Best Elementary Education Degrees Online in 2024

Do you remember your favorite elementary school teachers? Maybe they were the ones who introduced you to your favorite childhood book, sparked your interest in the natural sciences, or taught you a method for mental math you still use today. Elementary school teachers can leave a lasting impression on their students and help open young minds for years to come. If you want to be a part of that for another generation of students, you might be a perfect fit for an elementary education degree online. Here’s a look at what your online bachelor’s degree in elementary education might look like and how it can position you for a fulfilling career as an educator.

Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Elementary Education for 2024

We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools
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About the Ranking
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
• Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
2. Assign Weightings
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
• Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
• For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
Affordability
• Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
• Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
• Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
• Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
• 1

  Saint Leo University

  Saint Leo, FL

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Saint Leo University is designed for students seeking to teach grades K-6. It’s available online and awards graduates with Florida certification for grades K-6, including ESOL and Reading Endorsements. Through a series of supervised internships, students will accumulate more than 800 hours of clinical experience by the end of their senior year. During the program, students will learn how to teach in a 21st century classroom by studying how technologies — such as iPads, the Mimio Teach and student response systems assessment system, and interactive white boards — enhance learning.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $410/credit (online); $310/credit (on-campus, full-time)
  • Mode: Online, on-campus
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 2

  Chadron State College

  Chadron, NE

  Public $

  The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Chadron State College requires students to intern at a primary level (K-3) and an intermediate level (4-6). Students who are seeking another endorsement in addition to Elementary Education (i.e.,Early Childhood Education), will intern in both endorsement programs/levels. Students will need to complete 25-27 professional education credits and maintain a 2.75+ GPA before they can start their Professional Year (senior year). Several topics covered throughout the program include science, health, reading, mathematics, social studies, language arts, student and program assessment, curriculum, multicultural and human relations, classroom management, and special education.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

  • Credits: 129-131
  • Length: 4-5 years
  • Cost: $309/credit (online); $192/credit (on/off campus)
  • Mode: Online, on-campus
  • Accreditation: CAEP

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 3

  Valley City State University

  Valley City, ND

  Public $

  Upon successful completion of the Elementary Education program at Valley City State University, students will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and be eligible for an initial North Dakota teaching license in grades 1-8. Students will typically be admitted into the program during their sophomore year after successfully passing the Praxis CORE test and having a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. During the program, students are encouraged to obtain a substitute teaching license to experience teaching independently, in addition to their 150 hours of various field experiences and 12-week supervised student teaching experience.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

  • Credits: 120-131
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $220.62/credit (resident); $386.10/credit (non-resident)
  • Mode: Hybrid
  • Accreditation: HLC, NCATE, CAEP

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 4

  Concord University

  Athens, WV

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 5

  Liberty University

  Lynchburg, VA

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 6

  North Carolina Central University

  Durham, NC

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 7

  Dickinson State University

  Dickinson, ND

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 8

  Mississippi State University

  Mississippi State, MS

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 9

  Colorado Christian University

  Lakewood, CO

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 10

  Mayville State University

  Mayville, ND

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 11

  Midway University

  Midway, KY

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 12

  Fort Hays State University

  Hays, KS

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 13

  University of Louisiana at Monroe

  Monroe, LA

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 14

  Old Dominion University

  Norfolk, VA

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 15

  Southern Utah University

  Cedar City, UT

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  23/1

• 16

  Southwestern Assemblies of God University

  Waxahachie, TX

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 17

  University of Southern Mississippi

  Hattiesburg, MS

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 18

  University of North Dakota

  Grand Forks, ND

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 19

  University of Alaska Southeast

  Juneau, AK

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  9/1

• 20

  Dakota State University

  Madison, SD

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 21

  Kansas State University

  Manhattan, KS

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 22

  Missouri State University-Springfield

  Springfield, MO

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 23

  University of Northern Iowa

  Cedar Falls, IA

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 24

  University of North Carolina Wilmington

  Wilmington, NC

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 25

  Wichita State University

  Wichita, KS

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 26

  Southwest Minnesota State University

  Marshall, MN

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 27

  University of North Carolina at Charlotte

  Charlotte, NC

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  20/1

• 28

  Lewis-Clark State College

  Lewiston, ID

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 29

  Southwestern Adventist University

  Keene, TX

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 30

  University of South Carolina-Columbia

  Columbia, SC

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 31

  University of Colorado Colorado Springs

  Colorado Springs, CO

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 32

  Bemidji State University

  Bemidji, MN

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 33

  Wilmington University

  New Castle, DE

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 34

  Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

  Portales, NM

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 35

  University of Wisconsin-Superior

  Superior, WI

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 36

  St Petersburg College

  St. Petersburg, FL

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  22/1

• 37

  National Louis University

  Chicago, IL

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

Spotlight on Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Elementary Education

