher: You will need to get your degree if you want to teach in school classrooms. The average net price for in-state elementary education programs is $5,428. Meanwhile, the median pay of an elementary teacher was $62,310 as of May 2024, so it can make financial sense to pursue this degree and this career, depending on your goals and budget.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Once you complete your bachelor’s degree in elementary education, you can go on to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in education or related fields. Getting an advanced degree will make you eligible for more competitive jobs that tend to pay better and have more responsibilities. Earning specific certifications or licenses or completing specialized training can prepare you for certain jobs and indicate to future employers you are ready for them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elementary Education Degrees
A bachelor’s degree in elementary education takes about four years of undergraduate study to complete and is considered an entry requirement for becoming a teacher, whereas a master’s degree will offer more advanced and more specialized study. A master’s degree will typically take about two additional years for you to complete. A master’s degree makes you eligible for higher pay and more competitive jobs with more responsibilities.
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