2025 Most Affordable Online Elementary Education Degrees
Earn your teaching certification affordably with the cheapest online elementary education degree programs. These flexible options cover child development, classroom management, and instructional strategies while integrating virtual classroom observations for real-world experience. With an accessible price and the convenience of online study, you can balance your education with other commitments while you start your journey toward a fulfilling career in elementary teaching.
Key Takeaways:
- National University hosts the #1 most affordable online elementary education degree, with tuition at $4,162.
- St. Petersburg College has the highest graduate earnings for its Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with a median salary of $47,672.
- Hobe Sound Bible College excels with the lowest student-to-faculty ratio at 6:1, indicating personalized attention and mentorship opportunities.
We manually review tuition rates to feature the most affordable online degrees. Every listed school is institutionally accredited and delivers fully online programs with transparent costs. Check our methodology for more information about our process.
2025 Most Affordable Online Elementary Education Degrees
Overview of Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees
An online bachelor's degree in elementary education provides the skills to teach children from kindergarten to fifth grade. Coursework involves curriculum planning, instructional methodologies, and learning assessment tools while requiring practical teaching experience in real-world classrooms. Many programs are designed to meet the criteria of state teacher licenses, allowing students to pursue teaching careers by obtaining credentials upon graduation. Concentrations may be available in pre-K teaching or special education.
Many schools require a certain amount of college education credits to pursue an elementary education bachelor's degree. Once enrolled, full-time students typically take four years to complete the approximately 120 credits needed to graduate. Fortunately, an online elementary education degree allows students to take coursework on flexible schedules.
Common Courses
The required coursework for an elementary education major involves disciplines ranging from a child's psychology to practical instruction methods. Students must understand the biological development of the children that will make up their classrooms just as much as the subjects they plan to teach. Each course is designed for students to learn how to become teachers. Below are examples of three common courses found in elementary education degrees:
Physical, Emotional, and Social Development
This course explores adolescent development using the latest theories and research. Students learn to engage with young learners by forging relationships and creating positive teaching experiences. The importance of classroom culture and diversity is also discussed.
Instruction Design and Planning
An instruction design and planning course requires students to use their understanding of social, physical, and emotional development to build curriculums that engage young learners. They learn to create educational materials, design courses and exams, collect student feedback, and utilize research to develop the most effective teaching strategies.
Connecting Research to Practice
This course bridges the gap between theory and practice. Students learn to shift their perspective by applying their knowledge to an actual classroom setting. The latest instructional technologies and tools are also explored. During this time, students may begin to prepare for their teaching practicums.
Funding an Online Elementary Education Degree
Earning a teaching degree online is still expensive. The Education Data Initiative reports the average cost of tuition for first-year, full-time students is $36,400 per year. Due to these high costs, most students search for ways to fund their degree through private loans, scholarships, federal aid, or grants.
However, some options, such as loans and federal aid, require students to repay that money with interest. Student debt is problematic for many reasons, not to mention that many educators are forced to pay for school supplies out-of-pocket. According to the National Education Association, 90% of professional teachers spend their own money on teaching supplies.
For all the reasons listed above, students need to find ways to save money in college to limit their debt. This can be done by living at home instead of on campus and creating budgets to track expenses. Fortunately, an affordable online elementary education degree is usually flexible and allows part-time students to work while they earn their degrees. Typical part-time jobs for aspiring elementary teachers include teacher assistants, childcare workers, or after-school instructors.
Financial Aid
Even the most affordable online education degrees are still costly, leaving many students no choice but to seek financial assistance. The best way to do this is through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows schools to determine students' eligibility for loans and grants.
Loans are offered based on the student's personal and family income and must be paid back with interest. Grants are also based on financial need but generally do not have to be paid back. The Department of Education's TEACH Grant provides up to $4,000 to eligible students enrolled in a teaching degree.
Scholarships are given to students without being paid back, but academically gifted students compete with their peers to earn scholarship money. Because receiving scholarships isn't guaranteed, it's recommended that students apply to several to increase their chances of receiving aid. Students should check with their schools to see what local scholarships are available.
What Can You Do With an Online Elementary Education Degree?
Elementary education bachelor's degrees are specifically designed to prepare graduates to work in the classroom. Therefore, graduates are most likely to become professional teachers in kindergarten through fifth grade. Teaching is a very demanding, albeit gratifying, role. It requires a strong discipline both inside and outside of the classroom.
Some students may enjoy researching education rather than practicing it. In this case, a master's in elementary education is an ideal next step after a bachelor's degree. Students can more deeply explore teaching through education research and assessments while gaining leadership skills. Alternatively, post-graduate education certificates are available in specialized areas such as literacy instruction, autism, or school administration.
Below are three typical jobs for elementary education graduates to pursue:
Kindergarten Teachers
Kindergarten teachers work in public or private schools, providing instruction for basic subjects such as math, reading, and science. They develop lesson plans, grade assignments, and create an environment suitable for social and academic development in young students. They also evaluate student behaviors and academic skills before passing their evaluations on to parents.