There are plenty of online bachelor’s degrees in elementary education out there, and each one has something distinctive to offer. While all accredited programs need to meet certain standards, program requirements, course flexibility, and whether courses are fully online or hybrid can vary.

Whatever program you choose, an accredited online degree in elementary education will be designed to prepare you to begin elementary school teaching as a job upon graduation. Here are a few different elementary education degree online options for you to consider.

Inside Coursework for Degrees in Elementary Education Online

Before you commit to a bachelor’s in elementary education degree online, it’s a good idea to know what you’ll be studying. In an elementary education program, you’ll learn about child development in the context of learning, and the particulars for teaching different groups of students and various subjects. Most programs will also require some hands-on student teaching. Here are a few examples of classes you’re likely to take.

• Classroom Management

  As an elementary school teacher, you’ll be responsible for a classroom of children, possibly over a full school day. In a course on classroom management, you’ll learn strategies for meeting your student’s needs, individually and as a class, while maintaining a comfortable classroom and healthy learning environment. This can also include administrative techniques for keeping your classroom orderly and maintaining a physical space conducive to learning.

• Intro to the Learning Process

  Students learn in several different ways. In this course, you will learn about learning and the psychology that goes into effective teaching. This course may also cover elements of child psychology, child development at the elementary school age groups, and neuroscience and neuroplasticity. This course will also provide an overview of different learning styles and how to apply them in a classroom setting, with an eye toward the curriculum and your student’s needs.

• Multicultural Education

  America is a multicultural nation, and that applies to its classrooms. As a teacher, you’ll be working with students from a variety of different backgrounds. This can impact their approaches to their schoolwork and is something a teacher must be mindful of. Multicultural education courses will provide a grounding in teaching a diverse array of students and may have a particular focus on cultures with a strong presence where your school is located.

• Teaching Students with Special Needs

  Every student is different, and a good teacher must be aware of any special needs in their classroom. While not a special education course leading to specialized certification, this class will cover different techniques for teaching students with special needs, including physical and social/psychological needs, in the context of your broader classroom. This will also include strategies for when you believe a student requires more support than you, as a teacher, are equipped to provide.

• Student Teaching

  While not a traditional course per se, most online elementary education BA programs will include a student teaching component. This will be a hands-on, experiential learning portion of your degree, which will take place in a classroom at a school convenient to you. You will be working alongside a licensed elementary school teacher and will likely have to complete a certain number of hours of student teaching to become licensed as a teacher in your state.

Cost of Earning Your Online Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education

One potential advantage of earning your bachelor’s in elementary education degree online is the opportunity to save money as compared to an on-campus degree. Studying online means that you won’t have to pay relocation costs to move to campus and may be more easily able to work full or part time while you study.

The affordability of different programs can vary, and it’s important to do your research and compare costs when choosing your program. Here are some points of comparison for the differing costs of online elementary education degrees.

How to Pay for an Elementary Education Degree Online

While college costs are an important consideration, there are many different options to fund your elementary education degree online. In addition to traditional financial aid options, including loans and scholarships, there are several education-specific opportunities to fund your degree. Below are a few options to consider.

• TEACH Grants

  The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) federal grant program provides need-based aid of up to $4000 per year to those pursuing teacher training education. You can apply through FAFSA and must be enrolled in an eligible program to receive a grant. You will have to complete TEACH counseling before you receive your grant, and you will need to complete a service obligation upon graduation or else repay the money you received.

• Teacher.org Scholarships

  Teacher.org provides a helpful database of scholarships for future educators along with relevant links to applications and further information. These include subject-specific grants, scholarships for students from underrepresented demographics,and scholarships for different types of teacher education, including postgraduate degrees. Take your time looking through the site to see which scholarships you may be eligible for and how to apply for them.

