Most 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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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.
Elementary Education Degree Highlights
- Prepares you for teacher certification.
- Learn how to teach children a variety of subjects.
- A usually affordable degree for a decent-paying job.
- Your next step to becoming a teacher.
Source: BLS
Cheapest Online Elementary Education Degrees
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This list is from 2025. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$3,812
$18,474
80%
56%
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.
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.
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
$4,337
$18,482
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
$3,812
$18,474
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$3,812
$18,474
80%
56%
$4,337
$18,482
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
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.
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.
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
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$8,396
$19,940
94%
44%
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.
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
$9,691
$20,774
84%
9,021
Public
Yes
$8,396
$19,940
Cedar Falls, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$8,396
$19,940
94%
44%
$9,691
$20,774
84%
9,021
Public
Yes
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.
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
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$9,237
$13,856
77%
68%
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.
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 dates
- Flexibility in teaching placements
- Accelerated options available
Know Before You Apply
- 63% graduation rate
- Smaller enrollment size
- Less affordable than other top schools
$11,963
$17,944
83%
14,172
Public
Yes
$9,237
$13,856
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$9,237
$13,856
77%
68%
$11,963
$17,944
83%
14,172
Public
Yes
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.
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 dates
- Flexibility in teaching placements
- Accelerated options available
Know Before You Apply
- 63% graduation rate
- Smaller enrollment size
- Less affordable than other top schools
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,452
$20,729
90%
72%
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.
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
$4,749
$17,898
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
$4,452
$20,729
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,452
$20,729
90%
72%
$4,749
$17,898
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
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.
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
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,248
$25,294
76%
45%
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 available
Know Before You Apply
- Smaller enrollment size
- 63% enrollment rate
- Previous work experience with children required
$9,398
$25,444
83%
22,657
Public
Yes
$9,248
$25,294
Mississippi State, MS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,248
$25,294
76%
45%
$9,398
$25,444
83%
22,657
Public
Yes
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 available
Know Before You Apply
- Smaller enrollment size
- 63% enrollment rate
- Previous work experience with children required
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,443
$19,063
69%
70%
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.
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 students
- Less affordable than other top picks
- In-person field experience required
$4,719
$19,104
83%
17,843
Public
Yes
$4,443
$19,063
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,443
$19,063
69%
70%
$4,719
$19,104
83%
17,843
Public
Yes
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.
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 students
- Less affordable than other top picks
- In-person field experience required
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,964
$26,838
80%
49%
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.
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
$10,294
$23,018
87%
19,745
Public
Yes
$9,964
$26,838
Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,964
$26,838
80%
49%
$10,294
$23,018
87%
19,745
Public
Yes
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.
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
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$5,417
$20,937
71%
53%
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.
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.
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
$4,208
$15,836
84%
26,008
Public
Yes
$5,417
$20,937
Stillwater, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$5,417
$20,937
71%
53%
$4,208
$15,836
84%
26,008
Public
Yes
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.
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.
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
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC4 yearCampus + Online
$12,288
$34,534
61%
61%
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.
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.
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
$13,374
$29,760
91%
36,579
Public
Yes
$12,288
$34,534
Columbia, SC4 yearCampus + Online
$12,288
$34,534
61%
61%
$13,374
$29,760
91%
36,579
Public
Yes
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.
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.
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
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 2024 Online Education Trends Report. Read what they had to say about the value of their degree:
- 92% think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- 85% believe an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- 51% reported their online classes included assignments they could use to explore future careers.
- 45% reported rarely or never having doubts about choosing the right major.
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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