Special Education Teachers
Special education teachers are responsible for most of the same tasks as traditional school teachers. But, they must design their curriculums for students with special needs. Their students have learning disabilities that require specialized tools and technologies, such as text-to-speech software, braille textbooks, and reward systems. They often work in classrooms with only a few students or even in one-on-one scenarios.
Interpreters and Translators
Classroom interpreters work closely with teachers to facilitate instruction to students with low vision and those who are hard of hearing. Translators have the same responsibilities but for non-English speaking students. Both roles are tasked with converting materials and speech to be understood by their students. They hold a high level of professional conduct and are trained in etiquette, allowing their students to engage in lesson plans according to their needs.
If you are interested in elementary education but curious to explore specific niches in the field of teaching, check out the best online educational leadership degrees or the best special education bachelor's programs.
FAQs About Online Elementary Education Degrees
How Do I Choose a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education?
The best way to choose a bachelor's in elementary education is based on affordability. Given the rise of student debt and less-than-ideal teacher salaries, students may want to find affordable online degrees that still provide a quality education. It's also essential to ensure the program is from an accredited online school vetted by a third-party education agency.
How Many Years Is an Elementary Education Degree?
Bachelor's degrees in elementary education take full-time students approximately four years to complete. This usually includes 120 college credits and teaching practicums. Students who have already completed education credits through associate degrees, or associate degrees in education, may be able to graduate in as little as two years.
Can You Get an Elementary Education Degree Online?
Coursework for elementary education degrees can be completed entirely online. The practical teaching requirements, however, must be completed in person at a local school. Online, out-of-state students should check with their schools to be sure they can meet program requirements while pursuing their teaching license in another state.
Is an Elementary Education Degree Worth It?
Earning an elementary education degree is a surefire way to becoming a professional teacher. Students can engage in the latest education research while developing new ways of interacting with young learners. They also gain experience through internships during their programs, allowing for first-hand looks at daily life inside elementary classrooms.
Specializations in physical education, special education, or English as a Second Language (ESL) allow students to prepare for roles that align with their passions or career opportunities in their state. Salaries are suitable for living comfortably in some areas of the country while falling short in many major cities. Although fewer students pursuing education majors have led to teacher shortages, educating young students is often a fulfilling career for those who have a passion for it.
Student Reviews of Online Elementary Education Programs
I am in my third, going on forth, class at GCU. For me, I have had excellent instructors who give accurate feedback. In addition to their feedback, they provide rubrics breaking down each instructors grading process. I have yet to have a bad or unprofessional instructor. Additionally, I have had success with my counselors, unlike many others who have reviewed. Maybe I just got lucky? or maybe a few bad apples make all appear ill informed. I previously attended community college for another degree,... Read More
Review Date: 11/30/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
I am genuinely confused by some of these reviews, I think a lot of them show that some of them never actually attended WGU. It's against the rules to help a student understand their material and they're told to read it again? There are only mentors, not instructors? What? If that's the case, who did I make 30-45 minutes appointments with that had a doctorate that literally sat with me and explained exactly how to be successful, how to interpret the material, how to search and comprehend various concepts,... Read More
Review Date: 12/27/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
I have enjoyed doing school through WGU so far but I feel like they should help you more when it comes to observation and student teaching. I was misinformed about students placing themselves and I feel like I have had no help with Complio until after I ordered the wrong package. I have done everything by myself because I did not know who to contact. I will say my mentor has tried to help me as much as she could. I feel as if WGU should have someone reach out to the students to help them way before... Read More
Review Date: 8/3/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
I TECHNICALLY graduate in October but have completed all of my classes for my degree as of June. I would like to start by saying that I was very reluctant to attend GCU for a variety of reasons including (but not limited to) the horrible reviews I have seen online. While I did run into a couple of small snags with Student Services and Financial Aid, my overall experience in this university was pretty good! The vast majority of the instructors were knowledgeable and helpful, the workload was challenging... Read More
Review Date: 7/15/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Honest review: started in the BAELED program finished with a degree in BAES (non licensure skipped PCE/DT). Enrolled 2/1/22 graduated 9/2/22. I'm overall satisfied with the program. I completed my associates but all of my credits did not transfer. This was mainly my fault I kept switching between nursing and education at the associates level so while some courses were more advanced than teaching required WGU did not allow me transfer. Let me explain why I was okay with this a regular college make... Read More
Review Date: 9/13/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
I received my BA in Elementary Education from WGU in 2022, and I enjoyed it so much that I immediately re-enrolled to pursue my MA in Elementary Education, which I am currently working on. It seems that reviews here are mostly either 5 star or 1 star reviews. Keep in mind that most satisfied people never leave reviews. People, in general, are more likely to vent about a negative experience online than they are to write about a positive one. That said, I think the fact that so many here are leaving... Read More
Review Date: 4/13/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
I am grateful that I completed my Education, however, I was not able to have my transcript, because of a $300.00 balance. I pleaded with my student counselor but I was not successful. How about bending the rules for students that owe less than $500.00? Flordia Education allows new teachers to apply for a temporary certification, I would have gotten a teaching job, but since GCU is money hungry for $300, I had to wait to clear my balance. Then the calls were a pain, GCU wants to help further your... Read More
Review Date: 9/30/2022
Would Recommend: No
Like others have said I wonder what school many of the negative reviews are referring to? I majored in Educational Studies, though I had planned on getting certified as an elementary school teacher. I knew that Educational Studies would not lead to teacher certification, but Covid was spreading at the time and I could not get into the classrooms to do my field work like I wanted to, so I decided to pursue a degree that required minimal classroom participation. After I finished the degree in Educational... Read More
Review Date: 7/14/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Even though I have just started GCU online. I am in my 5th course, I have had nothing but good experiences. My instructors are always involved and my counselor checks in often. I always get quick responses when I have questions. Im sure I will have an instructor here and there that I do not agree with but isn't that like every other school.
