Most Affordable Online Education Programs
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With the current national teacher shortage, education is one of the most important occupations in the country. An online education bachelor's program is one way to earn your degree from home and cut down on expenses compared to in-person education. We ranked the most affordable online education programs to help you get the biggest return on investment for your future in education.
Education bachelor's graduates typically become K-12 educators and adult education teachers. While you're a student, some states will even pay you to student-teach in schools. Find out how much an online bachelor's in education costs, what to expect, and how to pay for your education.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2023's Most Affordable Online Bachelor Degree Program in Education
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 Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Biola University
La Mirada, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Maranatha Baptist University
Watertown, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Prescott College
Prescott, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
North Greenville University
Tigerville, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Franklin Pierce University
Rindge, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
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We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Education Cost?
Typically, an online bachelor's degree costs less than an in-person degree. Online students may curb traditional in-person fees and expenses like transportation, housing, and health insurance and athletic facilities fees. However, you may still need to pay more than tuition for online health resources, books, online course access codes, and technology fees.
As of 2023, 38 of 65 online-only colleges and universities reported that full-time first-year undergraduate students paid about $17,140 in 2021-22. While there typically are no in-person components for a fully online degree, if you want to take the path to teacher licensure, you must complete in-person student teaching hours at a local school.
What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Education Program?
Empathetic, patient, and hard-working students are often the best fit for both bachelor's in education programs and teaching careers. The best programs help students develop the hard skills they need to succeed as teachers, including curriculum development, classroom management, and differentiated instruction.
A typical online bachelor's in education curriculum consists of 120 credits. Most full-time students graduate in approximately four years, or eight semesters. Some programs allow students to complete concentrations in age groups (elementary, middle, high school) or content areas (math, science, English language arts, social studies).
Most online programs include student teaching and practicum experiences that distance learners can complete in person at local schools. All programs that lead to state teaching licensure must include these programs since student teaching hours are a prerequisite for licensure.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Education Program?
- Differentiated Instruction: Creating a classroom environment that works for each student is among a teacher's most difficult tasks. This course delves into learning styles and instructional methods based on current educational research.
- Technology in the Classroom: The best teachers consistently update their classroom and curricula with the latest educational technologies. This course covers recent developments in the field, including online quizzes and multimedia platforms, to help future educators engage their students.
- Reading and Writing in the Content Areas: This course helps future educators select age-appropriate reading materials for science, social studies, and math courses. Students discuss best strategies for developing reading comprehension through these texts.
- Educational Data and Assessment: Modern education, especially in public schools, relies on data to assess students and teachers. Covered topics in this course include pre-assessments and standardized testing to help monitor and evaluate student learning.
- Practicum or Student Teaching: Prospective teachers must complete a set number of supervised student teaching hours to qualify for state licensure. Many bachelor's in education programs help students complete these hours by maintaining relationships with local schools.
What Are Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Education Program?
Online bachelor's in education programs usually maintain the same admission requirements as their on-campus counterparts. In rare cases, some programs may ask prospective students to complete a phone or Zoom interview with a member of the admissions department. In most cases, schools stick to the requirements listed below.
Application
All bachelor's programs require prospective students to submit an application. These forms collect basic information like names and addresses. Prospective learners can apply to multiple schools at once through application systems like the Common App and Coalition App.
Test Scores
While this requirement is becoming less prevalent, many bachelor's programs still require applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores. Some schools also maintain test-optional policies that allow prospective students to only submit standardized test scores if they strengthen their applications.
Letters of Recommendation
Most bachelor's programs require prospective learners to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation. First-time college applicants should ask teachers with whom they have good relationships to write these letters. Make sure to ask your recommenders months in advance so that they have enough time to write strong letters.
Essays
Students who apply to online bachelor's in education programs through the Common App or Coalition App can submit a single main essay to multiple schools at once. Most programs require supplemental essays, often asking students why they want to become teachers or requesting a statement of educational philosophy.
Official Transcripts
All accredited colleges require applicants to submit official transcripts from all prior schools they have attended. First-time applicants should send in high school transcripts. If you have completed previous college coursework, such as an associate degree from a community college, you should submit college transcripts so that you can potentially earn transfer credit.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Education Degree?