• State-Specific Grants for Education

  Depending on where you’re located, you may be eligible for a state-specific grant or scholarship. Many states offer scholarships and funding programs for future educators who are from or planning to teach in their state or students in the state with financial need. Some examples include the AzLEAP program in Arizona, the teaching-specific Student Teaching Scholarship for High-Need Fields in Indiana, and Nevada’s Teach Nevada Scholarship, all funded by their state departments of education. Check if you’re eligible for state-specific scholarships when you’re applying for aid.

• Local and Community Foundations

  Many local and community foundations offer scholarships for future educators. It pays to do your research. Check your local community for smaller foundations, nonprofits, etc., which may offer scholarships and grants, sometimes specific to education majors. In particular, educational foundations may offer funding for future educators who intend to teach in the community after completing their degree, which can be a great option if you don’t intend to relocate.

What Can You Do with an Online Elementary Education Degree?

Your elementary education degree online bachelor’s is geared towards a career as an elementary-level educator, but that can mean a variety of different jobs. From general to specialized teaching to educational administration and leadership, here are a few potential careers for you to explore once you’ve earned your degree.

• Elementary School Teacher

  Possibly the most popular job for elementary education majors, elementary school teachers work with kids from kindergarten through fifth grade. Depending on what grade you teach, you may be responsible for a single subject or several, such as math and science at a lower grade level or only English or social studies at a higher one. According to the BLS, the average elementary school teacher earned $61,350 in 2021, so expect to make a steady living in a fulfilling career if you choose this job.

• Instructional Coordinator

  Some elementary education majors, particularly those with a strong interest in education policy across a school system and an interest in using their quantitative skills on the job, may become instructional coordinators. An instructional coordinator oversees curriculum design and assesses the effectiveness of educational materials and teaching standards. If you become an instructional coordinator, you can expect to earn an average of $63,740 per year. Job demand is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade, meaning demand for the position will hold steady.

• School Counselor

  For those interested in working directly with children who enjoy the educational psychology aspect of their online elementary education degree, a job as a school counselor at the elementary level could be a great fit. This is a role that requires working one-on-one with students and providing emotional and psychological support where needed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for school counselors is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade at a 10% growth rate. With salaries comparable to teachers, this is a rewarding career that’s in demand.

FAQs About Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Here are 5 of the most pressing questors regarding elementary education degrees online, according to our readers.

• Are online bachelor’s degree programs in elementary education fully online?

  While bachelor’s degrees in elementary education may be offered 100% through distance learning, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to complete the program without some in-person work. This is because most elementary education programs include student teaching, which will require you to work with students under a licensed teacher at a school that has an agreement with your program. However, traditional classes will likely be fully online.

• What accreditation should I look for in an online bachelor’s in elementary education program?

  When choosing where to attend college, it’s vital that you select a school that is accredited. Accreditation from a recognized third-party accreditation body is what gives your degree legitimacy, and means you’ll be eligible to apply for teaching licensure and jobs when you graduate. In the case of an online bachelor’s in elementary education, you need to make sure your school has regional or national accreditation.

• What does the admissions process look like for this degree?

  The admissions process for an elementary education degree online bachelor’s program in is similar to applying for college in general. You will need to fill out an application form, usually online, and provide any other relevant materials, including SAT or ACT scores where needed, letters of recommendation, essays, and personal statements. Check your school’s specific admissions requirements, such as if they request a minimum high school GPA, before you apply.

• How long does it take to complete a bachelor’s degree in elementary education online?

  An online bachelor’s degree in elementary education typically takes the same amount of time as any traditional bachelor’s degree at an average of four years. However, depending on your program and personal circumstances, this timeline may vary. Some schools offer part-time programs, which may take longer to complete. On the other hand, if you are coming to the program with transfer credits, such as those from a community college, you may finish your degree months or even years faster.

• What academic and career support services are available to online students earning their bachelor’s degree in elementary education?

  Academic and career support services for elementary education degree online students can vary significantly from school to school. However, many schools will offer, at a minimum, online career counseling services and some form of preparation for teacher licensure in the state the school is located, with the idea that the program provides you with preparation to work as a licensed teacher after graduation. Other forms of support offered may include peer-to-peer counseling, virtual career fairs, and more.

More Education Degrees to Explore

Are you still undecided which bachelor’s degree in education you are going to choose. Check out these other education degree options:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education