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:
- 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
University of Northern Iowa
- Cedar Falls, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,111
- Out-of-state$19,265
- In-State$9,691
- Out-of-state$20,774
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled8,848
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,288
- Out-of-state$33,528
- In-State$13,374
- Out-of-state$29,760
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled36,035
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,766
- Out-of-state$54,766
- In-State$36,234
- Out-of-state$36,234
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled23,216
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,417
- Out-of-state$20,937
- In-State$4,208
- Out-of-state$15,836
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled25,390
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,812
- Out-of-state$17,936
- In-State$4,337
- Out-of-state$18,482
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled29,668
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,632
- Out-of-state$25,944
- In-State$10,294
- Out-of-state$23,018
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled19,707
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,882
- Out-of-state$13,324
- In-State$11,963
- Out-of-state$17,944
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled13,917
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Viterbo University
- La Crosse, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,230
- Out-of-state$29,230
- In-State$9,488
- Out-of-state$9,488
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled2,520
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Buena Vista University
- Storm Lake, IA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,518
- Out-of-state$37,518
- In-State$9,936
- Out-of-state$9,936
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled1,242
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Campbell University
- Buies Creek, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,580
- Out-of-state$35,580
- In-State$14,041
- Out-of-state$14,041
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled5,259
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
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.
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: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
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.