Review Date: 10/25/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
My experience at GCU has been a great experience! The faculty and the counselors are wonderful! They were very helpful, and kind! Im excited to announce that I have about 3 more weeks, until I become a GCU graduate!!! Grand Canyon will always be an University I will highly recommend other students to attend.
Review Date: 4/10/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
This school was so much better than I expected. I loved how you actually had to prove you can apply the knowledge you learned. It was more rigorous than I expected but it made me a better teacher. My student mentor was always there to guide me through my degree plan and the course mentors helped me through my courses.
Review Date: 12/6/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Liberty University Online has made it possible for me to get my bachelor's degree. I am a single mother of two small children and work full time. This school is phenomenal with how they structure classes. I highly recommend this university to anyone that is looking to further their education.
Review Date: 8/2/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
As I read other student's negative reviews, I am absolutely appalled. University of Phoenix changed my life for the good. I appreciate school and online learning more and I am truly grateful for this school. My advisor was more than everything I could ask for. If you do not use the sources they provide as far as; tutoring, paper checker, and so forth. Your loss. They have anything and everything you could think of to help you become a better student. Get your things in on time, actually try, and... Read More
Review Date: 5/15/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
I was really hesitant to start an online program to obtain my bachelors degree. Now, I am beyond happy with how much new knowledge I have gained and I plan to pursue my M.Ed. through GCU as well. My advisor and supervisor were always available when I had a question.
Review Date: 10/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
First of all it takes a very dedicated person to go to school online. You have to be very disciplined. Personally I think that the university is good for some programs but not all programs. For the one that I am doing it is good . It allows me to go to school and work full time. I could not go to school otherwise. As for some of you that don't like phoenix , that's fine. After reading some of the comments it is plain to see that this school is not for you. As i said you have to be dedicated to put... Read More
Review Date: 6/5/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Liberty University Online has been a wonderful experience for me. I recently graduated with my undergraduate degree and am beginning gradate classes this semester. The academic excellence, flexible scheduling, comparatively low tuition, and support all were exactly what I needed to be able to continue my life and gain practical work experience while earning my fully regionally accredited degree. I love that I am not tied down to specific class times, and also, because liberty allows for CLEP credit... Read More
Review Date: 1/12/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Attending Arizona State University as an undergraduate was the best decision I could have made. There were other schools in mind, but ASU had the most benefits for my education. The dorm life at Arizona State University was a great experience for me! Before moving in I was connected with many freshman. It was helpful to talk to other freshman before starting because it made me less nervous to meet people and get involved once school began. The staff at Arizona State is phenomenal. I always felt supported... Read More
Review Date: 4/14/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
I've read a lot of the reviews and if you are reading these to decide whether or not to choose WGU then you have to take some of the reviews with a grain of salt. Everyone learns in a diferent way and this learning model will not work for everyone. If you are someone that needs to sit and listen to a lecture or do not learn well on your own with a text book this is not the education model for you.
I am in my second term at WGU and I love it. I attended University of Phoenix/Axia College prior to WGU... Read More
Review Date: 1/25/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
I attended GCU online, one class at a time, for three years straight. I wanted a total online program after I finished my Bachelor's Degree at my local community college. I am not a great test-taker, so I was extremely happy to write a paper each week in lieu of a weekly test. However, this required a lot of work and dedication, as I gave up pretty much every Sunday for three years. Posting discussion questions/responses several times per week was also a commitment. With that said, this program worked... Read More
Review Date: 5/22/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
I have been with WGU for almost a year now, this school fits well into my life. I do miss the social interaction of a brick and mortor school but with young kids and a job WGU is a better fit for my life. You do have to keep your motivated with help from a mentor and course mentors.
Any time I have reached out for help my mentors have provided whatever help I have needed. My mentor is a friend that sometimes pushes me but I believe she always has my best interest at heart. If you need the social interaction,... Read More
Review Date: 3/3/2013
Would Recommend: Yes