Career Outlook
Education is among the 10 most popular college majors, offering a desirable blend of high demand, reasonable wages, and meaningful work. Most students choose to enroll in online bachelor's in education programs because they want to become classroom teachers at the elementary, middle, or high school levels. However, they can also pursue careers as training and development managers, instructional coordinators, administrators, or principals.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that education, training, and library occupations will grow at around the same pace as all other occupations during that period. BLS projects education, training, and library occupations will grow at around the same pace as all other occupations during that period.
In addition, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that 18% of public schools nationwide had one teacher vacancy in 2022, while 27% had multiple vacancies. This means that there are plenty of opportunities across the nation for you to find a teaching job after graduation.
See where a bachelor's in education can take you. Learn more about education careers.
Career Paths
Preschool or Childcare Center Director
These professionals handle budgets, create programming, and manage staff at preschools and childcare centers. A bachelor's in early childhood education provides many of the skills and qualifications that graduates need to thrive in childcare settings. Director positions typically require a few years of experience.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $54,290
Elementary School Teacher
Elementary school teachers work with students in grades K-6. They plan lessons, manage the classroom, and create an environment that supports each student's learning. Bachelor's in education degree-holders who want to work in public schools must earn a state-issued teaching license.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $63,670
Middle School Teacher
Middle school teachers often work with students in grades 6-8. They prepare lessons and assessments, grade papers, and evaluate student learning. They need a relevant bachelor's degree, and public school teachers also need a state-issued teaching license.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $64,290
High School Teacher
High school teachers generally work with students in grades 9-12. In addition to creating lessons, curricula, and evaluations, they write letters of recommendation for students and often provide informal mentorship. Like elementary and middle school teachers, high school teachers who want to work in public schools need a state-issued license.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $65,220
Adult Education Teacher
Adult education teachers help adult learners develop fundamental reading and writing skills. In some cases, these educators prepare their students to pass the GED exam. They often work for community colleges and nonprofit organizations and usually need a relevant bachelor's degree.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $60,560
Continuing Education
The most common continuing education path for graduates with a bachelor's in education is to earn a master's degree in education (M.Ed.) or teaching. Public school districts usually use salary schedules to award wages. These tables generally pay teachers with master's degrees higher wages than bachelor's degree-holders with the same amount of experience.
Furthermore, all licensed teachers must complete a certain number of professional development hours per year to renew their licenses. They can complete these hours through conferences and online courses, among other avenues.
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How Do I Pay for an Online Bachelor's in Education?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
To apply for federal financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many schools also use the FAFSA to determine what types of work-study jobs, grants, and scholarships they should award to incoming students.
Loans
College loans should serve as a student's last resort after exhausting all possible grant and scholarship opportunities. Graduates who meet certain requirements as a teacher can qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs specifically for educators.
Grants
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in education should apply for Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grants. In exchange for committing to teach a high-need subject for four years after graduating, students receive money toward their education.
Work-Study Programs
Federal work-study jobs allow students to work jobs and receive money toward their education while enrolled in school. Eligible students must meet certain low-income qualifications, and approximately 3,400 schools offer these jobs.
Scholarships
Scholarships are the best form of financial aid for college students, as they do not require repayment. Schools, nonprofit organizations, and businesses award scholarships on the basis of both need and merit. Qualifications vary by scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Education Programs
Are education majors in demand?
Education-related jobs are set to grow about as fast as other jobs from 2022-2032, according to BLS. There is an immediate need for teachers since there is a national teacher shortage, leaving schools with open, unfilled teaching positions.
How much money can I make with a bachelor's in education?
The most common lowest- and highest-paying career paths are preschool/daycare director, which made a median $54,290 annually, and adult education teacher, which made $65,220 annually, according to BLS statistics from 2023.
Is an online education degree worth it?
An online education degree could save you much more than an in-person education since you can take it all from home and don't have to spend money on campus fees or transportation costs. Most teachers make a higher annual salary than the average cost of your first year at an all-online college.
